A proper head-to-head in South Africa — compare price, performance,
fuel economy or electric range, safety and the details that shape long-term ownership.
Fortuner has a modest catalogue-index lead, while J5 remains close.
J5 starts ZAR 346,000 cheaperFortuner from ZAR 685,900 · J5 from ZAR 339,900
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
Fortuner
J5
Maximum Power
Fortuner150 kW
J5115 kW @ 5500 rpm
Maximum Torque
Fortuner500 Nm
J5230 Nm
Engine Size
Fortuner2755 cc
J51500 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
Fortuner13.2 km/l
J513.3 km/l
Ground Clearance
Fortuner279 mm
J5174 mm
Strongest published figure in that row; no road-test winner is implied.
Independent editorial assessment
Hagalu editorial ratings
When a variant is selected, its rating out of five applies only to that exact derivative; a model-range review is not inherited. Editorial ratings are separate from the Specification Evidence Index out of 100 and are not customer ratings.
Toyota Fortuner
2.8 GD-6 4X4 GR-Sport 6AT
Hagalu editorial ratingNot yet rated
No complete editorial rating is published for this exact variant. This is not a zero score.
Not yet rated means a complete review is not published; it does not mean the vehicle scored zero. Read the rating methodology.
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
Specification evidence leader
Fortuner
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
Fewer listed safety features
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished EfficiencyPublished Practicality
J5
Strengths
Stronger listed safety equipment
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Lower fuel efficiency
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:General Use
Which One's Right for You?
Fortuner
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
J5
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Full Specs, Side by Side
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Spec
Fortuner
J5
Model Introduced Year
2006
2026
Generation
Currently sold Fortuner belongs to the second generation with periodic feature and safety upgrades
Current South Africa J5 range
Facelift History
Major updates in 2016 (new generation) and feature refreshes in 2021 with improved infotainment, safety tech, and design tweaks
Current South Africa version listed by official source
Facelift Launched Since
2021
2026
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
SUV
SUV
Color Note
White, Black, Silver, Dark Green, Grey
-
Dealer Stock Note
Flagship grade in the South Africa lineup
-
Drivetrain Note
Drive layout derived from the official derivative naming: 2.8 GD-6 4X4 GR-Sport 6AT
-
Model Year
Current
2026
Production Status
active
active
Segment
SUV
SUV
Tare Mass Kg
GVM 2735 kg; Toyota SA does not publish tare mass
Not Available
Vehicle Type
SUV
SUV
Spec
Fortuner
J5
Length
4795 mm
4380 mm
Width
1855 mm
1860 mm
Height
1835 mm
1650 mm
Wheelbase
2745 mm
2620 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
279 mm
174 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
170 mm
175 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
80 l
51 l
Boot/Cargo Space
541 l
480 l
Kerb Weight
1946 kg
1435 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
2735 kg
1852 kg
Payload Capacity
493 kg
440 kg
Towing Capacity
2800 kg
1175 kg
Seating Capacity
7 seats
5 seats
Number of Rows
3 rows
2 rows
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
5.8 m
5.4 m
Front Headroom
1015 mm
1005 mm
Rear Headroom
979 mm
975 mm
Front Legroom
1048 mm
1045 mm
Rear Legroom
928 mm
900 mm
Spec
Fortuner
J5
Front Track Width
Not Applicable
Not Available
Rear Track Width
Not Applicable
Not Available
Front Suspension
Not Available
MacPherson strut
Rear Suspension
Not Available
Multi-link
Spec
Fortuner
J5
Load Bed Length
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Load Bed Width
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Climate Control
Not Available
Manual / automatic by trim
Power Windows
Not Available
Standard
Keyless Entry
Not Available
Standard
Push Button Start
Not Available
Standard
Wireless Charging
Not Available
Not Available
Sunroof
Not Available
Not Available
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
Not Available
Rain Sensing Wipers
Not Available
Not Available
Boot Space Seats Folded
Not Applicable
1284 l
AC Type
Not Available
Manual / automatic by trim
Side Steps
Standard/available
-
Skid Plates
Confirmed 4WD derivative
-
Battery Preconditioning
Not Available
-
Bed Extender
Not Available
-
Canopy Fitment
Not Available
-
Intelligent Battery System
Not Available
-
Load Bed Cover
Not Available
-
Load Bed Light
Not Available
-
Load Bed Steps
Not Available
-
Loadbox Depth Mm
Not Available
-
Loadbox Length Mm
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Loadbox Rope Hooks
Not Available
-
Loadbox Tiedown Brackets
Not Available
-
Loadbox Width Mm
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
One Pedal Driving
Not Available
-
Rear Electric Motor
Not Available
-
Regenerative Braking Levels
Not Available
-
Side Step
Standard/available
-
Source Model Column
fortuner
-
Sports Bar
Not Available
-
Tailgate Damper
Not Available
-
Tailgate Lock
Not Available
-
Tow Bar Type
Not Available
-
Trailer Stability Assist
Confirmed 4WD derivative
-
Trailer Sway Control
Confirmed 4WD derivative
-
Trim Level
flagship
-
Variant Role
Performance-focused derivative
-
Vehicle To Grid
Not Available
-
Vehicle To Load
Not Available
-
Spec
Fortuner
J5
Engine
2.8-litre Turbocharged Diesel
1.5-litre Turbocharged Petrol
Engine Code
Market-specific engine family
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Type
Diesel
Petrol
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
2755 cc
1500 cc
Cylinders
4
4
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Inline
Valves
16
16
Valves per Cylinder
4
4
Aspiration
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Fuel System
Common-rail direct injection
Petrol injection
Compression Ratio
10.5:1
Not Officially Disclosed
Bore
82.0 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Stroke
94.6 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Maximum Power
150 kW
115 kW @ 5500 rpm
Maximum Torque
500 Nm
230 Nm
Combined Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Combined Torque
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Motor Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Number of Motors
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Motor Location
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Drive Type
4WD
FWD
Transmission
6-Speed Automatic
CVT
Top Speed
210 km/h
Not Officially Disclosed
0-100 km/h
8.2 sec
Not Officially Disclosed
Quarter Mile
16.2 sec
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
Eco, Comfort, Sport
Eco, Normal, Sport
Launch Control
No
Not Officially Disclosed
Rev Limiter
4800 rpm
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
100 kW/tonne
Not Officially Disclosed
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
220 Nm/tonne
Not Officially Disclosed
Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
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
DC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Regenerative Braking
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Spec
Fortuner
J5
Gearbox
Automatic
CVT
Drivetrain Layout
Ladder frame
FWD
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
Final Drive Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Number of Gears
6
CVT
Transmission Type
Automatic
Automatic
Clutch Type
Not Applicable
Automatic clutch
Gear Shift Indicator
Not Applicable
Standard
Gear Shift Type
Automatic
Electric
Drivetrain
4WD / AWD
FWD
4WD Engagement
Available
Not Applicable
4WD Hi Range
Available
Not Applicable
4WD Lo Range
Available where 4WD low range is fitted
Not Applicable
4WD Selector
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Not Applicable
Automatic Shift Paddles
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Drive Mode Selector
4WD/off-road drive mode support
-
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Gearbox Type
Automatic
CVT
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Low Range
Available where 4WD low range is fitted
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
4x4
FWD
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transmission Speeds
6
CVT
Spec
Fortuner
J5
Claimed Mileage
13.2 km/l
13.3 km/l
City Mileage
10.7 km/l
10.7 km/l
Highway Mileage
15.4 km/l
15.7 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
80 l
51 l
Emission Standard
Not Applicable
Euro VIb
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Not Applicable
Not Available
Real-world Mileage
13.2 km/l
13.3 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
80
51
Combined Driving Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Electric Consumption
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Range Real World Highway
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Range Real World Mixed
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Spec
Fortuner
J5
Airbags
Side, curtain, driver, passenger and driver knee airbags
Multiple airbags
ABS
Standard
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Not Available
Standard
Traction Control
Standard
Standard
Hill Descent Control
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Standard
Hill Start Assist
Not Available
Standard
Child Safety Lock
Not Available
Standard
ISOFIX Mounts
Not Available
Standard
Brake Assist
Not Available
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Not Available
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Standard
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Not Available
Standard
Front Parking Sensors
Not Available
Not Available
AEB
Not Available
Not Available
BA
Not Available
Standard
Brake Override System
Not Available
Standard
Curtain Airbags
Standard
Standard
Driver Airbag
Standard
Standard
EBD
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Standard
Hill Hold
Not Available
Standard
Passenger Airbag
Standard
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Not Available
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Not Available
Standard
Seatbelt Reminder
Not Available
Standard
Side Airbags
Standard
Standard
Stability Control
Not Available
Standard
TCS
Standard
Standard
Knee Airbag
Driver knee airbag
Not Available
ABS EBD
Standard
Standard
Spec
Fortuner
J5
Cruise Control
Standard
Standard
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
Standard
Rear View Camera
Not Available
Standard
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 Available
Auto Wipers
Not Available
Not Available
EV Mode
Not Available
-
Rear Parking Sensors
Not Available
Standard
Reverse Camera
Not Available
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Not Available
Park Assist
Not Available
Not Available
Around View Monitor
Not Available
Not Available
Blind Spot Warning
Not Available
Not Available
Forward Collision Warning
Not Available
Not Available
Spec
Fortuner
J5
Seat Material
Not Applicable
Fabric or cloth trim
Heated Seats
Not Applicable
Not Available
Ventilated Seats
Not Applicable
Not Available
Ambient Lighting
Not Applicable
Not Available
Front Shoulder Room
Not Applicable
Not Available
Rear Shoulder Room
Not Applicable
Not Available
Steering Wheel Material
Not Applicable
Polyurethane / synthetic
Interior Colour Options
5
-
60 40 Split Seat
Not Applicable
Standard
Driver Seat Adjustment
Not Applicable
Manual
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Not Applicable
Manual
Interior Courtesy Lamps
Premium dashboard layout, touchscreen infotainment, Android Auto & Apple CarPlay, comfortable seating, climate control
-
Interior Colours
5
-
Seat Trim
Not Applicable
Fabric
Spec
Fortuner
J5
Infotainment System
Not Available
Touchscreen infotainment
Apple CarPlay
Not Available
Standard
Android Auto
Not Available
Standard
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Standard
Number of Speakers
Not Available
4-6
Digital Instrument Cluster
Not Applicable
Standard
USB Ports
Not Available
Front and rear USB where listed
Infotainment Screen
Not Available
10.25-inch or larger by trim
Smartphone Connectivity
Bluetooth
-
Touchscreen
Not Available
10.25-inch or larger by trim
Spec
Fortuner
J5
LED Headlamps
Not Available
Not Available
Daytime Running Lamps
Not Available
Standard
Fog Lamps
Not Available
Not Available
Roof Rails
Not Available
Standard
Exterior Colour Options
5
Khaki white, carbon crystal black, model green, olive grey, moonlight silver and two-tone colours where listed.
Body Type
SUV
-
Exterior Colour Options
2
-
Headlights
Not Available
Not Available
Load Bed Liner
Not Available
-
Panoramic Sunroof
Not Available
Not Available
Spec
Fortuner
J5
Approach Angle
Not Available
Not Available
Departure Angle
Not Available
Not Available
Wading Depth
Not Available
Not Available
Terrain Modes
4WD/off-road drive mode support
Not Applicable
Locking Differential
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Underbody Protection
Confirmed 4WD derivative
-
4WD System Type
Four-wheel drive
Not Applicable
Hill Descent Control
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Standard
Breakover Angle
Not Available
Not Available
Energy Recovery Display
Not Available
-
Ground Clearance Max
279 mm
174 mm
Ground Clearance Min
279 mm
174 mm
Off Road Traction Assist
Confirmed 4WD derivative
-
Terrain Mode Mud
Confirmed 4WD derivative
-
Terrain Mode Sand
Confirmed 4WD derivative
-
Terrain Mode Snow
Confirmed 4WD derivative
-
Spec
Fortuner
J5
Tyre Size
Not Available
18-inch alloy
Front Brake Type
Not Available
Ventilated Disc
Rear Brake Type
Not Available
Disc
Spare Wheel Type
Not Available
Not Available
Wheel Rim Size
Not Available
18-inch alloy
Fifth Wheel Prep
Not Available
-
Handbrake Type
Not Applicable
Electronic parking brake
Spec
Fortuner
J5
Maintenance Plan
9 services / 90 000 km
-
Service Plan Duration
9 services / 90 000 km
5 Year / 75 000 km
Service Plan Distance
9 services / 90 000 km
5 Year / 75 000 km
Service Plan
9 services / 90 000 km
5 Year / 75 000 km
Spec
Fortuner
J5
Warranty Years
3 years / 100 000 km
5 Year / 150 000 km
Warranty Kilometers
3 years / 100 000 km
5 Year / 150 000 km
Roadside Assistance
3 Years
-
Basic Warranty
3 years / 100 000 km
5 Year / 150 000 km
Roadside Assistance
3 Years
-
Warranty
3 years / 100 000 km
5 Year / 150 000 km
Warranty Roadside Assistance
3 Years
-
Spec
Fortuner
J5
CO2 Emissions
Not Applicable
172.4 g/km
Hybrid System Type
Not Available
-
Fuel Octane Requirement
Diesel
Petrol
Spec
Fortuner
J5
Ownership Role
South Africa market model
entry-value
Price Zar
999000 ZAR
339900 ZAR
Pricing Role
Current Toyota South Africa lineup
entry-value
Starting Price
999000
339900
Starting Price Zar
999000
339900
In depth: how these cars differ
This Fortuner and J5 comparison uses the exact derivatives selected above for South Africa. The catalogue index covers performance, efficiency, safety equipment, practicality and ownership cover only where comparable source-backed fields are present.
Performance index: Fortuner 79 vs J5 49.
Efficiency index: Fortuner 56 vs J5 52.
Safety-equipment index: Fortuner 89 vs J5 91.
Practicality index: Fortuner 84 vs J5 60.
Ownership-cover index: Fortuner 43 vs J5 not separately scored.
These figures are Hagalu catalogue-comparison indicators, not customer ratings, crash-test scores, resale guarantees or a substitute for a road test. Each page shows its weighted source coverage beside the result.
Model imagery
Fortuner and J5 image comparison
Open an image for its full canonical file or visit the model page for the complete vehicle record.
A transparent comparison of published catalogue fields. This is not a road-test score, owner rating or editorial review rating, and it appears only when every vehicle clears the same comparable-data threshold.
Evidence / 100
Evidence-index readout
Fortuner leads by 10 points
Fortuner has a modest catalogue-index lead, while J5 remains close.
Moderate difference in the source-backed catalogue index.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
Fortuner
Performance
79/100
Efficiency
56/100
Safety
89/100
Practicality
84/100
Ownership
43/100
J5
Performance
49/100
Efficiency
52/100
Safety
91/100
Practicality
60/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexToyota Fortuner
leads the specification evidence index with 73 pts
vs 63 pts for J5
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, Fortuner leads. However, J5 may suit buyers prioritising different confirmed fields. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Related comparisons
Continue with closely related South Africa models and comparable body styles.
There is no universal winner. Use the comparison table to match the models and available derivatives in South Africa on price, safety equipment, space, powertrain and ownership cover. The category indicators summarise published catalogue data; they are not a road test or customer rating.
Compare the published consumption or mileage rows for the exact derivatives using the same unit and test basis. A catalogue figure is useful for like-for-like comparison, but traffic, speed, load, weather and driving style can change actual fuel use.
Compare only equipment explicitly listed for each derivative, including airbags, stability control and driver-assistance systems. Confirm the exact trim with the manufacturer, and treat any independent crash-test result separately because equipment and ratings can differ by market.
A reliable five-year total cannot be calculated from catalogue data alone. Add the exact purchase and finance cost, fuel or electricity, insurance quotes, scheduled servicing, tyres and expected resale value. Check whether the selected derivative includes a service or maintenance plan.
Use the seating, boot or load-space, ISOFIX and safety rows as a first check. Then test the exact cars with your child seats, passengers and typical luggage, because published dimensions do not show every access or comfort difference.
Compare the published power, torque and 0–100 km/h rows when they are available for both exact derivatives. Vehicle weight, gearing and power delivery also matter, so catalogue outputs alone do not establish real-world overtaking or response.
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