Fortuner replacement under 35 lakh: Is Scorpio N the best option?

Some of the other 7-seater SUVs in the market are Mahindra XUV700, Tata Safari, Toyota Innova Crysta / Hycross, and Skoda Kodiaq.

BHPian Foretio recently shared this with other enthusiasts:

We are looking for a 7-seater SUV which can replace our 2014 Fortuner, which got into a major accident recently and is a total loss.

We are looking for something that can take on bad roads, is reliable, will last for 10-15+ years and is safe. The current cars in our garage are a 2011 Toyota Etios, a 2009 Scorpio and a 2014 Toyota Fortuner (no more)

The only option in the market which satisfy our requirements seem to be Scorpio N which we quite like but there are few issues with it, the 3rd row seats are in bench form and won’t fold like in our Fortuner so even if there are 6 people the entire 3rd row needs to be kept open and boot space gets eaten up. Can the 3rd row seats of N be made into such that they can be split from the middle by aftermarket means, will it be a good decision and will it void any warranty?

Other 7-seater car options available are:

• XUV 700, but we don’t think it will be able to take on village roads as much as the N.
• For Safari, I’m in two minds cause of Tata Service centre reviews.
• Unsure about Kodiaq and Tiguan reliability and maintenance for 10+ years, and also, they are out of budget.
• Fortuner is the best option yet again as per our requirements but it's too expensive, the 4x2 AT variant would cost close to 49L, 20L more than Scorpio N.
• Innova Crysta/Hycross doesn’t feel like an SUV and hence not considered.
• The new Everest will be out of Budget too when it gets launched.
• Not a fan of the MG Gloster's looks and unsure about its reliability and build quality.
• Hyundai, Kia, and Maruti Suzuki cars are not considered.

We are also not looking for used cars.

Do we have any option other than Scorpio N under 30-35L price bracket?

The SUV need to be diesel AT, will be driven on Highways and Village roads 90% of the time.

Here's what GTO replied:

I am not kidding you, Foretio. In my books, the Scorpio-N is a superior SUV to the Fortuner.

• The Fortuner's ride is way too busy & bumpy. A dealbreaker for me. In comparison, the Scorpio-N is easier to live with (although not perfect, but way more liveable).
• The Fortuner's steering is heavy & cumbersome in traffic. The Scorpio-N has a light, effortless steering.
• While the Fortuner is arguably overpriced, the Scorpio-N is better priced.
• The Scorpio-N's diesel is impressively refined, unlike the Fortuner's mill. You also get a fantastic turbo-petrol with the Scorpio-N, an option the Fortuner doesn't have (I'm talking turbo-petrol).

I would any day live with a Scorpio-N rather than a Fortuner. Spend some of the 20 lakhs saved on modifying it. And don't forget, the Scorpio-N can off-road very well too.

Here's what BHPian dhanushs replied:

With the lack of a proper competition for the Fortuner, Scorpio N would be only ideal replacement/change for you.

Overall, as a vehicle, maybe you will find the Scorpio lacking in terms of only Snob value and to an extent, the powertrain. Rest most of the drivability attributes, like the Ride, Handling, Steering, Braking, etc, the Scorpio will excel over the Fortuner and is a proper upgrade. Even NVH is much better in the Scorpio N, which makes mile munching a breeze.

You can also take a look at the MU-X

Here's what BHPian ralto replied:

I drive both on a regular basis, so can chime in here.

• N is a few generations ahead of the 2014 Fortuner.
• Dhanush is being modest, the NVH levels are day/night apart.
• Powertrain, you won't feel much loss, at least with 4-5 people on board. I haven't driven with 7 on board. Also, N is very agile and picks up speed way faster than the Fortuner.
• Windows are large and provide a nice cabin. Bright and Airy.
• Creature comforts are nice in N and make journeys enjoyable for passengers. Seats are well-cushioned and comfortable.
• AC is equally effective in both, I feel. I do like N's dual zone better for convenience.

I personally still like driving Fortuner just for the old school mechanical charm but that being said, I think the Scorpio N is a logical step up from a 2014 Fortuner.

Here's what BHPian bijims replied:

Although there are other options in the segment like the Jeep Meridian, Isuzu MU-X, Skoda Kodiaq, MG Gloster etc, the Mahindra Scorpio-N seems like the best option both from a budget perspective as well as being a car that can do 90 per cent of what a Fortuner can do for almost half the price, the other options are priced too close to the Fortuner and don't warrant consideration when Fortuner is the established player in the segment at its price point.

For less than 28 lakhs OTR, you get a car which meets almost all your requirements except snob value, for which the only option is a Fortuner which costs almost 20 lakhs more. So it is either Scorpio-N or Fortuner as the other options in between aren't as compelling.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.