CARVERSAL

Defender vs Fortuner 2025: You’ll Be Shocked Who Comes Out on Top!

May 15th, 2025


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. 

Defender Vs. Fortuner Comparison 

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.   

Overview of the Land Rover Defender

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. 

What to Know About the Toyota Fortuner

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. 

Engine and Performance

Defender Engine Vs Fortuner Engine

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

Interior and Features

 Fortuner Engine interior


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

Safety Features

Land rover defender interior view

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)

Pricing Details: Defender Vs. Fortuner 

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 

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

Final Verdict

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.