The Toyota Fortuner has been one of India's most popular premium SUVs for years. Its strong road presence, ladder-frame construction, diesel engine and reputation for durability have made it a familiar choice among buyers looking for a large SUV.
But the Fortuner is no longer the only option worth considering.
The Indian SUV market has changed considerably, and 2026 brings several alternatives that approach the segment from very different angles. Some focus on luxury and technology, others offer better urban comfort, while a few deliver serious off-road ability without requiring Fortuner money.
So, if you are planning to buy a large SUV but don't want to automatically choose the Fortuner, here are five alternatives worth checking out.
MG Majestor
If your idea of a large SUV includes a spacious cabin, premium features and serious off-road equipment, the MG Majestor deserves a close look.
Positioned above the Gloster, the Majestor is aimed at buyers who want something more luxurious and feature-heavy than the traditional Fortuner formula. It uses a 2.0-litre twin-turbo diesel engine producing 215.5 PS and 478.5 Nm, paired with an eight-speed automatic gearbox.
The Majestor is also much more than a road-going luxury SUV. Its 4WD version gets triple differential locks, multiple terrain modes and crawl control, along with an impressive 810mm water-wading capability.
Inside, the SUV brings features such as ventilated and massaging front seats, three-zone climate control, wireless charging and Level 2 ADAS. It is available in both 2WD and 4WD configurations.
The starting price is around Rs 42.49 lakh ex-showroom, depending on the current variant and pricing structure.
Why consider it instead of the Fortuner?
The Majestor makes sense for buyers who want a larger, more luxurious and more technology-loaded SUV without giving up serious off-road hardware.
Best for: Luxury, road presence and off-road capability.
Kia Sorento
The Kia Sorento takes a completely different approach from the Fortuner.
Instead of concentrating mainly on ruggedness, Kia has focused on technology, comfort, cabin space and powertrain variety. The Sorento is available with a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol strong-hybrid setup as well as a 2.2-litre diesel engine.
The hybrid powertrain combines a 180hp turbo-petrol engine with an electric motor, while the diesel develops 193hp and 442Nm. Higher variants are also available with AWD.
Another interesting aspect is the choice of seating configurations. Buyers can choose between six- and seven-seat layouts, giving the Sorento some flexibility for family use.
The SUV also comes loaded with modern equipment, including dual 12.3-inch displays, a 360-degree camera, Level 2+ ADAS, ventilated seats and other premium cabin features.
Prices start at Rs 27.99 lakh ex-showroom for the diesel version, while the strong-hybrid range starts at Rs 29.49 lakh. Higher variants with AWD cost more.
Why consider it instead of the Fortuner?
The Sorento is a strong choice if your priorities are premium interiors, technology, comfort and a choice between diesel and hybrid power.
Best for: Families, technology and buyers looking for a more modern SUV experience.
Jeep Meridian
The Jeep Meridian is another interesting Fortuner alternative, particularly for buyers who want a three-row SUV with a strong focus on driving ability.
The Meridian uses a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine producing 170hp and 350Nm. Depending on the variant, it can be paired with a six-speed manual or nine-speed automatic transmission. Buyers can also choose between 2WD and 4WD.
The 4WD versions get Jeep's Selec-Terrain system with different drive modes designed for varying surfaces and conditions. That makes the Meridian more than just a city-focused seven-seater.
For 2026, Jeep has also introduced sliding second-row seats on higher variants. The adjustment gives passengers more flexibility when balancing second- and third-row space.
Prices start at Rs 23.33 lakh ex-showroom, while the top variants go considerably higher depending on the configuration.
Why consider it instead of the Fortuner?
The Meridian offers a more manageable alternative for buyers who want diesel power, three-row practicality and 4WD capability without immediately moving into the Fortuner's higher price range.
Best for: Driving enthusiasts, highway trips and buyers who want diesel plus 4WD.
Skoda Kodiaq
If off-road ability is not your biggest priority, the Skoda Kodiaq can be a very appealing alternative.
The Kodiaq focuses heavily on premium cabin quality, comfort, performance and technology. The 2026 version continues with a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine producing 204hp and 320Nm, paired with a seven-speed DSG automatic transmission. AWD is offered as standard.
One of the biggest additions for 2026 is the availability of ADAS. Depending on the variant, the Kodiaq gets features such as adaptive cruise control, lane assistance, blind-spot detection and frontal collision assistance.
The SUV also offers a premium interior, panoramic sunroof, 360-degree camera and other comfort-oriented equipment on higher variants.
The 2026 Kodiaq starts at Rs 36.99 lakh ex-showroom for the Lounge variant. The Sportline and Selection L&K variants cost more.
Why consider it instead of the Fortuner?
The Kodiaq is better suited to buyers who spend most of their time on paved roads and want a refined, premium SUV with strong performance and modern technology.
Best for: Premium family use, highway driving and urban comfort.
Mahindra Scorpio-N
For buyers who like the Fortuner's rugged SUV character but don't want to spend anywhere near as much, the Mahindra Scorpio-N is one of the most obvious alternatives.
The Scorpio-N retains a ladder-frame construction and offers both petrol and diesel engines. Select diesel variants are available with Mahindra's 4Xplor 4WD system, making it one of the more affordable options for buyers who genuinely want four-wheel-drive capability.
The 2026 update has also made the Scorpio-N considerably more feature-rich. It now gets a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, panoramic sunroof and a 540-degree surround-view camera with blind-view monitoring on higher variants.
The biggest attraction, however, remains its price.
The 2026 Scorpio-N starts at Rs 13.69 lakh ex-showroom and goes up to Rs 25.49 lakh for the range-topping variant.
Why consider it instead of the Fortuner?
The Scorpio-N gives buyers the high-riding, rugged SUV experience at a much lower entry price. It is especially attractive for people who want a diesel, 4WD and three-row practicality without moving into the Rs 30-50 lakh price bracket.
Best for: Value, ruggedness and buyers on a tighter budget.
There is no single winner because each SUV targets a slightly different type of buyer.
| SUV | What it does best |
| MG Majestor | Luxury + serious off-road ability |
| Kia Sorento | Technology + comfort + hybrid option |
| Jeep Meridian | Diesel + driving experience + 4WD |
| Skoda Kodiaq | Premium cabin + highway comfort |
| Mahindra Scorpio-N | Value + rugged SUV character |
The Fortuner still has an important advantage of its own. It combines a body-on-frame platform, seven-seat practicality, 4x4 capability and Toyota's long-standing reputation for reliability.
However, buyers who don't specifically need that combination have plenty of alternatives now.
Your choice should depend on what you expect from your SUV.
Choose the MG Majestor if you want a large, luxurious SUV with serious 4WD hardware.
Choose the Kia Sorento if technology, comfort and a hybrid powertrain are high on your priority list.
Choose the Jeep Meridian if you want a diesel SUV with strong driving characteristics and the option of 4WD.
Choose the Skoda Kodiaq if most of your driving is on highways and city roads and you value refinement over rugged off-road ability.
Choose the Mahindra Scorpio-N if you want a rugged three-row SUV while keeping the purchase budget much lower.
The Toyota Fortuner remains a strong choice, but buying a large SUV in India in 2026 no longer means choosing between only a handful of models.
The MG Majestor brings a more luxurious and capable package, the Kia Sorento offers a modern technology-focused approach with hybrid and diesel choices, the Jeep Meridian blends three-row practicality with Jeep's 4WD expertise, and the Skoda Kodiaq targets buyers who prefer premium road manners.
Then there is the Scorpio-N, which makes the whole segment more interesting by offering much of the traditional SUV appeal at a significantly lower price.
In short, the best Fortuner alternative depends less on the badge and more on how you plan to use the SUV. If you spend weekends off-road, your priorities will be very different from someone who uses the vehicle primarily for city driving and long highway journeys.
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