The Chevrolet Trailblazer takes on the Toyota Fortuner in our spec-sheet comparo
Despite the presence of cheaper and capable alternatives, the Toyota Fortuner has been the undisputed king of SUVs in India. Much of it is down to the fact that no other SUV in its price bracket offers the kind of presence the Fortuner does. Chevrolet has plans to challenge Toyota for the top spot and their contender for this task is the Trailblazer SUV. Showcased at the Auto Expo last year, General Motors sure seems to have taken its own sweet time in launching the car, but the SUV is finally here. However, the big question here is- Will it be able to put up a good fight against the Fortuner? Find out here in our Chevrolet Trailblazer vs Toyota Fortuner comparison story.
Also See- Toyota Innova Crysta vs Fortuner
Design
When it comes to looks, most SUV buyers expect a butch design more than anything else which is one of the major driving force behind the Toyota Fortuner’s success in India. The Chevrolet Trailblazer gets a very butch looking exterior as well which would definitely work in its favour. The design is a mix of typical Chevrolet SUV styling seen on bigger SUVs sold internationally with a healthy dose of soft-roader like design cues giving it enough street presence to please most buyers. The rear is a bit similar to that of the Fortuner with simple rectangular tail lamps and wraparound glass area.
It is very hard to find faults in the Fortuner’s styling. The only real issue is the fact that it has been around for quite some time now and its popularity in the market means there are too many of them on the road. The Chevy will have the advantage of being a fresh face when it is launched in India.
The interiors of the Chevrolet Trailblazer look much more modern than that of the Fortuner’s. The interiors of the Toyota appear old and dated, especially elements such as the climate control and the steering wheel. Plus, most of it is shared with the Innova which is a bit of a turn off for a car costing 25 lakhs. Both SUVs come with 7 seats and are dimensionally identical which means interior space will be similar. The interiors will be finished in black and beige and there will be a touchscreen infotainment system mounted on the centre console. Overall, the Chevrolet Trailblazer is a much better place to be in.
[box type=”success” ]The Chevrolet Trailblazer is our pick thanks to a fresher face and much better interiors.[/box]
Features
The Fortuner is not exactly a very feature rich offering from Toyota as they have skimped out certain features such as rear defogger, iPod compatibility, push button start. We expect the Chevrolet Trailblazer to be offered with all these features apart from the standard common features like, rear AC vents, keyless entry, dual airbags and ABS and more.
[box type=”shadow” ]Also See – Upcoming SUVs in India 2015-16 [Mega List][/box]
[box type=”success” ]The Chevrolet Trailblazer is more feature rich package of the two as the Fortuner misses on certain features which are now offered on cars sitting a couple of segments below.[/box]
Specification
The Toyota Fortuner is currently sold with two engine options- 2.5 litre diesel producing 142 bhp and 360Nm torque and 3.0 litre diesel producing 169bhp and 343Nm torque. Chevrolet will launch the Trailblazer with a 2.8 litre diesel producing 197 bhp and 500 Nm torque. This motor will be mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission only with no manual option available. Four wheel drive as an option is only available on the Fortuner.
[box type=”shadow” ]Also See – 2016 Toyota Fortuner Rendering and Details[/box]
[box type=”success” ]The Chevrolet Trailblazer has a more powerful engine line-up. But it lacks 4-wheel drive.[/box]
Price
Chevrolet has priced the Trailblazer at INR 26.4 lakhs which places it above the 3.0 litre 2WD Fortuner priced at INR 25.17 lacs. The Toyota is currently sold in six variants ranging from INR 24.17 to 26.49 lakhs (ex-showroom, New Delhi). Although the Trailblazer offers more in terms of features and premium feel, the difference of around a lakh in terms of pricing could put it on the backfoot here.
[box type=”shadow” ]Also See – Upcoming Chevrolet Spin MPV Spy Pics and Details[/box]
[box type=”success” ]The Chevrolet Trailblazer is slightly more expensive than the the Toyota Fortuner, but it offers good value for money nonetheless[/box]
Verdict
The Chevrolet Trailblazer looks like a very promising product from General Motors and initial impressions suggest that it is more than capable of giving the Toyota Fortuner a very good fight. Unless GM manages to capitalise on the Fortuner’s shortcomings i.e. interiors and equipment level, the Trailblazer will find it hard to compete with the Fortuner or even the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport for that matter.
[box type=”success” ]The Chevrolet Trailblazer boasts of an impressive list of features, great looks and a very powerful engine, but the Toyota Fortuner is cheaper and enjoys a very strong brand image [/box]
Stay tuned to Car Blog India for more updates on the Chevrolet Fortuner vs Toyota Fortuner battle and other news from the automotive world. Also, do provide us some feedback on our Chevrolet Fortuner vs Toyota Fortuner comparison by penning down your thoughts in the comments section below.
