Old-fashioned SUVs are going out of style in the western world. Both heavy and inefficient, they are frowned upon for their bulk and resulting poor efficiency. This is especially true if they are primarily used on tarmac, where their special skills are seldom given a workout. But here in India, full-fat SUVs still have plenty of appeal. They are big, flashy, can tackle our ‘bombed out’ roads without batting an eyelid, and can even seat seven; what’s not to like? Used more as tough and semi-affordable pseudo luxury cars, big SUVs in India have lots of fans.

Toyota’s Fortuner has always sat at the top of its class. Introduced in 2009, it came with only a manual gearbox for years. Toyota did launch an automatic version in early 2012, but that was mated to the two-wheel-drive option. Now, the Japanese company has finally broadened the appeal of its much loved SUV by giving the proper four-wheel-drive version the same automatic gearbox as well. But it’s not alone. Mahindra-owned SsangYong’s Rexton is also similarly specified. Based on the first-generation Mercedes-Benz M-class or W163, the Rexton, like the Toyota has full-time four-wheel drive and a five-speed automatic gearbox. But is it good enough to take on the Fortuner?

Built tough

Body-on-frame SUVs must look bulky and imposing; it’s part of their DNA. In addition, they must look sophisticated enough to pass muster as luxury vehicles. Of the two, the Fortuner has a slightly harder edge to its design. The snarling nose is seriously aggressive, the nostril-like bonnet scoop and squinting headlights combine to give it an angry scowl. What makes it even more imposing is the fact that it sits a good half foot higher off the ground than its rivals. New bits on the exterior of the 4X4 automatic Fortuner include blacked out parts like the alloys, smoked headlights and tail-lights for a more ‘custom’ look. But does it work?

The lower-slung Rexton has softer lines and looks more relaxed, but it simply doesn’t have the Fortuner’s imposing road presence. Designed by Giorgietto Giugiaro, the Rexton isn’t one of the Italian design guru’s better jobs.

Under the skin, these SUVs are similar up to a point. Both cars are built using a body-on-frame construction and both cars come with full-time four-wheel drive, but it’s the Toyota that has more serious kit like a low-range gearbox and lockable differentials. As a result, the Fortuner is also the heavier of the two. The SsangYong, on the other hand, gets hill descent control. The Fortuner also comes with a less powerful engine; it makes 168bhp as against the Rexton’s 184bhp. Max torque from the Fortuner’s larger engine, however, comes in earlier, good for driving off-road, and the Toyota also uses clever gearing to help compensate.