MG RX8 vs Toyota Fortuner Comparison

Extremely Disappointed with MG RX8 2020 and MG Service – Never Again I purchased the MG RX8 (2020 model) from an MG showroom in the UAE, and my experience has been nothing short of a nightmare from day one. Initial Experience (2020-2021): Just 30 minutes after taking delivery of the brand-new car, smoke started coming from the bonnet. The issue was diagnosed as a coolant problem. How can a brand-new car overheat within half an hour of delivery? After a few days, they returned the vehicle, only for the exact same issue to happen again – overheating and smoking. It took them over a month to return the vehicle after replacing several parts. Later, while charging my phone using the inbuilt wireless charger, the entire electrical system shut down and the car stalled in the middle of a busy Dubai road. They blamed the issue on my phone case (which was MagSafe), which makes no sense. Instead of fixing the charger, they simply disconnected it without my consent and said the issue might repeat if left as is. Unacceptable. Ongoing Problems (2023-2025): Despite repeated complaints, MG failed to resolve several serious issues: • Transmission noise between 40-60 km/h – a loud, worrying sound that got worse after each service. • Persistent steering and body vibrations while driving and especially while turning full left. • Turbo failure before 80,000 km, followed by engine oil sludge issues. • Poor service quality during the 80k km service – the car was returned dirty and misaligned. • Every time we raised a concern, they either said it was “normal” or claimed to have fixed it, when clearly, they had not. MG Service in Dubai – The Worst I’ve Experienced: The service centers are unresponsive, unprofessional, and clearly not equipped to handle or resolve technical issues seriously. Their “solutions” were either temporary or careless, often making the situation worse. In 2025, I finally sold the vehicle. My experience with the MG RX8 was extremely frustrating and disappointing. I will never purchase an MG again and strongly advise others to be cautious before considering one Do not recommend MG RX8 or MG service centers in Dubai.

The Fortuner is a very popular sight here in the UAE, and I can see why. I bought it because I needed a proper SUV with 7 seats. It definitely feels tough and capable, especially if you take it to the desert or drive in rougher roads. The 2.7L feels okay, but the 4.0L option is a beast if you want raw power. The seating position is high, giving a strong road presence. Inside, it’s very spacious, and my family loves the comfort while traveling. Of course, fuel economy isn’t the best, but that’s expected with a big SUV.The third row is a bit tight for adults but works fine for kids. The boot has fair space when seats are folded. The A/C is excellent and reaches the back quickly.