When it comes to full-size premium SUVs in India, the Toyota Fortuner Legender stands tall with its commanding presence, high-end design, and legendary performance. It’s more than just an SUV—it’s a statement. As an upgraded, more stylish version of the Toyota Fortuner, the Legender brings sportier aesthetics, exclusive features, and a more luxurious appeal, making it a top pick for buyers who want more than just utility from their SUV.
In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into the Toyota Fortuner Legender—its design highlights, powerful diesel engine, advanced features, off-road prowess, and how it compares with competitors in the premium SUV segment.
Table of Contents
1. What Sets the Toyota Fortuner Legender Apart?
Launched as a more premium alternative to the standard Fortuner, the Legender sports a bolder look and additional tech features. While mechanically similar to the Fortuner, it’s only available with the 2.8-litre diesel engine and automatic transmission, aimed at customers seeking a stylish, top-end SUV experience.
In 2021, the Legender was introduced as part of a mid-cycle update, and it instantly caught attention with its more aggressive styling, LED lighting package, and gloss-black elements. Toyota designed the Legender to appeal to buyers who love the rugged capabilities of the Fortuner but want a vehicle that turns heads on city roads as well.
2. Eye-Catching Exterior Design
The Toyota Fortuner Legender is designed to stand out. From its aggressive front fascia to the unique alloy wheels and sporty design elements, the Legender is all about flair.
Exterior Highlights:
- Exclusive dual-tone color options
- Sleek split front grille with gloss black inserts
- Sequential LED turn indicators
- Sporty front and rear bumpers
- Dynamic 18-inch multi-layered machine-cut alloy wheels
- Auto LED headlamps with waterfall LED DRLs
These elements give the Fortuner Legender a sporty and premium appeal, helping it differentiate itself from the traditional, utilitarian SUV segment. The aerodynamic lines and crisp shoulder creases add to the sense of sophistication.
3. Sophisticated and Comfortable Interiors
Inside, the Legender adds elegance and comfort to the Fortuner’s already spacious cabin.
Interior Features:
- Dual-tone black and maroon leather upholstery
- 8-inch touchscreen infotainment with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
- Wireless charging pad
- Ambient lighting
- Power-adjustable front seats
- Rear USB fast charging ports
- Premium JBL 11-speaker sound system (optional)
The interior cabin is not just about luxury—it’s also about functionality. The ergonomics are thoughtfully designed, and every button and control is easily within the driver’s reach. The dual-zone automatic climate control, steering-mounted controls, and soft-touch materials enhance the overall premium experience.
4. Power and Performance: Trusted Toyota Diesel
The Toyota Fortuner Legender is powered by the reliable 2.8-litre diesel engine:
- Power: 204 PS
- Torque: 500 Nm
- Transmission: 6-speed Automatic only
Performance Highlights:
- Effortless highway cruising and excellent overtaking ability
- Strong torque output ensures smooth off-roading
- Refined engine performance and quick gear shifts
The six-speed automatic gearbox complements the powerful engine by providing smooth shifts and strong downshifts when needed. For a vehicle of its size, the Fortuner Legender can sprint 0-100 km/h in around 11 seconds, which is impressive for a full-size SUV.
5. Drivetrain and Off-Road Prowess
The Legender is available in both 2WD and 4WD variants. The 4WD system is built for adventure, capable of tackling a wide variety of terrains.
Off-Road Features:
- 4WD with low-range transfer case
- Hill Descent Control
- Active Traction Control (A-TRC)
- Rear Differential Lock
- High ground clearance (225 mm)
- Water wading depth of up to 700 mm
Whether it’s rocky hill trails, muddy roads, or riverbeds, the Fortuner Legender is up to the task. The shift-on-the-fly 4WD system lets you toggle between modes without stopping, providing convenience and flexibility in different driving conditions.
6. Ride Comfort and Handling
Despite its ladder-frame construction, the Legender manages to offer a reasonably comfortable ride.
- The suspension absorbs potholes and bumps well
- Highway stability is excellent
- Steering is heavier at low speeds but gives confidence at higher speeds
The double-wishbone front suspension and 4-link coil spring rear suspension provide a well-balanced ride. While urban potholes are handled effectively, the ride can feel firm on sharp bumps. Still, for a rugged SUV, the comfort level is commendable.
7. Advanced Safety Features
Toyota equips the Legender with a strong suite of safety systems:
- 7 Airbags (including driver knee airbag)
- ABS with EBD and Brake Assist
- Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)
- ISOFIX mounts for child seats
- Hill Start Assist Control
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Rearview camera
- Emergency brake signal
Advanced Safety Technology (ADAS):
- Lane Departure Warning
- Pre-Collision System
- Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
These systems use sensors and cameras to monitor your surroundings and take corrective actions if needed. Whether it’s maintaining a safe distance from the car in front or alerting the driver of unintended lane shifts, these features bring added peace of mind.
8. Toyota Fortuner Legender: Variants and Pricing Breakdown
Here’s a quick look at the available Fortuner Legender variants and their respective features:
- Legender 2WD Diesel AT
- Drivetrain: 2WD
- Transmission: Automatic
- Approx Price: ₹43.66 lakh
- Legender 4WD Diesel AT
- Drivetrain: 4WD
- Transmission: Automatic
- Approx Price: ₹47.64 lakh
The Legender is available only in diesel automatic options, with a premium over the regular Fortuner for its exclusive styling and added features.
9. Real-World Mileage and Fuel Efficiency
Being a powerful SUV, the Legender isn’t about high mileage, but it still performs decently for its class.
- City mileage (approx): 10.5–11 km/l
- Highway mileage (approx): 12.5–13.5 km/l
Drivers who switch between ECO and POWER modes can influence these figures. While ECO mode helps improve fuel economy by adjusting throttle input, POWER mode unleashes stronger acceleration for spirited driving.
10. Ownership Experience and After-Sales Support
Toyota’s legendary reputation for quality and service continues with the Legender. Buyers appreciate:
- Strong resale value
- Wide dealership network
- Excellent service reliability
- Service intervals of 10,000 km
- Affordable long-term maintenance
Toyota’s service packages and extended warranty options allow owners to plan their expenses. With the high resale value that the Fortuner nameplate commands, total cost of ownership is relatively lower over a 5-year horizon compared to many other premium SUVs.
11. Fortuner Legender vs Rivals: How It Stacks Up
Let’s compare the Fortuner Legender with its key competitors in the premium SUV space:
- MG Gloster
- Price: ₹38 – 43 lakh
- Diesel
- Strong in ADAS features and size
- Skoda Kodiaq
- Price: ₹39 – 42 lakh
- Petrol with AWD
- Premium interiors and sedan-like handling
- Jeep Meridian
- Price: ₹34 – 42 lakh
- Diesel
- Offers excellent off-road capabilities
- Volkswagen Tiguan
- Price: ₹35 – 39 lakh
- Petrol
- Known for build quality and driving dynamics
While some rivals may offer better cabin refinement or ADAS features, the Fortuner Legender dominates in terms of durability, off-road ability, and Toyota’s rock-solid brand reputation.
12. Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Eye-catching and exclusive styling
- Powerful 2.8L diesel engine
- Loaded with premium features
- Great for off-roading and long trips
- Backed by Toyota’s trusted service
- Advanced safety systems (ADAS)
Cons:
- No petrol engine option
- Expensive compared to rivals
- Lacks sunroof and ventilated seats
Final Verdict: Should You Buy the Toyota Fortuner Legender?
If you want a tough, premium SUV with bold styling and the assurance of Toyota’s brand reputation, the Fortuner Legender is a stellar choice. It brings everything Indian SUV buyers love—power, style, ruggedness—with an added layer of luxury.
Whether you’re someone who frequently travels off the beaten path or simply desires a commanding road presence in the city, the Fortuner Legender won’t disappoint. It’s ideal for buyers who want exclusivity, top-tier features, and strong resale value in a capable SUV.
With Toyota’s build quality, extensive service network, and technology-packed features, the Legender is one of the most well-rounded SUVs in its class.