Four Tech-Loaded, Fun-To-Drive Luxury SUV Alternatives To The Toyota Fortuner
The Toyota Fortuner has been the undisputed leader of the full-size premium SUV segment in India for over 15 years. None of the SUVs from any automaker has managed to dethrone it. However, in 2026, things could change a bit. This year, we have a number of new alternatives to the Fortuner which are a lot more tech-loaded, fun to drive, and also premium, and here is the list of those SUVs. We have provided all the details of the SUVs which you can buy today instead of the Toyota Fortuner.
The first SUV in this list is the premium 7-seater from the German automotive giant Volkswagen, and it is the newly launched Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line. This SUV has been launched with a price tag of Rs 46.99 lakh and comes offered with a powerful 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine which makes 204 PS and 320 Nm. Gearbox duties are handled by a 7-speed DCT, and it also gets an AWD system as well.
What makes the Tayron R-Line unique is its lightning-quick shifts, which give it a very sporty driving feel. Also, it offers strong high-speed stability when compared to the Fortuner. Additionally, it offers faster acceleration, a smooth and more refined driving feel, and it is also very engaging to drive.
Apart from these, the Tayron R-Line is loaded with features. These include a massive 15-inch touchscreen, 10.25-inch digital cockpit, heads-up display, 30-colour ambient lighting, and an 11-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. It also gets ventilated and massaging seats, 12-way powered seats, a panoramic sunroof, 3-zone climate control, Level 2 ADAS, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, a 360-degree camera, and 9 airbags, along with much more.
Next up in the list is the smaller 5-seater version of the Tayron R-Line, which is the Tiguan R-Line. This SUV looks almost the same as the Tayron R-Line. However, instead of the 7-seat configuration, it offers a 5-seater layout. Apart from being a CBU (Completely Built Unit), the Tiguan R-Line is the same as the Tayron R-Line.
It comes powered by the same 2.0-litre turbo TSI petrol engine capable of making 204 PS and 320 Nm of torque. This SUV also comes with the same 7-speed DCT and all-wheel-drive system. As for its main highlight when compared to the Tayron, as well as the main rival Fortuner, it is lighter and offers sharper handling. It is currently one of the most fun-to-drive SUVs in the segment.
The Tiguan R-Line also offers far superior cornering, and it is more stable at high speeds. Additionally, its petrol engine refinement is an added advantage. It comes with the same feature list as the Tayron R-Line mentioned above. This particular SUV is for those who want to have a lot of driving pleasure and a luxury feel and don’t necessarily need the 3rd row. The Tiguan R-Line is priced at Rs 45.73 lakh.
Based on the same platform as the Tayron R-Line, the Czech carmaker Skoda’s Kodiaq, which was launched back in April of last year, is another very classy alternative to the Fortuner. This SUV is a very premium, family-focused monocoque SUV which prioritizes a strong balance of comfort and performance.
It also comes equipped with the same 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine which makes 204 bhp and 320 Nm of torque as the SUVs mentioned above. The gearbox also remains the same 7-speed DSG with an AWD system. When compared to the Fortuner, the Kodiaq is smooth yet quick, and it is a very stable highway cruiser.
Unlike the Volkswagen twins, it is more comfort-oriented. Its list of features includes a 13-inch infotainment screen, a 10-inch digital cockpit, a 13-speaker Canton audio system, ambient lighting, and ventilated, heated, and massaging seats. Other notable highlights include a sliding and reclining second row, a panoramic sunroof, 9 airbags, an electronic differential lock, hill descent control, Level 2+ ADAS, and much more. The Skoda Kodiaq is priced in the range of Rs 39.9 lakh to Rs 45.95 lakh.
Last on this list is the most direct rival of the Fortuner, and it is none other than the soon-to-be-launched MG Majestor D+ segment SUV. Apart from its mammoth-like size, the Majestor has a lot of things to offer which make it a very worthy opponent of the Fortuner. The main highlight includes its 2.0-litre twin-turbo diesel engine, which makes 215 PS and 478 Nm.
It comes mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox, and it will be offered with both rear-wheel-drive and 4x4 configurations. The Majestor will come with triple differential locks, 10 terrain modes, crawl control, 219 mm ground clearance, and a massive 810 mm water-wading capacity, making it much more capable than the Toyota Fortuner in extreme conditions.
Other notable highlights will include a free-standing 12.3-inch touchscreen, premium leatherette upholstery, multi-zone automatic climate control, ventilated seats with heating and massaging functions, ambient lighting, and a panoramic sunroof. The Majestor will be for those who want a true ladder-frame SUV but also need all the creature comforts and safety features which the Toyota Fortuner misses out on. The pricing of the Majestor will be around Rs 45–50 lakh.