SUV market in India has grown rapidly in the last few years and with that, the competition has become more or less perplexed for every crossover. Popular SUV line-up that include the likes of the Mahindra XUV500 and Toyota Fortuner, have leaded the segment using their exemplary off-road and on road capabilities. However, XUV500 and Fortuner can surely confront each other in the automobile industry.
Considering the exteriors of Mahindra XUV500, one can notice that it is inspired from that of Mahindra Scorpio. The interiors are roomy, however it does not match to the space provided by Fortuner. Mahindra XUV500 has two-tone interiors covered with class-apart quality leather. Toyota Fortuner, on the other hand, is a perfect amalgam of boldness and elegance, which can be seen through the outfit of the car.
The exterior of Fortuner is laced with features like front grilled, side steppers, ORVM turn indicators, 17 inches aluminium alloy wheels and roof integrated antenna. The interior look of the Fortuner is same as that of Mahindra XUV500 in terms of finishing. Toyota Fortuner has leather trim on seats, rear console box, in addition. XUV500 is backed by the power of a 2179 cc mHawk140, direct injection diesel engine.
The mettlesome engine of the XUV500 is capable of producing a maximum power of 140 bhp at 3750 rpm and a peak torque of 330 Nm at 1600-2800 rpm. On the other hand, Toyota Fortuner is powered by a 3.0-litre 16 valve DOHC, D-4D diesel, intercooler turbo charger, 4-cylinder in-line engine. It can manage to generate a maximum power of 170 bhp at 3600 rpm and a maximum torque of 342 Nm at 1400-3400 rpm. The engine is assembled with a five speed manual transmission, whereas Mahindra XUV500 comprises a six speed manual transmission.
Toyota Fortuner has plethora of attractive features like power windows, automatic air conditioner, anti-lock braking system, multi-information display, back sonar, seat belt, SRS front airbags, steering mounted audio and MID control features. On the other hand, the very luring Mahindra XUV500 has been affixed with number of unmatched features that include all wheel disc brakes, anti-lock braking system with EBD, electronic stability programme (ESP), airbags, start and stop button, hill decent control and more.
The mileage quotient of Mahindra XUV500, the lately manifested vehicle from Mahindra and Mahindra, is expected to be satisfactory. The vehicle has the capability to offer a decent mileage of 15.1 kmpl, as certified by Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI. It is important to note that albeit Toyota Fortuner has a strong engine, but it lacks in terms of being fuel efficient, as it delivers a mileage of 7 to 8 kmpl in the city conditions and 10 to 11 kmpl, when driven on highways.
Mahindra XUV500 is far cheaper than Toyota Fortuner, being available with a starting price of Rs. 10.80 lacs and goes up to Rs. 12.88 lacs for the top variant. On the other hand, Toyota Fortuner is offered in the market with a price range of Rs. 23 lacs to Rs. 24 lacs.
Thus, both the unprecedented products from legendary car makers are expected to give a new definition and a high to the SUV segment of Indian auto industry.
