MG Majestor Takes On Its Competition: Which Is The Best SUV Of Them All? Majestor Vs Fortuner, Kodiaq, Meridian, Tayron R-Line

When it comes to full-size SUVs, the options available in India not only exude space and capability but also absolute power. The option of three rows sits well with the Indian buyer looking at a spacious and imposing SUV, which has the right road presence. 

The likes of Toyota’s Fortuner, Jeep’s Meridian, Skoda’s Kodiaq, and Volkswagen’s Tayron R-Line are the current options available, and challenging the same is the upcoming MG Majestor. While MG has the Gloster already on sale, the Majestor will be positioned above it, and promises a bigger stance, more luxury, and even more off-road capability. 

But first, how is the new MG Majestor stacked up against its rivals? Let’s take a look. 

Toyota Fortuner Legender

Price: Rs 42.17 lakh to Rs 47.46 lakh (ex-showroom)

The Toyota Fortuner is a crowd favourite and has remained the segment leader for years now. Nothing in this segment even comes close to the kind of consistent sales the Fortuner does on a monthly basis. The current generation has been around for nearly a decade and still offers a value pack when it comes to a rugged build, a decent list of features, and a highly capable diesel engine. 

Powering the Toyota Fortuner is the 2.8-litre turbo diesel motor, which was recently updated with the 48-volt mild-hybrid system. The new system comes with regenerative braking that slightly improves performance by providing a short boost in output of 16 PS and 65 Nm. The idle start/stop system helps lower fuel consumption. The diesel engine produces 204 PS and 500 Nm of peak torque. Transmission options include a 6-speed manual and automatic, with power going to all four wheels via the optional 4x4 system. The base variant gets a rear-wheel drive configuration.

The Fortuner Legender gets a dual-tone paint scheme, split LED headlamps, a dual-tone cabin, and stylish alloy wheels. The feature list comprises the multi-terrain select system, wireless charging, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and 8-way power-adjustable front seats. Other features include dual-zone climate control, rear AC vents, ambient lighting, gesture-controlled powered tailgate, and cruise control. The SUV is a seven-seater. The safety features comprise 7 airbags, ABS, 360-degree camera, electronic stability control, traction control, brake assist, hill hold assist, and front and rear parking sensors.

Jeep Meridian 

Price: Rs 23.33 lakh to Rs 35.61 lakh (ex-showroom)

The Jeep Meridian is based on the Compass and is the larger three-row SUV built by the automaker in India. The Meridian has boxy proportions and looks quintessentially like a Jeep with a seven-slat grille. The Meridian scores high drive-ability and a premium feel, but is also restricted by a small third row.

The Meridian draws power from the 2-litre MultiJet II diesel engine that produces 170 PS and 350 Nm of torque. This is the sole engine option available on the SUV. The motor is paired with a 6-speed manual and a 9-speed torque converter automatic on the Meridian. The higher-spec Limited (O) and Overland variants also get optional All-Wheel Drive (AWD) for better off-road capability. 

The feature list is comprehensive on the Meridian, and the SUV is equipped with a 10.1-inch digital driver’s display, a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, dual-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, and a 9-speaker Alpine audio system. The 2026 Meridian was finally updated with a sliding second row, a long-standing demand from customers. While the top variants offer a seven-seater layout, the entry-level Longitude variant is a five-seater only. The Meridian also gets a host of safety features, including 6 airbags, a 360-degree camera, Level 2 ADAS, electronic stability control, front and rear parking sensors and an electronic parking brake with auto-hold.

Skoda Kodiaq 

Price: Rs 39.99 lakh to Rs 45.96 lakh (ex-showroom)

The Skoda Kodiaq remains one of the finest SUVs that treads the line between mass and premium. The latest generation version arrived last year with a bolder look, sleeker lines, and a host of features. The three-row offering is available in two variants - Sportline and Laurin & Klement (L&K). The SUV sports split headlamps with the LED DRLs extending to the grille. It’s also boxy, maximising headroom and third-row space.

Powering the Skoda Kodiaq is the 2-litre turbo petrol engine that develops 204 PS and 320 Nm, paired with a 7-speed DSG automatic. There is no diesel engine on offer. Power goes to all four wheels via the all-wheel drive system on both variants. 

The feature list is extensive, with a 13-inch floating touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 10-inch digital driver’s display with navigation, a two-spoke multi-function steering wheel, and a second row that can slide and recline. There’s also a 13-speaker Canton sound system, three-zone climate control, 12-way electrically adjustable front seats with memory and massage function, as well as ventilation, and a powered tailgate. On the safety front, the SUV comes with 9 airbags, a 360-degree camera, Level 2 ADAS, electronic differential lock, electronic stability control, front and rear parking sensors, hill start assist and hill descent assist.

Recently, the Kodiaq was also launched in a 5-seater configuration, in the more affordable Lounge variant

Volkswagen Tayron R-Line 

Price: To Be Announced

The Volkswagen Tayron R-Line will be the latest entrant in this space. The SUV is scheduled to go on sale later this month, and prices are the only thing we don’t know. The Tayron R-Line is the sporty family SUV with three rows. The third row, however, is best reserved for children, unlike the Fortuner, which can accommodate adults. Visually, the styling is in line with VW’s global standards. There are blacked-out elements on the bumper and grille, which are specific to the R-Line. The SUV also rides on larger 19-inch alloy wheels and comes with HD Matrix LED IQ Lights for better illumination. The Tayron looks more modern and is more curvy too, compared to the rivals. 

The Tayron R-Line is powered by the same engine as the Kodiaq. Power comes from the 2-litre turbocharged petrol mill that develops 204 PS and 320 Nm of peak torque, paired with only the 7-speed DSG automatic. There is All-Wheel Drive (AWD), sending power to all four wheels. The Tayron R-Line is more performance-friendly compared to the Majestor. It’s not as long, tall, or wide, but it scores well on driving feel and is one of the most entertaining SUVs to drive. 0-100 kmph comes up in 7.3 seconds, while the top speed is 224 kmph. 

The feature list is expansive with a 15-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display, a multi-function steering wheel with heating, 700W Harman Kardon audio system, three-zone climate control, ambient lighting, 12-way electrically adjustable front seats with ventilation and massage function, a powered tailgate, and a head-up display (HUD) unit with augmented reality. . 

The Volkswagen Tayron has scored a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating, and comes with nine airbags, ABS, electronic stability control, hill hold assist, hill descent control, Level 2 ADAS, a 360-degree camera, and front and rear parking sensors. 

ZigSays…

The MG Majestor is coming to a hotly contested segment. While the Skoda Kodiaq and Volkswagen Tayron R-Line are the petrol options, which are also fun to drive, the Fortuner and Meridian offer that diesel grunt with off-road capability. The Meridian has the price advantage, but it is the Fortuner’s popularity which will be a true challenge for the Majestor to compete against. 

Stay tuned to ZigWheels, as we decode everything about the MG Majestor!