If you are planning to buy a Toyota Fortuner or already own one, this has been a very busy week for India’s favorite SUV. From new pricing updates to official clarifications on its diesel future, there is a lot happening. Also, a scary video of a Fortuner in Manali is trending online, serving as a serious safety reminder for all SUV owners.

Here is everything you need to know about the latest Toyota Fortuner updates in India as of January 2026.

Toyota Confirms: Diesel Fortuner Is Here to Stay

For the past few months, there were strong rumors that Toyota might discontinue the diesel Fortuner and Hilux in India. This speculation started because of the strict CAFE 3 (Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency) norms coming into effect. Many feared that big diesel engines would be replaced entirely by petrol hybrids or EVs.

However, Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) has officially ended these rumors. In a statement this week, company officials confirmed that the diesel Fortuner will not be discontinued.

According to reports, Toyota executives stated that “Diesel is Diesel” and the demand for powerful diesel SUVs remains very high in India. While Toyota is focusing on hybrids (like the Hyryder and Hycross), the rugged 2.8L diesel engine in the Fortuner and Hilux will continue to be sold well beyond 2027. This is a huge relief for off-road enthusiasts who prefer the raw torque of the diesel engine.

Read more: Sedan Market 2026

Price Hike Alert: How Much More Will You Pay?

While the car is staying, it has just become more expensive. Effective January 2026, Toyota has increased prices across its lineup, including the Fortuner, Innova Crysta, and Hycross.

• The Hike: The prices for the Toyota Fortuner have gone up by up to ₹74,000.
• Affected Models: The hike applies to both the standard Fortuner and the premium Legender variants.
• Why: Automobile manufacturers typically increase prices in January to offset rising input costs and inflation.

If you were planning to book one this month, check the latest ex-showroom price list at your local dealer, as the final on-road price will now be higher.

Trending Now: The Viral “Black Ice” Video in Manali

Apart from business news, the Fortuner is currently trending on social media due to a dangerous viral video from Manali, Himachal Pradesh.

What Happened? A video shared widely on Instagram and YouTube (dated January 29, 2026) shows multiple SUVs, including a Toyota Fortuner, Mahindra Scorpio-N, and Tata Harrier EV, struggling on a snowy road. In the clip, the vehicles are seen sliding uncontrollably on “Black Ice” (a thin, invisible layer of ice on roads).

The Fortuner in the video is seen sliding dangerously close to the edge of a cliff, with one rear wheel hanging in the air. Fortunately, disaster was averted, but the video has sparked a debate about driving 4×4 vehicles in snow without snow chains.

Safety Tip: Even the best 4×4 SUV cannot grip on black ice with standard highway tires. If you are taking your Fortuner to the mountains this winter, always carry snow chains and drive slowly.

Recap: The Mild Hybrid (MHEV) Update

If you missed the news from late 2025, the Fortuner in India now includes Mild Hybrid technology in select variants.

• What it is: A 48V hybrid system integrated with the 2.8L diesel engine.
• Benefit: It provides a slight torque boost at low speeds and improves fuel efficiency by roughly 5–10%.
• Leader Edition: Toyota also recently launched the “Leader Edition” with cosmetic upgrades like black alloys and TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System) to keep the model fresh.

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