The wait is almost over when we will finally see some advanced features and increased mileage on the upcoming 2024 Fortuner. The Fortuner is a full-size SUV competing against the MG Gloster, Jeep Meridian, etc, and is way behind its competition. The Gloster delivers an upmarket interior with a spot-on road presence, whereas the Meridian offers the same at a lower price. But, all this did not really affect the Fortuner, as it still resulted in being the best-selling SUV in its segment, with sales ranging up to 2500 units per month on average. And now, the sales are about to increase even more, as Toyota is going to launch the 2024 Fortuner in India.
The 2024 Fortuner will be equipped with a 48 V Battery Pack. This battery pack will be fitted underneath the middle row of the Fortuner. This same 48 V battery pack was first introduced with the 2024 Hilux, which has been launched internationally but is yet to be launched in India.
This 2024 Toyota Fortuner with a 48 V Hybrid system will also make the SUV have the first Hybrid technology to be paired with a Diesel engine and not with a Petrol one. This technology is a familiar one but is used rarely, as in a Hybrid technology a Petrol engine is much more convenient.
How does this 48 V Hybrid technology work?
This is unlike any Hybrid technology we have seen usually in the Indian Automotive Market. What we usually know is that there is a battery pack which works with a petrol engine in a co-ordination. This makes the engine have less stress and further delivers an excellent mileage figure.
Over here in the 48 V Hybrid system, we can clearly see that this small battery pack will not be enough to work with the Fortuner’s massive 2.8 L Diesel engine but, it is not going to do that in the first place. This battery pack will simply be used to enhance the Fortuner’s performance by giving slight boosts here and there.
Most importantly, Toyota says that this Hybrid system will make the SUV’s start to be smooth and non-jerky, unlike before. Earlier, having a big Diesel engine, Fortuner while starting to drive and in its idle condition used to vibrate and make a lot of noise. But, now things will be different, as in these conditions the Fortuner’s 2.8 L engine will be assisted with a starter motor. Ultimately, this will help the SUV to vibrate less in idle condition and also have a smooth start.
Secondly, the battery pack has to be recharged if used in these ways, right? Well, this will be done whenever the SUV brakes. The energy produced through the SUV’s braking will be directly transferred towards the battery, further recharging it.
Performance Upgrade in the 2024 Fortuner Hybrid
The Fortuner gets the same 2.8 L Diesel Engine producing 204 hp and 500 Nm Torque. It is mated with both a 6-speed Manual and an Automatic Gearbox. This time, it is also assisted by a 48 V Battery pack and a Starter motor.
Well, this small 48 V battery pack will not do much on the performance front for the Fortuner Hybrid. But, it has done quite a bit, which has made the SUV slightly better on paper. Basically, an Australian YouTuber tested out the Hilux hybrid with the same tech on offer, and he found out these differences.
He found out that in the 0-100 acceleration, the Hilux performed slightly better by reaching 100 kmph almost 1 second earlier compared to the non-hybrid Hilux. It clocked 100 kmph at 9.51 seconds which is quick considering the weight.
Secondly, the mileage of the Toyota Fortuner has also seen a 10% rise in it. Earlier, on the highways, the Fortuner used to deliver a max mileage of 8 - 10 kmpl but, now, as per Toyota we could receive a mileage of up to 14 kmpl.
The reviewer also mentioned that the overall driving experience has smoothened out, thanks to the electric motor. Moreover, as said, at idle conditions the SUV generates a lot less vibrations, as it rests at lower RPMs compared to before.
2024 Fotuner Hybrid New Features
The 2024 Fortuner Hybrid will have an upgrade on its technology aspect, too. It will have some much-needed updates, like -
ADAS -
Fortuner will receive a much-anticipated feature from its owner which is the ADAS. This system will have all the basic ADAS features, like Lane Keep Assist, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Blind spot detection, etc.
360 degree Camera -
A New Infotainment System -
There are low chances for this to happen but, we could get to see a new Infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay embedded. The ASEAN markets already have this particular feature in their fortuner, so there are chances for this to appear in the Indian market, too.
Drive Modes -
Currently, the Fortuner and the Hilux miss out on drive modes, instead, they have differential locks. Even the differential locks work amazingly but, with the price at which the Fortuner is available, we should expect drive modes.
2024 Toyota Fortuner Hybrid India Launch Date and Price Details
Toyota is soon going to launch the 2024 Fortuner Hybrid worldwide. At first, all the ASEAN markets will be preferred as it is a bigger market for Toyota SUVs and Trucks, and then, the Fortuner Hybrid India launch will take place. According to us, we believe it will happen within this year by July 2024.
The Price is a major factor, as the Fortuner is already a heavily priced vehicle, which makes it absolutely unable to be worth its price. But, sadly, even this time the price will not be deducted, in fact, it will be increased by having the Hybrid technology added. We believe this technology will increase all the variants’ prices by at least 2 lakh rupees except the Petrol variant. So, the 2024 Fortuner Hybrid will commence from ₹35 lakhs and go up to ₹53 lakhs.