2025 Toyota Fortuner Neo Drive: How the 48V Mild-Hybrid System Works

Toyota Kirloskar Motor

recently launched the 2025 Toyota Fortuner with

mild-hybrid technology

. The mild-hybrid tech is available in both the standard Fortuner and the Legender with prices starting from Rs 44.72 lakh and Rs 50.09 lakh (ex-showroom, respectively). Interested customers can book the SUV online or by visiting their nearest Toyota dealership, with deliveries set to begin in the third week of June.Toyota India calls it ‘Neo Drive’, a label also used for the mild-hybrid versions of the Hyryder and Glanza. Talking about the engine, the Fortuner continue to get tried and tested 2.8-litre, 4-cylinder, turbo diesel engine which puts out 204hp of power and 500Nm torque. A 48V mild-hybrid system has been added to the diesel engine, incorporating a belt-driven starter generator and lithium-ion battery. It brings auto start-stop capability for better mileage and contributes to refined low-speed performance and reduced cabin noise. So how exactly does this system work?

This mild-hybrid system was first introduced in South Africa back in 2023 with a

Toyota Hilux

pickup. And later in April 2024, the Fortuner with the same tech was launched in South Africa. In India, the Fortuner Neo Drive gets the same tech with a

2.8-litre diesel engine

found in the Hilux, along with a

48V hybrid system

comprising a lithium-ion battery, motor generator, and DC-DC converter. Under the Neo Drive system, the Fortuner uses an 8.5kW/85Nm permanent magnet synchronous motor. While peak output remains at 204hp and 500Nm, the hybrid assist enhances performance during low-speed driving. The Hilux and Fortuner in South Africa, meanwhile, benefit from a more powerful 12kW (16hp) unit.

Toyota also claims that the Neo Drive system will improve

fuel efficiency

by around five per cent and this gain primarily comes from

regenerative braking

, which captures energy typically lost during deceleration. The efficiency is further boosted by a 20% drop in engine idling speed—from 720rpm to 600rpm. The drivers can also customise the start-stop system to prefer either a standard or extended stop; in the extended setting, air conditioning operation is also enhanced.The 48V battery, made up of 13 cells and weighing 7kg, is located beneath the seat, while the DC-DC converter is positioned inside the cabin for protection. The motor generator is mounted high to avoid water exposure, and the belt-drive system has been specially reinforced for off-road durability. A dual-arm tensioner minimises noise and vibration, while the ribbed belt incorporates a high-strength cotton fabric to further suppress noise levels.