How fuel efficient is the Toyota Fortuner hybrid SUV?

The appearance of the Toyota Fortuner mild-48V hybrid version is considered a test of new technology.

In June 2025, Toyota Fortuner officially has a hybrid version in the Indian market. The appearance of the Toyota Fortuner SUV with a mild-48V hybrid version is considered a test step for new technology.

The new 2025 Toyota Fortuner (commercially known as Neo Drive) uses a 48V mild-hybrid system. This is not entirely new technology, as Toyota first introduced it on the Hilux pickup truck in South Africa.

The Fortuner hybrid version uses many components similar to the Hilux, including a 2.8L diesel engine, permanent magnet synchronous electric motor, 48V lithium-ion battery and DC-DC converter.

The electric motor on the Fortuner produces 8.5 kW (equivalent to 11.5 horsepower) and 85 Nm of torque, although it does not increase the overall power (204 horsepower, 500 Nm) but helps significantly improve the sensitivity when accelerating at low rpm.

Compared to the Hilux, the Fortuner's electric motor has a slightly smaller capacity (the Hilux reaches 12 kW). Thanks to the support from the motor, the driver can feel better smoothness when operating at low speeds - where the phenomenon of "losing power" often occurs with traditional diesel models.

Toyota claims the hybrid system can save about 5% fuel compared to the standard diesel version. This efficiency comes from regenerating energy during deceleration and stopping, helping to recover electricity instead of losing it as before.

In addition, the company also reduced the engine speed when idling from 720 rpm to 600 rpm. The start-stop system also allows users to set the level of intervention depending on the stopping time, with the ability to maintain air conditioning operation when the car is turned off.

Toyota has carefully calculated the ability to protect the hybrid system in harsh environments. The 13-cell battery, weighing about 7 kg, is placed under the rear seats to avoid collisions and flooding. The DC-DC converter is located in the cabin to optimize durability.

The electric motor is placed high, combined with a specially constructed drive belt with a cotton layer to increase durability and reduce noise. The dual belt tensioner is also fine-tuned to limit vibration when operating on complex terrain. Although the hybrid system increases the total vehicle weight by about 30 kg, Fortuner still ensures stability and fuel economy.

In the 7-seat SUV segment using separate chassis, Toyota Fortuner is currently the pioneer model when equipped with hybrid technology. Ford Everest hybrid version is still in the research stage and has no specific launch date. Mitsubishi Pajero Sport has not made any move yet.

In the context of Toyota Vietnam increasingly prioritizing the development of environmentally friendly vehicles, it is possible that this new generation Fortuner hybrid version will soon be introduced in Vietnam.

Video : Revealing the new generation Toyota Fortuner Hybrid.

Source: https://khoahocdoisong.vn/mau-suv-toyota-fortuner-hybrid-tiet-kiem-nhien-lieu-the-nao-post1546899.html