Upcoming Fortuner Rivals To Look Out For! » MotorOctane

For years, the Toyota Fortuner has ruled the premium SUV segment in India with strong sales and long waiting periods. But now, new SUVs are arriving with different styles. The real question is, are they good enough to make buyers think twice before choosing the Fortuner? Here is all you need to know.
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1. Skoda Kodiaq RS – Upcoming Fortuner Rivals

Skoda has answered that question with the Skoda Kodiaq RS, set to launch in India by June 2026 as a limited-volume CBU import, making it Skoda’s very first RS-badged SUV in the country. Under the hood, it is expected to come with a 2.0-litre TSI turbo-petrol engine producing around 265 bhp and 400 Nm of torque, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic and all-wheel drive, with the global-spec model claiming a 0-100 kmph sprint in 6.3 seconds and a top speed of around 231 kmph.

On the outside, the RS gets restyled bumpers, blacked-out roof rails and window frames, Skoda’s signature grille with a dark treatment, 20-inch alloy wheels, and red brake callipers. Inside, an all-dark cabin with red contrast stitching, heavily bolstered RS sport seats, a 13-inch touchscreen, and a fully digital driver display completes the performance-focused setup, while also offering premium comfort with features like massage seats, ventilated front seats, 3-zone climate control, a Canton surround-sound system, a panoramic sunroof, a 360-degree camera, and auto parking. Safety is well covered too, with 9 airbags and a 5-star Euro NCAP rating, while boot space ranges from 281 litres to 786 litres with the rear seats folded. It is expected to be priced between Rs 60 lakh and Rs 68 lakh (on-road, Mumbai).

Also Read: 5 Premium SUVs Worth Waiting For!

2. MG Majestor 

The MG Majestor is MG’s bold step into the premium SUV space, aiming to offer a bigger, more luxurious, and more capable package. Positioned above the MG Gloster, it stands out with its larger size, strong road presence, and focus on both comfort and off-road ability.

Under the hood, it gets a 2.0-litre twin-turbo diesel engine producing around 213 bhp and 478 Nm of torque. This 4-cylinder engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic gearbox. It is available in both 4WD and RWD, with terrain modes and locking differentials, making it well-suited for tough conditions.

Inside, it feels properly premium with features like ventilated and massage seats, tri-zone climate control, dual wireless chargers, a large touchscreen, and a 12-speaker sound system. It also gets Level 2 ADAS, a 360-degree camera, and a spacious 6- or 7-seat layout, making it practical for families as well. Expected to be priced around Rs 50 lakh (on-road, Mumbai), the Majestor looks like a strong and serious contender in the premium SUV market.

Know More: Upcoming SUVs With Longest Waiting Periods!

3. Volkswagen Tayron R-Line – Upcoming Fortuner Rivals

Volkswagen makes cars that feel planted, cars that seem to grip the road with quiet confidence. The Tayron R-Line continues that tradition, but with a size and presence that make it feel far more significant than the Tiguan it sits above in the lineup.

The Tayron R-Line is powered by the same 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine as the Kodiaq, producing 201 bhp and 320 Nm torque, but it’s tuned for a more driver-focused experience. Sprinting from 0-100 kmph in just 7.3 seconds with a top speed of 224 kmph, this is the most dynamically engaging SUV in this group. The 7-speed DSG and 4MOTION AWD system ensure power is always going where it’s needed.

The feature list is expansive: a 15-inch touchscreen, a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display, a 700W Harman Kardon audio system, 3-zone climate control, a head-up display with augmented reality, steering wheel heating, 12-way electrically adjustable front seats with ventilation and massage, and a powered tailgate. Safety credentials include a rock-solid 5-star Euro NCAP rating, nine airbags, Level 2 ADAS, and a 360-degree camera. It is priced at Rs 56.08 lakh (on-road, Mumbai).

But it is not for everyone. So Volkswagen is now working on a lower-spec variant to bring the price down to a more accessible range from Rs 45-52 lakh. It will have a tamer look with less aggressive styling and will skip a few premium features, such as ADAS, a panoramic sunroof, and the Harman Kardon sound system. The good news? The same 2.0-litre TSI petrol engine, 7-speed DSG, and 4Motion AWD carry over unchanged. Core comfort features like ventilated seats, tri-zone climate control, and 9 airbags are expected to be retained as well. If VW gets the pricing right, this could be the most compelling alternative to the Toyota Fortuner yet. Launch is expected in early 2027.

Read More: Most Fuel-Efficient Maruti Ever Is In The Works!

4. Hyundai Palisade

Hyundai Motor Company is expected to bring its full-size SUV, the Palisade, to India, and on paper, it appears to be a well-rounded, premium offering. The design is bold yet clean, with a large parametric chrome grille, flared wheel arches, and 21-inch wheels that give it a strong and confident road presence. Inside, the focus shifts to space and comfort, offering three rows of seating for up to seven passengers, along with features like leather upholstery, a dual-panel sunroof, ventilated front seats, second-row captain’s chairs, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12.3-inch touchscreen with BlueLink connected tech, a 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, wireless charging, and Level 2 ADAS. Safety is expected to be well covered, too, with seven airbags and a 5-star NHTSA safety rating.

Under the hood, the Palisade is expected to be powered by a 3.8-litre Atkinson-cycle V6 petrol engine producing 287 bhp and 421 Nm of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and offered with both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive options. In addition, a hybrid powertrain is also likely to come, combining a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, offering around 40 bhp and 40 Nm more than the V6 while also delivering an extended driving range of over 1000 km.

If launched in India around early 2027, with an expected on-road price range of Rs 50-55 lakh (Mumbai), it could position itself as a strong alternative in the full-size SUV segment alongside models like the Toyota Fortuner.

Also Read: Planning To Buy Thar? Consider Buying This Instead!

5. Kia Sorento – Upcoming Fortuner Rivals

Kia has steadily built a strong presence in India with models like the Kia Sonet, Kia Seltos, and Kia Carens. However, a full-size SUV has been missing from its portfolio. The Kia Sorento is expected to fill that gap, and early sightings of a camouflaged test mule on Indian roads suggest that its launch may not be far away.

Measuring around 4,820 mm in length with a 2,820 mm wheelbase, the Sorento is expected to offer a spacious and premium cabin. The interior is likely to feature a dual 12.3-inch panoramic display, quilted Nappa leather seats on higher variants, matte wood grain inserts, a 12-speaker Bose sound system, a 14-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, a heads-up display, wireless charging, ventilated seats, a 360-degree camera, and Level 2 ADAS, all within a practical 7-seater layout.

Under the hood, the India-spec Sorento is expected to be powered by a 1.6-litre turbo petrol-hybrid setup, delivering a combined output of around 238 hp (approximately 178 bhp from the engine and 65 bhp from the electric motor). Pricing is likely to start in the Rs 40-50 lakh range (on-road, Mumbai), with a potential launch window around the festive season in late 2026, positioning it as a strong alternative to established models like the Toyota Fortuner.

Also Read: Most Feature-Loaded Hyundai SUV Is On The Way!