Battle of the SUVs: Comparing the Ford Everest with Toyota's Fortuner and Isuzu's mu-X
The new Ford Everest beats both the Toyota Fortuner and Isuzu mu-x when it comes to technological capability. But what about everything else? News24 Motoring contributor Pritesh Ruthun compares the three most capable 4x4s you can buy in South Africa. The Ford Everest, Isuzu mu-X and the Toyota Fortuner are three of the most capable 4x4s in the local market in South Africa. The Everest is the freshest model of the three available in SA, and the Ford Fortuners are the most expensive option. These SUVs offer a blend of power, performance, and comfort. Price is often a crucial factor when considering a new vehicle, with the Ford Everest Sport being the highest-priced option. All three SUVs come with turbocharged diesel engines, providing the torque needed for off-road adventures. They also offer automatic transmissions, which enhance ease of use and driving comfort.
Publicerad : 2 år sedan förbi Pritesh Ruthun i Auto
• The Ford Everest, Isuzu mu-X and the Toyota Fortuner are three of the most capable 4x4s in the local market.
• The Everest is the freshest as the newest model of the three available in SA.
• We break down the model specs in this article for buyers to make an informed decision; however, it's imperative to test drive each one before finalising your choice.
Since living with the Ford Everest for three months, I have been inundated with direct messages on social media about how it compares with the Toyota Fortuner and the Isuzu mu-X. As the freshest all-new model of the three, the Ford thumps both the Toyota and Isuzu when it comes to technological capability. But what about everything else? Here's a detailed comparison of the three most capable 4x4s you can buy in South Africa.
We all know that the sport utility vehicle (SUV) segment has long been a favourite among adventure enthusiasts, and it's no surprise, given their versatility and off-road capabilities.
We take a closer look at three formidable contenders in the SUV market: the Ford Everest 2.0 BiTurbo 4x4 Sport, the Toyota Fortuner 2.8GD-6 4x4 VX, and the Isuzu mu-X 3.0TD Onyx 4x4. These SUVs offer a blend of power, performance, and comfort. We'll delve into their features, specifications, and pricing to help you make an informed decision when choosing your next adventure companion.
Price is often a crucial factor when considering a new vehicle. Let's start by comparing the price points and trim levels for the Ford Everest, Toyota Fortuner, and Isuzu mu-X:
Ford Everest 2.0 BiTurbo 4x4 Sport
Price: R 1 040 800
Trim Level: Sport
Toyota Fortuner 2.8GD-6 4x4 VX
Price: R944 900
Trim Level: VX
Isuzu mu-X 3.0TD Onyx 4x4
Price: R 960 600
Trim Level: Onyx
Pricing is often one of the most significant factors in the decision-making process when buying a new car. The Ford Everest Sport is the most expensive option, followed closely by the Isuzu mu-X Onyx and the Toyota Fortuner VX. However, pricing is just one aspect to consider; let's delve deeper into what these SUVs offer.
When it comes to SUVs, power and performance are essential, especially for those who enjoy tackling off-road adventures. Let's compare the engine specifications and performance capabilities of these three SUVs:
Ford Everest 2.0 BiTurbo 4x4 Sport
Engine Capacity: 1996cc
Engine Type: 2.0 Bi Turbo
Power Output: 154kW
Torque: 500Nm
Fuel Type: Diesel
Transmission:10-speed automatic
Driven Wheels: part-time all-wheel drive
Acceleration (0-100 km/h): Around 12 seconds
Top Speed: 180km/h
In terms of power, the Ford Everest 2.0 BiTurbo Sport takes the lead with 154kW, followed by the Toyota Fortuner with 150kW, and the Isuzu mu-X with 140kW. All three SUVs come with turbocharged diesel engines, providing the torque needed for off-road adventures. The Ford Everest, Toyota Fortuner and Isuzu mu-X all offer automatic transmissions, which enhance ease of use and driving comfort. But, the Ford feels faster thanks to its immediate whoosh of torque and its quick-shifting 10-speed automatic gearbox.
Off-road enthusiasts often seek vehicles that can handle various terrains with ease. Let's explore the off-road capabilities of these three SUVs:
All three SUVs are well-equipped for off-road adventures, featuring low-range capabilities, hill-start assist, and hill descent control. They also offer rear diff locks (electronic in the case of the Ford), which can be valuable when navigating challenging terrain.
With ample ground clearance (Toyota wins here) and the ability to ford water up to 800 mm deep, these SUVs are ready for off-road exploration. We took the Everest off the beaten path in the Kruger National Park recently, which you can read about in our next update, and it majestically made it through some gruelling terrain hammered by heavy rain without breaking a sweat.
Interior comfort and features
Interior comfort and features are crucial in enhancing the overall driving experience. Let's compare the interior aspects of these SUVs:
All three SUVs offer a comfortable and feature-rich cabin. The Ford Everest stands out with its sublime leather upholstery and seven seats, making it an ideal choice for larger families or those who often travel with passengers.
The Toyota Fortuner and Isuzu mu-X also offer seven seats but with different quality upholstery options. All three vehicles have essential features like touchscreen controls, Bluetooth connectivity, and lane departure warning systems.
Ford's Sync system, however, is best in class – and not just in the SUV segment – it's one of the best infotainment systems you'll find in any new car these days.
Safety is a top priority for any vehicle, especially SUVs designed for family use and off-road adventures. Let's explore the safety features of these SUVs:
All three SUVs have essential safety features, including ABS and brake assist. The Toyota Fortuner offers an additional airbag compared to the Ford Everest, while the Isuzu mu-X impresses with eight airbags for enhanced passenger protection.
The size and dimensions of an SUV can affect its practicality and off-road capabilities. Let's compare the dimensions of these three SUVs:
The Ford Everest is the longest of the three SUVs, offering ample space for passengers and cargo. The Toyota Fortuner and Isuzu mu-X have slightly smaller dimensions but still provide a comfortable interior. Ground clearance and approach/departure angles are vital for off-road capabilities, and all three SUVs offer respectable figures in these areas.
Load capacity and towing capabilities are essential considerations, especially for those who plan to transport heavy loads or tow trailers. Let's compare these aspects:
The Ford Everest boasts impressive load capacity and towing capabilities, making it an excellent choice for those who need to transport heavy loads or tow trailers.
The Toyota Fortuner and Isuzu mu-X also offer respectable towing capacities and load-carrying capabilities. However, the Ford Everest outperforms them mainly when using all seven seats.
Fuel efficiency and emissions are essential considerations, especially for those planning to use their SUVs for daily commuting and off-road adventures. Let's compare the fuel efficiency and emissions of these SUVs:
The Ford Everest stands out with the lowest fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. The Isuzu mu-X is also fuel-efficient, offering a slightly longer average fuel range.
While offering reasonable efficiency, the Fortuner falls slightly behind in this category. On the drive from Johannesburg to the Kruger National Park earlier in September, we saw 7.5-litres/100km on the Everest's instrument cluster, but strong headwinds pushed it up to 8.7l/100km after 450km of driving.
In Eco mode, around town, the Everest shines as it quickly moves into the higher gears without the engine labouring to keep pace with traffic.
Warranty and service plans can provide peace of mind to SUV buyers, knowing that their vehicle is covered for a specified period. Let's compare the warranty and service plans for these SUVs:
The Isuzu mu-X offers the longest warranty period at 5 years and a substantial distance coverage of 120 000km. It comes with a 5-year or 90 000km Service Plan.
The Fortuner has a standard Service Plan covering 9 services over 5 years or 90 000km.
The Everest offers an optional service plan that can be extended for up to 6 years or 90 000km, which is a pity because, at this price point, a Service Plan should be standard fare.
In this battle of the SUVs, the Ford Everest 2.0 BiTurbo 4x4 Sport, Toyota Fortuner 2.8GD-6 4x4 VX, and Isuzu mu-X 3.0TD Onyx 4x4 each bring unique strengths to the table. The Ford Everest impresses with its powerful engine, seven seats, and off-road capabilities, making it an ideal choice for adventurous families.
The Toyota Fortuner offers a balance of performance and comfort, backed by a solid service plan. Meanwhile, the Isuzu mu-X stands out with its generous warranty and strong off-road features.
Ultimately, the choice between these SUVs will depend on your specific needs, budget, and preferences. Whether you prioritise power, interior comfort, off-road capabilities, or fuel efficiency, there's an SUV in this comparison to suit your lifestyle. Consider your priorities, take a test drive, and make an informed decision to ensure your next SUV is the perfect companion for your journeys.
Let us know which you'd pick in the comments and why...
Ämnen: Toyota