SsangYong Rexton takes on its competitors Fortuner, Pajero

The compact SUVs could be enjoying their heyday in the Indian market but still their bigger counterparts have their own share of loyal followers.

Recently, Mahindra SsangYong Rexton launched a new variant RX6 in its existing line-up which sits between the top and base.

A lot of buyers have shown interest in Mahindra & Mahindra-owned Rexton. It is currently locking horns with Toyota Fortuner and Mitsubishi Pajero in the segment. Let’s have brief comparison between these three giant SUVs.

…

Powered by
CarDekho.com offers the best platform in India to research cars online. Make better car buying decisions using features like car research, reviews, car comparisons, discounts, on-road prices etc. on CarDekho.com.

The Exteriors

Starting from Rexton, the car is heavily based on previous generations of Mercedes-Benz M Class.

The new RX6 is a mixture of base and top end variant, the attributes which can be seen inside out.

RX6 variant comes with chromed grille having automatic headlamps at the front.

The solid looking side profile is enhanced by 16-inch light alloy wheels while the rear gets vertical tail lamps with signature led lamps.

The SUV leads the competition with 252mm ground clearance in comparison to Fortuner’s 221mm and Pajero’s 215mm.

…

Powered by
CarDekho.com offers the best platform in India to research cars online. Make better car buying decisions using features like car research, reviews, car comparisons, discounts, on-road prices etc. on CarDekho.com.

Toyota Fortuner looks more muscular than Rexton and Pajero from the front. The aggressive styling is seen in the signatory grille and sleek and self-leveling headlamps.

Moreover, the presence of wide air scoop on the bonnet does the job of inter-cooler as well imbibes a unique style statement.

The car sits on 17-inch alloy wheels while the sporty black side step and roof rails give it a dynamic appearance on the roads.

…

Powered by
CarDekho.com offers the best platform in India to research cars online. Make better car buying decisions using features like car research, reviews, car comparisons, discounts, on-road prices etc. on CarDekho.com.

Pajero Sports, on the other hand looks more premium rather than a rugged SUV from the front portion. It sports an exclusive grille framework that contains chrome plated vertical bars.

The side profile flaunts the tight haunches and the typical wheel arches that enclose 17inch alloy wheels. The rear portion is ruled by Alfa Romeo-esque tail lights.

…

Powered by
CarDekho.com offers the best platform in India to research cars online. Make better car buying decisions using features like car research, reviews, car comparisons, discounts, on-road prices etc. on CarDekho.com.

The Interiors

Backed up by German engineering, Rexton RX6 has been offered with all the necessary luxury amenities found in the class.

The interior cabin is dual toned in beige and black with premium upholstery.

The central console contains the newer multimedia touchscreen infotainment system which offers navigation support besides advance stereo system compatible with USB, Bluetooth and Aux-In.

The sever seater SUV is being offered in three rows layout with 60:40 split capability. The car is not short of roominess with the wheelbase of 2835mm, ahead of the other two.

…

Powered by
CarDekho.com offers the best platform in India to research cars online. Make better car buying decisions using features like car research, reviews, car comparisons, discounts, on-road prices etc. on CarDekho.com.

Toyota Fortuner's dashboard takes cues from Innova. It also features automatic HVAC which is missing in both Rexton and Pajero.

The SUV is also equipped with touch-screen infotainment panel which controls the stereo system, DVD player and the reverse camera.

A new Bluetooth telephony system has been added with controls mounted on a 4-spoke steering wheel.

…

Powered by
CarDekho.com offers the best platform in India to research cars online. Make better car buying decisions using features like car research, reviews, car comparisons, discounts, on-road prices etc. on CarDekho.com.

Mitsubishi Pajero is also plush on the interior side. Top quality of material is used inside the cabin while there is a lack of touchscreen system and rear parking camera in the SUV.

But this is well balanced with central console display which gives information of fuel economy, compass, current temperature and pressure.

The car is good in roominess with enough headroom, legroom and shoulder room catering to average 7-8 occupants with ease.

…

Powered by
CarDekho.com offers the best platform in India to research cars online. Make better car buying decisions using features like car research, reviews, car comparisons, discounts, on-road prices etc. on CarDekho.com.

Engine

The new Rexton RX6 variant sports the same power mechanics which is being used in other two variants.

It houses-in 2.7L 5-cylinder RX270 XDi diesel motor which produces 162bhp of power and 340Nm of peak torque.

It is coupled with 5-speed manual transmission gearbox with 4X4 drive mechanism with Torque on Demand.

The combination of powerful engine and adept transmission, it can return standard mileage of 11.4kmpl/12.83kmpl.

…

Powered by
CarDekho.com offers the best platform in India to research cars online. Make better car buying decisions using features like car research, reviews, car comparisons, discounts, on-road prices etc. on CarDekho.com.

Toyota Fortuner sports a 3.0-litre D-4D diesel engine with inter-cooled turbo-charging. It produces power of 168bhp and 360Nm of peak torque.

The SUV is paired to 5-speed manual transmission system along with all-time 4WD system. It returns average mileage of 9kmpl and 13kmpl in cities and highways respectively.

…

Powered by
CarDekho.com offers the best platform in India to research cars online. Make better car buying decisions using features like car research, reviews, car comparisons, discounts, on-road prices etc. on CarDekho.com.

Pajero Sports, on the other hand seems to be leading the competition in the power department with 2.5L common rail DI-D diesel engine with inter-cooled turbo-charging that yields power of 175bhp and 400Nm of peak torque.

It is paired with 5-speed manual transmission combined with 4 wheel drive system. In the mileage department, it comes shoulder to shoulder to both with 11.5kmpl and 13.5kmpl in cities and freeways respectively.

…

Powered by
CarDekho.com offers the best platform in India to research cars online. Make better car buying decisions using features like car research, reviews, car comparisons, discounts, on-road prices etc. on CarDekho.com.

Pricing

Here comes the crucial part of this comparison. Rexton RX6 is the middle variant in the line-up and is priced at Rs 19.96 lakh while the base RX5 variant starts at Rs 18.87 lakh.

Toyota Fortuner is available in five different variants starting from Rs 21.81 lakh and goes up to Rs 23.41 lakh.

While Pajero Sports is the sole variant offered in India which is priced at Rs 23.5 lakhs. All prices are ex-showroom New Delhi.

…

Powered by
CarDekho.com offers the best platform in India to research cars online. Make better car buying decisions using features like car research, reviews, car comparisons, discounts, on-road prices etc. on CarDekho.com.

Verdict

Premium SUVs segment is seen as one of the most competitive segment in India. The competition is mainly focused on the above mentioned sections of the vehicles.

Individuals who love to ride on big SUVs have diverse tastes but looking at the above competition, Rexton RX6 seems to be a clear winner with almost all the liking in favour of it plus the aggressive price tag that plays spoilsport for Fortuner and Pajero Sports.

Powered by
CarDekho.com offers the best platform in India to research cars online. Make better car buying decisions using features like car research, reviews, car comparisons, discounts, on-road prices etc. on CarDekho.com.