The Fortuner does not win on a spec-sheet comparison and it was never meant to. What it offers is a different kind of value — resale numbers that hold better than anything else in this segment, a service network that reaches places most rivals do not, and a mechanical reliability record built over years of actual ownership data rather than launch promises.
The XUV700 is the more rational purchase on paper. Better equipped, more comfortable for everyday use, and priced more accessibly. If features and in-cabin experience are the priority and most of your driving happens in the city, it makes a stronger case.
The decision comes down to what you are actually buying the vehicle for. If resale value matters — whether because you plan to upgrade in a few years or simply want the security of knowing the car holds its worth — the Fortuner wins that argument convincingly. If you are doing serious off-road work or Himalayan trips where reliability and ground clearance are non-negotiable, the Fortuner's track record gives it an edge that specs alone cannot capture.
If city commuting dominates your usage, technology features are important to you, or the budget needs to stretch further, the XUV700 is the more sensible choice.
Neither is wrong. They are just built for different priorities.