Toyota Fortuner to get fresh rivals soon in the form of the 2019 Mitsubishi Pajero and 2019 Isuzu MUX

Toyota Fortuner is a popular name among full size SUV buyers. But soon, its going to face stiff competition from new versions of its existing rivals.

The Toyota Fortuner entered Indian markets in the earlier years of this decade. It captured the Indian buyer’s hearts with rugged looks and massive street presence. Though the Fortuner has very capable rivals in the form of the Ford Endeavour, the Isuzu MUX, and the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport they do little to affect the popularity of this massive SUV. But that may change soon with the refreshed versions of these SUVs.

2019 Isuzu MUX

The Isuzu MUX is massive, looks aggressive and drives very well. In fact, its the most satisfying to drive off-road, where SUVs should be driven. We drove the MUX last year and it left us very impressed. What more, its much cheaper than the Fortuner, at Rs.26 lakh for the top of the line variant.

What let down the MUX (among the competition) is the interior quality. The interiors lacked the premium quotient a near 30 lakh car should have.

All that is set to change with the new MUX, which is speculated to be launching next month. It gets a new facia, bigger alloy wheels, a more refined and premium interior with Android Auto/Apple Car play. Mechanically, thereis not much to change. It might get a bump in torque at 430NM from the current 370NM, which it does in foreign markets.

Expect the prices to be similar to the current MUX, and the Fortuner is in big trouble here.

2019 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

The much awaited 2019 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport will arrive in India in 2019. The Pajero Sport carries with itself Dakar rally worthy credentials, and the new version also looks a lot premium. We’re expecting CBU sales atleast initially. Of course, Mitsubishi will look for localised production to keep the prices competitive. Expected engine is a turbocharged 2.4 litre 4 cylinder diesel packing close to 185 horsepower and 430 Nm

Once launched, an interesting Japanese duel is what we are looking forward to between this beauty and the Fortuner.

Mahindra XUV700

Closer to home, Mahindra is aiming at venturing the full size luxury SUV territory with the upcoming XUV700. It is in fact a rebadged Ssangyong Rexton. It is set to launch in India on 9th of October this year.

The XUV700 will be powered by a 2.2 litre turbocharged 4 cylinder engine making 187 bhp and 420 Nm. And because the last gen Ssangyong Rexton was based on the Mercedes ML lass, it also gets the Mercedes Benz 7-Speed torque coverter gearbox.

Sales will be done by the CKD route, assembled at the Chakan factory near Pune. Expected price is rs.24 lakh, which gives it a massive price advantage over the Fortuner. It will also feature a very premium interior.

Nissan Terra

Now, its just a rumor thats been going about that Nissan will bring the Nissan Terra full size SUV to India in 2019. It is a butch looking SUV and will easily capture the Indian buyers hearts.

Based on the Nissan Navara pick up, the Terra packs a seriouspunch. It makes 190 PS of power and 450 Nm of torque from a 2.5 litre common rail diesel motor.

Should Nissan bring this beast to India, expect a Rs28 lakh price tag. Hey Nissan, do it!

2019 Ford Endeavour

The Endeavour is the #1 rival of the Fortuner. The new Endeavour did make a dent in the sales figure of the Toyota, but the Fortuner still rules the territory.

Ford is set to give a facelift to the Endeavour in early 2019. It will get a slightly tweaked front grille and bumper and new alloy wheels. It is set to retain the 3.2 litre Duratorq diesel motor making 197 hp and 500 Nm of torque. But, word is that a new 2.2 litre bi-turbo diesel engine is on its way.

Expect a slight bump in the price and threat to the king here, the Fortuner.