The mid-size Fortuner, a trusted name since 2007, boasts legendary reliability, durability, and off-road prowess. In contrast, the 2020-launched MG Gloster, a full-size SUV, prioritizes luxury and spaciousness for a premium driving experience. So, which one reigns supreme? Read on to discover the perfect SUV for you.
SUVs dominate the roads today, offering a winning combination of space, comfort, and style for diverse drivers.
The global market is booming, projected to reach $51.9 billion by 2027. But with countless options, selecting the right SUV can feel overwhelming.
Navigating this sea of choices requires careful consideration of your needs, preferences, and budget. Key factors include size, engine power, fuel efficiency, safety features, technology, design, and price. To simplify your search, we’ll compare two popular contenders: the Toyota Fortuner and the MG Gloster.
Table of Contents
Engine and Performance Comparison: Toyota Fortuner vs MG Gloster
Engine and Performance
Toyota Fortuner
The Toyota Fortuner packs a punch under the hood, offering drivers a choice between two engines: a 2.7-liter gasoline engine and a popular 2.8-liter turbodiesel.
The diesel option stands out for its impressive power and torque, making it a favorite among Fortuner drivers.
Displacement: 2.8L Turbo-Diesel
Power: Around 201 hp (150 kW)
Torque: Up to 500 Nm
MG Gloster
The MG Gloster boasts a powerful heart: a 2.0-liter twin-turbo diesel engine. This engine is specifically designed to deliver a premium driving experience, combining impressive performance with smooth operation.
Displacement: 2.0L Twin-Turbo Diesel
Power: Close to 215 hp (160 kW)
Torque: Approximately 480 Nm
Fuel Efficiency
Toyota Fortuner
The Fortuner’s mileage tends to be decent for its class, although exact figures can vary based on the transmission and driving conditions. It generally has:
City Mileage: Around 10-12 km/l for the diesel variant
Highway Mileage: Approximately 12-14 km/l for the diesel variant
MG Gloster
The MG Gloster is known for incorporating technology for an efficient drive, however, being a large SUV, it offers:
City Mileage: Likely to be in the range of 8-10 km/l
Highway Mileage: Could be expected near 10-12 km/l
Transmission Options
Toyota Fortuner
The Fortuner caters to diverse driving preferences by offering both manual and automatic transmission options. This allows drivers to choose the level of control and engagement they desire:
Manual transmission: Ideal for drivers who enjoy a more connected and engaging driving experience, offering full control over gear changes.
Automatic transmission: Provides a smoother and more relaxed driving experience, especially in stop-and-go traffic, making it popular for everyday commutes.
MG Gloster
Unlike the Fortuner, the MG Gloster streamlines the driving experience by offering only an automatic transmission.
This choice reflects the Gloster’s focus on premium comfort and effortless driving. The smooth-shifting automatic transmission allows drivers to relax and enjoy the journey, focusing on the road ahead.
Dimensions and Space
Dimensions
Toyota Fortuner:
Length: Approximately 4,795 mm
Width: Approximately 1,855 mm
Height: Approximately 1,835 mm
MG Gloster
Length: Approximately 4,985 mm
Width: Approximately 1,926 mm
Height: Approximately 1,867 mm
Generally, the MG Gloster is longer, wider, and taller than the Toyota Fortuner, which suggests it might have more presence on the road and potentially more space inside.
Cabin Space and Seating Capacity
Toyota Fortuner
The Toyota Fortuner is a popular SUV that can seat up to seven passengers in a 2-3-2 seating configuration.
The cabin space is ample with enough headroom and legroom for adults, especially in the first two rows. The third row is more suitable for children or shorter journeys for adults.
The first and second rows of seats offer plenty of legroom and headroom, even for tall passengers.
The third row is best suited for children or short adults, as it can be cramped for long journeys.
The Fortuner has a spacious cargo area with plenty of room for luggage. The cargo space can be further expanded by folding down the second and third rows of seats.
The Fortuner’s interior is comfortable and well-appointed, with quality materials and plenty of features.
MG Gloster
The MG Gloster offers comparable seating capacity to the Fortuner, accommodating up to seven passengers in a 2-3-2 configuration.
However, it also provides an additional option of a 6-seater layout featuring captain’s chairs in the second row for enhanced comfort and individual space.
Both SUVs prioritize spaciousness, with the Gloster leveraging its larger dimensions to provide generous headroom and legroom in the first and second rows. Similar to the Fortuner, the third row remains more suitable for children or shorter adults for extended journeys due to potential limitations in legroom.
Boot Space Capacity
Toyota Fortuner: The boot space is around 296 liters when all three rows of seating are in use. With the third row folded, this space increases significantly, allowing for more significant luggage capacity.
MG Gloster: The boot space with all seats upright tends to be slightly more accommodating than the Fortuner, given its larger overall size, at around 343 liters. With the third row down, the cargo space expands to provide a substantial area for luggage and gear.
Features and Technology
Toyota Fortuner
Safety Features: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Hill Start Assist Control (HAC), and multiple airbags.
Comfort and Convenience: Automatic Climate Control, leather seats, power-adjustable driver’s seat, and a cool box.
Technology: Smart key entry with push-button start, and touchscreen infotainment with navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.
Unique Features: The Fortuner may offer off-road specific features such as a limited-slip differential, off-road driving modes, or other features designed to enhance its capability on rough terrain.
MG Gloster
Safety Features: Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) which may include autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and park assist with a 360-degree camera.
Comfort and Convenience: Heated and ventilated seats, massage function for the driver’s seat, three-zone climate control.
Technology: The Gloster typically has a large touchscreen infotainment system with MG’s iSmart technology that includes connectivity features, voice recognition, and in-built apps.
Unique Features: The Gloster might offer a more advanced level of autonomous driving features for an SUV in its class, which could be a standout compared to the Fortuner.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Both the Toyota Fortuner and MG Gloster offer touchscreen infotainment systems with standard connectivity features like Bluetooth, USB, and often Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, they cater to different preferences:
MG Gloster: Boasts a larger screen and richer connected features through its iSmart platform. This platform allows for smartphone integration, real-time vehicle monitoring, and even remote control of certain functions via a mobile app, catering to tech-savvy users who desire a comprehensive connected experience. Toyota Fortuner: Focuses on essential connectivity with the reliability of well-established software and navigation assistance. This approach prioritizes user-friendliness and familiarity for those who value straightforward functionality.
Safety and Security
Toyota Fortuner
MG Gloster
Airbags: Front and side airbags for the driver and front passenger, curtain airbags, and a driver knee airbag are often standard.
ABS: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD).
Stability Control: Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRC).
Hill Assist: Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) and Downhill Assist Control (DAC) on certain models.
Parking Assistance: Rear parking sensors and a rearview camera are commonly standard; front sensors and a 360-degree camera may be available on higher trims.
Advanced Safety: Some models may include features like Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert, and a Pre-Collision System.
MG Gloster
Airbags: Dual front airbags, side airbags, and curtain airbags are typically standard.
ABS: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist.
Stability Control: Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with traction control.
Hill Assist: Hill-start Assist Control and Hill Descent Control.
Parking Assistance: Front and rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, and on select models, a 360-degree camera.
Advanced Safety: The Gloster is known for being equipped with advanced driver-assistance features, such as Adaptive Cruise Control, Automatic Parking Assist, Forward Collision Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Detection, and Lane Departure Warning.
Off-road Capability
Toyota Fortuner
The Toyota Fortuner has carved a reputation for its impressive off-road prowess. This stems from several key features:
Rugged build: The Fortuner utilizes a body-on-frame construction, renowned for its durability and strength in challenging terrain.
4WD prowess: Most Fortuner models boast selectable four-wheel drive (4WD) systems, often equipped with low-range gearing for tackling steep inclines and uneven surfaces.
Elevated stance: The Fortuner typically offers high ground clearance, usually around 220mm or more, allowing it to clear obstacles effortlessly.
Off-road assistance: Features like hill-start assist and rear differential lock further enhance its off-road capabilities by preventing rollbacks on inclines and maintaining traction on loose surfaces.
Advanced technology: Some higher-end models even boast terrain response systems that adjust the vehicle’s settings for specific environments like mud, sand, or rock, optimizing performance for each unique challenge.
MG Gloster
The MG Gloster, while primarily marketed as a luxury SUV, shouldn’t be underestimated when it comes to off-road capabilities. Here’s how it compares to the Fortuner:
4WD system: Similar to the Fortuner, the Gloster typically offers an on-demand four-wheel drive system, providing flexibility for tackling diverse terrain.
Ground clearance: While slightly lower than the Fortuner, the Gloster’s around 210mm ground clearance still allows for decent obstacle clearance.
Off-road features: The Gloster equips itself with features like hill descent control and an electronic differential lock, aiding in maintaining control on steep inclines and loose surfaces.
Terrain management system: Similar to the Fortuner’s advanced models, some Gloster variants might boast a terrain management system to optimize performance on different terrains like mud, sand, or rock.
Additional off-road considerations
Approach and departure angles: These angles determine the steepness of inclines a vehicle can handle without scraping the front or rear bumpers. Generally, higher angles indicate better off-road capability. While specific values for both SUVs might require further research, it’s worth noting that the Fortuner’s body-on-frame construction might inherently offer some advantage in this aspect.
Water wading depth: This specifies the maximum depth of water a vehicle can safely traverse. Both SUVs might offer decent water wading depths, allowing them to navigate shallow water crossings. However, it’s crucial to consult the owner’s manual for specific limitations and avoid exceeding them to prevent damage.
Toyota Fortuner vs MG Gloster: Head-to-Head Comparison
Feature
Toyota Fortuner
MG Gloster
Starting Price (ex-showroom)
₹ 33.43 Lakh
₹ 37.50 Lakh
Engine (Top Model)
2.7L Diesel, 204 PS
2.0L Diesel, 163 PS
Mileage (ARAI)
10.01 kmpl (Diesel)
13.92 kmpl (Diesel)
Dimensions (L x W x H)
4795 x 1855 x 1835 mm
4985 x 1926 x 1867 mm
Seating Capacity
7
6 or 7
Boot Space
296 liters
343 liters
Features
LED headlights, sunroof, touchscreen infotainment system, cruise control, automatic climate control
Panoramic sunroof, digital instrument cluster, 360° camera, ADAS features
Safety
7 airbags, ABS, ESP, hill hold control
6 airbags, ABS, ESP, hill hold control, ADAS features
Off-road Capability
4WD option, good ground clearance
4WD option, good ground clearance
Brand Reputation
Strong brand reputation, known for reliability
Relatively new brand, gaining reputation
FAQ
What sets Toyota Fortuner apart from other SUVs?
Fortuner’s strengths: Legendary reliability, proven off-road capability, strong resale value
Is the MG Gloster suitable for city driving?
Gloster for city: Yes, comfortable ride, ample features, but larger size might be cumbersome in tight spaces
How do the maintenance costs compare between the two?
Fortuner generally has lower maintenance costs due to wider service network and readily available parts
