Tata Blackbird SUV come to fight with Fortuner Legender, price is 19 lakh

January 8, 2025 by Adam Witty

Feature	Tata Blackbird	Toyota Fortuner
Segment	Mid-size SUV	Full-size SUV
Launch Date	Expected in 2025	Launched in 2009, latest update in 2021
Price Range	₹10 lakh – ₹16 lakh	₹32 lakh – ₹50 lakh
Platform	Tata’s new-age platform	Toyota’s IMV platform
Design	Bold, coupe-like roofline, prominent wheel arches, dual-tone options	Bold chrome grille, sharp creases, 18-inch alloy wheels
Powertrain Options	Petrol: 1.5L turbo (160 PS, 250 Nm) Diesel: 1.5L turbo (115 PS, 260 Nm)	Petrol: 2.7L (166 PS, 245 Nm) Diesel: 2.8L turbo (204 PS, 500 Nm AT / 420 Nm MT)
Transmission	6-speed manual, 7-speed DCT automatic	6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic, 4×2 and 4×4 available
Interior Features	Premium materials, 10.25-inch touchscreen, digital cluster, panoramic sunroof	Leather upholstery, 8-inch touchscreen, JBL audio, dual-zone climate control
Safety Features	6 airbags, ABS, ESP, ADAS, ISOFIX, Hill Hold Control	7 airbags, ABS, VSC, Toyota Safety Sense, Hill Assist
Driving Dynamics	Urban-focused with multi-drive modes and terrain response (rumored)	Rugged, body-on-frame construction, 4WD with low-range gearing
Off-Road Capability	Decent off-road potential, monocoque construction	Strong off-road capabilities, selectable 4WD, 700mm wading depth
Technology	Connected car technology, 360-degree camera	Toyota Connect, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
Safety Technologies	Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), TPMS	Toyota Safety Sense, Lane Departure Alert, Pre-collision system
Brand	Emerging player in the premium segment	Established luxury and off-road brand
Target Market	Mid-size SUV buyers looking for premium features at a competitive price	Buyers seeking luxury, off-road capability, and reliability
Market Impact	Potential to disrupt the mid-size SUV segment, increase competition	Strong legacy with a loyal customer base, needs to evolve with competition
Category	Auto

This table provides a quick side-by-side comparison of the Tata Blackbird and Toyota Fortuner, focusing on key features, design, performance, and positioning in the market.

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The Contenders

The Tata Blackbird has generated significant buzz in the automotive world. Initially conceived as part of a joint venture with Chinese automaker Chery, it was intended to be Tata’s response to the dominance of mid-size SUVs like the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos. However, due to geopolitical issues, Tata Motors decided to develop the Blackbird independently.

Key Highlights:

• Positioned in the mid-size SUV category
• Expected launch in 2025
• Price range: ₹10 lakh – ₹16 lakh
• Built on Tata’s modern platform

On the other hand, the Toyota Fortuner is a well-established name in the full-size SUV market. Since its launch in 2009, it has been the top choice for those looking for a blend of luxury and rugged performance. The Fortuner has undergone continuous improvements, with the latest model launched in 2021.

Key Highlights:

• Dominates the full-size SUV market
• Latest model launched in 2021
• Price range: ₹32 lakh – ₹50 lakh
• Built on Toyota’s reliable IMV platform

Design and Aesthetics

While official images of the Tata Blackbird are yet to surface, insider sources suggest that it will feature Tata’s evolving design language with a bold front grille, sleek LED headlights, and a muscular stance. Expected design elements include:

• Coupe-like roofline
• Prominent wheel arches
• Split headlamps and LED tail lamps
• Dual-tone exterior options

The Toyota Fortuner, on the other hand, is known for its bold and commanding design. The latest model carries forward its aggressive stance with:

• Chrome-accented front grille
• Sharp LED headlamps with DRLs
• Flared wheel arches
• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Split LED tail lamps, roof rails, and side steps

Performance and Powertrain

The Tata Blackbird is anticipated to offer a variety of powertrain options, including:

• Petrol: 1.5-liter turbocharged engine, around 160 PS and 250 Nm
• Diesel: 1.5-liter turbocharged engine, around 115 PS and 260 Nm
• Electric: Rumored, though details remain unclear Transmission options will likely include a 6-speed manual and a 7-speed DCT automatic.

In contrast, the Toyota Fortuner offers powerful, reliable engine choices:

• Petrol: 2.7-liter engine with 166 PS and 245 Nm
• Diesel: 2.8-liter turbocharged engine with 204 PS and 500 Nm (AT) or 420 Nm (MT) The Fortuner is available with a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission, with both 4×2 and 4×4 drivetrains.

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Interior and Features

Tata has made significant strides in improving its interior quality, and the Blackbird is expected to raise the bar with:

• Premium soft-touch materials
• 25-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Digital instrument cluster
• Wireless charging
• Panoramic sunroof
• Ventilated front seats
• Connected car technology and 360-degree camera

The Toyota Fortuner, meanwhile, offers a luxurious yet practical interior, featuring:

• Leather upholstery
• 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• 11-speaker JBL audio system
• Dual-zone climate control
• Power-adjustable driver’s seat
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Toyota Connect with remote functions

Safety Features

The Tata Blackbird is expected to come equipped with numerous safety features:

• 6 airbags
• ABS with EBD
• Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
• Hill Hold Control
• ISOFIX child seat anchors
• TPMS
• ADAS features like autonomous emergency braking and lane departure warning

The Toyota Fortuner is well-known for its safety standards, offering:

• 7 airbags
• ABS with EBD
• Vehicle Stability Control
• Hill Assist Control
• Downhill Assist Control
• ISOFIX child seat anchors
• Toyota Safety Sense (in select markets) with pre-collision system and lane departure alert

Driving Dynamics and Off-Road Capability

The Tata Blackbird will likely cater to urban and highway driving with:

• Monocoque construction for better on-road handling
• Multi-drive modes (Eco, City, Sport)
• Electronic stability control
• Possible terrain response system

The Toyota Fortuner, known for its off-road dominance, boasts:

• Body-on-frame construction for added ruggedness
• Selectable 4WD with low-range gearing
• Active Traction Control
• Downhill Assist Control
• 29-degree approach angle and 25-degree departure angle
• 700mm water wading depth

Price and Positioning

The Tata Blackbird is expected to be priced between ₹10 lakh and ₹16 lakh, targeting the premium mid-size SUV market. It aims to provide a premium experience at a competitive price.

The Toyota Fortuner is positioned as a premium full-size SUV, with a price range of ₹32 lakh to ₹50 lakh. While pricier, it justifies the cost with its brand reputation, performance, and luxury features.

Market Impact and Future Outlook

The Tata Blackbird‘s entry into the market is set to disrupt the SUV segment. Its competitive pricing and advanced features could attract customers not only from mid-size SUVs but also from buyers considering larger models like the Fortuner. Key impacts include:

• Increased competition in the mid-size and full-size SUV segments
• Price pressure on competitors like Toyota
• A push for technological advancements and electrification
• Elevating Tata’s brand perception in the premium SUV market

For Toyota, the Fortuner will need to evolve to maintain its dominance:

• Regular feature updates to stay competitive
• Potential hybrid or electric variants to keep pace with market trends
• A re-evaluation of pricing strategy without compromising its premium image

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Tata Blackbird vs Toyota Fortuner: A Clash of Titans?

The showdown between the Tata Blackbird and the Toyota Fortuner is not just a battle of two SUVs, but also a reflection of the rapidly changing Indian automotive landscape. Tata, with its focus on technology, innovation, and value for money, is poised to challenge established global players like Toyota. The Blackbird’s potential to disrupt the market lies in its premium features, competitive pricing, and future-ready technologies. On the other hand, the Toyota Fortuner continues to lead as a benchmark in its class, thanks to its combination of ruggedness, luxury, and off-road prowess. It will face increasing pressure to evolve as consumer preferences shift and competition intensifies.

Ultimately, the success of both vehicles will depend on their ability to cater to the evolving needs of Indian consumers. The Blackbird needs to deliver a compelling package of features and pricing, while the Fortuner must maintain its dominance in a highly competitive market. As these two giants face off, Indian consumers stand to benefit from a wider range of options, improved features, and greater value.

Conclusion

On the other hand, the Toyota Fortuner remains a benchmark in the full-size SUV category, boasting rugged reliability, luxury features, and off-road capability. Its long-standing dominance in the segment is backed by a solid reputation and a loyal following. However, with rising competition and evolving consumer preferences, the Fortuner will need to adapt by incorporating more advanced features and potentially greener powertrains (like hybrids or electric variants) to maintain its premium positioning in the face of newer challengers like the Blackbird.

Ultimately, the Tata Blackbird will serve as a formidable challenger in the mid-size SUV segment, whereas the Toyota Fortuner will continue to dominate the full-size luxury SUV segment. For consumers, this means more options, better value, and improved features, making the Indian SUV market even more dynamic and competitive in the coming years. The true winner here will be the Indian consumer, who will benefit from enhanced choices and improved quality across the board.