Toyota Fortuner Leader Edition 2.8 Diesel 4x2 AT

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With a 15-year-old Hexa replacement in mind and priorities centred on adult-friendly third-row space, bad-road ability, highway comfort and, most importantly, proven long-term reliability, waiting for the next-generation Fortuner makes more sense than committing to the MG Majestor immediately. The new Fortuner is expected to make its India debut in 2027, with the familiar diesel likely to continue and a torque-converter automatic and 4WD expected.The MG Majestor 4x4 is the more sophisticated SUV on paper. Its 2.0-litre twin-turbo diesel produces a lot of power, and its cabin is also considerably more modern and premium than the current Fortuner. However, it has not yet established the long-term reliability and resale record that matters for a buyer looking at another 10-15 years of ownership. It also currently has no official Bharat NCAP crash-test rating.The current Fortuner already has a strong record for durability, resale and hassle-free ownership, although its third row is still best regarded as occasional adult seating and its ride can feel busy compared with newer SUVs. The next generation should address some of the current model's dated cabin and technology, while retaining its ladder-frame architecture and off-road focus.

MG Majestor

Toyota Fortuner

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The Audi New Q3 is a good choice if you want a premium, comfortable SUV, but I would not buy it expecting a hybrid. The India-spec Q3 is expected to use a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine with 204hp, a 7-speed DCT and quattro AWD, with no confirmed hybrid version for India.If your requirement is genuine 4x4 capability, the Toyota Fortuner remains a very different proposition. The next-generation Fortuner is already being tested and is expected in India by early 2027. It is expected to retain petrol and diesel engines, 4x4 capability and the ladder-frame construction, while gaining a much more modern cabin and ADAS.The Mahindra Scorpio N is the sensible alternative if you want a capable 4x4 without spending Fortuner money. The Thar Roxx makes more sense if off-road ability is the priority, but it is less comfortable and practical as a family SUV.For parents, the Q3 will be considerably easier to live with in the city, while the Fortuner is better suited to long-distance touring and serious rough-road use.

Audi New Q3

Toyota Fortuner

Mahindra Scorpio N

Mahindra Thar Roxx

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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

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Go for the Mahindra XUV 7XO Diesel AT. It is the best fit for your requirements. The XUV 7XO offers a strong 2.0 diesel engine, a comfortable ride, a spacious and well-appointed cabin, and a good balance between performance and practicality. It is also significantly more modern and feature-rich than the Scorpio N, while being far better value than the Fortuner.The Fortuner is a great highway SUV with a proven reliability record, but it is now showing its age, and at Rs 40 lakh-plus it is simply too expensive for what it offers. The Scorpio N is rugged and capable, but it is not as refined or as family-friendly as the XUV 7XO. The XUV 7XO is the most complete package for your needs. On the DPF question: modern diesel cars are generally fine as long as you do regular highway runs. The DPF regenerates naturally at sustained speeds. The issues tend to arise only with predominantly short, low-speed city driving. Your usage pattern is highway-heavy, so you should not have any problems.

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Toyota Fortuner

Mahindra Scorpio N

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If you want to buy the current Toyota Fortuner Legender 4x2 and avoid the new generation, the best approach is to bring your purchase forward rather than delay it. The new Fortuner is expected in late 2026 or early 2027, and Toyota typically manages inventory carefully around a major model change. If you wait until February 2027, you risk being caught in the transition period when the new model arrives, and the current generation is phased out.The safest window is to book the car in the second half of 2026, ideally between July and October. This gives you a strong chance of securing a current-generation car while production is still running and before dealers start winding down stock. If you are set on the current model, it is better to buy a few months earlier than planned rather than risk missing out altogether.

Toyota Fortuner