Skoda Kodiaq’s Rivals Incoming, Volkswagen Tayron and MG Majestor to Shake Up Full-Size SUV Segment
Volkswagen And MG To Launch New SUV: The full-size SUV segment in India, long dominated by the Toyota Fortuner, is set for a major shake-up. Following the recent launch of the updated Skoda Kodiaq, two new heavyweights are gearing up to enter the market—Volkswagen’s second-generation Tayron and MG’s refreshed SUV, the Majestor. These upcoming launches promise to heat up competition in a space that has so far offered limited choices to buyers seeking a premium three-row SUV.
Let’s take a closer look at what these two new models are bringing to the table and how they plan to challenge the Fortuner’s long-standing supremacy.
Fortuner vs. Kodiaq vs. Tayron vs. Majestor
With these two new SUVs entering the fray, the full-size SUV segment in India is about to become a lot more exciting. Here’s how the contenders stack up:
| SUV | Starting Price (Expected) | Engine | Seating Options | Unique Selling Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Fortuner | ₹33.43 lakh | 2.7L petrol / 2.8L diesel | 7-seater | Rugged, reliable, massive fan following |
| Skoda Kodiaq | ₹39.99 lakh | 2.0L TSI petrol | 7-seater | Premium feel, refined driving experience |
| Volkswagen Tayron | ₹45 lakh | 2.0L TSI evo4 petrol | 5/7-seater | Modern design, spacious, AWD with DSG |
| MG Majestor | ₹43 lakh | 2.0L diesel (expected) | 6/7-seater | Bold design, ADAS, large screens |
Each SUV brings something unique to the table—be it Toyota’s reputation for reliability, Skoda’s European refinement, Volkswagen’s engineering, or MG’s tech-laden approach. What was once a Fortuner-dominated space will soon be a battleground for buyers seeking the perfect blend of power, space, and luxury.
Also read, Top 10 Compact SUVs April 2025: Brezza, Nexon, Venue, Syros
Volkswagen Tayron: A Long-Awaited Fortuner Rival
Volkswagen has been notably absent in India’s three-row SUV segment, lacking a direct competitor to the Toyota Fortuner and even its own cousin, the Skoda Kodiaq. That’s set to change later this year with the arrival of the second-generation Volkswagen Tayron.
Global Specs and Dimensions
The new Tayron is no small player. Measuring 4,792 mm in length, 1,853 mm in width, and 1,666 mm in height, with a 2,789 mm wheelbase, the Tayron is a proper D-segment SUV. Built on the tried-and-tested MQB Evo platform, the vehicle is designed with a global audience in mind and offers flexibility in seating configurations. Internationally, the Tayron is available in both 5-seater and 7-seater versions—both of which are likely to be offered in India as well.
- 5-seater version: Offers a generous 885 liters of boot space, expandable up to 2,090 liters with the rear seats folded.
- 7-seater version: Starts with 345 liters of cargo space. Folding the third row opens up 850 liters, and with the second row down, it expands to 1,905 liters.
Powertrain and Drivetrain
Under the hood, the Indian-spec Tayron is expected to pack a 2.0-liter TSI evo4 turbo-petrol engine, producing 201 horsepower (150 kW) and 320 Nm of torque. This engine will likely be mated to a 7-speed DSG (DQ381-7A) dual-clutch transmission, coupled with Volkswagen’s 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system, delivering a balanced mix of performance and versatility.
Assembly and Pricing
Volkswagen will assemble the Tayron in India using knocked-down kits imported from Wolfsburg, Germany. The assembly will take place at its facility in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (formerly Aurangabad). As for pricing, expect the Tayron to start around ₹45 lakh (ex-showroom), positioning it squarely against the Toyota Fortuner, Skoda Kodiaq, and MG’s upcoming Majestor.
MG Majestor: A Bold Rebranding of the Gloster
Not to be left behind, JSW MG Motor is preparing to launch the Majestor, a heavily updated version of its Gloster SUV. Expected to arrive as early as June 2025, the Majestor will go up against not just the Fortuner but its more premium twin—the Fortuner Legender.
Design and Exterior Updates
The Majestor gets a bold new identity, featuring significant cosmetic upgrades that distinguish it from the Gloster. These include:
- Split LED headlamps for a more modern look
- Larger and more aggressive radiator grille with a unique cross-bar design
- Rugged front and rear bumpers
- Thicker wheel arch cladding for a tough SUV stance
- New 6-double-spoke alloy wheels adding a premium touch
These updates give the Majestor a commanding presence and are sure to turn heads on the road.
Interior and Tech Enhancements
Step inside the Majestor, and you’ll notice a completely revamped cabin. MG is expected to offer a more premium and tech-rich interior, featuring:
- New dashboard layout with high-quality materials
- 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster
- Freestanding 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with updated UI
- Level 2 ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) for enhanced safety
These upgrades are aimed at elevating the in-cabin experience to match the expectations of buyers in the ₹40–50 lakh segment.
Expected Price and Positioning
The MG Majestor is likely to be priced from around ₹43 lakh (ex-showroom). With its refreshed styling, added technology, and safety features, it’s positioned to rival the Toyota Fortuner Legender, offering a more feature-rich alternative at a similar price point.
Each SUV brings something unique to the table—be it Toyota’s reputation for reliability, Skoda’s European refinement, Volkswagen’s engineering, or MG’s tech-laden approach. What was once a Fortuner-dominated space will soon be a battleground for buyers seeking the perfect blend of power, space, and luxury.
Also read, 4 Upcoming Cars in India 2025: Maruti, Hyundai, Tata & Mahindra in Action
