As I maneuver the Toyota Fortuner Legender through a particularly gnarly part of an off road trail near Bangalore, the afternoon sun is setting and casting long shadows. A sudden drop-off challenges the suspension travel the Legender managing it with drama-less composed assurance. This quiet confidence, which is void of any need to shout about it’s unrivaled capabilities, serves as the Legender’s perfect endorsement.
In India’s increasingly packed premium SUV market, where European crossovers and Korean newcomers compete with increasingly wild styling and endless feature lists, the Fortuner Legender takes a different approach. It’s not trying to be everything to everyone – instead, it knows exactly what it is and who it’s for.
The Ghatak Look
Toyota describes the Legender’s design language as “Ghatak,” which is Hindi for fierce or deadly – a fitting term indeed. The ordinary Fortuner has never been subtle, but the Legender adds a layer of sophistication that truly elevates the entire package.
The split LED headlamps feature unmistakable L-shaped daytime running lights that, much to its name, instantly recognize the Legender from afar. ”You’ll know it’s coming before it arrives,” joked one Toyota representative during the media drive. I prefer the gloss black touches over the bold chrome found on the standard model. “I suppose in the case of chrome, less is more,” remarked another.
From the profile view, distinctive 18-inch alloys with machine-cut two-tone finish exude urban charm while off-road capability remains unaffected. The lower bumper sculpting is more aggressive with contrasting portions that broaden and lock the rear quarter panel further down.
“Looks like a stormtrooper, but meaner,” he said, which isn’t far off the mark. A gentleman at a fuel station outside Coorg couldn’t take his eyes off the Pearl White Crystal Shine paint on my test unit paired with its black roof.
The white and black combo is definitely eye-catching, but the Sparkling Black Crystal Shine, although exclusive, is the true showstopper. In direct sunlight, it appears liquid-like.
In terms of the Legender’s design, what stands out the most is the added premium features that effortlessly integrate with Fortuner’s rugged appearance. This isn’t just mindless bling; it’s a strategic upmarket facelift that still maintains, and in this case, enhances the model’s core spirit.
Premium Where It Counts
Climb up (and yes, you do climb up) into the Legender’s cabin, and the interior balances durability with touches of luxury. The black and maroon dual-tone leather upholstery in my tester created a sporty yet premium feel that wouldn’t look out of place in something costing twice as much.
The front seats offer excellent support for long hauls. After a four-hour stretch from Bangalore to Coorg, I stepped out feeling fresher than expected. The second row works well for three adults in a pinch, though the middle passenger has to contend with the transmission tunnel – an inevitable trade-off with this kind of robust construction.
The third row remains what third rows typically are in vehicles this size – best suited for kids or adults you don’t particularly like. Getting in still takes some maneuvering, even with the second row that folds forward. When not needed, these seats fold away to create a substantial 716-liter cargo area that swallowed all our gear with room to spare.
Material quality throughout shows a real step up from the standard Fortuner. The leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob provide that tactile satisfaction missing from too many modern vehicles, while ambient lighting creates a genuinely pleasant atmosphere during night driving. Small touches like the illuminated scuff plates with Legender branding add premium flair without crossing into tacky territory.
Tech That Works
The information screen is a 9-inch touch screen which also serves as the center of the dashboard. It comes loaded with navigation and a premium JBL audio system that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The design of the interface may not be attractive compared to some competitors, but it is more relevant to daily use since it is responsive and well-structured.
The 11-speaker JBL audio system impressed during testing. Specifications claim that highway road noise is effectively masked without requiring excessive volume which makes the sound uncomfortable. These claims test satisfactory, the only complain being the amount of mask needed to achieve this.
As expected, the Legender is equipped with Toyota’s Safety Sense. It includes the pre-collision alert, lane departure alert, radar cruise control, and automatic high beam. While all of these systems work as intended, the lane departure system got lost interpreting India’s, for lack of a better term, artistic interpretation of road signage. Also boasting are superb seven airbags, vehicle stability control, and a myriad of hill-assist features to round out the safety suite.
Let it be known that a tight parking situation or positioning a vehicle while trail driving off-road is greatly assisted by a 360-degree camera system. The low light resolution isn’t the best, but the multitude of perspectives available compensates for it.
“It’s saved me from at least two scrapes already,” revealed a fellow journalist who had been driving the Legender for a week longer than I had.
Capability Without Compromise
Under the hood sits a 2.8-liter turbodiesel producing 204 PS and 500 Nm of torque – healthy numbers that translate to confident real-world performance. A 2.7-liter naturally aspirated petrol option exists in some markets, but the diesel is by far the more popular choice in India, and for good reason.
The diesel has improved significantly over the years. It’s still bearably a diesel when cold starting, but calms to a distant drone at cruising speeds which seldom invades the interior. Since torque is accessible from a mere 1600 rpm, overhauling slower vehicles or climbing steep hills is achieved with ease.
The 6-speed automatic isn’t the quickest-shifting unit out there, but it matches the Legender’s character perfectly – smooth and unflustered rather than hyperactive. Sport mode sharpens things up noticeably when you need it, while paddle shifters let you take control on more engaging roads.
Four-wheel drive comes standard on diesel models, with Toyota’s proven part-time system allowing shifts from 2H (rear-wheel drive) to 4H (four-wheel drive) while attaining speeds up to 100 km/h. For extremely technical driving, 4L provides low-range gearing.
On a challenging off-road route with some in our group deciding to turn back, the Legender showcased its capability. The approach and departure angles alongside the water wading depth let it overcome obstacles that would defeat plenty of luxury SUVs. The rear differential lock proved its worth in a particularly slippery section where traction was scarce.
Legender is reasonable. Not great and not horrible. The vehicle does capture some powerboat bounce, but its rigid construction largely benefits its longevity. Handling wise, it performs how one would expect from a body-on-frame SUV. There’s edge and roll when navigating corners, and even when driven hard, there is some semblance of control.
Comfort with controlled softness strikes a commendable balance; ride quality while cruising peeks without sacrificing stability. Highway cruising reveals excellent stability, with the Legender tracking true and maintaining its line even in crosswinds.
Wind and road noise are minimal at a normal speed, showing this vehicle was designed for long distance travel.
The Toyota Factor
Let’s get real; part of the purchase with every Toyota is brand recognition. Toyota repeatedly ranks best in reliability studies and has a good reputation. The Fortuner model is particularly known for enduring extreme challenges for a long period of time. Such history builds confidence in resale values which should not be ignored when evaluating the cost of ownership.
They have an extensive service network throughout India which covers 219 cities ensuring maintenance is accessible no matter where one is located. The availability of parts ensures that even the relatively uncommon models like the Legender won’t leave you waiting weeks for basic repairs. This is an honest consideration since some imported premium vehicles get stuck for the slightest reason in other countries.
Considering the size and capability of the vehicle, fuel efficiency with diesel isn’t terrible, sitting at 11-13 km/l during mixed driving. The Legender would outlast your breaks owing to the fuel range provided by an 80-liter tank, making it easier to travel long distances without frequent refueling.
Read more : Kia Seltos Proves Budget SUVs Can Be Stylish, Safe, and Spacious
Worth the Premium?
After Achieving success, The Toyota Fortuner Legender now enhances the existing features it bears without striking any radical changes. It adds the design and technological features lacking in its predecessor’s model; and improves the off-road credibility, construction, mechanical and engineering reliability with enhanced aesthetics and quality of the interior.
The Legender certainly does not aim to target the most up-to-date technological design and inventions. But, it successfully appeals to consumers who appreciate style along with strategy and substance paired with elegance, which makes The Fortuner Legender an unmatched choice. While every vehicle in the market laden with crossovers that look rugged, The Fortuner Legender drives off with unmatched credibility, authenticity, which happens to be the most valuable attribute.
