It was a a while back when Mahindra & Mahindra acquired Ssangyong and announced that soon it will bring in Ssangyong SUVs to the Indian market. The time finally came when Mahindra has launched the Rexton W at a really attractive starting price of Rs. 17.67 lakh. At this price the Rexton is way cheaper than the segment leader Toyota Fortuner, but can it really bear the same? Well, let us find out in a detailed comparison between Mahindra Ssangyong Rexton Vs Toyota Fortuner.
Exteriors
So looks do matter as we all know and the Rexton does look quite elegant but it does not have that road presence which an SUV should have. The design has been kept too simple with nothing strikingly attractive.
The Fortuner was recently updated with some extra chrome and other cosmetic modifications which make it look even more aggressive now. It has a stout built which I personally love a lot. Compared to the Rexton, the Fortuner still has an edge in terms of design.
Mahindra SsangYong Rexton Dimensions
- Length = 4755 mm
- Width = 1900 mm
- Height = 1785 mm
- Wheelbase = 2835 mm
Toyota Fortuner Dimensions
- Overall length (mm) : 4695
- Overall width (mm): 1840
- Overall Height (mm): 1850
- Wheelbase (mm): 2750
Dimension wise the Rexton is slightly bigger than the already massive Fortuner. The Rexton is not only longer but wider as well and also has a significantly longer wheelbase.
Interiors
On the interiors the car is superbly impressive. What you see on the inside is excellent fit and finish, plush leather seats and great quality plastics. Although the design of the central console is simple, it looks decent and goes well with the inviting qualities of the interiors. Some of the features that the car has are a touchscreen interface for the audio system, DVD player, Bluetooth telephony, satellite navigation, sunroof, climate control, rear parking sensors, automatic headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, cruise control and steering-mounted audio controls.
Toyota has done a very disappointing job on the inside of Fortuner as they have modified the Innova’s dashboard, made it black and fitted the same into Fortuner. On the features front it comes with SRS Airbags (Driver + Passenger), ABS, Back Sonar, Immobilizer, Dual Auto A/c (with Rear Air Conditioner Switch & Ceiling Vents for 2nd & 3rd Rows), Power Steering with Audio & MID Control Switches on Steering Wheel, Power Windows with Driver Side Auto Up-Down, Tilt Steering Column, 2 DIN 6CD Changer (MP3, WMA), AM&FM Audio System with 6 Speakers, Keyless Entry, Power Door Lock, MID (Multi Information Display).
In terms of seating comfort the Fortuner is better while if you compare them on the grounds of features, the Rexton is better.
Engine And Performance
Mahindra SsangYong Rexton Engine
- Type: In line 5 Cylinder DOHC Turbocharged diesel unit
- Displacement: 2.7 litres
- Max Output: 162 BHP at 4000 RPM for Manual Version, 184 BHP at 4000 RPM for Automatic version
- Max Torque: 340 Nm @ 1800 – 3250 RPM for Manual, 402 Nm @ 1600 – 3000 RPM for Automatic
- ARAI certified mileage of 11.81 KMPL for auto and 12.4 KMPL for manual
Toyota Fortune Engine
- Type: D-4D Diesel with Intercooler Turbocharger, 4 Cylinders In-line
- Valve Train: 16 Valve DOHC
- Displacement (cc): 2982 cm³
- Fuel Supply System: Common-Rail type
- Max. Output: 170 BHP @ 3600 rpm
- Max. Torque: 343 Nm @ 1400-3400 rpm
- ARAI certified mileage of 12.55 KMPL
The Rexton is available with a 2.7 litre engine which has been tuned differently for the manual and automatic variant. Both the variants differ in terms of power and torque output. The Fortuner gets a bigger 3.0 litre whose torque and power figures are comparable to that of the manual Rexton.
Ride And Handling
The suspension of the Rexton is quite soft which makes it difficult to derive any pleasure out of it. Handling is mediocre and won’t amaze you. The Fortuner is definitely better in terms of drivability, though it is too bumpy on city roads.
Price And Value For Money
The Rexton W RX5 MT has been priced at Rs. 17.75 Lakh and the RX7 AT 4WD is priced at Rs. 19.75 Lakh, both prices ex-showroom New Delhi. The Fortuner is priced between Rs. 21.15 lakh and Rs. 22.32 lakh.
Verdict– Mahindra SsangYong Rexton Vs Toyota Fortuner
Before we come to any conclusion, it is needed to mention here that the Rexton has an edge over the Fortuner when it comes the 4×4 system. Mahindra is offering the 4×4 system on both the manual and automatic models of the Rexton. Further the top end Rexton variant comes with all wheel drive system along with an auto box, whereas the Fortuner top end is a 4×2 with auto transmission.
Coming to comfort seating posture the Fortuner is better. In terms of features the Rexton is better. Performance wise both are quite powerful machines but the power is more efficiently used in the Fortuner and not the Rexton. Considering the price difference which is a significant 3+ lakh, we believe anyone would overlook the goods of the Fortuner and will take the Rexton, but to us they are unique in their own way and we suggest you to test drive both the vehicles first.
Also read – Mahindra SsangYong Rexton Vs Ford Endeavour
