It is possible that Toyota may introduce some other premium sound system with top-spec variants of Fortuner and Legender in the near future
For an immersive acoustic experience, one of the preferred options is JBL. Apart from Toyota, other carmakers such as Nissan and Tata Motors offer JBL sound system with models like Magnite, Safari and Harrier. In comparison, South Korean siblings Hyundai and Kia offer BOSE sound system with their cars.
In case of Toyota, the 11-speaker JBL sound system has been discontinued from Fortuner 4×4 and Legender 4×4. These variants will now have the standard 6-speaker sound system offered with other variants. It remains to be seen if this is a temporary discontinuation or if there are plans to introduce another premium sound system with Fortuner 4×4 and Legender 4×4.
No change in pricing
Even when the premium 11-speaker sound system has been discontinued, prices of Fortuner 4×4 and Legender 4×4 are the same as earlier. 4×4 option is available with only diesel variants of Fortuner and Legender. Fortuner 4×4 range starts with the 2.8-litre diesel manual variant, priced at Rs 38.93 lakh. The automatic version is offered at Rs 41.22 lakh. Top-spec Fortuner GR-S, 2.8-litre diesel 4×4 automatic has a price tag of Rs 50.34 lakh. Legender 4×4 diesel automatic is offered at Rs 46.54 lakh. All prices are ex-showroom, Delhi.
Fortuner 4×2 petrol manual is priced at Rs 32.59 lakh, whereas the automatic version costs Rs 34.18 lakh. Fortuner diesel 4×2 manual and automatic variants are priced at Rs 35.09 lakh and Rs 37.37 lakh, respectively. Legender 4×2 diesel automatic is priced at Rs 42.82 lakh. Manual option is not available with Legender.
Fortuner’s 2.7-litre petrol unit churns out 166 PS of max power and 245 Nm of peak torque. Transmission choices include 5-speed manual and 6AT. The 2.8-litre diesel unit makes 204 PS. Torque output is 420 Nm with manual and 500 Nm with automatic transmission. Manual option for the diesel motor is 6MT with iMT.
JBL still available with Camry, Vellfire
Toyota offers JBL sound system with Toyota Camry and Vellfire also. These have not been discontinued. While Camry has a 9-speaker JBL sound system with subwoofer and Clari-Fi Technology, Vellfire has a 17-speaker system. Camry is available at a starting price of Rs 45.25 lakh, whereas Vellfire costs Rs 96.55 lakh. As Fortuner and Legender also command premium pricing, a branded sound system is a natural expectation.
It is not certain why the 11-speaker JBL sound system has been discontinued from Fortuner 4×4 and Legender 4×4. There are times when carmakers discontinue some features with the goal to neutralize a rise in input costs. This can help delay a price hike. Shortage of semiconductor chips and other electronic parts could also be a reason. Considering most users would be looking for a premium aural experience, top-spec variants of Fortuner and Legender are likely to get an upgraded sound system in the future.
