The SUV market is filled with many capable machines. However, when it comes to powerful and stylish options, the Land Rover Defender and Toyota Fortuner are the top two names that stand out in 2025. Both of these vehicles are built to offer performance, adventure, and exceptional comfort.
But you will have a completely different experience with both of them. The Land Rover Defender is known for its advanced off-road features and luxury, while the Toyota Fortuner is highly popular for its strength, reliability, and value for money.
If you’re looking for a bold off-roader or a practical family SUV, choosing between them can be a tough call. Understanding the major differences is crucial to making a wise decision. In this guide, we’ll compare both these models to help you decide which one suits you best.
The Land Rover Defender and the Toyota Fortuner are two SUVs dominating their segments. Both are the top choices when it comes to offering power, reliability, and performance. While the Defender mainly focuses on luxury and advanced off-roading, the Fortuner stands strong with durability and affordability. You can go through the following comparison that highlights the key differences between the two best-selling SUVs.
The Land Rover Defender is counted among the premium SUVs designed for adventure and luxury. It has strong off-road capabilities, advanced tech features, and powerful engine options. All this makes it appealing for those who love exploring in style. You can get multiple configurations like 90, 110, and 130 variants, which make it versatile for different needs.
The Toyota Fortuner has gained popularity for its reliability, affordability, and toughness. The major highlights of this SUV are bold design, spacious 7-seater layout, and strong petrol and diesel engine options. It is also equipped with many safety features and is a perfect choice for families. It is built tough to handle Indian roads and also offers a good resale value.
The first and most important thing people look for when purchasing a car is its engine and performance. So, when comparing the two highly popular SUVs, it’s crucial to know about their engine and performance. Here’s a breakdown to help you understand:
Feature | Land Rover Defender | Toyota Fortuner |
Engine Options | 2.0L Turbo Petrol, 3.0L Mild-Hybrid, 5.0L V8 | 2.7L Petrol, 2.8L Turbo Diesel |
Max Power Output | 296 – 518 hp (depending on variant) | Up to 201 hp (diesel variant) |
Torque | Up to 625 Nm (V8 variant) | Up to 500 Nm (diesel variant) |
Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 6-speed manual / 6-speed automatic |
0–100 km/h Acceleration | Approx. 5.2 – 8.1 seconds | Approx. 9.8 – 12.0 seconds |
Drivetrain | AWD with Terrain Response System | Rear-wheel drive / 4WD (select variants) |
Ground Clearance | Up to 291 mm (with air suspension) | 221 mm |
Wading Depth | 900 mm | 700 mm |
Both the Land Rover Defender and Toyota Fortuner have exceptional interiors and features. These are meant for durability and comfort, offering the car owners the best value for their money. Here are the major differences between the features of both these SUVs:
Feature | Land Rover Defender | Toyota Fortuner |
Cabin Quality | Premium (leather, metal, wood trim) | Functional with durable materials |
Infotainment System | 11.4-inch touchscreen with Pivi Pro | 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto |
Instrument Cluster | Fully digital 12.3-inch display | Semi-digital cluster with MID |
Audio System | Meridian Premium Audio System (optional) | JBL Premium Sound (in top variants) |
Climate Control | Dual/3-zone with air purification | Automatic climate control |
Seating Capacity | 5, 6, or 7-seater (depending on model) | Standard 7-seater |
Comfort Features | Heated/cooled seats, wireless charger, panoramic sunroof | Ventilated front seats, powered tailgate |
As every vehicle comes with some safety features, the Defender and Fortuner are also equipped with some high-tech and innovative features. Here are some major features available in both vehicles.
Feature | Land Rover Defender | Toyota Fortuner |
Airbags | 6 to 8 airbags | Up to 7 airbags |
ABS with EBD | Yes | Yes |
Electronic Stability Control | Yes | Yes |
Blind Spot Monitor | Yes | No |
Lane Keep Assist | Yes | No |
Adaptive Cruise Control | Yes | No |
360-Degree Camera | Yes | Only in top trims |
NCAP Safety Rating | 5-Star (Euro NCAP) | 5-Star (ASEAN NCAP) |
Let’s take a look at the pricing details of the premium SUVs:
Variant | Land Rover Defender (Ex-Showroom ₹) | Toyota Fortuner (Ex-Showroom ₹) |
Base Petrol Variant | ₹1.04 Crore (90 P300 SE) | ₹33.78 Lakh (4x2 Manual Petrol) |
Petrol Automatic | ₹1.20 Crore (110 P300 X-Dynamic HSE) | ₹35.02 Lakh (4x2 Automatic Petrol) |
Diesel Manual | Not Available | ₹35.93 Lakh (4x2 Diesel Manual) |
Diesel Automatic | ₹1.55 Crore (110 D350 X-Dynamic HSE) | ₹42.47 Lakh (4x2 Automatic Diesel) |
Top-Spec Variant | ₹1.89 Crore (130 D350 Sedona Edition) | ₹51.59 Lakh (Legender 4x4 Automatic) |
V8 High-Performance Variant (Petrol) | ₹1.39 Crore+ (Available in 90/110/130) | Not Available |
Maintenance and after-sales support are another important key aspect essential for any premium vehicle. You might spot a difference in after-sales support and dealer network when talking about both of these SUVs. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:
Parameter | Land Rover Defender | Toyota Fortuner |
Maintenance Cost | High | Moderate to Low |
Spare Part Availability | Limited in tier-2/3 cities | Widely available across India |
Service Interval | 12 months / 15,000 km | 12 months / 10,000 km |
Dealer Network | Limited to metro cities | Extensive across urban and rural areas |
Reliability | Good, but sensitive to rough usage | Extremely reliable and rugged |
Resale Value | Holds value, but the market is niche | Very strong resale value in the used car market |
The Defender excels in advanced off-roading, performance, and luxury, which makes it an ideal choice for premium SUV seekers. In contrast, the Fortuner offers affordability, reliability, and a strong resale value. It could be a perfect option for everyday Indian roads. If budget is not an issue, then you should definitely go for the Defender. However, the Fortuner remains a dependable and practical option for value-conscious buyers.