A proper head-to-head in South Africa — we cover price, performance,
petrol economy, safety and what it'll actually cost you to own each one long term.
Includes a historical vehicle
Current, upcoming and historical vehicles can be compared side by side. Historical records keep their verified specifications, while price labels show last-listed context rather than current new-car availability.
Discontinued modelVerified historical specifications remain visible for owner and used-car comparisons.
⚡ 78 kW🔧 135 Nm⛽ 7.0 km/l
+Add a 3rd car
At a Glance — Who Wins What
⚡PerformanceFortuner
⛽Fuel EconomyFortuner
🛡SafetyH1
📦PracticalityFortuner
🔑OwnershipFortuner
Recorded price context
Fortuner:
current from
ZAR 685,900
·
H1:
last listed from
ZAR 229,900
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
Fortuner
H1
Maximum Power
150 kW
78 kW @ 6000 rpm
Maximum Torque
500 Nm
135 Nm @ 4000 rpm
Engine Size
2755 cc
1497 cc
Claimed Mileage
13.2 km/l
7.0 km/l
Ground Clearance
279 mm
160 mm
Boot / Load Bay
-
Not confirmed
Airbags
Side, curtain, driver, passenger and driver knee airbags
4
Kerb Weight
-
Not confirmed
Seating Capacity
-
Not confirmed
Warranty
3 years / 100 000 km
3 Years / 100,000 km
= leads in this spec
Archived models stay fully comparable. Verified specs remain visible; historical fields that were not source-confirmed are marked Not confirmed instead of being guessed.
The Bottom Line
Fortuner holds a noticeable edge over H1, especially in key ownership areas.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
Fortuner
+50 pts
Efficiency
Fortuner
+21 pts
Safety
H1
+28 pts
Practicality
Fortuner
+26 pts
Ownership
Fortuner
+7 pts
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
🏆 Overall Winner
Fortuner
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Better fuel efficiency
More practical for daily use
Better long-term ownership value
Weak Spots
Less comprehensive safety features
Best suited to:Highway DrivingFuel EfficiencyFamily Usage
H1
Strengths
Stronger safety package
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Lower fuel efficiency
Less practical in daily usage
Shorter warranty coverage
Best suited to:General Use
Which One's Right for You?
Fortuner
Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Buyers looking for better fuel efficiency
Large families needing more practicality and usability
Long-term owners valuing warranty and ownership peace of mind
H1
Families prioritising stronger safety equipment
Full Specs, Side by Side
Archived cars use verified historical spec records. Rows remain comparable; unavailable historical values are shown plainly rather than estimated.
Spec
Fortuner
H1
Model Introduced Year
2006
2015
Generation
Currently sold Fortuner belongs to the second generation with periodic feature and safety upgrades
Single generation in South Africa from 2015-2019. The H1 was based on an older Great Wall platform and was discontinued without a direct successor.
Facelift History
Major updates in 2016 (new generation) and feature refreshes in 2021 with improved infotainment, safety tech, and design tweaks
H1 received a single mid-cycle update in 2017 that brought minor exterior styling refinements and an updated infotainment system. No significant mechanical changes through the model life.
Facelift Launched Since
2021
2017
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Not confirmed
Body Style
SUV
Not confirmed
Color Note
White, Black, Silver, Dark Green, Grey
Not confirmed
Dealer Stock Note
Flagship grade in the South Africa lineup
Not confirmed
Drivetrain Note
Drive layout derived from the official derivative naming: 2.8 GD-6 4X4 GR-Sport 6AT
Not confirmed
Model Year
Current
Not confirmed
Production Status
published
Not confirmed
Segment
SUV
Not confirmed
Vehicle Type
SUV
Not confirmed
Tare Mass Kg
GVM 2735 kg; Toyota SA does not publish tare mass
Not confirmed
Spec
Fortuner
H1
Drivetrain Layout
Ladder frame
Not confirmed
LSD Available
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transfer Case
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Paddle Shifters
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Gearbox
Automatic
6-Speed CVT
Final Drive Ratio
Not Applicable
3.94:1
Number of Gears
6
6
Transmission Type
Automatic
Automatic CVT
Clutch Type
Not Applicable
Torque Converter
Gear Shift Indicator
Not Applicable
Not confirmed
Drivetrain
4WD / AWD
Front Wheel Drive
4WD Engagement
Available
Not confirmed
4WD Hi Range
Available
Not confirmed
4WD Lo Range
Available where 4WD low range is fitted
Not confirmed
4WD Selector
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Not confirmed
Automatic Shift Paddles
Not Applicable
Not confirmed
Drive Mode Selector
4WD/off-road drive mode support
Not confirmed
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not confirmed
Gearbox Type
Automatic
Automatic
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not confirmed
Low Range
Available where 4WD low range is fitted
Not confirmed
Axle Layout
4x4
Not confirmed
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not confirmed
Transmission Speeds
6
6
Gear Shift Type
Automatic
Not confirmed
Engine Position
-
Transverse Front-Mounted
Steering Turns Lock to Lock
-
3.2
Spec
Fortuner
H1
Claimed Mileage
13.2 km/l
7.0 km/l
City Mileage
10.8 km/l
6.8 km/l
Highway Mileage
15.3 km/l
8.2 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
80 l
42 l
Emission Standard
Not Applicable
Euro 5
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Average Fuel Consumption
7.6 l/100km
Not confirmed
Claimed Fuel Consumption
7.6 l/100km
Not confirmed
Fuel Efficiency
7.6 l/100km
Not confirmed
Real-world Mileage
13.2 km/l
7.0 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not confirmed
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not confirmed
Combined Consumption
7.6 l/100km
Not confirmed
Combined Consumption L 100km
7.6 l/100km
Not confirmed
Fuel Economy Combined
7.6 l/100km
Not confirmed
Fuel Tank Litres
80
42
Combined Driving Range
Not Applicable
Not confirmed
Electric Consumption
Not Applicable
Not confirmed
Range Real World Highway
Not Applicable
Not confirmed
Range Real World Mixed
Not Applicable
Not confirmed
Spec
Fortuner
H1
Airbags
Side, curtain, driver, passenger and driver knee airbags
4
ABS
Standard
Yes
Electronic Stability Control
Not Available
Yes
Traction Control
Standard
Standard
Hill Descent Control
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Not Available
Hill Start Assist
Not Available
Not Available
Child Safety Lock
Not Available
Standard
ISOFIX Mounts
Not Available
2 Rear ISOFIX Points
Brake Assist
Not Available
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Not Available
Not Available
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Standard
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Not Available
Front Seats
Front Parking Sensors
Not Available
Not Available
AEB
Not Available
Not Available
BA
Not Available
Not confirmed
Brake Override System
Not Available
Not confirmed
Curtain Airbags
Standard
Not confirmed
Driver Airbag
Standard
Not confirmed
EBD
Standard
Not confirmed
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Not confirmed
Hill Hold
Not Available
Not Available
Passenger Airbag
Standard
Not confirmed
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Not Available
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Not Available
Not confirmed
Side Airbags
Standard
Not confirmed
TCS
Standard
Standard
Knee Airbag
Driver knee airbag
Not confirmed
ABS EBD
Standard
Yes
Seatbelt Reminder
Not Available
Not confirmed
Stability Control
Not Available
Yes
Alarm System
-
Not Available
Central Locking
-
Remote Central Locking
Side Impact Beams
-
Standard
Speed Alert System
-
Standard
Pedestrian Detection AEB
-
Not Available
Safety Rating
-
4
Whiplash Protection
-
Active Head Restraints
Lane Change Warning
-
Not Available
Spec
Fortuner
H1
Cruise Control
Standard
Not Available
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Not Available
Lane Keep Assist
Not Available
Not Available
Lane Departure Warning
Not Available
Not Available
Blind Spot Monitoring
Not Available
Not Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Not Available
Parking Sensors
Not Available
Not Available
Rear View Camera
Not Available
Yes
360 Degree Camera
Not Available
Not Available
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Not Available
Not Available
Driver Fatigue Alert
Not Available
Not Available
Traffic Sign Recognition
Not Available
Not Available
Auto Highbeam
Not Available
Not confirmed
Auto Wipers
Not Available
Not confirmed
EV Mode
Not Available
Not confirmed
Rear Parking Sensors
Not Available
Not confirmed
Reverse Camera
Not Available
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Not Available
Park Assist
Not Available
Not confirmed
Around View Monitor
Not Available
Not Available
Blind Spot Warning
Not Available
Not Available
Forward Collision Warning
Not Available
Not confirmed
Spec
Fortuner
H1
Seat Material
Not Applicable
Fabric
Heated Seats
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Ventilated Seats
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Ambient Lighting
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Steering Wheel Material
Not Applicable
Polyurethane
Interior Colour Options
5
2
60 40 Split Seat
Not Applicable
Not confirmed
Driver Seat Adjustment
Not Applicable
Not confirmed
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Not Applicable
Not confirmed
Interior Courtesy Lamps
Premium dashboard layout, touchscreen infotainment, Android Auto & Apple CarPlay, comfortable seating, climate control
Not confirmed
Interior Colours
5
Not confirmed
Seat Trim
Not Applicable
Not confirmed
Front Shoulder Room
Not Applicable
1190 mm
Rear Shoulder Room
Not Applicable
1150 mm
Seat Adjustment
-
Manual 4-Way Driver Adjustment
Steering Type
-
Electric Power Assisted (EPAS)
Steering Adjustment
-
Tilt Adjustable
Folding Rear Seats
-
60:40 Split Fold
Front Armrest
-
Front Centre Armrest
Rear Armrest
-
Not Available
Cup Holders
-
4
Rear AC Vents
-
Not Available
Rear USB Ports
-
0
Instrument Cluster Type
-
Analogue Speedometer
Driver Lumbar Support
-
Not Available
Door Map Pockets
-
All Four Door Pockets
Spec
Fortuner
H1
Climate Control
Not Available
Manual Air Conditioning
Power Windows
Not Available
Front and Rear
Keyless Entry
Not Available
Not Available
Push Button Start
Not Available
Not Available
Wireless Charging
Not Available
Not Available
Sunroof
Not Available
Not confirmed
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
Not Available
Rain Sensing Wipers
Not Available
Not Available
AC Type
Not Available
Manual Air Conditioning
Side Steps
Standard/available
Not confirmed
Skid Plates
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Not confirmed
Battery Preconditioning
Not Available
Not confirmed
Bed Extender
Not Available
Not confirmed
Canopy Fitment
Not Available
Not confirmed
Intelligent Battery System
Not Available
Not confirmed
Load Bed Cover
Not Available
Not confirmed
Load Bed Light
Not Available
Not confirmed
Load Bed Steps
Not Available
Not confirmed
Loadbox Depth Mm
Not Available
Not confirmed
Loadbox Rope Hooks
Not Available
Not confirmed
Loadbox Tiedown Brackets
Not Available
Not confirmed
One Pedal Driving
Not Available
Not confirmed
Rear Electric Motor
Not Available
Not confirmed
Regenerative Braking Levels
Not Available
Not confirmed
Side Step
Standard/available
Not confirmed
Source Model Column
fortuner
Not confirmed
Sports Bar
Not Available
Not confirmed
Tailgate Damper
Not Available
Not confirmed
Tailgate Lock
Not Available
Not confirmed
Tow Bar Type
Not Available
Not confirmed
Trailer Stability Assist
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Not confirmed
Trailer Sway Control
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Not confirmed
Trim Level
flagship
Not confirmed
Variant Role
Performance-focused derivative
Not confirmed
Vehicle To Grid
Not Available
Not confirmed
Vehicle To Load
Not Available
Not confirmed
Load Bed Length
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Load Bed Width
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Boot Space Seats Folded
Not Applicable
1100 l
Loadbox Length Mm
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Loadbox Width Mm
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Automatic Headlamps
-
Not Available
Auto Dimming Mirror
-
Not Available
Rear Window Defroster
-
Standard
Electric Mirror Folding
-
Manual Fold
Driver Seat Height Adjustment
-
Standard Driver
Follow Me Home Headlamps
-
Not Available
12V Accessory Socket
-
1 x 12V Socket
Speed Limiter
-
Not Available
Engine Start Stop
Not Available
Not Available
Engine Start Stop Button
Not Available
Not Available
Push Button Start
Not Available
Not Available
Spare Wheel
Not Available
Full Size Spare
Air Conditioning
Not Available
Manual Air Conditioning
Rim Size
Not Available
15 Inches
Sound System
Not Available
4
Unlocking
Not Available
Not Available
Wireless Charger
Not Available
Not Available
Boot Space Seats Folded
Not Applicable
1100 l
Spec
Fortuner
H1
Length
4795 mm
4002 mm
Width
1855 mm
1740 mm
Height
1835 mm
1567 mm
Wheelbase
2745 mm
2450 mm
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Fuel Tank Capacity
80 l
42 l
Towing Capacity
2800 kg
Not confirmed
Ground Clearance (Default)
279 mm
160 mm
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
2735 kg
1770 kg
Seating Capacity
7 seats
5 seats
Front Headroom
-
975 mm
Rear Headroom
-
950 mm
Front Legroom
-
1020 mm
Rear Legroom
-
840 mm
Minimum Turning Radius
-
5.2 m
Spec
Fortuner
H1
Engine
2.8-litre Turbocharged Diesel
1.5-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol
Cylinders
Not Officially Disclosed
4
Valves
Not Officially Disclosed
16
Fuel System
Not Officially Disclosed
Multi-Point Injection
Compression Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
10.5:1
Drive Type
4WD
FWD
Top Speed
Not Officially Disclosed
155 km/h
Engine Code
Not Officially Disclosed
GW4G15
Cylinder Layout
Not Officially Disclosed
Inline
Aspiration
Turbocharged
Naturally Aspirated
Bore
Not Officially Disclosed
73.5 mm
Stroke
Not Officially Disclosed
88.3 mm
Drive Modes
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves per Cylinder
Not Officially Disclosed
4
Launch Control
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Engine Displacement
2755 cc
1497 cc
Transmission
Not Officially Disclosed
CVT
0-100 km/h
Not Officially Disclosed
13.5 sec
Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Type
Diesel
Petrol
Maximum Power
150 kW
78 kW @ 6000 rpm
Maximum Torque
500 Nm
135 Nm @ 4000 rpm
Motor Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Regenerative Braking
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Combined Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Combined Torque
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Number of Motors
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Motor Location
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Rev Limiter
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Battery Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Battery Voltage
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Electric Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Spec
Fortuner
H1
Apple CarPlay
Not Available
No
Android Auto
Not Available
No
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Yes
Number of Speakers
Not Available
4
Digital Instrument Cluster
Not Applicable
Partial Digital
Infotainment System
Not Available
Not confirmed
Infotainment Screen
Not Available
7
Smartphone Connectivity
Bluetooth
Not confirmed
Touchscreen
Not Available
7
USB Ports
Not Available
1
Navigation System
-
No
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Not Available
No
FM Radio
-
Standard
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
-
Not Available
Voice Recognition
-
Not Available
AUX Input
-
Not Available
Infotainment Screen Size
Not Available
7
Wi-Fi Hotspot
-
Not Available
Audio Speakers
Not Available
4
Wireless Android Auto
Not Available
No
Spec
Fortuner
H1
LED Headlamps
Not Available
Halogen Headlamps
Daytime Running Lamps
Not Available
Not Available
Fog Lamps
Not Available
Not Available
Roof Rails
Not Available
Not Available
Body Type
SUV
SUV
Exterior Colour Options
2
Not confirmed
Headlights
Not Available
Halogen Headlamps
Load Bed Liner
Not Available
Not confirmed
Panoramic Sunroof
Not Available
Not confirmed
Exterior Colour Options
5
6
Alloy Wheel Design
-
Steel Wheels with Hub Caps
Chrome Exterior Finish
-
Not Available
Body Cladding
-
Plastic Body Cladding
Rear Spoiler
-
Not Available
Roof Type
-
Standard Fixed Roof
Wing Mirror Type
-
Manual Black Mirrors
Rear Wiper
-
Standard
Door Handle Finish
-
Body-Coloured
DRL
Not Available
Not Available
Led Headlights
Not Available
Halogen Headlamps
Daytime Running Lights
Not Available
Not Available
Front Fog Lamps
Not Available
Not Available
Headlamps
Not Available
Halogen Headlamps
Headlight Type
Not Available
Halogen Headlamps
Spec
Fortuner
H1
Approach Angle
Not Available
23 deg
Departure Angle
Not Available
27 deg
Wading Depth
Not Available
0 mm
Terrain Modes
4WD/off-road drive mode support
Not Available
Locking Differential
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Underbody Protection
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Not Available
4WD System Type
Four-wheel drive
Not Applicable
Hill Descent Control
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Not Available
Breakover Angle
Not Available
Not confirmed
Energy Recovery Display
Not Available
Not confirmed
Off Road Traction Assist
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Not confirmed
Terrain Mode Mud
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Not confirmed
Terrain Mode Sand
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Not confirmed
Terrain Mode Snow
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Not confirmed
Ground Clearance Max
279 mm
160 mm
Ground Clearance Min
279 mm
160 mm
Ramp Breakover Angle
-
0 deg
Recovery Hooks
-
1 Rear Tow Hook
Spec
Fortuner
H1
Tyre Size
Not Available
195/65R15
Front Brake Type
Not Available
Ventilated Disc
Rear Brake Type
Not Available
Drum
Spare Wheel Type
Not Available
Full Size Spare
Wheel Rim Size
Not Available
15 Inches
Fifth Wheel Prep
Not Available
Not confirmed
Handbrake Type
Not Applicable
Not confirmed
Wheel Type
-
Steel Wheels with Hub Caps
Front Brake Disc Diameter
-
254 mm
Rear Brake Drum Diameter
-
200 mm
Parking Brake Type
-
Drum Rear
Tyre Load Index
-
89
Tyre Speed Rating
-
T
Brake Type Front
-
Ventilated Disc
Brake Type Rear
-
Drum
Spare Tyre
Not Available
Full Size Spare
Wheel Diameter
Not Available
15 Inches
Wheels
-
Steel Wheels with Hub Caps
Spec
Fortuner
H1
Front Suspension
Not Available
MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension
Not Available
Torsion Beam
Front Track Width
Not Applicable
1490 mm
Rear Track Width
Not Applicable
1480 mm
Chassis Type
-
Monocoque
Power Steering
-
Electric Power Assisted (EPAS)
Steering Column
-
Tilt Adjustable
Front Spring Type
-
Coil Spring
Rear Spring Type
-
Torsion Bar
Front Anti-Roll Bar
-
Standard
Rear Anti-Roll Bar
-
Standard
Shock Absorber Type
-
Telescopic Gas Dampers
Front Suspension Type
Not Available
MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension Type
Not Available
Torsion Beam
Spec
Fortuner
H1
Maintenance Plan
9 services / 90 000 km
Not Included
Service Plan Duration
9 services / 90 000 km
3 Years / 45,000 km
Service Plan Distance
9 services / 90 000 km
3 Years / 45,000 km
Service Plan
9 services / 90 000 km
3 Years / 45,000 km
Service Interval
-
15000
Approx Service Cost
-
1500
Battery Warranty
-
12 Months
Engine Oil Change Interval
-
10000
First Service At
-
1000
Anti-Rust Treatment
-
Underbody Rust Protection
Service Intervals
-
15000
Engine Oil Capacity
-
3.6 l
Spec
Fortuner
H1
Warranty Years
3 years / 100 000 km
3 Years / 100,000 km
Warranty Kilometers
3 years / 100 000 km
3 Years / 100,000 km
Roadside Assistance
3 Years
Not confirmed
Basic Warranty
3 years / 100 000 km
3 Years / 100,000 km
Roadside Assistance
3 Years
Not confirmed
Warranty
3 years / 100 000 km
3 Years / 100,000 km
Warranty Roadside Assistance
3 Years
Not confirmed
Spec
Fortuner
H1
CO2 Emissions
Not Applicable
165 g/km
Hybrid System Type
Not Available
Not Applicable
Fuel Octane Requirement
Diesel
95 Octane Unleaded
Start Stop System
-
Not Available
Noise Level
-
71 dB
Particulate Filter
-
Not Applicable
Euro Emission Standard
-
Euro 5
Green NCAP Rating
-
Not Independently Rated
Idle CO2 Output
-
Within Euro 5 Limits
Fuel Evaporation Control
-
Evaporative Emission Control (EVAP)
Variable Valve Timing
-
Dual Variable Valve Timing (DVVT)
Spec
Fortuner
H1
Ownership Role
South Africa market model
Not confirmed
Price Source
South Africa variant price CSV; verify against latest OEM price list
Not confirmed
Price Zar
999000 ZAR
Not confirmed
Pricing Role
Current Toyota South Africa lineup
Not confirmed
Starting Price
999000
Not confirmed
Starting Price Zar
999000
Not confirmed
Spec
Fortuner
H1
Real-world City Mileage Min
-
5.8 l/100km
Real-world City Mileage Max
-
7.2 l/100km
Real-world Highway Mileage Min
-
7.5 l/100km
Real-world Highway Mileage Max
-
9.0 l/100km
Owner Review Count
-
0
Overall Verdict Score
Decision-grade view of the winner, score gap and category strengths.
Weighted / 100
Verdict readout
Fortuner leads by 16 points
Fortuner holds a noticeable edge over H1, especially in key ownership areas.
🏆Toyota Fortuner
wins with 62 pts
vs 46 pts for H1
In structured scoring, Fortuner emerges as the stronger overall package. However, H1 may appeal to buyers prioritising different factors. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Other Comparisons Worth Checking
See how similar cars go head-to-head — you might find a better fit than you expected.
On our scoring the Fortuner edges ahead overall. That said, the right choice depends on what you actually use the car for — the breakdown above shows exactly where each one wins and loses.
Efficiency scores: Fortuner 56 vs H1 35. In the real world, diesel variants of either car will beat the claimed figure on long highways and fall short in Joburg traffic.
Safety scores: Fortuner 28, H1 56. Check each model page for NCAP ratings and which trim levels include AEB and blind-spot monitoring — those features aren't always standard.
Long-term ownership scores: Fortuner 51, H1 44. Service intervals, parts availability in SA, and whether a service plan is bundled all factor in — check the individual variant specs for that detail.
Practicality scores: Fortuner 89, H1 63. This covers boot space, seat flexibility, and day-to-day usability — not just interior dimensions on paper.
Performance scores: Fortuner 80, H1 30. This looks at real-world pace — 0–100 kph, highway flexibility, and how either car feels when you actually need to overtake on an N-road.
Resale varies with colour, spec, and market timing, but Japanese brands — and Toyota specifically — have a strong track record in SA. Check current used prices for both on AutoTrader to see the real gap right now.
Ground clearance and 4WD availability are what matter most here. Scroll to the spec table above to compare both side by side — if either model offers a 4WD variant, that's the version worth comparing.
Fuel, insurance, and service costs are the big three. Diesel variants of both models typically save R800–R1,500/month in fuel at current SA pump prices. The Fortuner edges the overall ownership score, but check whether either variant includes a service plan — that changes the monthly maths significantly.
The Fortuner scores better overall, but neither car is a bad buy here. It comes down to what features matter to you — check the full spec table above to see exactly what you gain and lose at each price point.
In Depth — Breaking It All Down
The comparison between Fortuner and H1 in South Africa
evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.
Performance: Fortuner scores 80 vs 30.
Efficiency: Fortuner scores 56 vs 35.
Safety: Fortuner scores 28 vs 56.
Practicality: Fortuner scores 89 vs 63.
Ownership: Fortuner scores 51 vs 44.
Final structured scoring gives Fortuner
the advantage in this comparison.
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