MG Motor India has unveiled the new Majestor full-sized SUV for India and it promises to be the most luxurious and brutal 4x4 that one can buy in the luxury off-roader segment. From a twin-turbocharged diesel engine to 10 advanced off-road modes, the Majestor touts many keywords that have not been associated with this segment before. However, are benchmark-setting highlights enough to command the premium 4x4 customer's attention? Here's a quick comparison of the off-road tech inside the new Majestor, against the luxury 4x4 reigning champion, the Toyota Fortuner.
Toyota Fortuner 6-Speed Diesel AT
Let's begin by taking a look at the equipment on board the Fortuner, as the list is a lot longer for the Majestor. The tried and tested Fortuner in its
current generation comes with a 2.8-litre diesel engine that produces 201 hp and 500 Nm of torque. It is paired to a 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox that pushes power to all four wheels. It also gets both High Range (H4) and Low Range (L4) four-wheel drive modes along with an electronic differential lock and limited-slip differential (LSD). Drivers can also choose between 2-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive using the electronic drive control. The 4x4 equipment list is further complemented by the Fortuner's 225mm ground clearance and ladder-on-frame architecture, which is designed for both torsional and bending rigidity.
This combination has so far kept the Fortuner ahead in the game with a robust reputation for reliability. It also gets electronic aids such as pitch and bounce control, downhill assist control and active traction control. Now let's take a look at the Fortuner's newest rival.
2026 MG Majestor 8-Speed Diesel AT
Compared with the Fortuner, the new Majestor has a smaller 2.0-litre diesel engine. It offsets that with two turbochargers, which give it a higher output of 216 hp. However, the torque output is slightly less than the Fortuner's at 478.5 Nm. In the transmission department, the Majestor gets an 8-speed torque converter automatic. Now, before we get to all the off-road tech wizardry, it is worthwhile to mention that mechanically, the Majestor is the first in the segment to bring a triple differential lock setup with front, centre and rear differential locks. This theoretically gives the Majestor a major advantage over slick surfaces, rocks and axle-twisting ruts.
With the mechanics understood, let's focus on all the tech wizardry that the Majestor is bringing to the segment. Major highlights include 10 off-road modes, including 4 terrain modes that cover different requirements, such as snow mode in auto or 4L (Low Range), rock mode in 4L, normal mode in auto, 4H (High RANGE) and 4L, sand mode in 4H and mud mode in 4H or 4L. The Majestor also gets an M-Crawl function that gives assisted throttle and braking inputs to easily get out of tricky spots. On paved surfaces, the SUV can also automatically select between 2WD or 4Wd in auto drive mode. Additionally, it also gets three steering modes and drive modes called sport, normal and eco.
While the Majestor's 4x4 tech arsenal sounds overwhelming, it can easily be operated by the M-Hub command centre that is neatly placed on the centre console and gets dedicated buttons and dials to operate the terrain modes, three differential locks and toggle between 2H, 4H, or 4L modes. Overall, the new Majestor seems to be equipped to take even inexperienced drivers off the beaten path and bring them back in one piece.
Enough To Challenge The Fortuner?
While on paper, the Majestor 4x4 is more impressive than the Fortuner 4x4 in terms of technology and application. The Toyota SUV has built its reputation on an uncomplicated and dependable platform that has been tried and tested across global markets for decades. It covers the basics and keeps it simple while being highly effective off-road. On the other hand, the Majestor's extra firepower is intriguing but it also means that it has more complex 4x4 systems that may lead to higher maintenance costs in the long run. Hence, we would have to wait for real-life 4x4 tests between the two to gauge which one is more capable and reliable.
To keep buyer reservations at bay, MG Motor India is also offering a 5-year unlimited kilometre warranty, 5-year labour-free services and 5-year roadside assistance.
