Toyota Fortuner, one of the most sought-after SUVs in the Indian automotive market, has recently undergone a price revision, resulting in an increase of up to ₹50,000 across its various variants. Known for its rugged design, powerful engines, and reliability, the Fortuner holds a strong foothold in the premium SUV segment. However, the latest price hike may require potential buyers to reassess their budgets. Let’s delve deeper into the details of this development.
Why the Price Hike?
Automobile manufacturers in India frequently revise their price lists to account for factors such as inflation, rising input costs, and changes in currency exchange rates. Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM), the Indian subsidiary of Toyota Motor Corporation, has joined this trend by increasing the prices of its flagship SUV, the Fortuner. This adjustment applies to both the Standard and Legender versions of the Fortuner, ensuring that no variant remains unaffected. The maximum hike of ₹50,000 has been implemented on select models to sustain profitability while addressing market challenges.
Breakdown of Price Changes
The extent of the price hike varies across the Fortuner’s lineup, which includes petrol and diesel variants with multiple drivetrain options. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of the updated pricing structure:
- Standard Variants:
- The GR-S variant, positioned as the sportier and more performance-focused version of the Fortuner, has witnessed the highest price hike of ₹50,000.
- The 2.8 diesel MT 4×2, 2.8 diesel AT 4×2, 2.8 diesel MT 4×4, and 2.8 diesel AT 4×4 variants have all seen a uniform price increase of ₹40,000.
- The 2.7 petrol MT 4×2 and 2.7 petrol AT 4×2 variants, which cater to buyers seeking petrol-powered options, now come with an additional premium of ₹35,000.
- Legender Variants:
- Both the 2.8 diesel 4×2 AT and 2.8 diesel 4×4 AT variants of the Legender range now cost ₹45,000 more than their previous prices. The Legender variants are designed for buyers seeking a more premium and stylish experience, making this increase significant.
Updated Price Range
With these revisions, the Toyota Fortuner’s base variant now starts at ₹33.78 lakh (ex-showroom). The Legender variant, which comes with additional design elements and features, starts at ₹44.11 lakh (ex-showroom). These new prices firmly position the Fortuner as a premium offering in its segment, competing with models like the MG Gloster, Jeep Meridian, and Skoda Kodiaq.
Engine and Performance Options
Despite the price hike, the Toyota Fortuner continues to deliver value through its robust engine options and proven capabilities.
- Petrol Engine:
- The Fortuner’s 2.7-litre petrol engine produces 163 bhp of power and 245 Nm of peak torque. Buyers can choose between a manual transmission (MT) or an automatic transmission (AT) for this engine.
- Diesel Engine:
- The 2.8-litre diesel engine, a favorite among buyers for its strong performance, generates 201 bhp of power. It offers 420 Nm of torque with a manual transmission and an impressive 500 Nm with an automatic transmission.
- The diesel engine is also available in the Legender variant but is exclusively paired with an automatic transmission.
Impact on Buyers
For prospective buyers, this price increase may come as a setback, especially for those with tight budgets. However, the Fortuner’s reputation for reliability, high resale value, and its capability to handle both city roads and off-road terrains ensures that it remains a popular choice. The new prices reflect the premium positioning of the Fortuner in the Indian market, emphasizing its unmatched blend of luxury and ruggedness.
Deepak Verma is a graduate from Delhi University with a First Division. With 8 years of teaching experience in Mathematics and Science, he has mentored secondary and senior secondary students. Currently, he is an author at SAMSA, where he applies his expertise to create engaging educational content.