Need to decide between Fortuner D4D, X-Trail 2.5 Petrol or Honda CRV 2.0 Petrol

[sgmuser]

Iam planning to treat myself with an SUV coming new year. Shortlisted on Fortuner, Xtrail and CRV Btw I am in Brunei).

Driven Fortuner manual for short distance and thought the gear was not that accurate. It is a bit notchy. Feels a bit oversized phsyically and and engine also a bit too much as well for the purpose. Interior is not so enthralling or exciting. Advantages are the Diesel engine and it is Toyota. And it is made in Thailand.

Xtrail - Made in Japan, new model has better FE and bigger size boot. Good off roader according to reviews. The boot looks a bit overhanging from the design perspective. Not sporty looking as the Gen 1. Feels smaller compared to Fortuner.

CRV- Design is a bit confusing. More of CUV than a SUV. Made in Japan as well but just 2.0. May feel underpowered when comparing with X-Trail. Better FE than X-Trail. Honda's reliability is a bonus.

The cheapest is Xtrail, then CRV is costlier by just few thousands. Fortuner is the costliest of all in the list by almost 10000 dollors.

What I look for is the SUV factor to feed my ego, reliability, resale value and lighter on Fuel bills.

[ilovefls]

I would go with the X-trail given the kind of factors you have outlined that would decide your purchase. It's the best overall package IMO and plus it is built in Japan as well. Looks are subjective and open to perception, personally I quite like the look of the X-trail sold in India and I believe it is the same model that you have driven.

[GTO]

How about used Landcruiser 100s, Pajeros & the like? Aren't they available in plentiful down there?

[Guna]

BTW, is it the all new X-Trail which incidentally looks very much like the old one (one which is sold in India)?
Edit: Did not notice you have already mentioned 'new model'

From what I know of the vehicles you have mentioned, CRV and X-Trails are low slung and almost car-like, but Fortuner is a fairly tall vehicle and may not offer the same driving manners as the other two. This could be one of the parameters you may consider.
But obviosly Fotuner is more butch looking and will have better road pesence.

[sgmuser]

Thanks for the comments!

I test drove xtrail and Grand Vitara as well for good period of time. GV is a big let down! Poor quality interior, rude and rough engine and power delivery. Built to the price. No No.

Xtrail, 6 Speed CVT, 6 airbags, large cargo, technically superior 4WD system, superb build quality, powerful 2.5l engine.

Almost confirmed! Will update!

[nishant_kingpin]

Seems like the decision was really quick and there was hardly any input the gang could provide. “Almost Final” call seems to match my choice amongst the SUVs as well.

Are you going ahead with the purchase within this year or only at the change if the year. Not sure of the year change has a significant impact on resale value in Brunei.

[sgmuser]

Nishant!, we think like twins! I zeroed in on X-Trail because CRV needs to be out of this comparison, because of its confusing design, no SUV image, more of a CUV. Also it has an underpowered 2lt SOHC. Where the competition like Xtrail is DOHC 2.5 or 2l DOHC for GV.

Xtrail has immense power of around 170ps where GV and CRV really lags in power with thier heavy weight. Also the engine QR25DE is a gem of an engine with smooth and quiet ride, although not peppy in CVT mode. But there is a manual mode for you to smoke around if you need!

When I test drove yesterday the Xtrail really impressed me than CRV and GV. CRV is costlier by 5k and still does not have 6 airbags or CVT. XTrail also has 4 wheel ABS/Disc Brakes, that is a must for me. New (new) GV comes with 4 Disc Brakes though.

Overall reviews about Xtrail's offroad ability also is nice when comparing GV and CRV.

Fortuner is out of the picture because of my 100km drive the other day in Innova. Innova owned by a Dr friend of mine (you know they maintain it well!) felt coming apart, not really confident inspiring at 120kmph! Fortuner Auto is costlier by 15k when comparing with XTrail which does not justify the extra money we pay.

Also I am planning to take delivery on the Jan 2nd to get some benefit out of the year of registeration.

[HappyWheels]

I had been in a XTrail which was being used in a quarry in the deserts of Saudi Arabia, for almost a year and half, and it still feels good to drive and fresh as a mint!

It is company owned vehicle and is driven by one of the senior management person, so the maintenance is perfect. But still, with proper maintenance, the vehicle is a killer!

This came as a surprise since I am a big time fan of LC and thought that XTrails are too soft for what are projected for!!!

[sgmuser]

Guys, I know the RAV4 is not in India. But those who worked in abroad might have tried this vehicle. How does it compare with XTrail?

Although I am kind of inclined towards XTrail, I read some 5 recalls of XTRails comparing just one for RAV4. Thats a bit of worry. Just a bit.

RAV4 is made for not just Asia not like Fortuner and Innova. Thats why, I wanted to give it a thought.

any suggestions?

[abhinav.gupta88]

RAV4 is a bit smaller i think
In my opinion , a x trail would be better than a RAV4.

[HappyWheels]

@Sgmuser,

Do not think that RAV4 can be compared with the XTrail. RAV4 is more of a city 'car' and is definitely smaller than the XTrail.

Would suggest you go not to look at RAV4 since your have already looked or thought about XTrail and the likes.