Has the popularity of the Toyota Fortuner in India more to do with status rather than automotive merit?
For years, Toyota Fortuner has held its ground in the Indian automotive market and is also known as an aspirational vehicle. Highly known for its pricey nature, and a representation of success and influence, many have absolutized it as a status symbol. But that has also sparked debate about whether its popularity is actually earned through its merits as a vehicle or is more about its image. But critics point out that there are more refined and feature rich vehicles at similar price points sometimes even more capable. Many buyers choose the Fortuner more for what it represents socially than for its actual automotive qualities, they suggest. However, supporters will have you believe that the Fortuner is popular because it’s reliable, has great resale value and is really versatile. But its widespread use by politicians and businesspeople has also cemented the status symbol image. It prompts us to think about consumer behaviour in the premium SUV segment: are people choosing cars based on rational automotive criteria or do they make their decisions based on social perceptions and what image they want to have? Is the Fortuner’s status in India masking its real strengths and weaknesses as a vehicle?
It's definitely much more about status. It's bought to prove you've 'made it'. For the money, there are better SUVs out there, but none with the same road presence.
Status is a part of it, but you can’t discount the Fortuner’s actual merits. There is no better value for its reliability and resale value. That's why it's popular.
I think it's a bit of both. I was attracted to the status at first, but I bought it for its ability and Toyota's service network.
The status thing is blown out of proportion. It’s a solid, dependable SUV that can handle anything, and people buy it. The image is just a bonus.
Let’s be honest, if there was no status, half the Fortuner owners would be driving something else. It’s less about the car, and more about the badge.
Its merits give it its status. It's a good, reliable vehicle, and so it became a symbol of success. That doesn't mean that the two are mutually exclusive.
I know, because I cross shopped extensively before buying and can say the Fortuner’s popularity is justified. There is a status element but it is backed by substance.
It’s undeniable that the status factor, but it’s not fair to say it’s the only reason for its popularity. Toyota’s brand value and after sales service also have huge role to play.
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