Toyota Fortuner: Buy?

Last Updated on: 14 Sep 2026
Excellent refinement with minimal noise and vibrations
Suspension can take a pounding from large imperfections
Misses key equipment along with goodies expected at this price
Bouncy ride, especially with the rear unloaded
I’m a 21-year-old college student, and my family already owns a 2020 Fortuner. I’m looking for a second car for college use and outings. Should I go with the Thar, as per my father's choice, or the new-generation 2026 Hilux, which I like? Or is there any other good option? It must be a diesel SUV.
Why not consider the Mahindra Thar Roxx instead? The Thar is a good secondary car, however the absence of rear doors hampers practicality. Also, while the Thar is excellent off-road, it can feel a bit bumpy on the road. You can expect the Mahindra Thar Mileage to be around 9 to 11 kpl in the city and 13 to 15 kpl on the highway. In comparison, the Thar Roxx feels a lot more practical, usable and comfortable for daily use and long drives. The Hilux is simply too large for daily driving, especially in the city. However, if you're looking to get a vehicle purely for butch looks and stand-out road presence, then nothing will come close to the new Hilux. Be prepared to spend a lot more for it (compared to a Mahindra Thar Roxx).
Hi AAA, My name is Richu, and I'm from Kerala. I'm keen on buying a lifestyle pickup truck. I don't really have a practical use case for it. It's purely a passion purchase, and I want something that stands out from ordinary vehicles. It will be my secondary car, mainly used for occasional family trips and some mild off-roading. I recently test-drove both the Isuzu V-Cross and the Toyota Hilux. I loved the Hilux for its strong performance and, the availability of a locking rear differential. However, I wasn't impressed with its ride quality. It felt quite stiff, and there was noticeable pitching from the back. When I drove the V-Cross on the same stretch of road, the ride felt much more comfortable. I also preferred the V-Cross for its looks and overall ride comfort. Now I'm confused about which one to buy. The Hilux is based on Toyota's current-generation platform, whereas the V-Cross is based on a much older platform. Toyota also has a stronger service network than Isuzu. So, it's a classic heart vs mind dilemma, and I'd really appreciate your help in choosing between these two vehicles.
The Isuzu D-Max V-Cross certainly scores with its more comfortable ride and attractive pricing, and among Isuzu cars it remains one of the most appealing lifestyle-oriented options. However, it's built on a platform that now feels dated. The Toyota Hilux, on the other hand, offers a more powerful engine, a more premium cabin, better equipment, and the added confidence of a locking rear differential. It also benefits from an extensive service network of Toyota cars and its well-earned reputation for long-term reliability.That said, if the purchase isn't urgent, it would be worth waiting a little longer. The next-generation Hilux is expected to arrive in India soon, bringing improvements in comfort, interior space, features, and overall refinement. There's also a good chance it will address some of the ride quality concerns you experienced with the current model. So, while the Isuzu car might be the safer bet at the moment, we would advise test-driving the new-gen Toyota Hilux before making your decision.
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