Karbi Anglong

•19w

I am a 22-year-old planning to buy and build an off-road machine. I am stuck between the Toyota Hilux and the Toyota Fortuner, especially considering the stronger road presence of the Hilux. However, the cost of modifications on the Hilux would be higher compared to the Fortuner, though this may be offset by the discounts being offered on it. I am also unsure about its practicality due to its rear seat and compromise on comfort. Additionally, does either of these perform better than the other off-road?

•18w

You want to build a serious off-road machine and still live with it day to day. In that case, the Fortuner 4x4 AT is the stronger fit for you. It addresses your concerns about rear seats and comfort much better than the Hilux. The Fortuner’s back seat is more relaxed, the ride is softer for passengers, and the cabin works better for friends and family on long drives. Off the road, its shorter length makes it a touch easier on tight, broken paths and over sharp crests.

The Hilux does look cooler and the discounts are real, and we get why that tempts you. But its rear seat is upright and space is tighter, and with the empty cargo bed the ride can feel bouncy in the city. The long body can also touch down on sharp humps or ridges. Stock vs stock, neither is clearly 'better' off road. Both Toyota cars share the same strong diesel, four-wheel drive with low range (an extra-low gear for rough ground), and a locking rear axle. Tyres, ground-clearance add-ons, and driver skill will make the bigger difference.

If you want a build-first truck and you rarely carry people in the back, the Hilux High 4x4 (MT or AT) then makes sense. The flat load bed is perfect for a winch, spare wheels, jerry cans, and a canopy, and the discount can fund tyres and protection parts. But for mixed daily use plus trail days, the Fortuner 4x4 AT lines up best with what you described.

Explore cars mentioned

Toyota

Hilux

from ₹36.31 Lakh

Toyota

Fortuner

from ₹39.46 Lakh

More posts on similar cars

•1d

Is it an intelligent decision to go for a 2nd hand Citroen C5 Aircross diesel, a 2022 model that has run around 45,000 km and is available for Rs. 11 lakh, or should I go for a second-hand Toyota Fortuner, a 2019 model that has run around 98,000 km and is priced at Rs. 25 lakh? I am looking for good driving comfort as well as strong pickup. Which would be the better choice?

•1d

Go for the used Citroen C5 Aircross diesel at Rs 11 lakh. It is the better fit for your priorities. The C5 Aircross is one of the most comfortable SUVs in its segment, with a genuinely plush ride and a refined diesel engine that offers strong mid-range performance and good highway manners. At 45,000 km and as a 2022 model, it is still relatively fresh, and you are getting a lot of car for the money.The Toyota Fortuner is a different proposition altogether. It is a rugged, reliable workhorse with excellent resale value and a reputation for longevity, but at 98,000 km and Rs 25 lakh, you are paying a significant premium for that reliability. It is also not as comfortable or as refined as the C5 Aircross, especially on long drives. The ride is firmer, and while the engine is strong, the overall driving experience is more utilitarian than premium.If your priorities are driving comfort and good pickup, the C5 Aircross is the smarter choice. The only caveat is Citroen's smaller service network than Toyota's, so make sure you have a service centre reasonably close by. If you are looking for a long-term ownership proposition with minimal hassle, the Fortuner still makes sense, but for your requirements, the C5 Aircross is the more intelligent decision.

Citroen C5 Aircross

Toyota Fortuner

•4d

I’m looking to buy a mid-size SUV mainly for city use in Mumbai, with occasional family weekend trips. I like the Seltos HTX (A) IVT overall, but I’m not a big fan of its looks. Should I buy the Seltos now or wait for the next-generation Hyundai Creta? And when is the next-gen Creta realistically expected to launch?

•12h

If you like the Kia Seltos HTX IVT as a product but are not a fan of its looks, waiting for the next-generation Hyundai Creta could be a sensible option. The current Seltos and Creta are mechanically very similar, so the decision really comes down to design and personal preference. This next-generation Hyundai car is expected next year, so if you are not in a hurry, it is worth waiting for. If you need a car now, this Kia car remains a strong choice for your use case, thanks to its smooth CVT gearbox and comfortable cabin. Ultimately, if the Seltos’ design is a deal-breaker, waiting for the new Creta is the better decision.

Kia Seltos

•4d

I am a driving enthusiast and am looking to buy my first car. My priorities are driving experience, safety, and features. I am currently confused between the Volkswagen Taigun Highline Plus 1.0 MT and the Duster Evolution 1.3 MT. Which one should I choose?

•13h

Go for the Volkswagen Taigun Highline Plus 1.0 MT. As a first car, it strikes a better balance between driving enjoyment, safety, and features. The 1.0 TSI is a punchy, characterful engine with a strong mid-range, and the manual gearbox is slick and satisfying to use. This Volkswagen car is also a well-sorted driver's car with a solid chassis, good body control and a genuinely engaging feel from behind the wheel. It is also a proven product with a strong safety record and a more reassuring ownership proposition for a first-time buyer.The Renault Duster Evolution 1.3 MT is the more powerful and more exciting car on paper, and its ride quality is genuinely excellent. However, while the 1.3 turbo petrol is characterful and powerful, it's not particularly engaging to drive. And though comfortable and solid-feeling, this Renault car feels a bit ponderous compared to the tighter-wound Taigun, and for an enthusiast, isn't quite as fun. For a first car, the slightly more compact Taigun will also be easier to get to grips with from behind the wheel.

Volkswagen Taigun

Renault Duster

View all Posts

Expert reviews worth reading

Popular discussions right now

•2d

I currently drive a Grand i10 Manual petrol and am now planning to buy a new compact SUV that is comfortable, fuel efficient and has low maintenance. My usage is 35km of daily office commute in Delhi-NCR traffic. Please advice which option is best fit amongst Hyundai Venue HX 6T, SONET HTK+O and XUV 3XO.

•2d

Go for the Hyundai Venue. With your daily 35km commute in Delhi NCR traffic, comfort and low maintenance are key, and the Venue delivers on both. The 1.2 NA petrol is smooth, refined and easy to drive in stop-start conditions, while Hyundai’s service network and ownership experience are among the best in the segment. The HX6T variant also gives you a good balance of features without pushing the budget too far.The Sonet HTK+O is mechanically very similar, but the Venue is a newer model and offers a more spacious cabin. The XUV 3XO is also a good option, but its turbo petrol engine won't be as efficient as the Hyundai’s.Overall, the Venue is the most sensible upgrade from your Grand i10 for daily city use.

I am planning to buy a new car under 20-25 lakh for the next ten years. I have considered two cars Seltos DCT GTX(A) and Kushaq 1.5 Monte Carlo DSG but am afraid of the mileage and if I go with an EV, I am afraid that infrastructure will not be that good. I drive daily for 10-15 km and take 2-3 trips in a year on highway. Should I buy the car now or wait for Seltos Hybrid? Will it cost an additional 2-3 lakh or will it be value for money for my driving. Should I consider another car?

•5d

With a daily running of just 10-15 km and only a few highway trips a year, fuel efficiency and long-term reliability should be your top priorities. The Seltos DCT GTX+ and Kushaq 1.5 DSG Monte Carlo are both excellent cars, but their turbo-petrol engines and dual-clutch gearboxes are not the most efficient or the most stress-free choices for predominantly short city runs. The DCT/DSG gearboxes are at their best on open roads, and in stop-start city traffic they can feel a bit jerky and are not as smooth or as durable as a torque converter automatic over the long term.The Seltos hybrid is worth waiting for if you are not in a hurry. It is expected to be priced roughly Rs. 2-3 lakh above the equivalent petrol variant, and for your usage pattern it will make more sense than the turbo-petrol DCT. Hybrids deliver their biggest efficiency gains in city driving, and over a 10-year ownership period the fuel savings and smoother driving experience will more than justify the premium.If you want to buy now, the Kia Seltos IVT (naturally aspirated petrol with CVT) is the better choice for your usage. It is smooth, reliable and well suited to city driving, and you will not be paying a premium for performance you will rarely use. The Skoda Kushaq 1.0 TSI with the torque converter automatic is another good option if you prefer a more engaging driving experience, but the Seltos IVT is the more refined and hassle-free choice.EVs are not the right fit for you at the moment given your concerns about charging infrastructure and your low daily running. The savings are not significant enough to justify the compromises.

Kia Seltos

Skoda Kushaq

•6d

I’m planning to buy my first car and would appreciate some suggestions. My budget is around Rs. 13-15 lakh ex-showroom, and I’m planning to register the car under the BH series. Safety is my top priority, so I strongly prefer a car with a 5-star safety rating, preferably from Global NCAP. An automatic transmission is a must. The car will mainly be used for weekend family trips and highway drives rather than daily commuting. Since it will be a family car, I’d prefer something that looks classy and elegant while offering good comfort. A premium-looking interior would be a plus, and features such as leather/leatherette upholstery and ventilated seats would be nice to have, but they aren't deal-breakers. At the same time, I don’t want a car that is purely comfort-oriented. I enjoy driving, so I’d like something with a good engine, enjoyable handling, and a fun-to-drive character. Good rear-seat comfort and reasonable luggage space for family trips would also be appreciated.

•5d

Based on your requirements, the Skoda Kushaq 1.0 TSI automatic is the recommendation. It strikes the right balance between safety, driving enjoyment and family usability. The 1.0 TSI engine is strong, the handling is engaging, and the car feels solid and confidence-inspiring on the highway. The interior feels premium, and while it may not be the largest in its segment, overall comfort is quite good. If you prefer the look of the VW Taigun, it offers largely the same experience as the Kushaq. The Renault Duster 1.3 DCT is also a strong alternative, offering excellent driving dynamics and a larger cabin. Overall, though, the Kushaq 1.0 TSI automatic is the car that best aligns with your requirements.

Skoda Kushaq

Volkswagen Taigun

Renault Duster

View all Posts