Toyota confirms diesel engines will continue in select SUVs in India. Fortuner, Hilux and Land Cruiser models will retain diesel power despite tighter emission norms.Toyota Confirms Diesel Engines Will Stay in India – Big Relief for SUV Buyers!
Diesel Is Here to Stay: Toyota’s Clear Message for Indian SUV Buyers
Diesel may be fading elsewhere, but Toyota isn’t ready to give it up just yet.
The brand confirms diesel engines will continue in key SUVs like the Fortuner and Hilux in India.
At a time when electric cars, hybrids and stricter emission rules are shaping the future of the auto industry, many people believe diesel engines are slowly disappearing. While this may be true for small cars, Toyota Kirloskar Motor has made it clear that diesel still plays an important role in India — especially for big and powerful SUVs.
Toyota has confirmed that diesel engines will continue in its D-segment and larger ladder-frame SUVs. Vehicles like the Fortuner, Land Cruiser 300 and Hilux will stay diesel-powered because demand for them remains strong.
For Toyota, diesel is not outdated — it is still the best choice for certain vehicles and customers.
Why Diesel Still Matters for Toyota
Over the last few years, Toyota’s India strategy has changed a lot. Its partnership with Maruti Suzuki helped the company reduce diesel use in smaller, city-focused cars. Most rebadged Toyota models today are petrol-powered.
But large SUVs and MPVs are a different story.
Buyers of vehicles like the Fortuner and Innova Crysta usually want:
- Strong pulling power
- Relaxed highway cruising
- Ability to carry people and luggage easily
- Proven long-term reliability
Diesel engines are still better at delivering these qualities. That’s why Toyota believes diesel cannot be ignored in these segments.
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Innova Crysta & Fortuner: Diesel-Driven Success
The Innova Crysta and Fortuner are among Toyota’s best-selling vehicles in India. A big reason behind their success is the availability of diesel engines.
The Innova Crysta continues to sell well even after nearly a decade on sale. Many buyers choose it mainly because of its diesel engine, which is trusted for long-distance travel and tough usage.
Toyota has clearly stated that diesel still has hardcore fans in India. Some segments are almost fully dependent on diesel, and MPVs like the Innova Crysta are a perfect example.
Emission Rules Are Getting Stricter
While diesel demand remains strong, Toyota also knows that future regulations will make things tougher.
From April 2027, CAFE 3 emission norms will come into force. These rules will force carmakers to reduce emissions across their entire model range. Since diesel engines produce higher emissions, companies will have to limit how many diesel vehicles they sell.
Because of this, Toyota plans to discontinue the Innova Crysta by early next year as part of a wider portfolio reshuffle — not because sales are weak, but due to regulatory pressure.
Still, diesel is not being phased out completely.
Fortuner and Hilux Diesel Are Not Going Anywhere
Toyota has confirmed that it will continue offering diesel engines in the Fortuner and Hilux.
Both models use Toyota’s trusted 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine, known for its strong torque and durability. To meet future norms, Toyota is expected to upgrade this engine to comply with upcoming BS7 emission standards.
This ensures diesel power remains available where customers truly want it.
Next-Gen Fortuner: Same Diesel, Improved
Toyota recently introduced the new-generation Hilux while retaining the same diesel engine with updates. A similar approach is expected for the next-generation Fortuner, which may arrive in India around 2027.
Instead of removing diesel, Toyota is likely to improve the existing engine to meet stricter emission rules, keeping loyal Fortuner buyers happy.
Fewer Diesel Cars Made in India
Toyota is unlikely to introduce new locally manufactured diesel cars in the future. Diesel engines will mostly remain limited to premium and CKD-assembled models like the Fortuner and Land Cruiser 300.
Mass-market, made-in-India Toyotas will move towards petrol and electrified powertrains.
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Land Cruiser FJ Shows Toyota’s Future Direction
Toyota plans to launch the Land Cruiser FJ in India around 2028. It will be a new body-on-frame SUV and will be manufactured locally.
Interestingly, despite being a rugged SUV, it will not get a diesel engine. Toyota has planned:
- Petrol engines
- Full-hybrid versions
- Plug-in hybrid options
Expected to be priced around ₹30 lakh (ex-showroom), it will be positioned above mainstream SUVs but below the full-size Land Cruiser.
Diesel Is Shrinking, Not Dying
Toyota’s strategy is clear and practical:
- Diesel stays where it makes sense
- Petrol and hybrids grow in mass segments
- Emission rules are respected
- Future tech is prepared
For buyers of large SUVs like the Fortuner and Hilux, this is good news. Diesel engines will remain part of Toyota’s line-up for years to come.
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Final Words
Diesel may not be the future for every car, but for big, tough SUVs, it still works best. Toyota understands this balance better than most brands.
By keeping diesel only in key segments, Toyota is giving customers what they want today while preparing for a cleaner future tomorrow.
In short: Diesel isn’t dead at Toyota — it’s just being used smartly.