Clash of the Titans: Toyota Fortuner vs MG Gloster – Which Premium SUV Reigns Supreme?

In the realm of full-size, premium SUVs in India, two names stand out as formidable contenders: the Toyota Fortuner and the MG Gloster. Both offer imposing road presence, spacious interiors, powerful engines, and a host of features aimed at discerning buyers. However, they cater to slightly different tastes and priorities. Let’s dive into a detailed comparison to see which of these behemoths comes out on top for your needs.

Design and Road Presence:

Toyota Fortuner: The Fortuner has always exuded a rugged and authoritative aura. Its muscular lines, bold grille, and high stance contribute to its commanding road presence. While recent updates have added a touch of sophistication, its core appeal remains its robust and dependable look.
MG Gloster: The Gloster, on the other hand, embraces a more modern and luxurious design language. Its sheer size is immediately noticeable, and features like the large chrome grille, sleek LED lighting, and premium alloy wheels give it a more upmarket and contemporary feel.

Interior Space and Comfort:

Both SUVs are three-row vehicles offering ample space for passengers.

Toyota Fortuner: The Fortuner’s interior is functional and durable, built to withstand the rigors of both city and off-road driving. While comfortable, the third row is best suited for children or shorter adults. The focus is on practicality and longevity.
MG Gloster: The Gloster boasts a more plush and feature-rich cabin. Premium leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, and a generally more spacious feel, especially in the second and third rows, make it a comfortable cruiser for long journeys.

Features and Technology:

This is where the MG Gloster often holds an edge.

Toyota Fortuner: The Fortuner comes equipped with essential features like a touchscreen infotainment system (now updated with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), automatic climate control, cruise control, and multiple airbags. However, it traditionally lagged behind the competition in terms of advanced tech.
MG Gloster: The Gloster is packed with segment-leading features, including a large touchscreen infotainment system with connected car technology, panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, driver’s seat massage function, automatic parking assist, and most notably, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking.

Engine and Performance:

Both SUVs offer powerful diesel engine options, with the Fortuner also offering a petrol engine.

Toyota Fortuner: Offers a 2.7-litre petrol engine and a 2.8-litre diesel engine. The diesel engine is known for its reliability and strong performance, especially in 4×4 variants. It provides a capable driving experience both on and off-road.
MG Gloster: Is powered by a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine, available in both single-turbo and twin-turbo configurations. The twin-turbo version offers impressive power and torque, making for effortless highway cruising. It also offers selectable drive modes and a capable 4×4 system.

Ride and Handling:

Toyota Fortuner: Being a body-on-frame SUV, the Fortuner prioritizes robustness and off-road capability. The ride can feel a bit firm on paved roads, especially at lower speeds. However, it is built to handle rough terrain with ease.
MG Gloster: With its independent front suspension and multi-link rear suspension, the Gloster offers a more comfortable and car-like ride quality on tarmac. While it has 4×4 capabilities, its focus leans more towards comfortable highway cruising.

Safety:

Both SUVs prioritize safety with a comprehensive list of features, including multiple airbags, ABS with EBD, and electronic stability control. The Gloster’s ADAS features provide an additional layer of safety and convenience.

Price:

The Toyota Fortuner has traditionally commanded a premium price tag, reflecting its strong brand reputation and perceived reliability. The MG Gloster is generally positioned as a more value-for-money proposition, offering more features at a potentially lower price point.

Verdict: Which SUV Suits You Best?

The choice between the Toyota Fortuner and the MG Gloster depends heavily on your individual needs and priorities:

Choose the Toyota Fortuner if: You prioritize bulletproof reliability, a rugged and dependable image, strong off-road capabilities (especially in 4×4 variants), and a strong resale value. You are willing to compromise slightly on the latest tech features.
Choose the MG Gloster if: You prioritize a more luxurious and spacious interior, a comfortable ride quality for long journeys, a plethora of advanced technology and convenience features (especially ADAS), and are looking for a more feature-rich SUV at a potentially more competitive price.

Both the Toyota Fortuner and the MG Gloster are capable and impressive premium SUVs. The Fortuner banks on its legendary reliability and off-road prowess, while the Gloster aims to impress with its modern features and premium experience. Ultimately, taking test drives of both vehicles is the best way to determine which one aligns perfectly with your preferences and driving style.