Spec Comparo: Mahindra Alturas G4 vs Toyota Fortuner

The Mahindra Alturas G4 is almost here and you can read a detailed report about how it drives in our expert review. But before we pit it against the segment leader, the Toyota Fortuner, in the real world, let us first check out how the Alturas G4 fares against it on paper.

Design and platform

The Mahindra Alturas and the Toyota Fortuner are both old-school SUVs which means a body-on-frame construction and loads of weight. Both the SUVs weigh over two tonnes and get the front-engine all-wheel drive options with automatic gearboxes on the top trims. 

In terms of design, the Fortuner had set a benchmark for brutish macho looks with its previous generation car. The current-gen Fortuner is sleeker, but still carries the bulk and the size is evident when you see it up close. With a generous amount of chrome on the fascia, the grille and the tail gate, it looks premium as well.

The Alturas, with its boxy looks, might outweigh the Fortuner with its sheer bulk. The Land Cruiser-like squared wheel arches, 18-inch alloys with high profile tyres and the boxy boot do make it look huge. The large headlamps and the vertically slatted grille do make for an imposing fascia as well.

Interior and features

The Alturas G4 gets leather upholstery with quilted leather on the centre console, certainly a first in this segment in India. The three-row SUV gets a dual-zone automatic climate control with a separate blower control for the rear passengers as well. The driver seat is 8-way adjustable and with memory profile including the ORVMs as well. It also gets the 360-degree parking camera over the Fortuner along with its class-leading nine airbags.

The Fortuner, like the Alturas, gets an adjustable steering column, steering mounted audio control, cruise control, adjustable second row as well as third-row seats which can also be folded up to create luggage space. Both the cars get touchscreen infotainment systems, electrically operated wing mirrors, fog lamps, LED DRL, LED tail lamps among a bunch of other features.

Engine and Fuel Economy

The Alturas G4 gets a 2.2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine which is ready to comply with the BS-VI norms which are expected in 2020. It develops 178bhp of power and 420Nm of torque and comes mated to a Mercedes-sourced seven-speed automatic gearbox with four-wheel drive. 

The Fortuner is powered by a larger 2.8-litre turbo-diesel and develops 174bhp of power and 450Nm of torque. It comes mated to a six-speed automatic and also gets four-wheel drive. 

While the fuel economy figures of the Alturas are yet to be declared, the Fortuner is expected to deliver 12.9kmpl as per ARAI figures.

Conclusion

The Mahindra Alturas G4 offers an equally big and burly contender for the Fortuner, if not bigger and burlier. The Alturas is also a product engineered for global markets and hence should be quite refined and offers more features but on the other hand, Toyota’s service is rated as one of the best in the industry. If Mahindra prices the Alturas G4 at par with the Fortuner, it will be a tough choice for the buyers. But a lower pricing will give buyers the incentive to opt for the Mahindra Alturas G4.