I saw a very biased and self-convincing review attempt of an SUV owner and it made write this review. I own a 2010 model Fortuner and an XUV 500 W8 AWD. Let me make an attempt to compare both of these beasts. No comparison to Fortuner when it comes to brand and solid reliability. But I am truly proud that an Indian manufacturer built the best SUV under 30 Lakhs with all safety & Luxury features - ABS with Electronic Brake force Distribution(EBD), Electronic Stability Program(ESP), Rollover mitigation, Hydraulic Brake Assist, Hill Descent Control and Hill Hold Control
When it comes to look, it is very much subjective. Both these cars are head-tuners.
When it comes to the most important part i.e Safety XUV 500 scores higher . XUV 500 has all four diskbrakes and 6 Airbags, Hill Hold and Hill Descent control apart from ABS, EBD, ESP etc
When it comes to Luxury, XUV has Auto Lamp, Auto wipers, Built-in useful cooler, GPS, Showing pressure of all tires, alerts, Touch screen Info system, Scores a lot higher than Fortuner
When it comes to Performance. XUV500 is faster than Fortuner for 0-100 and even top speed is awesome. People have gone upto 190kmph(search for youtube videos) . I have gone upto 175.
Offroading: Fortuner scores a lot higher here eventhough XUV500 had a record performance in desert storm rally. XUV is a good offroader too, I tried in different terrains, but I feel a lot comfortable and secure in Fortuner for offroading.
You can clearly see XUV is a far superior SUV compared to Fortuner. Even the ride quality of XUV is a lot better than a somewhat bumpy ride of Fortuner. Why would I need to pay 9 Lakhs OTR for the import charges of a less superior SUV? .
My fortuner is put on sale now as I found no niggles and issues with my XUV which I have tried in different terrains . It is still a head turner. Forget about Safari, Scorpio who comes nowhere near to Fortuner, leave aside the superior XUV which is the best VFM SUV under 30