Toyota Fortuner vs Fortuner Legender: Which One Should You Buy?

For years, the Toyota Fortuner has been the go-to SUV for Indian buyers who want a tough, reliable, full-size SUV that can handle anything — from bad roads to long highway drives to occasional off-roading. But with rising demand for more style, luxury, and features, Toyota introduced the Fortuner Legender — a more premium, sportier version of the same trusted SUV.

But how exactly do these two models differ? And which one makes more sense for you? Let’s break it down.

Design: Tough vs Stylish

At first glance, both SUVs are unmistakably Fortuners, but the Legender clearly looks sharper and more upmarket.

• The standard Fortuner sticks to its rugged, muscular design with bold chrome elements, classic SUV stance, and a no-nonsense vibe.
• The Legender takes things a step further with sleeker LED DRLs, a more aggressive front bumper, dual-tone paint options, and a sportier grille. It’s built to grab attention on city roads and highways.

If you want something that looks bold but traditional, the standard Fortuner works. If you want a bit more flair and modern road presence, the Legender wins.

Engine & Performance: No Compromises

Mechanically, both SUVs share the same engines:

• 2.7-litre Petrol (166 PS, 245 Nm) — available only on standard Fortuner.
• 2.8-litre Diesel (204 PS, 500 Nm) — the main workhorse for both.

Both get 6-speed manual and automatic gearboxes, though the Legender is typically offered with the automatic only. 4WD is available on both, but most Legender variants are automatic 4WD or 2WD.

In real-world driving, both versions perform almost identically — smooth, powerful, and confident, whether in city traffic or off-road trails. The Legender focuses more on urban driving comfort, while the regular Fortuner retains its hardcore off-road reputation.

Interiors & Features: Premium Touches on the Legender

The cabin experience is where most of the differences come through:

Fortuner (Standard):

• Black or chamois interior themes
• 8-inch touchscreen
• Connected car tech
• 7 airbags, ventilated front seats
• Power tailgate

Legender:

• Dual-tone black-maroon or black-cream cabin
• Wireless charging
• Kick-sensor powered tailgate
• Sequential turn indicators
• 11-speaker JBL sound system (on higher trims)
• Ambient lighting, more premium feel overall

While both are well-equipped, the Legender clearly feels more modern and luxurious inside, justifying its higher price tag.

Pricing: How Much More?

• The standard Fortuner starts from around ₹33.4 lakh and goes up to ₹51.4 lakh for the fully-loaded diesel 4WD automatic variants.
• The Legender sits higher in the range, starting at around ₹43 lakh and going up to ₹51 lakh, depending on the variant and configuration.

So, you’re paying roughly ₹8–10 lakh more for the Legender’s added style, premium interior, and extra features.

Which One Should You Buy?

Choose Fortuner if:

• You need a true go-anywhere SUV for rough roads or regular off-roading.
• You want maximum ruggedness and proven reliability.
• You prefer a slightly lower entry price.

Choose Legender if:

• You drive mostly in urban or highway conditions but still want SUV toughness.
• You value luxury, modern styling, and premium features.
• You want your Fortuner to stand out from the crowd.

In short: Both are excellent SUVs, built on the same rock-solid platform. The Fortuner is still the king of rugged practicality, while the Legender adds a layer of sophistication for buyers who want more style without compromising on capability.