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.
HR-V starts ZAR 620000 cheaperFortuner from ZAR 620,000 · HR-V from ZAR 489,900
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
Fortuner
HR-V
Engine Power
165
119
Torque
550
145
Engine Size
2755
1498
Claimed Mileage
14.2
16.0
Ground Clearance
225
196
Boot Space
296
437
Airbags
7
6
Kerb Weight
2210
1360
Seating Capacity
Available
Available
Warranty
3
3
= leads in this spec
The Overall Score — Here's How They Stack Up
🏆 Winner
#1
Fortuner
62
/ 100
+0
pts
#2
HR-V
62
/ 100
Very close match. Final decision depends on buyer preference.
The Bottom Line
Both Fortuner and HR-V are extremely closely matched, making the final choice dependent on buyer preference.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
Fortuner
+9 pts
Efficiency
HR-V
+10 pts
Safety
Fortuner
+2 pts
Practicality
HR-V
+1 pts
Ownership
Equal
Score Breakdown by Category
🏆 Overall Winner
Fortuner
Performance
18/20
Efficiency
0/20
Safety
20/20
Practicality
12/20
Ownership
12/20
HR-V
Performance
9/20
Efficiency
10/20
Safety
18/20
Practicality
13/20
Ownership
12/20
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
🏆 Overall Winner
Fortuner
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Stronger safety package
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Less practical in daily usage
Best suited to:Highway Driving
HR-V
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
More practical for daily use
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Less comprehensive safety features
Best suited to:Fuel EfficiencyFamily Usage
Which One's Right for You?
Fortuner
Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Families prioritising stronger safety equipment
HR-V
Buyers looking for better fuel efficiency
Large families needing more practicality and usability
Full Specs, Side by Side
Spec
Fortuner
HR-V
Ground Clearance
225
196
Wheelbase
2745
2610
Length
4795
4340
Width
1855
1790
Height
1835
1590
Kerb Weight
2210
1360
Gross Vehicle Weight
3100
1780
Seating Capacity
7
5
Boot Space
296
437
Towing Capacity
3100
1200
Front Track Width
1545
1550
Rear Track Width
1535
1540
Number of Doors
5
5
Boot Space Seats Folded
1500
1500
Turning Radius
Available
Available
Load Bed Length
Available
Available
Load Bed Width
Available
Available
Front Legroom
Available
Available
Rear Legroom
Available
Available
Front Headroom
Available
Available
Rear Headroom
Available
Available
Front Shoulder Room
Available
Available
Rear Shoulder Room
Available
Available
Max Payload
Available
Available
Boot Volume
Available
Available
Doors
Available
Available
Seats
Available
Available
Front Overhang
Available
Available
Fuel Tank Capacity
Available
Available
Rear Overhang
Available
Available
Spec
Fortuner
HR-V
Engine
2.8L Turbo Diesel
1.5L i-VTEC Petrol
Engine Type
Inline 4 Turbocharged
Inline 4 Cylinder Naturally Aspirated
Displacement
2755
1498
Cylinders
4
4
Valves per Cylinder
4
4
Power
165
119
Torque
550
145
Fuel System
Common Rail Direct Injection
Multi-Point Fuel Injection
Top Speed
190
185
0-100 km/h
9.5
11.5
Engine Position
Front, Longitudinal
Available
Cylinder Bore
92.0
82.0
Piston Stroke
94.6
92.0
Compression Ratio
15.9:1
10.5:1
Fuel Grade Required
Diesel
Petrol
Cylinder Layout
Inline 4 (I4)
Inline 4 (I4)
Engine Aspiration
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Engine Code
Standard
Standard
Turbocharger
Turbo
Available
Power @ RPM
150
150
Torque @ RPM
400
400
Engine Oil Capacity
Available
Available
Power
150
150
Variable Valve Timing
Available
Available
Maximum Engine RPM
Available
Available
Engine Type Config
Available
Available
0–100 km/h
Available
Available
Battery Capacity
Available
Available
Charging Port
Available
Available
AC Charging Time
Available
Available
Engine Displacement
Available
Available
EV Range
Available
Available
Spec
Fortuner
HR-V
Transmission
6-Speed Automatic
CVT Automatic
Drive Type
4x4
4x2
Drivetrain Layout
Part-Time 4WD
Front Wheel Drive
LSD Available
Electronic
Not Available
Transfer Case
High and Low Range
Not Applicable
Clutch Type
Single Plate Diaphragm
Available
Number of Gears
6
6
Differential Lock
Limited Slip with Manual Lock
Electronic Lock
Transmission
Automatic CVT
Automatic CVT
Transmission Type
Automatic
Automatic
Paddle Shifters
Available
Available
Final Drive Ratio
Available
Available
Steering Turns Lock to Lock
Available
Available
Drivetrain
Available
Available
Spec
Fortuner
HR-V
Claimed Mileage
14.2
16.0
City Mileage
9.5
13
Highway Mileage
13.5
17
Fuel Tank Capacity
80
40
Emission Standard
Euro 5
Euro 5
AdBlue Tank Capacity
32
Available
Auto Start Stop
Available
Available
Average Fuel Consumption
Available
Available
Claimed Fuel Consumption
Available
Available
Distance To Empty
Available
Available
Low Fuel Warning
Available
Available
Fuel Efficiency
Available
Available
Real-world Mileage
Available
Available
Spec
Fortuner
HR-V
Airbags
7
6
ABS
Standard
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Standard
Traction Control
Standard
Standard
Hill Descent Control
Standard
Not Available
Child Safety Lock
Standard
Standard
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
Standard
Brake Assist
Standard
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Standard
Hill Start Assist
Yes
Yes
Front Parking Sensors
Yes
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Yes
Alarm System
Available
Available
Central Locking
Yes
Power with Remote
Side Impact Beams
Available
Available
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Available
Available
Speed Alert System
Available
Available
Pedestrian Detection AEB
Available
Available
Safety Rating
Available
Available
Whiplash Protection
Available
Available
Lane Change Warning
Available
Available
AEB
Available
Available
BA
Available
Available
Brake Override System
Available
Available
Curtain Airbags
Available
Available
Driver Airbag
Available
Available
EBD
Available
Available
Engine Immobiliser
Available
Available
Fatigue Detection
Available
Available
Hill Hold
Available
Available
Passenger Airbag
Available
Available
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Available
Available
Side Airbags
Available
Available
TCS
Available
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring
Available
Available
Knee Airbag
Available
Available
Spec
Fortuner
HR-V
Cruise Control
Standard
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Standard
Standard
Lane Keep Assist
Standard
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring
Standard
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Standard
Standard
Parking Sensors
Front and Rear
Front and Rear
Rear View Camera
Standard
Standard
360 Degree Camera
Standard
Not Available
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Standard
Standard
Lane Departure Warning
Yes
Yes
Rear Parking Sensors
Yes
Yes
Traffic Sign Recognition
Yes
Yes
Driver Fatigue Alert
Yes
Yes
Auto Highbeam
Available
Available
Auto Lights
Available
Available
Auto Wipers
Available
Available
Drive Modes
Available
Available
Eco Mode
Available
Available
EV Mode
Available
Available
Reverse Camera
Available
Available
Sport Mode
Available
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control
Available
Available
Park Assist
Available
Available
Spec
Fortuner
HR-V
Seat Material
Leather with GR Stitching
Leather
Seat Adjustment
Electric Driver
Driver Electric
Heated Seats
Front
Standard
Ventilated Seats
Front
Not Available
Steering Type
Power Assisted
Electric Power Steering
Steering Adjustment
Tilt and Telescopic
Tilt and Telescopic
Ambient Lighting
Multi-Colour
Standard
Folding Rear Seats
Yes, 60:40 Split
Yes, 60:40 Split
Instrument Cluster Type
Digital TFT
Available
Interior Colour Options
Black
Black
Leather Seats
Available
Available
Front Armrest
Yes
Yes
Rear Armrest
Available
Available
Cup Holders
Available
4
Rear AC Vents
Available
Available
Rear USB Ports
Available
Available
Steering Wheel Material
Available
Available
Driver Lumbar Support
Available
Available
Door Map Pockets
Available
Available
60 40 Split Seat
Available
Available
Adjustable Driver Seat
Available
Available
Adjustable Front Seat
Available
Available
Cooled Seats
Available
Available
Driver Seat Adjustment
Available
Available
Fabric Seats
Available
Available
Front Headrest
Available
Available
Memory Seats
Available
Available
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Available
Available
Rear Headrest
Available
Available
Spec
Fortuner
HR-V
Climate Control
Dual Zone Automatic
Automatic Climate Control
Power Windows
All Windows
All Doors Auto
Keyless Entry
Smart Entry
Smart Key
Push Button Start
Yes
Standard
Wireless Charging
Yes
Standard
Sunroof
No
Panoramic Sunroof
Electric Tailgate
Powered
Standard
12V Accessory Socket
2 x 12V
Available
Auto Dimming Mirror
Yes
Yes
Follow Me Home Headlamps
Yes
Yes
Power Mirrors
Power Adjustment
Power Adjustment
Payload Capacity
500
500
Automatic Headlamps
Yes
Yes
Rain Sensing Wipers
Available
Available
Rear Window Defroster
Available
Available
Electric Mirror Folding
Available
Available
Driver Seat Height Adjustment
Available
Available
Speed Limiter
Available
Available
AC Type
Available
Available
Adaptive Dampers
Available
Available
Aero Kit
Available
Available
Auto Dimming Irvm
Available
Available
Boot Opener
Available
Available
Chrome Exterior Highlights
Available
Available
Chrome Grille
Available
Available
Climate Zones
Available
Available
Door Ajar Warning
Available
Available
Drag Coefficient
Available
Available
Driver Display
Available
Available
Electric Folding Mirrors
Available
Available
Engine Check Warning
Available
Available
Engine Start Button Illumination
Available
Available
Engine Start Stop
Available
Available
Engine Start Stop Button
Available
Available
Engine Warranty
Available
Available
Exhaust Finish
Available
Available
Exhaust Type
Available
Available
Front Armrest
Available
Available
Front Power Outlet
150
150
Fuel Consumption Combined
Available
Available
Fuel Lid Opener
Available
Available
Gear Shift Type
Available
Available
Glovebox Cooling
Available
Available
Ground Clearance Unladen
Available
Available
Headlamp Height Adjust
Available
Available
Headlamp Washer
Available
Available
Headrest Adjustable
Available
Available
Heads Up Display
Available
Available
Hill Start Assist
Available
Available
Impact Sensing Door Unlock
Available
Available
Intercooler
Available
Available
Launch Control
Available
Available
Multi Function Steering
Available
Available
Panoramic Roof
Available
Available
Performance Data Logger
Available
Available
Push Button Start
Available
Available
Rear Defogger
Available
Available
Rear Reading Lamps
Available
Available
Rear Seat Split
Available
Available
Rear Wing
Available
Available
Remote Engine Start
Available
Available
Rev Matching
Available
Available
Ride Mode Selection
Available
Available
Roof Antenna
Available
Available
Seat Type
Available
Available
Seatbelt Pre Tensioner
Available
Available
Seatbelt Reminder
Available
Available
Service Plan
Available
Available
Service Reminder
Available
Available
Side Steps
Available
Available
Skid Plates
Available
Available
Spare Wheel
Available
Available
Speed Alert System
Available
Available
Stability Control
Available
Available
Stabilizer Bar
Available
Available
Steering Mounted Controls
Available
Available
Steering Response
Available
Available
Tachometer
Available
Available
Tail Lamps
Available
Available
Telescopic Steering
Available
Available
Tilt Steering
Available
Available
Trip Computer
Available
Available
Tyre Repair Kit
Available
Available
Valves Per Cylinder
Available
Available
Vanity Mirror
Available
Available
Voice Command
Available
Available
Voice Command Support
Available
Available
Spec
Fortuner
HR-V
Infotainment Screen
9-inch Touchscreen
10.25-inch Touchscreen
Apple CarPlay
Wireless
Wireless
Android Auto
Wireless
Wireless
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Standard
Number of Speakers
11
8
Navigation System
Built-in
Built-in
AUX Input
Yes
Yes
FM Radio
Yes
Yes
Digital Instrument Cluster
Available
Yes
USB Ports
Available
Available
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Available
Available
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Available
Available
Voice Recognition
Available
Available
Infotainment Screen Size
Available
Available
Wi-Fi Hotspot
Available
Available
Audio Controls On Steering
Available
Available
Infotainment Display
Available
Available
Rear Usb
Available
Available
Premium Audio
Available
Available
Spec
Fortuner
HR-V
LED Headlamps
LED Projector
LED Projector
Daytime Running Lamps
LED
LED
Fog Lamps
LED
LED
Roof Rails
Black Finish
Standard
Alloy Wheel Design
18-inch GR Alloy
18-inch Alloy
Door Handle Finish
Metallic
Chrome Finish
Chrome Exterior Finish
Yes
Yes
Exterior Colour Options
Pearl White
Pearl White
Body Cladding
Available
Plastic Cladding
Rear Spoiler
Available
Available
Roof Type
Available
Available
Wing Mirror Type
Available
Available
Rear Wiper
Available
Available
Body Type
Available
Available
DRL
Available
Available
Fog Lights
Available
Available
Front Fog Lights
Available
Available
Led Headlights
Available
Available
Led Taillights
Available
Available
Rear Fog Lights
Available
Available
Spec
Fortuner
HR-V
Approach Angle
29
18
Departure Angle
25
20
Wading Depth
700
350
Terrain Modes
Sand Mud Rock
Not Available
Locking Differential
Rear Differential Lock
Not Available
4WD System Type
Full-Time 4WD with Low Range
Part-time 4WD
Underbody Protection
Available
Available
Ramp Breakover Angle
Available
Available
Recovery Hooks
Available
Available
Hill Descent Control
Available
Available
Ramp-over Angle
Available
Available
Spec
Fortuner
HR-V
Tyre Size
265/60 R18
225/50 R18
Wheel Type
GR Alloy
Alloy
Front Brake Type
Ventilated Disc
Disc
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Disc
Front Brake Disc Diameter
330
300
Spare Wheel Type
Available
Available
Rear Brake Drum Diameter
Available
Available
Parking Brake Type
Available
Available
Tyre Load Index
Available
Available
Tyre Speed Rating
Available
Available
Wheel Rim Size
Available
Available
Brake Type Front
Available
Available
Brake Type Rear
Available
Available
Spare Tyre
Available
Available
Tyre Type
Available
Available
Front Tyre Width
Available
Available
Rear Tyre Width
Available
Available
Wheel Diameter
Available
Available
Spec
Fortuner
HR-V
Front Suspension
Double Wishbone
MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension
Four Link with Coil Spring
Torsion Beam
Chassis Type
Ladder Frame
Monocoque
Front Spring Type
Coil Spring
Coil Spring
Front Anti-Roll Bar
Yes
Yes
Power Steering
Electric
Electric
Steering Column
Available
Available
Rear Spring Type
Available
Available
Rear Anti-Roll Bar
Available
Available
Shock Absorber Type
Available
Available
Spec
Fortuner
HR-V
Service Interval
10000 km / 12 months
10000 km / 12 months
Approx Service Cost
Moderate
Moderate
Battery Warranty
2 Years
24 Months
First Service At
5000
5000
Maintenance Plan
Available
Available
Engine Oil Change Interval
Available
Available
Service Plan Duration
Available
Available
Service Plan Distance
Available
Available
Anti-Rust Treatment
Available
Available
Alternator
Available
Available
Battery Type
Available
Available
Gear Shift Indicator
Available
Available
Spec
Fortuner
HR-V
Warranty Years
3
3
Warranty Kilometers
100000
100000
Roadside Assistance
3 Years
3 Years
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
Yes
5 Years / Unlimited km
Basic Warranty
Available
Available
Spec
Fortuner
HR-V
CO2 Emissions
201
142
Start Stop System
Yes
Standard
Hybrid System Type
None
Not Applicable
Fuel Octane Requirement
Diesel (Min. Cetane 51)
Unleaded 95 RON
Idle CO2 Output
2.5
2.0
Euro Emission Standard
EURO 5
Available
Noise Level
Available
Available
Particulate Filter
Available
Available
Green NCAP Rating
Available
Available
Fuel Evaporation Control
Available
Available
Spec
Fortuner
HR-V
Real-world City Mileage Min
Available
11
Real-world City Mileage Max
Available
13
Real-world Highway Mileage Min
Available
14
Real-world Highway Mileage Max
Available
17
Owner Review Count
Available
20
So, Which One Should You Buy?
🏆Toyota Fortuner
wins with 62 pts
vs 62 pts for HR-V
In structured scoring, Fortuner emerges as the stronger overall package. However, HR-V 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 0 vs HR-V 10. 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 20, HR-V 18. 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 12, HR-V 12. 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 12, HR-V 13. This covers boot space, seat flexibility, and day-to-day usability — not just interior dimensions on paper.
Performance scores: Fortuner 18, HR-V 9. 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 HR-V in South Africa
evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.
Performance: Fortuner scores 18 vs 9.
Efficiency: Fortuner scores 0 vs 10.
Safety: Fortuner scores 20 vs 18.
Practicality: Fortuner scores 12 vs 13.
Ownership: Fortuner scores 12 vs 12.
Final structured scoring gives Fortuner
the advantage in this comparison.
Compare
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