A Comparative Study of Toyota Fortuner and Jeep Meridian

The two most powerful models in the premium SUV segment in India are the Toyota Fortuner and Jeep Meridian. The two vehicles have established a market reputation for reliability, performance, and luxury. This chooses between the two even when one is personally interested in off-roading and another is looking for a family car. Here in this article, I will compare both models in terms of usability, safety, and finally, the amount of money you will need to spend for both models—Fortuner vs Meridian.

The Key Specifications: Toyota Fortuner vs Jeep Meridian

When we compare Meridian and Fortuner, it’s important to understand their key specifications, which play a crucial role in performance, handling, and comfort. Below are the standout points that define these SUVs:

Feature	Toyota Fortuner	Jeep Meridian
Engine Options	Powered by a 2.7L petrol engine and a 2.8L turbo-diesel engine, the Fortuner offers 163 bhp and 201 bhp, respectively. The powerful engines provide great torque, making it a beast on rugged terrains.	The Meridian comes equipped with a 2.0L turbo diesel engine, giving the power of 168 bhp. As for the acceleration and power, they are slightly lower compared to the Fortuner, but still here we can observe good results.
Transmission	Comes with both manual and automatic transmission options, paired with either a 4x2 or 4x4 drivetrain, offering flexibility for different driving needs.	Offered with a 9-speed automatic transmission system, the Meridian has a slightly more modern gearbox, better fuel economy, and smooth transition through the gears.
Dimensions	Measuring 4795mm in length, 1855mm in width, and 1835mm in height, the Fortuner has a commanding driving profile on the road.	Its dimensions are 4769 mm in length, 1859 mm in width, and 1682 mm in height; thus, it may be slightly less, but it has a more compact design perfect for urban use.
Ground Clearance	Offers a higher ground clearance of 225 mm, making it more suitable for off-roading.	Slightly lower ground clearance at 214 mm but still capable of handling uneven terrain.

Specifications and Convenience: Compare the Toyota Fortuner with the Jeep Meridian

The Fortuner and the Meridian have been launched with style and fantastic equipment designed to bring comfort and ease to the users. Here’s a breakdown of the main features of the Jeep Meridian Compare Fortuner:

Category	Toyota Fortuner	Jeep Meridian
Interior Design	Features leather seats, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and automatic climate control. The interior of the cabin is very classy right from the leg space, which makes it suitable for long-distance travel.	Equipped with leather seats, an 8-inch infotainment with a 10-inch touch, and dual-zone climate control. Meridian is more stylish externally and has more advanced technological enshrinement throughout the establishment.
Infotainment System	Equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple Car Play compatibility. The sound system is adequate but not exceptional for the segment.	The new Connect 5 interface enhances Bluetooth smartphone integration and navigation while including a bigger 10.1-inch screen and an audio system with a total of nine speakers.
Seating and Space	Provides a 7-seater configuration with foldable third-row seats, offering versatility for both passengers and cargo.	Also a 7-seater, but with better second-row seat recline angles for enhanced comfort. The rear seats in the Meridian are more accommodating than the Fortuner.
Drive Comfort	Its suspension setup is more rugged, which suits off-roading but can feel slightly stiff on city roads.	Offers a more refined suspension system, providing a smoother ride, especially on urban roads.

Safety Features: Toyota Fortuner vs Jeep Meridian

Security is a decisive point in the Jeep Meridian vs Fortuner. Both SUVs come with a host of safety features, but there are key differences.

Feature	Toyota Fortuner	Jeep Meridian
Airbags	Include 7 airbags, which consist of driver, passenger, side, curtain, and knee airbags.	Also equipped with 6 airbags, offering ample protection for all passengers.
Braking and Stability	Features consist of an Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) coupled with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), and Hill Assist Control (HAC).	Equipped with ABS with EBD, Traction Control, Hill Start Assistance, and Roll Stability Control, it is slightly superior in features compared to the Elite i20.
Off-Roading Capabilities	The 4x4 variants of the Fortuner come with a differential lock, which enhances its off-road capabilities.	Distinguished in terms of features as well, the all-wheel drive of the Meridian misses a dedicated differential lock that makes the Fortuner preferable for truly rough off-roading.
Driver Assistance Features	Basic features like rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera.	Offers advanced driver assistance features like front parking sensors, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control, making it more suitable for tech-savvy buyers.

Price Comparison: Toyota Fortuner vs Jeep Meridian

When we compare Meridian and Fortuner on pricing, there is a significant difference:

Toyota Fortuner: Priced between ₹32.59 lakh and ₹50 lakh (depending on the variant), the Fortuner comes at a premium because it is brand value plus an off-roader vehicle.
Jeep Meridian: The one starts at an entry-level of around ₹32.95 lakhs and extends to ₹38.61 lakhs. The Meridian provides a rival price for buyers looking for luxury and new-generation technologies at a cheaper cost.

Conclusion

Therefore, when comparing the two SUVs, the Fortuner vs. Meridian, the customer's benefits are based on their specific needs. If you want something built like a tank that can venture deep into the jungle or desert with ease and muscle, then the Fortuner is superior. However, if your requirements lean toward luxury, technology, and on-road comfort, then the Jeep Meridian is the best choice. For those seeking affordability without sacrificing quality, second-hand luxury cars offer a fantastic option, providing access to both models at a more budget-friendly price.

FAQs

1. Which vehicle has a better resale value?

The Toyota Fortuner traditionally holds a better resale value thanks to Toyota’s strong brand reputation and long-term reliability.

2. Which vehicle offers better cargo space?

The Toyota Fortuner offers slightly more cargo space with its foldable third-row seats, making it more versatile for large families or those needing extra luggage space.

3. Which vehicle has better after-sales support?

Jeep offers fewer services than Toyota for its car models within India and has a limited setup footprint, especially in towns and small cities, as compared to Toyota, which has a broader network across the country.