Jeep Meridian Vs Toyota Fortuner: Top 4X4 Variants Compared for the Off-roading Enthusiast
The off-roading enthusiast looks only for the best off-road cars, or the top SUVs for off-roading in India. Today, we look at the full-size SUVs Jeep Meridian and Toyota Fortuner, and find out what draws off-roaders to them.
In this article, we will share
- What an off-roading enthusiast looks for in a car
- Jeep Meridian vs Toyota Fortuner – an in-depth look at their top 4X4 variants, features, and off-roading capabilities
- How to pick the right car for you
Off-roading – be it water-wading, driving through rough, muddy terrains, or sand – is filled with thrill and adventure. Both Jeep Meridian and Toyota Fortuner have good credentials as off-road vehicles in India. So, which one should you pick? Read on.
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What an Off-roading Enthusiast Looks for in a Car
Here’s what to look for in a car as an off-roading enthusiast:
- Drive system – What drive system does the vehicle have (FWD, AWD, or 4X4)
- Ground clearance – the car should have high ground clearance to tackle uneven terrains
- Low range gearing – the car should have low range gearing to allow the vehicle to drive at lower speeds while still operating the usable power band/RPM of the entire engine
- Locking differential – the vehicle should have differential locking for better traction when driving on soft, muddy or uneven surfaces
- Engine power and torque – the engine should have adequate power and generate enough torque
- Safety – safety features are important, especially when traveling through challenging terrains
- Comfort and convenience – the vehicle should offer good comfort, as well as convenience features
Off-roading enthusiasts prioritize durability, performance, and control in challenging terrains. Key attributes include a powerful engine with responsive torque, high ground clearance, 4×4 drive capabilities, and specific offroading features like approach and departure angles, differential locking, and low-range gearing.
Safety aspects like ABS and traction control are equally important to ensure smooth handling. Comfort and interior convenience are secondary but still considered for a well-rounded driving experience.
Why Jeep Meridian and Toyota Fortuner are Popular
Jeep Meridian and Toyota Fortuner have become favored choices among off-roading enthusiasts due to their robust build quality, superior off-road capabilities, and advanced safety features.
Jeep Meridian’s variants boast 4WD, moderate engine responsiveness, and impressive approach and departure angles. The torque converter ensures smoother transitions, enhancing control and stability. The power seating adjustments and excellent visibility contribute to comfort and convenience.
Toyota Fortuner, on the other hand, comes with a powerful engine that produces high torque, supported by 4WD for robust off-road performance. Despite lacking ESC, its linear power delivery ensures a controlled driving experience. The ground clearance and manual seating adjustments offer a blend of performance and comfort.
Both brands have been reviewed positively by auto-experts on platforms like teambhp.com and autocarindia.com, cementing their reputation as reliable companions for both mild and serious off-roading.
Jeep Meridian and Toyota Fortuner Top 4X4 Variants
For Toyota Fortuner, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 9 August 2023 |
|---|---|
| 4X4 Diesel | ₹38,93,000 |
| 4X4 Diesel AT | ₹41,22,000 |
For Jeep Meridian, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 9 August 2023 |
|---|---|
| Limited Opt AT 4×4 | ₹37,50,000 |
| Limited Plus AT 4×4 | ₹38,10,000 |
| Limited Plus X AT 4×4 | ₹38,10,000 |
| Limited Opt Upland AT 4×4 | ₹38,52,000 |
Toyota Fortuner 4X4 Diesel
This variant, priced at ₹38,93,000, offers an impressive engine power and torque, with 4WD, though lacking ESC. Its ground clearance and linear power delivery make it suitable for offroading.
Toyota Fortuner 4X4 Diesel AT
Priced at ₹41,22,000, this variant offers the same off-road capabilities as the manual one but with a torque converter, providing a smoother driving experience.
Jeep Meridian Limited Opt AT 4×4
At ₹37,50,000, this offers a complete package with 4WD, moderate engine responsiveness, and good offroading angles. The torque converter and power seating adjustments add comfort.
Jeep Meridian Limited Plus AT 4×4
Priced at ₹38,10,000, this variant offers similar features as the Limited Opt AT 4×4 but with AWD, providing an alternative driving experience.
Jeep Meridian Limited Plus X AT 4×4 & Limited Opt Upland AT 4×4
Both priced at ₹38,10,000 and ₹38,52,000, respectively, offer similar features with subtle variations in design, maintaining excellent off-road capabilities.
Our Pick for the Best Variant Among Jeep Meridian and Toyota Fortuner for Offroading Enthusiasts
The Jeep Meridian Limited Opt AT 4×4 emerges as the best variant for offroading enthusiasts. Priced at ₹37,50,000, it balances performance and comfort.
With 4WD, moderate engine responsiveness, good approach and departure angles, and differential locking, it provides all the essential offroading attributes.
The addition of ESC and a torque converter adds safety and smoothness to the ride. The power seating adjustments and excellent visibility further enhance the comfort, making it a complete package for offroading.
The Top 3 Choices
- Jeep Meridian Limited Opt AT 4×4
- Toyota Fortuner 4X4 Diesel AT
- Jeep Meridian Limited Plus AT 4×4
| Attributes | Jeep Meridian Limited Opt AT 4×4 | Toyota Fortuner 4X4 Diesel AT | Jeep Meridian Limited Plus AT 4×4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| ABS | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Drive Type (4WD) | Yes | Yes | No (AWD) |
| Engine Power (BHP) | 172.35 | 201.15 | 172.35 |
| Offroading Angles | Yes | No | Yes |
| Differential Locking | Yes | No | Yes |
| Ground Clearance (mm) | 214 | 223 | 214 |
How to Pick the Right Car for You
- As the top choice, the Jeep Meridian Limited Opt AT 4×4 offers a perfect blend of offroading capabilities and interior comfort.
- With 4WD, a powerful engine, and torque converter, the Toyota Fortuner 4X4 Diesel AT assures robust offroad performance.
- The Jeep Meridian Limited Plus AT 4×4 brings the essence of Jeep’s offroading capabilities with a slight twist of AWD.
These three variants stand out for their robust offroading features, powerful engines, and thoughtful inclusions for comfort and safety. Jeep Meridian’s offerings shine for their comprehensive packages, while Toyota Fortuner’s diesel variant impresses with its raw power.
If you’re interested in reading more such face-to-face comparisons of popular car variants, head over to ourBuying Advice section.
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