Honda CRV vs Toyota Fortuner: Which SUV Is Right for You?
Choosing between the Honda CR-V and Toyota Fortuner can feel like comparing apples to oranges. Both SUVs have earned their reputations in the Indian market, but they cater to different needs and lifestyles. If you’re standing in a showroom like Castle Toyota in Jalandhar, trying to decide which one deserves a spot in your driveway, you’re not alone. This comparison breaks down what each SUV offers so you can make the right call. Understanding the Two Contenders Before we get into specifics, let’s be clear about what we’re comparing. The Honda CR-V positions itself as a refined, urban-friendly crossover with car-like handling. The Toyota Fortuner, on the other hand, is a body-on-frame SUV built for both highways and rough terrain. Think of it this way: the CR-V is your comfortable daily commuter, while the Fortuner is the vehicle you’d trust to take you anywhere, on or off the road. Price and Value Proposition When it comes to the Honda CR-V vs Toyota Fortuner debate, price plays a big role. The CR-V was previously available in India starting around ₹28.34 lakh (ex-showroom) before it was discontinued. The Fortuner, currently available at dealerships like Castle Toyota, starts at ₹33.65 lakh and goes up to ₹48.85 lakh depending on the variant. Here’s what that price difference tells you. The CR-V offered a premium crossover experience at a slightly lower entry point. The Fortuner commands a higher price tag but justifies it with serious off-road capability, a body-on-frame construction, and the kind of road presence that turns heads. Engine Performance and Power Delivery The Honda CR-V came with a 1.5-liter turbocharged petrol engine producing 190 horsepower and 243 Nm of torque. This engine delivered peppy performance for city driving and highway cruising, paired with a CVT transmission that kept things smooth. The Toyota Fortuner offers two engine options. The petrol variant features a 2.7-liter engine making 166 horsepower and 245 Nm of torque. The diesel, which is more popular in India, comes with a 2.8-liter turbo diesel producing 204 horsepower and a muscular 500 Nm of torque. That torque figure is what gives the Fortuner its towing capability and off-road prowess. If you need raw power and torque for towing or tackling challenging terrain, the Fortuner diesel wins this round. For smooth, efficient city driving, the CR-V’s turbocharged setup was hard to beat. Fuel Economy: Daily Running Costs Fuel efficiency matters when you’re driving daily. The Honda CR-V delivered around 14.4 kmpl, which is respectable for a vehicle of its size. The CR-V hybrid variant available in some markets could achieve even better numbers. The Toyota Fortuner diesel returns approximately 14.35 to 14.6 kmpl in automatic variants, while the manual diesel gets about 14.44 kmpl. The petrol Fortuner drops to around 10.3 kmpl. For daily commuting, the CR-V had a slight edge in fuel economy. But if you’re choosing between Fortuner diesel variants at Castle Toyota, you’ll find the mileage is competitive for such a large, capable SUV. Interior Space and Comfort Both SUVs offer seven seats, but they approach interior design differently. The Honda CR-V focused on maximizing interior volume with smart packaging. Its cabin felt airy and spacious, with comfortable seating across all three rows. The second row was particularly generous, making it great for families. Materials quality was good, with a modern dashboard layout and intuitive controls. The Toyota Fortuner feels more upright and commanding. The first two rows are spacious and comfortable, though the third row is best suited for kids or occasional use. The Fortuner’s cabin emphasizes durability and functionality over outright luxury. Recent updates have added features like ventilated front seats, wireless charging, and an improved infotainment system, keeping it relevant in today’s market. If you prioritize passenger comfort for all three rows, the CR-V had a slight advantage. If you want that elevated, commanding driving position and don’t mind a more utilitarian third row, the Fortuner fits the bill. Excited about the 2026 Toyota Fortuner’s new features and styling? Read this blog for the full update. Off-Road Capability and Driving Dynamics This is where the Honda CR-V vs Toyota Fortuner comparison shows the biggest difference. The Honda CR-V was designed for on-road driving. It handled like a larger sedan with light, responsive steering and good body control. Ground clearance was adequate for Indian roads, but serious off-roading wasn’t its forte. All-wheel drive was available in some markets, but the CR-V’s monocoque construction limited how rough you could get. The Toyota Fortuner is built on a ladder frame chassis, the same type used in pickup trucks. It offers genuine 4×4 capability in higher variants, with features like differential lock, downhill assist, and multiple terrain modes. Ground clearance of 225mm and approach/departure angles make it capable of handling water crossings, rocky trails, and steep inclines that would stop the CR-V cold. If your driving stays on paved roads, the CR-V’s car-like dynamics were more pleasant. If you need a vehicle that can handle rural roads, beach sand, or mountain trails, the Fortuner is the obvious choice. Features and Technology Both SUVs pack modern features, though their approaches differ. The Honda CR-V came with an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, digital driver display, LED lighting, and comprehensive safety features including Honda Sensing (in select markets). The focus was on connectivity and driver assistance. The Toyota Fortuner at Castle Toyota comes with an 8-inch touchscreen (9-inch in some variants), wireless charging, 360-degree camera, dual-zone climate control, and an 11-speaker JBL sound system in higher trims. The Neo Drive variants add Toyota’s 48V mild-hybrid system for better fuel efficiency. Safety equipment includes multiple airbags, stability control, hill assist, and various active safety features. The CR-V felt more tech-forward with its interface and driver aids. The Fortuner counters with practical features like a larger fuel tank (80 liters vs 57 liters) and better ground clearance, which matter more in real-world Indian driving conditions. Safety Credentials Both SUVs take safety seriously, though testing data varies by market. The Honda CR-V