Fortuner 2025 vs Gloster vs Scorpio-N vs Meridian — What You Must Know
India’s SUV market is crowded, but a few body-on-frame, big-SUVs still stand out when you need space, ruggedness, road presence, or off-road prowess. Here’s how Fortuner stacks up against its top rivals in this segment: Gloster, Scorpio-N and Meridian.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Key Contenders at a Glance
- Toyota Fortuner — Long-time favorite among full-size SUV buyers; recently updated with additional mild-hybrid diesel, 4×4 & 4×2 variants. Wikipedia+1
- MG Gloster — Feature-rich full-size SUV with good value proposition.
- Mahindra Scorpio-N — New-gen Indian SUV built on rugged ladder-frame platform; a lower-cost but capable competitor.
- Jeep Meridian — More affordable 7-seater SUV — though not as rugged as Fortuner or Gloster — but positioned as a value-for-money MPV-SUV hybrid.
Engine, Power & Performance
| SUV | Engine / Fuel | Power & Torque* | Drivetrain / Transmission |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fortuner (2025) | 2.8L Diesel / 2.7L Petrol | ~164 bhp / 245 Nm (diesel) | Automatic, 4×2 & 4×4 |
| MG Gloster | 2.0L Turbo-Diesel | ~159 bhp, ~373.5 Nm | Automatic |
| Scorpio-N | 2.0L Turbo-Petrol or 2.2L Diesel (mHawk) | Up to ~200 bhp / 370 Nm (petrol) | Manual / Auto, 4×4 available |
| Jeep Meridian | 2.0L Diesel | ~168 bhp (1956 cc engine) | Diesel, 4×2 / 4×4 (in some variants) |
* Figures vary by variant/market.
Also Read- Next-Gen Toyota Fortuner 2026 – New Features, ADAS & Tech Upgrades
Verdict:
- For torque & towing/off-road capability: Gloster and also Fortuner with diesel 4×4 offer strong credentials.
- For power + budget balance: Scorpio-N petrol gives punchy output at lower cost.
- Meridian offers acceptable power but lags behind in outright muscle.
Space, Seating & Comfort
- All four offer 7-seater layouts — ideal for large families.
- Fortuner remains a favorite for off-road + long-haul comfort + reliability; Toyota’s after-sales/service network is a big plus.
- Gloster pitches itself as a “value luxury” SUV — reasonable cabin space, decent comfort for urban + highway driving.
- Scorpio-N offers modern cabin, flexibility in variant/price, and a good balance of city/off-road usability.
- Meridian tries to combine SUV-like stance with MPV-like comfort — good for city and occasional highway, but lesser off-road ambitions.
Price & Value Comparison (Ex-Showroom, Entry-Level / Popular Variants)
| SUV | Approx. Price Start* |
|---|---|
| Fortuner | ₹33.65 lakh (4×2 AT Petrol base) |
| Gloster | ₹38.33 lakh onwards |
| Scorpio-N | ₹13.20 lakh (base petrol) |
| Meridian | ₹23.33 lakh (Diesel 4×2 base) |
* Actual on-road price will vary by city, variant, and extras.
Verdict:
- Most budget-friendly full-size SUV option: Scorpio-N — strong value for money.
- Balanced premium purchase with brand reliability: Fortuner.
- Feature-rich mid-premium pick: Gloster.
- Budget MPV-SUV hybrid for daily use: Meridian (but compromises on ruggedness).
Also Read- India’s Best-Selling 7-Seater Cars: Ertiga, Scorpio N, Carens, XUV700 & Innova Lead the Market
Full Feature & Specs Comparison Table
Fortuner vs Gloster vs Scorpio-N vs Meridian (2025–26)
| Specification | Toyota Fortuner | MG Gloster | Mahindra Scorpio-N | Jeep Meridian |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Platform Type | Ladder-Frame | Ladder-Frame | Ladder-Frame | Monocoque |
| Seating Capacity | 7-Seater | 6/7-Seater | 6/7-Seater | 7-Seater |
| Engine Options | 2.8L Diesel / 2.7L Petrol | 2.0L Diesel | 2.2L Diesel / 2.0L Turbo Petrol | 2.0L Diesel |
| Power Output | 164–201 bhp | 159 bhp | Up to 200 bhp (petrol) | 168 bhp |
| Torque | 245–500 Nm | 373.5 Nm | Up to 370 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Transmission | Manual / Auto | Automatic Only | Manual / Auto | Automatic |
| Drive Options | 4×2 & 4×4 | 4×2 & 4×4 | 4×2 & 4×4 | Mostly 4×2 (some 4×4 variants globally) |
| Length | ~4795 mm | ~4985 mm | ~4662 mm | ~4769 mm |
| Width | ~1855 mm | ~1926 mm | ~1917 mm | ~1859 mm |
| Height | ~1835 mm | ~1867 mm | ~1857 mm | ~1698 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2745 mm | 2950 mm | 2750 mm | 2782 mm |
| Off-road Capability | Excellent | Good | Excellent | Moderate |
| Suspension Type | Double Wishbone & Multi-link | Independent & Multi-link | Independent & Multi-link | Independent (F) & Multi-link (R) |
| ADAS Features | Expected in 2026 model | Yes | No (expected in facelift) | Yes (limited) |
| Touchscreen Size | 8–10.1 inch (2025) / 12-inch expected (2026) | 12.3-inch | 8-inch | 10.1-inch |
| Digital Cluster | Semi-digital / Full digital expected | Full Digital | Semi-digital | Full Digital |
| Sunroof | No (2025) / Expected 2026 | Panoramic | Single-pane | Single-pane |
| Airbags | Up to 7 | Up to 6 | Up to 6 | Up to 6 |
| Special Features | High reliability, resale value | ADAS, massaging seats | 4×4 Explore mode, strong engine | Premium interior, smoother ride |
| Ex-Showroom Price (Approx.) | ₹33.65 lakh onwards | ₹38.33 lakh onwards | ₹13.20 lakh onwards | ₹23.33 lakh onwards |
Short Summary (Who Should Buy What?)
Toyota Fortuner
Best for buyers wanting rugged reliability, 4×4 capability, strong resale value, and brand trust.
MG Gloster
Best for luxury feel, ADAS, panoramic sunroof, large cabin, tech-packed interiors.
Mahindra Scorpio-N
Best for budget-friendly ruggedness, powerful engines, 4×4 option at a lower price.
Jeep Meridian
Best for city + highway comfort, premium cabin feel, and value pricing under Fortuner & Gloster.
What Each SUV Is Best For — Buyer Profiles
- Off-road + reliability + resale value: Fortuner
- Feature-rich comfort + urban + long drives: MG Gloster
- Budget-conscious buyers wanting SUV looks + flexible options: Scorpio-N
- City users wanting bigger cabin / 7-seater comfort on a budget: Jeep Meridian
Final Verdict: No One-Size-Fits-All — Depends on What You Need
If you want ruggedness, high resale value, strong 4×4 capability — Fortuner remains a trusted long-term choice.
If you prefer comfort, modern features, and a premium feel without stepping into ultra-luxury SUV pricing — MG Gloster presents strong value.
For budget-conscious buyers who want SUV styling and flexible variants — Scorpio-N is probably the smartest pickup.
And for those who want affordable 7-seater comfort for city + occasional long trips, Jeep Meridian offers a good compromise.
In short: there’s no “best SUV overall” — there’s only the right SUV for your needs. Decide based on what matters most to you — power, comfort, price, or practicality.
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