MG Majestor vs Toyota Fortuner: Whose top model offers more value? – Introduction

MG Motor has fully revealed the Majestor in India, set to take over the flagship SUV crown from the Gloster upon launch. It’s not just larger in size, but also has a significantly expanded feature list. On the other hand stands the ever-popular Toyota Fortuner, a name that has built a cult-like reputation in the premium SUV space over the years. The discontinuation of Ford Endeavour in 2021 has further narrowed choices for buyers in this segment. All of this makes for a compelling matchup in our comparison series, where the newest entrant goes up against the venerable Japanese off roader.

MG Majestor vs Toyota Fortuner: Powertrain specs

The Majestor is relatively down on engine displacement, but the twin-turbocharged unit produces 11hp more. It also aces ahead with an 8-speed torque converter transmission, but the Fortuner’s single turbo diesel engine, assisted by 48V mild hybrid system, makes more peak torque by 22Nm.

MG Majestor vs Toyota Fortuner: Dimensions

On paper, the MG Majestor is the larger SUV in every measurable aspect. It is 251mm longer, 161mm wider and 41mm taller, which should translate to a more imposing road presence. It also sits on a 205mm longer wheelbase, and taken together, these bigger dimensions could result in better space, especially for passengers in the second and third rows.

The Majestor also rolls on larger 19-inch wheels, an inch bigger than the Fortuner’s, though their performance on our roads is yet to be ascertained. It offers a claimed 810mm water wading capacity, which is 110mm more than the Fortuner, and a larger 343-litre boot (all seats up), giving it a 47-litre advantage. The Fortuner claws back with just a small advantage in ground clearance, standing 6mm taller at 225mm, which may slightly benefit off-road usability.

MG Majestor vs Toyota Fortuner: Features

There isn’t much separating the two when it comes to exterior features in their top-spec trims, as both offer the expected bits like LED headlights, ORVM-mounted turn indicators, and a rear wiper and washer.

Unlike the exterior, the difference here is huge, with the MG Majestor clearly taking the lead on interior tech and comfort. It packs a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen compared to the Fortuner’s 8-inch unit, along with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, whereas the Toyota sticks to a wired setup. The Majestor also ups the ante with a 12-speaker audio system and a fully digital 12.3-inch driver’s display, while the Fortuner gets a simpler analogue-digital cluster and an 11-speaker sound system.

Comfort features also tilt the scale in the Majestor’s favour. It offers 3-zone automatic climate control over the Fortuner’s 2-zone setup, two wireless chargers and even front massaging and ventilated seats.

When it comes to safety, both SUVs cover the essentials, but they take slightly different approaches. The Fortuner edges ahead in terms of passive safety with 7 airbags. The Majestor fights back strongly on the tech front by offering Level 2 ADAS, something the Fortuner simply does not get. Another key distinction lies in the parking brake setup. The Majestor gets an electronic parking brake, which feels more modern and convenient, while the Fortuner sticks with a manual unit. The optional 360-degree camera is quite surprising for Fortuner, considering the segment.

MG Majestor vs Toyota Fortuner: Off-road hardware

On the off-road hardware front, the differences are not much on paper, as both SUVs tick all the fundamental boxes expected from proper ladder-frame off-roaders. The Majestor and Fortuner both sit on a ladder-frame chassis, get a 4WD system with low range and hill-hold as well as hill-descent control. But the highlight here are the Majestor’s three differential locks (front, centre and rear) and 10 terrain modes. Up front, both use a double wishbone suspension setup, but the key distinction lies at the rear, where the Majestor employs a more sophisticated 5-link suspension compared to the Fortuner’s 4-link unit.

MG Majestor vs Toyota Fortuner: Verdict

Choosing between the MG Majestor Savvy and the Toyota Fortuner Neo Drive isn’t straightforward, because on paper, both put up a convincing case. MG has yet to announce the Majestor’s pricing, but the top-spec Gloster’s Rs 43.74 lakh (ex-showroom) tag offers a reference point. The Fortuner Neo Drive AT, meanwhile, sits at Rs 42.37 lakh.

Since we haven’t sampled the Majestor yet, its real-world performance is something best judged in a full review. What can be said already is that it is clearly the more feature-packed SUV here. The availability of a 2WD option further broadens its appeal, and could also give MG some flexibility to price it more aggressively. Notably, the 2WD version can be configured as either a 6 or 7 seater.

The Fortuner, on the other hand does trail on features, but its image as a tough as nails off-roader is well established. Buyers also benefit from Toyota’s extensive service network and relatively hassle-free ownership experience. In the end, pricing will play a decisive role. An aggressive price tag for the Majestor could chip away at the Fortuner’s sales, but the Toyota SUV’s strong brand and loyal following mean it won’t be an easy battle, even if it now feels dated and overpriced.