MG Majestor: A detailed look at how MG’s upcoming flagship stacks up against the Fortuner, Kodiaq, Meridian, and the all-new Tayron R-Line.
If there is one segment in the Indian automotive market that screams “power,” it is the full-size SUV category. For nearly a decade, this arena has had one undisputed king: the Toyota Fortuner. Many have tried to storm the castle, but the Fortuner’s sales figures have remained bulletproof.
Now, a new challenger is sharpening its axe. MG Motor is prepping the MG Majestor—a massive, three-row SUV positioned above the Gloster. It promises more luxury, a bigger stance, and serious off-road credentials. But the Majestor isn’t just fighting the Toyota; it’s walking into a royal rumble involving the sophisticated Skoda Kodiaq, the rugged Jeep Meridian, and the sporty newcomer, the Volkswagen Tayron R-Line.
Here is how the battle lines are drawn.
The Challenger: MG Majestor
- Expected Price: ₹46.00 Lakh (ex-showroom)
- The Pitch: “Bigger, Badder, More Luxurious.”
MG hasn’t revealed the full spec sheet yet, but we know enough to be excited. The MG Majestor is designed to sit at the very top of MG’s food chain. If the Gloster was a “Fortuner alternative,” the MG Majestor aims to be a “Fortuner Killer.” Expect a twin-turbo diesel setup to match the torque heavyweights, Level 2 ADAS, and a cabin draped in leather and tech. It’s the wild card of the group—the one SUV that might finally offer the sheer physical presence required to bully the segment leaders.
The King: Toyota Fortuner Legender
- Engine: 2.8L Diesel with Mild-Hybrid (neoDrive)
- Power/Torque: 204 PS / 500 Nm
You can’t talk about this segment without bowing to the Fortuner. It is the default choice for politicians, businessmen, and off-roaders alike.
- Why it wins: It’s built like a tank. The 2.8L diesel engine, now updated with a 48V mild-hybrid system, pushes out a massive 500 Nm of torque. It doesn’t just drive over obstacles; it flattens them.
- The Catch: Let’s be honest—the interiors feel a generation old. It lacks the panoramic sunroofs and soft-touch finesse of its European rivals. But for buyers who value reliability over ambient lighting, the Fortuner remains untouchable.
The Sophisticate: Skoda Kodiaq
- Engine: 2.0L TSI Petrol
- Power/Torque: 204 PS / 320 Nm
If the Fortuner is a sledgehammer, the Skoda Kodiaq is a scalpel. It targets the urban buyer who wants a 7-seater that feels like a luxury lounge.
- The Vibe: The cabin is unmatched. We’re talking about a 13-inch floating touchscreen, massage seats, and a Canton sound system that turns traffic jams into concert halls.
- The Drive: It ditches diesel for a smooth 2.0L TSI petrol engine. While it lacks the sheer pulling power (torque) of the Fortuner, the driving dynamics are far superior. It handles like a sedan, not a truck.
The Athlete: Volkswagen Tayron R-Line
- Engine: 2.0L TSI Petrol
- Power/Torque: 204 PS / 320 Nm
The new kid on the block, the Tayron R-Line, effectively replaces the Tiguan All Space but adds a dose of adrenaline.
- Performance: Sharing its heart with the Kodiaq, the Tayron is tuned for fun. It sprints from 0-100 kmph in just 7.3 seconds, making it the quickest in this group.
- Tech Showcase: It brings a massive 15-inch infotainment screen and an Augmented Reality Head-Up Display (HUD). It’s sporty, curvy, and modern—a stark contrast to the boxy, old-school SUVs in this list.
The Value Play: Jeep Meridian
- Engine: 2.0L MultiJet Diesel
- Power/Torque: 170 PS / 350 Nm
The Jeep Meridian is for those who want the legendary “Jeep Life” without breaking the bank.
- The Update: The 2026 model finally addressed its biggest complaint by adding a sliding second row, making the rear seats much more usable.
- The Reality Check: It is the most affordable option here (starting ~₹23 Lakh), but it’s also the least powerful. With only 170 PS, it feels a bit breathless on the highway compared to the 200+ PS giants it competes with.
Quick Spec Check
| Feature | Toyota Fortuner | Skoda Kodiaq | VW Tayron R-Line | Jeep Meridian |
| Fuel Type | Diesel Hybrid | Petrol | Petrol | Diesel |
| Transmission | 6-AT / 6-MT | 7-Speed DSG | 7-Speed DSG | 9-AT / 6-MT |
| Power | 204 PS | 204 PS | 204 PS | 170 PS |
| Torque | 500 Nm | 320 Nm | 320 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Drive | 4×4 | AWD | AWD | 4×4 / FWD |
AutoPulse Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
The arrival of the MG Majestor is going to force everyone to step up their game. But until we drive it, the choice comes down to your personality:
- The Purist: Buy the Toyota Fortuner. It holds its value better than gold and will likely outlast civilization.
- The Executive: Buy the Skoda Kodiaq. It’s the most comfortable, feature-rich car for the city commute.
- The Enthusiast: Buy the VW Tayron R-Line. If you enjoy driving more than being driven, this is your SUV.
- The Smart Spender: Buy the Jeep Meridian. It offers premium badge value and decent off-road chops at a much lower price point.