Toyota Confirms Diesel Will Stay in Select Segments in India

When Toyota Kirloskar Motor partnered with Maruti Suzuki, a lot of people assumed diesel would slowly fade out of Toyota’s India story. And yes, the showroom mix did change. Glanza and Urban Cruiser came in, petrol took centre stage. But thinking Toyota is ready to dump diesel altogether would be a mistake. The reality is simple. In some segments, diesel still runs the show. Toyota knows it, dealers know it, and customers definitely know it.

Strip away the rebadging, and diesel is still doing the heavy lifting

Ignore the Maruti-based Toyotas for a moment and look at what actually sells on Toyota’s own strength. Innova Crysta and Fortuner. Both are deeply tied to diesel. Their buyers don’t debate fuel type. Diesel is assumed.

I’ve heard this straight from a Toyota dealer a few years back. Innova buyers rarely even ask about petrol. That tells you everything you need to know about how certain segments think. Toyota executives have echoed the same thought publicly. Diesel has hardcore fans, and some products are simply built around it. The Innova Crysta is a textbook case.

Rules are tightening, but demand hasn’t vanished

Diesel demand today feels uneven. Different state rules, vehicle age limits, higher ownership costs. Still, it hasn’t dropped to a point where Toyota can afford to ignore it. That said, pressure is coming. CAFE 3 norms arriving in 2027 will force Toyota to slim down its diesel line-up. No two ways about that.

Innova Crysta may exit, diesel won’t

Even after nearly a decade, the Innova Crysta continues to bring in volumes. Yet Toyota plans to discontinue it by early next year as part of a wider portfolio reset.

This doesn’t imply diesel is being shown the door. Fortuner and Hilux will continue with diesel strength. The acquainted 2.Eight-litre 1GD-FTV engine will stay, upgraded to meet destiny emission norms.

Also read : Toyota Innova Crysta Gets Price Hike of Up to Rs. 30,800

Same engine, same wondering

Toyota carried the 1GD-FTV diesel from the preceding Hilux immediately into the brand new one. No surprises there. If it really works reliably, Toyota sees no reason to trade it. The upcoming subsequent-technology Fortuner, predicted around 2027, will likely observe the equal direction.

Land Cruiser FJ adjustments the route

Toyota plans to release the Land Cruiser FJ in India round 2028. Unlike the Fortuner, it is going to be regionally manufactured. Pricing is anticipated around 30 lakh rupees, which already places it nicely above mainstream competitors.

Interestingly, despite being a perfect match for diesel, the Land Cruiser FJ will come only with petrol and petrol-based electrified options. Full hybrid and plug-in hybrid are both on the cards.

Also read : Toyota Fortuner Legender One Drive Is Enough to Feel the Power and Confidence

Diesel isn’t being killed, it’s being controlled

Toyota isn’t clinging to diesel out of nostalgia. It’s keeping it alive where it still makes business sense. The long-term future may belong to electrification, but in India, Toyota isn’t done with diesel just yet.

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Gaurav Jha Gaurav Jha is a seasoned automotive journalist and digital media expert with a passion for new technology, electric vehicles, and unbiased product reviews. As the founder of GearChoice.in, he aims to empower readers with transparent, well-researched information about the latest cars, gadgets, and mobility trends.

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