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Japanese auto manufacturer is geared up for the launch of a series of really cool SUVs in India in the next year alone. With big numbers lining up starting right from a new version of the popular Land Cruiser Prado to a 7-seater variant of Hyryder. Here's a look at some of the major launches that Toyota has lined up for the Indian market.
The eagerly awaited launch is that of the new Land Cruiser Prado. This SUV was unveiled worldwide in 2023 and will make an entry into the Indian shores in the last quarter of 2025. In India, when it arrives, this version will be sold with the nomenclature "Land Cruiser Prado," while the same elsewhere in the world makes it to the nomenclature Land Cruiser 250. Being positioned below the flagship Land Cruiser 300 at Toyota promises greater off-road capability and a more luxurious feel.
It will operate on the TNGA-F platform by Toyota, but this time with a larger cabin and more comfort features. More importantly, it will feature multi-zone climate control, leather upholstery, and a digital instrument cluster to suit the needs of those who crave luxury. Instead, the Prado uses the very same 2.8-litre turbocharged diesel as the Fortuner but mates it to a 48V mild-hybrid system for added efficiency. Some models of this SUV will also come with a 2.4-litre petrol-hybrid mill.
Another big launch in the market in 2025 will be the Toyota Hyryder. This 7-seater variant will sit on the Global C platform, which underpins the Grand Vitara and 5-seater Hyryder. It will be manufactured at Maruti Suzuki’s new plant in Haryana’s Kharkhoda. The longer wheelbase version will allow Toyota to accommodate a third row seat, but technically it would remain a 5+2 seater ideal for large families.
For the seven-seater Hyryder, the powertrain options will remain the same, with a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol and a 1.5-litre strong hybrid petrol engine. Of course, the former is expected to bring an excellent balance in terms of performance and fuel efficiency. Another set of design changes will be done with this SUV, like a new design of bigger wheels, an even more angular front grille, and an updated rear tail lamp. Advanced safety technology will be adopted with ADAS or Advanced Driver Assistance Systems.
The next-generation Toyota Fortuner in the guise of a mild hybrid system will yet be much awaited. Being sold in overseas markets, the company claims that this model has managed to decrease fuel efficiency with lower emissions, thus yielding better compliance with new environmental norms. The newly introduced 2.8-litre diesel engine in the Fortuner MHEV is rumoured to offer power around 217 bhp with 550 Nm of torque, making it one of the most powerful SUVs in its segment.
Although the company hasn't fixed an exact date for its new launches in India, one to look out for will be the Fortuner MHEV, to arrive on the horizon in early 2025. It will boast upgrades such as a large infotainment system with a touchscreen, a 360-degree camera, and the ADAS suite. The price is anticipated to run between approximately Rs. 40 lakh and Rs. 53 lakh.
The other smaller, lifestyle-oriented SUV that Toyota is reportedly working on has a tentative nomenclature of the Land Cruiser FJ and will be positioned below the Fortuner in its product portfolio. Expected to emerge by the end of 2024, the FJ Cruiser will feature a 2.8-litre turbodiesel unit offered with mild-hybrid technology to accelerate the fuel efficiency profile while creating a more amiable ambient for driving.
It will be a longer vehicle and could take inspiration from the Compact Cruiser EV concept car, with lines generally running in straight trajectories, flared wheel arches, and a boxy look. One possibility that has been floated is it could be positioned at a price below its sibling, the Fortuner, thus making it even more of a competitive proposition for Indian buyers.
These SUVs from Toyota will definitely prove to be a perfect blend of luxury, performance, and technology in the markets of India. Hence, they are likely to find a place in the hearts and garages of all SUV enthusiasts across India. With this promising lineup ahead, Toyota seems all set to rule the SUV market in India for the next couple of years.
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