Saurabh Misra
•6wI live in Himachal Pradesh and am looking for a dependable SUV for long-distance drives in the mountains as well as highways in the plains. This vehicle will replace my 18-year-old Mitsubishi Pajero. I would appreciate your suggestions for a reliable and capable replacement suited to my usage.

Autocar India
For that requirement, the Toyota Fortuner is the safest bet. It feels built for bad roads, can be had with proper low-range four-wheel drive for steep, loose climbs and snow, and Toyota’s service reach is strong even in smaller hill towns. On highways, it sits steady at speed, the seats are supportive, and you can load it up with family and bags without worry. Coming from a Pajero, you will feel the same go-anywhere confidence but with a far more modern cabin and easier ownership.
Two things to keep in mind. It is very expensive for what it is, and in slow, broken patches, the ride can feel firm. It is also a big SUV, so narrow village lanes and tight hotel parking will require patience.
If you want most of that ability for a lot less money, look at the Mahindra Thar Roxx. It too can be had with low-range four-wheel drive, strong pull at low speed for hairpins, and Mahindra support is widespread in the North. You give up some highway polish, and it may not be as rock-solid reliable as a Toyota, but it is a serious mountain tool. Overall, the Fortuner fits your brief best; the Thar Roxx is the strong value alternative.
Toyota Fortuner
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Saurabh Misra
•6wThank you for the response. Fortuner, expensive that it is, still has been on my wish list ever since I started exploring options mainly due to it’s off road performance and dependability. Your response has given me a lot of confidence in going for it. Amongst its 4x4 models, which one would you recommend? And does Legender need a consideration too?
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Posted on: 30 Apr 2026
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