Toyota’s upcoming 4×4 SUV will be positioned between Hyryder and Fortuner
Toyota is reportedly developing a new rugged 4×4 SUV designed to fill the gap between the Urban Cruiser Hyryder and Fortuner. The new model will be a direct competitor to Mahindra’s off-roaders Scorpio and Thar Roxx and is expected to meet the growing demand for powerful yet affordable SUVs in India.
Unlike the Fortuner, which is based on a non-body-on-body chassis, Toyota’s new SUV will use a monocoque platform to provide different driving dynamics while still having off-road capabilities. The platform will be new and flexible enough to support a variety of body styles and powertrains. This demonstrates Toyota’s aim to create a versatile vehicle that can meet a range of customer needs, from daily driving to rugged off-roading.
The success of Mahindra’s Scorpio and Thar Roxx, especially in the off-road segment, caught the attention of Toyota, which dominated the full-size SUV market with the Fortuner. However, with the on-road price of the Fortuner now over Rs. 60 lakh in some states and its status is below Rs. The Rs 40-lakh segment has softened, allowing Mahindra to capitalize on the gap. Toyota’s new SUV is expected to provide a more affordable option for customers who want the brand’s reliability and off-road capabilities without the hefty price tag of the Fortuner.
While Toyota is yet to reveal specific details about the powertrain, sources say the SUV is likely to feature a petrol-hybrid combination similar to the Innova HyCross. These include a 2.0-liter four-cylinder petrol engine with a powerful hybrid system. A diesel option seems unlikely, given the brand’s move toward hybrid and electric powertrains, and the possibility of an all-electric version in the future as well.
The upcoming SUV is expected to display rugged “Mini Fortuner” design cues, including high ground clearance and tough exterior styling. While it remains to be seen how Toyota will position the model in terms of pricing and features, it’s clear that the company is aiming to regain ground in the midsize SUV segment, which has become increasingly competitive in recent years.
Production of the new SUV is expected to start in 2027 at Toyota’s new plant in Chatrapati Sambhaji Nagar (Aurangabad), Maharashtra. With this development, Toyota is gearing up to challenge Mahindra’s dominance in the 4×4 segment while expanding its product portfolio to cater to a wider customer base.
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