Diesel automatics compared: 2016 Toyota Fortuner AT vs Toyota Innova Crysta AT

The 2016 Toyota Fortuner is here and it kicks up some dust with its all-new design, new powertrains and interiors, a welcome change after seven years. So did the Innova with the Innova Crysta earlier this year. Both the Toyota’s have scaled up in one more aspect and that is the price tag. So the question here is, if one needs a cruiser that would probably not venture beyond the tarmac, what would be a good buy – the Fortuner 2WD AT or the Innova Crysta AT? Here are a few pointers that need to be considered.

2016 Toyota Fortuner

Desirability - The Fortuner wins here one-sided. There is no denying the macho image of the Fortuner. Though the looks have become modern and more sophisticated, the sheer butch of its size is undeniable. Also the feeling of being in control at that riding height cannot be matched by an Innova. But, take a step back and think about the Innova. The new Innova Crysta gets the SUV-ish fascia and you do drive at decent height above the ground.

Convenience - The Fortuner is tall and getting in and out if it day in and day out might turn out to be tiresome after a point. The ingress and egress is much more convenient in case of the Innova. Even in case of the third row, getting in and out of the third row of an Innova is much easier than in a Fortuner. If you are going to be chauffeur driven, you can opt for captain seats for the second row of the Innova. In case of the Fortuner, you cant.

Equipment – In terms of equipment, the Innova almost matches the Fortuner. Both get similar touchscreen display entertainment system with steering mounted audio controls. Individual AC vents for each row with rear AC is available with both the Toyotas. Both get electrically adjustable driving seats, all power windows and electrically adjustable and foldable wing mirrors.

Performance – The Innova and the Fortuner share the same 2.8-litre diesel mills for the automatics developing 174bhp of power. In case of the Fortuner, the intake manifold has been changed and the ECU remapped to generate more torque to compensate for the extra weight. Both get the same six-speed automatic gearbox.

Fuel Economy – The ARAI fuel economy expected form the Innova Crysta is 14.29kmpl as compared to the 12.9kmpl of the Fortuner. Also, the Innova Crysta being lighter of the two will help its case.

Toyota Innova Crysta

So, it turns out that Innova Crysta matches the Fortuner head to head until you take into consideration the ultimate criterion – price. The top-spec Fortuner AT will cost you Rs 29.14 lakh ex-showroom, Delhi while the Innova is a good eight lakh cheaper at Rs 20.93 lakh. Also considering the cost of ownership, the Innova Crysta wins over the Fortuner in almost every aspect be it comfort, convenience or economy. So, if macho isn’t your only thing, the Innova Crysta is the better value proposition of the two.