For a while, the Toyota Fortuner has reigned supreme, uncontested since the Ford Endeavour’s departure. It’s the go-to choice for most buyers. But now, Jeep has thrown down the gauntlet with the Meridian, aiming to take on the Fortuner head-to-head. The Jeep Meridian isn’t holding back—it’s ready to give the Fortuner a run for its money.
The Toyota Fortuner, a symbol of unwavering reliability and off-road mastery, commands attention on the road with its rugged design and solid build. Meanwhile, the Jeep Meridian adds a fresh touch with its iconic Jeep grille, striking style and a blend of luxurious features and off-road capabilities. We’re about to explore the strengths of these SUV behemoths, pitting the tried-and-true history of the Toyota Fortuner against the innovative approach of the Jeep Meridian in the realm of adventure and luxury.
In the faceoff – Toyota Fortuner vs Mg Gloster, let us help you decide by presenting you with a detailed comparison between the two. Fasten your seatbelts as we dive into the factors that will influence your ultimate choice.
Dimensions: Toyota Fortuner vs Jeep Meridian
Dimensions | Toyota Fortuner | Jeep Meridian |
Length | 4795 mm | 4769 mm |
Width | 1855 mm | 1859 mm |
Height | 1835 mm | 1700 mm |
Wheelbase | 2745 mm | 2794 mm |
Boot Space | 296 litres | 233 Litres |
Ground clearance | 225 mm(unladen) | 214 mm(unladen) |
The Toyota Fortuner is longer than the Jeep Meridian pointing to good handling and stability while a taller height increases the headroom on offer. The difference in width is negligible while the larger wheelbase of the Meridian translates into a spacious and luxurious cabin especially for the rear passengers.
The Jeep Meridian embraces its Jeep lineage with pride, taking cues from the Compass and new Cherokee. Its design strikes a harmonious blend of boldness and resilience, creating a rugged yet refined persona. Noteworthy 18-inch dual-tone alloy wheels, adorned with a snowflake pattern, inject a touch of uniqueness. At the rear, slim tail-lamps, a confident chrome strip, and a polished fender contribute to the Meridian’s sophisticated allure.
Shifting to the Toyota Fortuner, it flaunts distinct updates like a redesigned grille, refreshed headlamps, and enhanced LED graphics. Lower bumper tweaks accommodate larger air intakes, subtly altering its look. Rear changes include a new tail lamp layout and fresh alloy wheel design. The Fortuner’s modern styling is boosted by new 18-inch alloy wheels, emphasising rugged charm. All seamlessly integrated with its durable body-on-frame build.
Comparatively, the Fortuner boasts aggressive road presence due to size, while the Jeep offers greater cabin space and luxury with its wider width and wheelbase. Fortuner leads in boot space and ground clearance. Yet, the iconic Jeep Brand and grille make the Meridian undeniably desirable on the road.
Engine and Transmission: Toyota Fortuner vs Jeep Meridian
Specifications | Toyota Fortuner | Jeep Meridian |
Engine | 2.7 L DOHC Petrol | 2.0 L Turbo 4 Cylinder |
2.8 L DOHC Diesel |
| |
Power | 166 PS | 170 PS |
204 PS |
| |
Torque | 245Nm | 350Nm |
500Nm |
| |
Transmission | 5 Speed manual (P) | 6-speed |
6 speed manual (D) | 9-speed TC | |
6 speed automatic (D) | ||
Mileage | 10.3 km/l for petrol | 15.10kmpl(MT) |
14.4 km/l for diesel | 14.60kmpl(AT) |
In the Toyota Fortuner vs Jeep Meridian comparison, the Jeep Meridian stands out with its diesel-only engine offering, a strategic move considering its size and weight. This diesel powerplant’s lower rpm torque delivery suits slower speeds and the vehicle’s proportions. The Meridian employs the 2.0-liter multijet II turbocharged diesel engine for dependable performance. Transmission options include a 6-speed manual or 9-speed automatic, with the Meridian Limited 4X4 exclusively equipped with the automatic. The Meridian offers adaptable powertrains with manual/auto 2WD and automatic 4WD, showcasing versatility and capability.
Shifting focus to the Toyota Fortuner, enhancements to its turbocharger and cylinder head elevate diesel engine power and torque outputs. These gains enhance both on-road and off-road capabilities, bolstering fuel efficiency, particularly in the automatic variant. Drive modes from Eco to Sport enable a customizable driving experience, influencing engine responses and steering. Steering system improvements provide finer variable speed control, enhancing stability and control for a commanding driving experience.
The addition of a petrol engine variant to the Fortuner lineup provides a strategic advantage, especially in markets where the diesel option may encounter restricted acceptance. While the Jeep diesel engine is smaller (giving you better mileage) than the one offered on the Fortuner, the state of tune means that you will not get a markedly discernable difference with adequate power and torque on tap.
A petrolhead will naturally choose the Fortuner while the diesels come down to personal choices.
Features and Comfort : Toyota Fortuner vs Jeep Meridian
Features | Toyota Fortuner | Jeep Meridian |
Infotainment System | 8 inch touchscreen system | 10.1 inch Touchscreen Display |
Music System | 6 speakers | 9 High-Performance Alpine Speakers |
Climate Control | Yes(Automatic) | Dual zone |
Ventilated Seats | Yes | Yes(top variant only) |
Adjustable Steering | Yes(Tilt & Telescopic) | Yes(Tilt and telescopic) |
Drive Modes | Yes( Normal,Eco and Sport) | Yes(4X4) |
Instrument Cluster | Analogue | 7 inch digital cluster |
10.2 inch digital cluster | ||
Sunroof | No | Dual Pane( top variant) |
Adjustable Seats | Yes | Yes |
Rear AC Vents | Yes | Yes |
60:40 seat split | Yes | Yes |
Cruise Control | Yes | Yes |
Leather wrapped Steering | Yes | Yes |
Wireless Charging | Yes( selected variants) | Yes |
Cabin colour Scheme | Black interior | Dual tone black and brown |
Chamois interior |
| |
Electronic parking brake | No | Yes |
Powered drivers seat | Yes (8-way powered) | Yes(8-way) |
The Meridian’s interior takes cues from the Compass, with enhancements seen in the 2021 model. The recognizable dashboard, improved centre console, and sleeker door panels transition smoothly. Inside, a warm brown and black colour scheme adds luxury, complemented by stitched leatherette dash panels and metallic accents, elevating perceived quality. The Meridian features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, alongside extras like a 360-degree camera, panoramic sunroof, wireless phone charging, and dedicated third-row air conditioning.
The Meridian’s interior offers premium features like leather seats, dual-tone design, and ventilated seats, despite some room for plastic panel improvement. The top Limited (O) models provide a 10.1-inch touchscreen, dual-zone climate control, a 10.25-inch driver display, powered front seats, and six airbags.
Shifting to the 2021 Toyota Fortuner facelift, it retains its predecessor’s design, yet presents notable updates. These include a larger 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The instrument cluster receives an upgrade, while features like 8-way power-adjustable and ventilated front seats, an 11-speaker JBL audio system (which has been quietly dropped from vehicles present in showrooms but still shows up on printed brochures), and front parking sensors enhance the driving experience.
The Jeep Meridian would be our choice here, for the sheer quality and luxury of its cabin.
Safety Features : Toyota Fortuner vs Jeep Meridian
Safety Features | Toyota Fortuner | Skoda Kodiaq |
GNCAP | Not Tested | Not tested |
Airbags | 7 airbags | 9 airbags as standard |
ABS with EBD | Yes | Yes |
ESC | Yes | Yes |
Hill Hold Assist | Yes | Yes |
Traction Control | Yes | Yes |
Automatic Headlamps | Yes | Yes |
Rain Sensing Wipers | No | Yes |
Rear Sensors | Yes | Yes |
Rear Parking Camera | 360 degree camera | Yes(360 degree camera top variant) |
ISOFIX Child seat points | Yes | Yes |
ADAS | No | Yes(2023 version) |
Tyre Pressure Monitoring | No | Yes(Top Variant only) |
Hill descent Control | Yes | Yes(Top Variant only) |
Safety remains paramount for both SUVs. The Jeep Meridian boasts class-leading unibody architecture, ensuring structural strength and safety. It features front and rear side airbags, accompanied by over 60 best-in-class safety features. Six airbags are standard, and advanced tech includes ESC, hill hold assist, hill descent control, and a 360-degree parking camera.
Similarly, the Toyota Fortuner prioritises safety with Dual Front SRS Airbags, ABS with EBD, and 15” Front Disc Brakes. Toyota enhances security with 7 airbags, manual airbag cut-off, Brake Assist, Hill-Start Assist Control, and more. Both SUVs exhibit unwavering commitment to your road safety. The tough build quality and commitment to safety features displayed by both companies makes it hard to choose between the two.
Price Comparison (ex-showroom ): Toyota Fortuner vs Jeep Meridian
Model | Toyota Fortuner | Jeep Meridian |
Base | 32.99-34.58 Lakh | 33.40 Lakh |
Mid | 35.49-37.77 Lakh | 35.32- 35.93 Lakh |
Upper Mid | 39.33-41.62 Lakh | 38.01 Lakh |
Top | 50.74 Lakh | 38.61 Lakh |
When we compare the Toyota Fortuner with the Jeep Meridian, it becomes all the more clear that Jeep has positioned itself squarely against the Fortuner as a rival. However, the attractive pricing of the Jeep, especially when we move into the top fully-loaded variants, would suggest that the Jeep Meridian is a better value for money buy.
Summary : Toyota Fortuner vs Jeep Meridian
In the Toyota Fortuner vs Jeep Meridian comparison, the Fortuner gains an updated touch, enhancing its classic off-roader feel and handling. With retuned engines, the drive becomes smoother and more responsive, be it in the diesel or petrol variant. Long highway stretches are effortless, cruising at high speeds.
Toyota has heeded its customers by modernising the cabin and adding premium equipment, elevating the Fortuner’s appeal. Renowned for its off-road prowess, the Fortuner breezes through farm trips and trail drives, effortlessly tackling rough roads.
Meanwhile, the Jeep Meridian emerges as a versatile SUV, offering three rows of seats, premium features, and a robust diesel powertrain. Contrary to a soft crossover, it maintains hardcore Jeep DNA, promising to take you anywhere with family and pets in tow. The Meridian excels on various terrains, handling obstacles and traffic seamlessly. Its distinctive grille and style make it a road standout, but for those seeking a modern SUV that blends adventure and sophistication, the Meridian is a no brainer. It’s both rugged and refined, desirable yet practical, and notably more affordable than the Fortuner.
