MG Motor India is set to launch the Majestor SUV in the coming weeks. Positioned as India’s first D+ segment SUV, it will primarily rival the Toyota Fortuner here. We recently drove the Majestor in Kochi, and based on our experience, it outclasses the Fortuner in several areas. However, its success will ultimately depend on one key factor- pricing!
First, it is the sheer size of the Majestor. It measures 5,046 mm in length, 2,016 mm in width, and 1,876 mm in height. The wheelbase stands at 2,950 mm. These numbers are significantly bigger than those of the Fortuner. The Toyota SUV is 4,795 mm long, 1,855 mm wide, and 1,835 mm tall. It has a wheelbase of 2,745mm. To give you more perspective, the Majestor is longer than a Land Cruiser!
This sharp difference translates into a corresponding premium in road presence. The Majestor looks butch and feels massive to drive. The Fortuner itself is a big SUV, but the Majestor makes it look small!
Another area in which the Majestor outclasses the Fortuner is in interior quality. It has a cabin that looks and feels modern. The Fortuner, on the other hand, has a cabin that looks dated in comparison. Everything from the interior design to the trims and materials used have started to show their age.
The Fortuner is at a major disadvantage when it comes to features and equipment. Despite its steep pricing, the Fortuner doesn’t get a long list of features. The Majestor comes with features like a large panoramic sunroof, powered and ventilated front seats with massage function, 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto, 12-speaker JBL audio, wireless charger, digital driver’s display, three-zone climate control, 360-degree camera, powered tailgate, level 2 ADAS and more.
Many of these features are absent on the Fortuner. Sunroof, massage function for the front seats and ADAS are all examples. Even for infotainment duties, it gets a much smaller 8-inch touchscreen.
Another area where the Majestor excels is the ride quality. We appreciated its suspension setup during our first drive. The vehicle feels composed at most speeds and keeps the occupants comfortable. The Fortuner’s ride, in comparison, is significantly more ‘bouncy’, especially on bad roads.
Both are ladder-frame SUVs. The suspension is, however, better on the MG. The Fortuner gets a double wishbone mechanism at the front and a four-link setup with coil springs, at the rear. The Majestor has double wishbone independent front suspension and a five-link integral rear suspension- technically much better.
The Majestor has a wider track than the Fortuner, and the same has helped in boosting its lateral stability and in reducing body roll. It gives the SUV a planted feel at speeds. Also, it is the Majestor that has a roomier, more comfortable third-row seat.
When it comes to off-road abilities, the Majestor has a notable advantage over the Fortuner, mainly due to the hardcore off-road hardware and electronics that it packs. It comes with three differential locks, crawl control with selectable speeds, 10 terrain modes and several other off-road-related features.
Despite all these advantages, the Fortuner continues to enjoy strong brand recall in India. It already owns an iconic status within SUV aspirants. Overtaking it in sales will not be easy. The Majestor will need a compelling price tag for this. A well-judged price could make it a strong contender, while a misstep could limit its chances of finding success here.