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.
Toyota Fortuner vs Volkswagen Polo: the short answer
Fortuner and Polo are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Polo starts ZAR 312,100 cheaperFortuner from ZAR 685,900 · Polo from ZAR 373,800
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
Fortuner
Polo
Maximum Power
Fortuner150 kW
Polo147 kW
Maximum Torque
Fortuner500 Nm
Polo320 Nm
Engine Size
Fortuner2755 cc
Polo2000 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
Fortuner13.2 km/l
Polo18.9 km/l
Ground Clearance
Fortuner279 mm
Polo133 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
Stronger listed safety equipment
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished Practicality
Polo
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Fewer listed safety features
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:Published Efficiency
Which One's Right for You?
Fortuner
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
Polo
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Full Specs, Side by Side
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Spec
Fortuner
Polo
Model Introduced Year
2006
2018
Generation
Currently sold Fortuner belongs to the second generation with periodic feature and safety upgrades
Sixth generation Polo on MQB-A0 platform
Facelift History
Major updates in 2016 (new generation) and feature refreshes in 2021 with improved infotainment, safety tech, and design tweaks
Facelift in 2022 with updated tech and styling
Facelift Launched Since
2021
2022
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
SUV
Hatchback
Color Note
White, Black, Silver, Dark Green, Grey
White, Black, Silver, Grey, Blue, Red
Dealer Stock Note
Flagship grade in the South Africa lineup
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
4x2 configuration for the local line-up
Model Year
Current
Current
Production Status
active
published
Segment
SUV
Hatchback
Tare Mass Kg
GVM 2735 kg; Toyota SA does not publish tare mass
1247 kg
Vehicle Type
SUV
Hatchback
Spec
Fortuner
Polo
Length
4795 mm
4074 mm
Width
1855 mm
1751 mm
Height
1835 mm
1431 mm
Wheelbase
2745 mm
2549 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
279 mm
133 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
170 mm
-
Fuel Tank Capacity
80 l
40 l
Boot/Cargo Space
541 l
305 l
Kerb Weight
1946 kg
1247 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
2735 kg
1780 kg
Payload Capacity
493 kg
-
Towing Capacity
2800 kg
-
Seating Capacity
7 seats
5 seats
Number of Rows
3 rows
-
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
5.8 m
10.6 m
Front Headroom
1015 mm
-
Rear Headroom
979 mm
-
Front Legroom
1048 mm
-
Rear Legroom
928 mm
-
Spec
Fortuner
Polo
Front Track Width
Not Applicable
1501 mm
Rear Track Width
Not Applicable
1484 mm
Front Suspension
Not Available
Not Available
Rear Suspension
Not Available
Not Available
Power Steering
-
Standard
Spec
Fortuner
Polo
Load Bed Length
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Load Bed Width
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Climate Control
Not Available
Standard
Power Windows
Not Available
Not Available
Keyless Entry
Not Available
Not Available
Push Button Start
Not Available
Not Available
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
305 l
AC Type
Not Available
Standard
Side Steps
Standard/available
-
Skid Plates
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Not Available
Battery Preconditioning
Not Available
Not Available
Bed Extender
Not Available
Not Available
Canopy Fitment
Not Available
Not Available
Intelligent Battery System
Not Available
Not Available
Load Bed Cover
Not Available
Not Available
Load Bed Light
Not Available
Not Available
Load Bed Steps
Not Available
Not Available
Loadbox Depth Mm
Not Available
Not Available
Loadbox Length Mm
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Loadbox Rope Hooks
Not Available
Not Available
Loadbox Tiedown Brackets
Not Available
Not Available
Loadbox Width Mm
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
One Pedal Driving
Not Available
Not Available
Rear Electric Motor
Not Available
Not Available
Regenerative Braking Levels
Not Available
Not Available
Side Step
Standard/available
-
Source Model Column
fortuner
polo
Sports Bar
Not Available
Not Available
Tailgate Damper
Not Available
Not Available
Tailgate Lock
Not Available
Not Available
Tow Bar Type
Not Available
Not Available
Trailer Stability Assist
Confirmed 4WD derivative
-
Trailer Sway Control
Confirmed 4WD derivative
-
Trim Level
flagship
flagship
Variant Role
Performance-focused derivative
Performance-focused derivative
Vehicle To Grid
Not Available
Not Available
Vehicle To Load
Not Available
Not Available
12V Accessory Socket
-
Standard
Climate Zones
-
Standard
Front Armrest
-
Centre console
Front Power Outlet
-
Standard
Fuel Consumption Combined
-
5.3
Multi Function Steering
-
Standard
Air Conditioning
Not Available
Standard
Centre Console
-
Standard
Diff Lock
-
Not Available
Difflock
-
Not Available
Front Diff Lock
-
Not Available
Manual Aircon
-
Standard
Power Socket 12v
-
Standard
Rear Diff Lock
-
Not Available
Spec
Fortuner
Polo
Engine
2.8-litre Turbocharged Diesel
Not Officially Disclosed
Engine Code
Market-specific engine family
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Type
Diesel
Petrol
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
2755 cc
2000 cc
Cylinders
4
Not Officially Disclosed
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves
16
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves per Cylinder
4
Not Officially Disclosed
Aspiration
Turbocharged
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel System
Common-rail direct injection
Not Officially Disclosed
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
147 kW
Maximum Torque
500 Nm
320 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
Not Officially Disclosed
Transmission
6-Speed Automatic
Not Officially Disclosed
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
Not Officially Disclosed
Launch Control
No
Not Officially Disclosed
Rev Limiter
4800 rpm
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
100 kW/tonne
117.9 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
220 Nm/tonne
256.6 Nm/tonne
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
Polo
Gearbox
Automatic
DCT
Drivetrain Layout
Ladder frame
4x2
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
Not Applicable
Transmission Type
Automatic
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Clutch Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Gear Shift Indicator
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Gear Shift Type
Automatic
DCT
Drivetrain
4WD / AWD
4x2
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
DCT
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Low Range
Available where 4WD low range is fitted
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
4x4
4x2
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transmission Speeds
6
Not Applicable
Differential Type Front
-
Not Available
Differential Type Rear
-
Not Available
Transfer Case Guard
-
Not Available
Spec
Fortuner
Polo
Claimed Mileage
13.2 km/l
18.9 km/l
City Mileage
10.7 km/l
15.2 km/l
Highway Mileage
15.4 km/l
22.3 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
80 l
40 l
Emission Standard
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Real-world Mileage
13.2 km/l
18.9 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
80
40
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
Polo
Airbags
Side, curtain, driver, passenger and driver knee airbags
6
ABS
Standard
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Not Available
Not Available
Traction Control
Standard
Not Available
Hill Descent Control
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Not Available
Hill Start Assist
Not Available
Not Available
Child Safety Lock
Not Available
Not Available
ISOFIX Mounts
Not Available
Not Available
Brake Assist
Not Available
Not Available
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Not Available
Not Available
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Not Available
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Not Available
Not Available
Front Parking Sensors
Not Available
Standard
AEB
Not Available
Not Available
BA
Not Available
Not Available
Brake Override System
Not Available
Not Available
Curtain Airbags
Standard
Not Available
Driver Airbag
Standard
Not Available
EBD
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Not Available
Hill Hold
Not Available
Not Available
Passenger Airbag
Standard
Not Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Not Available
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Not Available
Not Available
Seatbelt Reminder
Not Available
Not Available
Side Airbags
Standard
Not Available
Stability Control
Not Available
Not Available
TCS
Standard
Not Available
Knee Airbag
Driver knee airbag
Not Available
ABS EBD
Standard
Standard
Spec
Fortuner
Polo
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
Front and rear
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
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
Rear View Camera
-
Standard
Reversing Camera
-
Standard
Spec
Fortuner
Polo
Seat Material
Not Applicable
Cloth
Heated Seats
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Ventilated Seats
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Ambient Lighting
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Front Shoulder Room
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Rear Shoulder Room
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Steering Wheel Material
Not Applicable
Standard
Interior Colour Options
5
Black
60 40 Split Seat
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Driver Seat Adjustment
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Interior Courtesy Lamps
Premium dashboard layout, touchscreen infotainment, Android Auto & Apple CarPlay, comfortable seating, climate control
Digital cockpit, infotainment screen, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, quality cabin materials
Interior Colours
5
Black
Seat Trim
Not Applicable
Cloth
Steering Type
-
Standard
Front Armrest
-
Centre console
Fabric Seats
-
Cloth
Interior Trim Colour
-
Black
Floor Mats
-
Standard
Spec
Fortuner
Polo
Infotainment System
Not Available
SYNC
Apple CarPlay
Not Available
Not Available
Android Auto
Not Available
Not Available
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Not Available
Number of Speakers
Not Available
Not Available
Digital Instrument Cluster
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
USB Ports
Not Available
Not Available
Infotainment Screen
Not Available
SYNC
Smartphone Connectivity
Bluetooth
-
Touchscreen
Not Available
SYNC
Infotainment Screen Size
Not Available
SYNC
Connected Services
-
SYNC
Spec
Fortuner
Polo
LED Headlamps
Not Available
Not Available
Daytime Running Lamps
Not Available
Not Available
Fog Lamps
Not Available
Not Available
Roof Rails
Not Available
Not Available
Exterior Colour Options
5
6
Body Type
SUV
Hatchback
Exterior Colour Options
2
6
Headlights
Not Available
Not Available
Load Bed Liner
Not Available
Not Available
Panoramic Sunroof
Not Available
Not Available
Spec
Fortuner
Polo
Approach Angle
Not Available
-
Departure Angle
Not Available
-
Wading Depth
Not Available
-
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 Available
Energy Recovery Display
Not Available
Not Available
Ground Clearance Max
279 mm
133 mm
Ground Clearance Min
279 mm
133 mm
Off Road Traction Assist
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Not Available
Terrain Mode Mud
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Not Available
Terrain Mode Sand
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Not Available
Terrain Mode Snow
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Not Available
Approach Angle Deg
-
-
Departure Angle Deg
-
-
Front Skid Plate Guard
-
Not Available
Off Road Descent Control
-
Not Available
Crawl Control
-
Not Available
Rear Skid Plate Guard
-
Not Available
Skid Plates Fuel Tank
-
Not Available
Skid Plates Transfer Case
-
Not Available
Terrain Mode Normal
-
Not Available
Terrain Mode Rock
-
Not Available
Terrain Response System
-
Not Available
Underbody Camera
-
Not Available
Wading Depth Mm
-
-
Spec
Fortuner
Polo
Tyre Size
Not Available
Not Available
Front Brake Type
Not Available
Not Available
Rear Brake Type
Not Available
Not Available
Spare Wheel Type
Not Available
Not Available
Wheel Rim Size
Not Available
Not Available
Fifth Wheel Prep
Not Available
Not Available
Handbrake Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Leather Steering Wheel
-
Standard
Steering Wheel Trim
-
Standard
Spec
Fortuner
Polo
Maintenance Plan
9 services / 90 000 km
-
Service Plan Duration
9 services / 90 000 km
Not Available
Service Plan Distance
9 services / 90 000 km
Not Available
Service Plan
9 services / 90 000 km
Not Available
Spec
Fortuner
Polo
Warranty Years
3 years / 100 000 km
3 years / 120 000 km
Warranty Kilometers
3 years / 100 000 km
3 years / 120 000 km
Roadside Assistance
3 Years
-
Basic Warranty
3 years / 100 000 km
3 years / 120 000 km
Roadside Assistance
3 Years
-
Warranty
3 years / 100 000 km
3 years / 120 000 km
Warranty Roadside Assistance
3 Years
-
Spec
Fortuner
Polo
CO2 Emissions
Not Applicable
121 g/km
Hybrid System Type
Not Available
Not Available
Fuel Octane Requirement
Diesel
Petrol
Particulate Filter
-
Not Available
Idle CO2 Output
-
121
CO2 Emissions G Km
-
121
Spec
Fortuner
Polo
Ownership Role
South Africa market model
South Africa market model
Price Zar
999000 ZAR
585800 ZAR
Pricing Role
Current Toyota South Africa lineup
Active local lineup
Starting Price
999000
585800
Starting Price Zar
999000
585800
In depth: how these cars differ
This Fortuner and Polo 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 Polo 60.
Efficiency index: Fortuner 56 vs Polo 71.
Safety-equipment index: Fortuner 89 vs Polo 81.
Practicality index: Fortuner 84 vs Polo 55.
Ownership-cover index: Fortuner 43 vs Polo 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 Polo 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 7 points
Fortuner and Polo are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Close catalogue match. Buyer priorities should decide the outcome.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
Fortuner
Performance
79/100
Efficiency
56/100
Safety
89/100
Practicality
84/100
Ownership
43/100
Polo
Performance
60/100
Efficiency
71/100
Safety
81/100
Practicality
55/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexToyota Fortuner
leads the specification evidence index with 73 pts
vs 66 pts for Polo
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, Fortuner leads. However, Polo 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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