Toyota Innova New Facelift come to fight with Fortuner Legender, price is 28 lakh

January 8, 2025 by Adam Witty

Toyota Innova Details

Here’s an overview table summarizing the key points from the comparison between the Toyota Innova Facelift and the Fortuner Legender:

Aspect	Toyota Innova Facelift	Toyota Fortuner Legender
Vehicle Type	MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle), transitioning towards SUV-like features	Premium SUV
Design Highlights	– Aggressive SUV-like stance – Larger front grille with chrome accents – Sleeker LED headlamps with DRLs – More muscular bumper with faux skid plates – Pronounced wheel arches, new alloy wheels	– Futuristic front grille – Split LED projector headlamps – Distinctive bumper design with larger air intakes – Dual-tone exterior options
Interior Features	– Redesigned dashboard – Larger touchscreen infotainment – Premium materials and soft-touch surfaces – Leatherette upholstery in higher trims	– Dual-tone black and maroon interior – Ventilated front seats – 8-inch touchscreen with advanced features – Wireless smartphone charger – 360-degree camera system
Powertrain	– 2.4-liter diesel engine (rumored) – Hybrid powertrain option (possibly from Camry) – Improved suspension for better ride quality	– 2.8-liter diesel engine producing 201 bhp, 500 Nm of torque – 4×4 system with multiple terrain modes – 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters
Performance Focus	– Focus on urban driving – Efficient fuel economy with hybrid option	– Off-road capabilities with robust power delivery
Safety Features	– 7 airbags – ABS with EBD – Vehicle Stability Control	– 7 airbags – ABS with EBD – Vehicle Stability Control – Hill Assist Control – Downhill Assist Control
Infotainment	– 8-inch touchscreen – Apple CarPlay/Android Auto – JBL sound system	– 8-inch touchscreen – Apple CarPlay/Android Auto – JBL sound system – 360-degree camera
Comfort Features	– Captain seats option – Automatic climate control – Rear AC vents	– Ventilated seats – Dual-zone climate control – Power-adjustable driver seat
Drivetrain	Front-wheel drive	Rear-wheel drive with 4×4 option
Price Range (Ex-showroom)	INR 18-28 lakhs	INR 38-50 lakhs
Target Audience	Large families, corporate fleets, those seeking a premium MPV with SUV-like features	SUV enthusiasts, off-road adventure seekers, status-conscious buyers
Unique Selling Point (USP)	Versatility, comfort, and now enhanced style and performance	Robust build, off-road capabilities, and premium features
Market Positioning	Aims to bridge the gap between MPVs and SUVs, targeting customers who want an SUV experience without stepping into full-fledged SUVs	Premium SUV catering to customers seeking luxury and off-road capabilities
Impact on the Market	– Blurs lines between MPVs and SUVs – Pushes competitors like Kia Carnival and MG Hector Plus to up their game	– Reinforces Toyota’s stronghold in the premium SUV segment
Hybrid Technology Push	Potential adoption of hybrid powertrain could fast-track hybrid technology in the segment	Currently, no hybrid option is available

Category: Auto

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Design Overhaul

The new Innova facelift introduces a more rugged, SUV-like stance, setting it apart from its predecessors. Key design changes include:

• A larger, imposing front grille with chrome accents
• Sleeker LED headlamps with integrated DRLs
• A muscular bumper with faux skid plates
• More pronounced wheel arches and new alloy wheels
• Redesigned LED taillamps and a roof spoiler at the rear

These updates enhance the Innova’s adventurous and robust look, bringing it closer to the SUV category.

Interior Upgrades

Inside, the Innova receives several enhancements that elevate its premium appeal:

• A redesigned dashboard with a more luxurious feel
• A larger touchscreen infotainment system with better connectivity
• Improved materials and soft-touch surfaces
• Leatherette upholstery in higher trims

These upgrades reflect Toyota’s attempt to blend the Innova’s practicality with the luxury associated with higher-end SUVs like the Fortuner Legender.

The Fortuner Legender: Toyota’s Premium SUV

The Fortuner Legender is a more premium variant of the standard Fortuner and has established itself as the benchmark in the luxury SUV market in India. Known for its robust off-road capabilities, the Legender also offers an array of luxury features.

Distinctive Design

The Fortuner Legender sets itself apart with:

• A sleek, futuristic front grille
• Split LED projector headlamps
• A bold bumper design with larger air intakes
• Exclusive alloy wheel designs and dual-tone exterior colors

These elements contribute to the Fortuner Legender’s sophisticated and upmarket appearance.

Premium Interiors

The interior of the Legender reflects its luxurious positioning, featuring:

• A dual-tone black and maroon interior
• Ventilated front seats for enhanced comfort
• A larger 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• A wireless smartphone charger
• A 360-degree camera system for better visibility

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Performance Face-off

Though the Innova and Fortuner cater to different needs, with the Innova focusing on people-moving comfort and the Fortuner emphasizing off-road prowess, the new Innova facelift is narrowing the performance gap, particularly in urban driving scenarios.

Innova’s New Powertrains

The updated Innova facelift is expected to feature:

• A more powerful and efficient 2.4-liter diesel engine
• A possible hybrid powertrain, potentially derived from the Camry
• Improved suspension for better ride quality

These upgrades may help the Innova compete more closely with the Fortuner Legender, especially in fuel efficiency and eco-friendliness.

Fortuner Legender’s Robust Performance

The Fortuner Legender continues to excel with:

• A 2.8-liter diesel engine producing 201 bhp and 500 Nm of torque
• A 4×4 system with multiple terrain modes
• A 6-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters

While the Fortuner remains the superior option for off-road adventures, the Innova’s potential hybrid engine could offer better fuel efficiency and lower emissions.

Feature Comparison

Toyota’s updated Innova now offers features that are much closer to the Fortuner Legender, yet there are still some differences:

Feature	Innova	Fortuner Legender
Safety Features	7 airbags, ABS with EBD, Vehicle Stability Control	7 airbags, ABS with EBD, Vehicle Stability Control, Hill Assist Control, Downhill Assist Control
Infotainment	8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, JBL sound system	8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, JBL sound system, 360-degree camera
Comfort	Captain seats, automatic climate control, rear AC vents	Ventilated seats, dual-zone climate control, power-adjustable driver seat
Drivetrain	Front-wheel drive	Rear-wheel drive with 4×4 option

While the Fortuner Legender still leads in off-road features and certain premium aspects, the Innova’s upgrades bring it much closer to the Legender in terms of luxury and performance.

Market Positioning and Pricing Strategy

Toyota’s decision to revamp the Innova and bring it closer to the Fortuner Legender in terms of features and performance is a strategic move that could reshape the premium vehicle market in India.

Innova’s New Avatar

• Price Range: Expected to be between INR 18-28 lakhs (ex-showroom)
• Target Audience: Large families, corporate fleets, buyers seeking a premium MPV with SUV-like features
• Unique Selling Point (USP): Versatility, comfort, and now enhanced style and performance

Fortuner Legender

• Price Range: INR 38-50 lakhs (ex-showroom)
• Target Audience: SUV enthusiasts, off-road adventure seekers, status-conscious buyers
• USP: Rugged build, off-road capabilities, premium features

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The Impact on the Indian Automotive Market

The new Innova facelift and its positioning against the Fortuner Legender could have far-reaching implications for the Indian automotive market:

• Blurring Segment Lines: As the Innova adopts more SUV-like qualities, other manufacturers may be forced to rethink their MPV offerings, leading to more crossover vehicles.
• Competitive Pressure: Rivals such as the Kia Carnival and MG Hector Plus may need to raise their game to compete with the revamped Innova.
• Shifting Consumer Preferences: Toyota’s move could hasten the shift from traditional MPVs to SUV-inspired vehicles in the people-mover segment.
• Pricing Strategies: Competitors might reassess their pricing to stay competitive against Toyota’s new offerings.
• Hybrid Push: If the Innova introduces a hybrid powertrain, it could accelerate the adoption of hybrid technology in the premium vehicle segment.

Conclusion: A Strategic Move by Toyota

Toyota’s decision to elevate the Innova and pit it against the Fortuner Legender is a bold and calculated move. By creating a middle ground between the traditional MPV and the luxury SUV, Toyota has expanded its range to appeal to a wider audience. For consumers, this rivalry means more options, better features, and potentially more competitive pricing in the premium vehicle segment. Whether the Innova can carve out a new niche or if the Fortuner Legender retains its top position in the SUV segment, the Indian automotive market is about to see an exciting phase of evolution.