2012 Toyota Fortuner vs. Chevrolet Captiva: Which is the SUV for you?

Toyota launched the 2012 Fortuner during the 2012 Delhi Auto Expo, while Chevrolet unveiled the 2012 Captiva. The older generation model of the Fortuner has been consistently selling the most in its segment. So does the new Captiva have any tricks up its sleeves? Let’s find out.

Driving and handling

In terms of driving and handling the present Captiva is better than the Fortuner. The Captiva offers a more planted and stable ride, the Fortuner on the other hand has evident body roll. However, we will have to drive both the new models to see if this trend continues in the 2012 Captiva and Fortuner. The Captiva now gets a more powerful 2.2 litre diesel engine which puts out 184 bhp of power, making it more powerful than the Fortuner, which puts out only 169 bhp from its 3-litre engine.

Space and comfort

In terms of space both the face lifted Captiva and Fortuner are more or less the same. The Captiva is slightly more spacious than the Fortuner but the difference is not substantial. The Captiva’s interiors are a dark shade while the Fortuner has beige upholstery. When it comes to comfort the Captiva is better than the Fortuner and the seats are much more supportive and comfortable.

Looks

The new Fortuner is unquestionably good looking, with its large chrome grille, butch looking front and headlamps. The Chevrolet Captiva on the other hand has design which although fresh and attractive may not appeal to all buyers. We can safely say that the Fortuner is the better looking of the two SUVs.

Features

The Toyota Fortuner has a redesigned front with thick horizontal chrome slats on the grille akin to that on the formidable Land Cruiser. It sports a large air scoop on the bonnet, 17 inch alloy wheels with a new 12-spoke pattern and outside rear view mirrors with LED turn indicators. It also has headlamps washers, climate control etc. The Captiva now gets the family bow tie grille, sunroof, dual zone climate control, rain-sensing wipers and cruise control among other features. In terms of features, the Captiva has a slight edge over the Fortuner.

Price, mileage and overall VFM

The present Chevrolet Captiva has a claimed mileage of 14 kmpl and starts at Rs. 18.17 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), the 2012 Captiva will likely see a hike in price. The Toyota Fortuner has a similar mileage figure of 13 kmpl and has a starting price of Rs. 19.99 lakh. Chevrolet is yet to announce the prices of the 2012 Chevrolet Captiva, but our guess is that there will not be a major difference between the two SUVs as far as price is concerned.

Verdict

Overall the Fortuner is a better looking and more popular SUV, but the Chevrolet Captiva seems more practical and comfortable. If you are looking for a comfortable SUV then the Captiva will make more sense than the Fortuner. If looks and brand value are your primary criterion then the Toyota Fortuner is the SUV for you.