Off-Road Exploration: Best Variants in Toyota Fortuner and Jeep Meridian for Off-Roading Enthusiasts

What an Off-roading Enthusiast looks for in a car

Off-roading enthusiasts seek power, control, and adaptability. Key traits include a potent engine, substantial torque, and an all-terrain drive type, preferably AWD or 4WD. Higher ground clearance, beneficial approach and departure angles, and low-range gearing significantly improve performance on challenging terrains.

Safety features like ABS and ESC, along with driver aids like hill hold assist and power steering, are equally crucial. The ride quality and comfort are also considered for longer, more demanding adventures. The Toyota Fortuner and Jeep Meridian figure among the best off-road cars in India.

Why Toyota Fortuner and Jeep Meridian are popular among Off-roading Enthusiasts

The Toyota Fortuner and Jeep Meridian offer a fantastic combination of power, flexibility, and security, which makes them favorite top SUVs for off-roading in India. Their robust engines, impressive torque, and adaptable drive types (AWD, 4WD) make them ideal companions for off-road exploits.

Moreover, with higher ground clearance and favorable approach and departure angles, they can handle challenging terrains with relative ease. They are also equipped with modern safety features such as ABS and ESC, along with driver assistance technologies like hill hold assist and power steering, ensuring a safe and controlled ride.

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Lastly, their well-appointed interiors and excellent ride comfort make them an enjoyable choice for long off-road trips. For this comparison, we have chosen variants priced between Rs 35 lakh and Rs 40 lakh of these off-roading vehicles in India.

Our Variants Shortlist for Toyota Fortuner and Jeep Meridian

Variant	Price (INR)
Toyota Fortuner 4X4 Diesel	3,893,000
Jeep Meridian Limited Opt AT 4×4	3,750,000
Jeep Meridian Limited Plus AT 4×4	3,810,000
Jeep Meridian Limited Plus X AT 4×4	3,810,000
Jeep Meridian Limited Opt Upland AT 4×4	3,852,000

The Toyota Fortuner 4X4 Diesel, despite lacking an ESC, shines with its powerful engine, high torque, and 4WD drive type. Its substantial ground clearance and approach and departure angles make it capable of tackling challenging and rough terrains. If you are a long-distance road trip lover, you can read our comparison of the Fortuner with MG Gloster.

All the Jeep Meridian variants stand out with their comprehensive safety features, including ABS and ESC. Although their engines may not be as powerful as the Toyota Fortuner, their 4WD drive type and excellent approach and departure angles make them competent off-road vehicles. Their power seating adjustments add to their comfort levels for longer trips.

Best variant among Toyota Fortuner and Jeep Meridian for Off-roading Enthusiasts

The Jeep Meridian Limited Plus X AT 4×4 emerges as the top choice for off-roading enthusiasts due to its excellent combination of power, safety, and comfort. Its 4WD drive type, adequate engine power and torque, substantial ground clearance, and favorable approach and departure angles make it a competent off-road vehicle. Despite its engine not being as powerful as the Toyota Fortuner, its comprehensive safety features and excellent ride comfort outshine the other variants.

The Top 3 Choices

1. Jeep Meridian Limited Plus X AT 4×4
2. Jeep Meridian Limited Opt AT 4×4
3. Toyota Fortuner 4X4 Diesel

Variant	ABS	Drive Type	Engine Power (BHP)	Engine Torque (Nm)	Ground Clearance (mm)	ESC	Hill Hold Assist	Offroading – Approach Angle	Offroading – Departure Angle	Offroading – Low Range Gearing	Power Steering
Jeep Meridian Limited Plus X AT 4×4	Yes	4WD	172.35	350	214	Yes	Yes	20	22	Yes	Yes
Jeep Meridian Limited Opt AT 4×4	Yes	4WD	172.35	350	214	Yes	Yes	20	22	Yes	Yes
Toyota Fortuner 4X4 Diesel	Yes	4WD	201.15	500	223	No	Yes	7	Moderate	Yes	Yes

All three options provide powerful engines, impressive torque, and high ground clearance. While the Fortuner has a higher engine power and torque, the Jeep Meridian variants provide a more comprehensive package with ESC and better approach and departure angles.

The Jeep variants’ inclusion of power seating adjustments enhances comfort for long off-road excursions. Despite their lower engine power compared to the Fortuner, the overall performance and off-road capabilities make the Jeep Meridian variants stand out, offering excellent choices for off-roading enthusiasts.

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