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.
Fortuner starts ZAR 564,000 cheaperFortuner from ZAR 685,900 · Santa Fe Hybrid from ZAR 1,249,900
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
Fortuner
Santa Fe Hybrid
Maximum Power
150 kW
175.2 kW
Maximum Torque
500 Nm
367 Nm
Engine Size
2755 cc
1598 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
13.2 km/l
13.3 km/l
Ground Clearance
279 mm
177 mm
Boot / Load Bay
-
413 l
Airbags
Side, curtain, driver, passenger and driver knee airbags
Driver, passenger, side and curtain airbags
Kerb Weight
-
1980 kg
Seating Capacity
7 seats
7 seats
Warranty
3 years / 100 000 km
5
= leads in this spec
The Bottom Line
Fortuner and Santa Fe Hybrid are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
Fortuner
+8 pts
Efficiency
Santa Fe Hybrid
+3 pts
Safety
Equal
Practicality
Fortuner
+16 pts
Ownership
Santa Fe Hybrid
+22 pts
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
Catalogue-index leader
Fortuner
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Lower published ownership cover
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished Practicality
Santa Fe Hybrid
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger published ownership cover
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
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 stronger published space and capacity figures
Santa Fe Hybrid
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Buyers prioritising the stronger published warranty or service cover
Full Specs, Side by Side
Spec
Fortuner
Santa Fe Hybrid
Model Introduced Year
2006
Current local generation year not confirmed
Generation
Currently sold Fortuner belongs to the second generation with periodic feature and safety upgrades
Current South African Santa Fe Hybrid listing; generation notes should be kept tied to the local model year and confirmed derivative data.
Facelift History
Major updates in 2016 (new generation) and feature refreshes in 2021 with improved infotainment, safety tech, and design tweaks
Model-year updates can affect trim, wheels, screens, safety equipment and colours. Use the latest South African price list when checking a specific vehicle.
Facelift Launched Since
2021
Original current-generation version
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
SUV
Seven-seat SUV
Color Note
White, Black, Silver, Dark Green, Grey
Colour availability changes by model year, production batch and dealer stock, check the current colour selector before ordering.
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
Drive layout derived from the official derivative naming: 1.6T Hybrid Elite AWD 6AT
Model Year
Current
2026
Production Status
published
published
Segment
SUV
SUV
Tare Mass Kg
GVM 2735 kg; Toyota SA does not publish tare mass
1980 kg
Vehicle Type
SUV
SUV
Spec
Fortuner
Santa Fe Hybrid
Length
4795 mm
4830 mm
Width
1855 mm
1900 mm
Height
1835 mm
1770 mm
Wheelbase
2745 mm
2815 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
279 mm
177 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
80 l
67 l
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
2735 kg
2675 kg
Towing Capacity
2800 kg
-
Seating Capacity
7 seats
7 seats
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Boot/Cargo Space
-
413 l
Kerb Weight
-
1980 kg
Payload Capacity
-
695 kg
Spec
Fortuner
Santa Fe Hybrid
Front Track Width
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Rear Track Width
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Front Suspension
Not Available
Not Available
Rear Suspension
Not Available
Not Available
MagneRide Damping
-
Not Available
Spec
Fortuner
Santa Fe Hybrid
Load Bed Length
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Load Bed Width
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Climate Control
Not Available
Not Available
Power Windows
Not Available
Not Available
Keyless Entry
Not Available
Not Available
Push Button Start
Not Available
Not Available
Wireless Charging
Not Available
Wireless
Sunroof
Not Available
Not Available
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
Not Available
Rain Sensing Wipers
Not Available
Not Available
Boot Space Seats Folded
Not Applicable
2253 l
AC Type
Not Available
Not Available
Side Steps
Standard/available
-
Skid Plates
Confirmed 4WD derivative
-
Battery Preconditioning
Not Available
-
Bed Extender
Not Available
Not Available
Canopy Fitment
Not Available
Not Available
Intelligent Battery System
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
-
Rear Electric Motor
Not Available
-
Regenerative Braking Levels
Not Available
-
Side Step
Standard/available
-
Source Model Column
fortuner
santa-fe-hybrid
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
Flagship / premium derivative
Vehicle To Grid
Not Available
-
Vehicle To Load
Not Available
-
Adaptive Dampers
-
Not Available
Engine Warranty
-
4
Fuel Consumption Combined
-
7.5
Hill Start Assist
-
Standard
Performance Data Logger
-
Not Available
Rev Matching
-
Not Available
Accelerator 0 100
-
9.5 sec
Sport Plus Mode
-
Not Available
Spec
Fortuner
Santa Fe Hybrid
Engine
2.8-litre Turbocharged Diesel
1.6-litre Turbocharged Petrol Hybrid
Engine Code
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Type
Diesel
Hybrid
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Self Charging Hybrid
Engine Displacement
2755 cc
1598 cc
Cylinders
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Cylinder Layout
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves per Cylinder
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Aspiration
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Fuel System
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Compression Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Bore
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Stroke
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Maximum Power
150 kW
175.2 kW
Maximum Torque
500 Nm
367 Nm
Combined Power
Not Applicable
175.2 kW
Combined Torque
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Motor Type
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Number of Motors
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Motor Location
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Type
4WD
AWD
Transmission
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Top Speed
Not Officially Disclosed
190 km/h
0-100 km/h
Not Officially Disclosed
9.5 sec
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Launch Control
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Rev Limiter
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
88.5 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Battery Type
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Battery Voltage
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
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 Officially Disclosed
Spec
Fortuner
Santa Fe Hybrid
Gearbox
Automatic
Automatic
Drivetrain Layout
Ladder frame
4WD / AWD
LSD Available
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transfer Case
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Paddle Shifters
Not Applicable
Standard
Final Drive Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Number of Gears
6
6
Transmission Type
Automatic
Automatic
Clutch Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Gear Shift Indicator
Not Applicable
Yes
Gear Shift Type
Automatic
Automatic
Drivetrain
4WD / AWD
4WD / AWD
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
Standard
Drive Mode Selector
4WD/off-road drive mode support
-
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Gearbox Type
Automatic
Automatic
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Low Range
Available where 4WD low range is fitted
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
4x4
Active on-demand all-wheel drive
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transmission Speeds
6
6
Spec
Fortuner
Santa Fe Hybrid
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
15.5 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
80 l
67 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
13.3 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
80
67
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
Santa Fe Hybrid
Airbags
Side, curtain, driver, passenger and driver knee airbags
Driver, passenger, side and curtain airbags
ABS
Standard
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Not Available
Not Available
Traction Control
Standard
Standard
Hill Descent Control
Confirmed 4WD derivative
Not Available
Hill Start Assist
Not Available
Standard
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
Standard
Driver Airbag
Standard
Standard
EBD
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Not Available
Hill Hold
Not Available
Standard
Passenger Airbag
Standard
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Not Available
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Not Available
Not Available
Seatbelt Reminder
Not Available
Not Available
Side Airbags
Standard
Standard
Stability Control
Not Available
Not Available
TCS
Standard
Standard
Knee Airbag
Driver knee airbag
Not Available
ABS EBD
Standard
Standard
Spec
Fortuner
Santa Fe Hybrid
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
Not Available
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
Not Available
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
Santa Fe Hybrid
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
Not Applicable
Interior Colour Options
5
3
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
Cabin trim, seating material, screen layout and driver-assistance equipment vary by derivative. Compare the chosen Santa Fe Hybrid grade before assuming a feature is included.
Interior Colours
5
3
Seat Trim
Not Applicable
Cloth
Instrument Cluster Type
-
Digital instrument cluster
Fabric Seats
-
Cloth
Spec
Fortuner
Santa Fe Hybrid
Infotainment System
Not Available
SYNC
Apple CarPlay
Not Available
Standard
Android Auto
Not Available
Standard
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Standard
Number of Speakers
Not Available
Not Available
Digital Instrument Cluster
Not Applicable
Digital instrument cluster
USB Ports
Not Available
Not Available
Infotainment Screen
Not Available
SYNC
Smartphone Connectivity
Bluetooth
Bluetooth
Touchscreen
Not Available
SYNC
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Not Available
Standard
Wireless Android Auto
Not Available
Standard
Infotainment Screen Size
Not Available
SYNC
Multi Information Display
-
Digital display
Connected Services
-
SYNC
Spec
Fortuner
Santa Fe Hybrid
LED Headlamps
Not Available
Halogen
Daytime Running Lamps
Not Available
Not Available
Fog Lamps
Not Available
Not Available
Roof Rails
Not Available
Not Available
Exterior Colour Options
5
3
Body Type
SUV
SUV
Exterior Colour Options
2
3
Headlights
Not Available
Halogen
Load Bed Liner
Not Available
Not Available
Panoramic Sunroof
Not Available
Not Available
Led Headlights
Not Available
Halogen
Headlamps
Not Available
Halogen
Headlight Type
Not Available
Halogen
Active Exhaust
-
Not Available
Spec
Fortuner
Santa Fe Hybrid
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 Available
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
Not Available
Breakover Angle
Not Available
Not Available
Energy Recovery Display
Not Available
-
Ground Clearance Max
279 mm
177 mm
Ground Clearance Min
279 mm
177 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
Santa Fe Hybrid
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
Spec
Fortuner
Santa Fe Hybrid
Maintenance Plan
9 services / 90 000 km
3 Years / 45000 km
Service Plan Duration
9 services / 90 000 km
3 Years / 45000 km
Service Plan Distance
9 services / 90 000 km
3 Years / 45000 km
Service Plan
9 services / 90 000 km
3 Years / 45000 km
Service Interval
-
15000 km / 12 months
Battery Warranty
-
4
Engine Oil Change Interval
-
15000 km / 12 months
First Service At
-
15000
Alternator
-
120A
Service Intervals
-
15000 km / 12 months
Accessory Battery Type
-
Lead-acid
Spec
Fortuner
Santa Fe Hybrid
Warranty Years
3 years / 100 000 km
5
Warranty Kilometers
3 years / 100 000 km
5
Roadside Assistance
3 Years
5 Years
Basic Warranty
3 years / 100 000 km
5
Roadside Assistance
3 Years
5 Years
Warranty
3 years / 100 000 km
5
Warranty Roadside Assistance
3 Years
5 Years
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
-
5 Years
Spec
Fortuner
Santa Fe Hybrid
CO2 Emissions
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Hybrid System Type
Not Available
Hybrid
Fuel Octane Requirement
Diesel
Hybrid
Particulate Filter
-
Not Available
Spec
Fortuner
Santa Fe Hybrid
Ownership Role
South Africa market model
Flagship
Price Zar
999000 ZAR
1249900 ZAR
Pricing Role
Current Toyota South Africa lineup
Current listed price
Starting Price
999000
1249900
Starting Price Zar
999000
1249900
Source-backed Catalogue Index
A transparent specification index shown only when every vehicle clears the minimum comparable-data threshold.
Weighted / 100
Catalogue-index readout
Fortuner leads by 1 points
Fortuner and Santa Fe Hybrid are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Performance
Fortuner +8
Efficiency
Santa Fe Hybrid +3
Safety
Level
Practicality
Fortuner +16
Ownership
Santa Fe Hybrid +22
Close catalogue match. Buyer priorities should decide the outcome.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Catalogue-index leader
Fortuner
Performance
80/100
Efficiency
56/100
Safety
89/100
Practicality
89/100
Ownership
43/100
Santa Fe Hybrid
Performance
72/100
Efficiency
59/100
Safety
89/100
Practicality
73/100
Ownership
65/100
How to Read This Comparison
🏆Toyota Fortuner
leads the catalogue index with 74 pts
vs 73 pts for Santa Fe Hybrid
In Hagalu's source-backed catalogue index, Fortuner leads. However, Santa Fe Hybrid may suit buyers prioritising different confirmed fields. 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.
There is no universal winner. Use the comparison table to match the exact South African derivatives 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.
Hagalu does not publish a guaranteed resale winner. Depreciation depends on age, mileage, condition, derivative, colour, supply and demand. Compare several current used-market listings and obtain trade-in valuations for equivalent examples before relying on a resale estimate.
Check the exact derivatives for drive type, ground clearance, tyres, approach and departure angles, wading depth and low-range gearing where officially disclosed. SUV styling or all-wheel drive alone does not prove that a vehicle is suitable for demanding off-road use.
Calculate each exact derivative using your monthly distance and a current fuel or electricity price, then add finance, insurance, scheduled service, tyres and licence costs. Hagalu does not claim a fixed monthly saving without those buyer-specific inputs.
It is worth more only when the exact price difference buys equipment, space, performance or ownership cover that matters to you. Compare like-for-like lifecycle states and derivatives; a current offer and a historical last-listed price are not directly equivalent.
In Depth — Breaking It All Down
This Fortuner and Santa Fe Hybrid comparison uses the exact South African derivatives selected above. The catalogue index covers performance, efficiency, safety equipment, practicality and ownership cover only where comparable source-backed fields are present.
Performance index: Fortuner 80 vs Santa Fe Hybrid 72.
Efficiency index: Fortuner 56 vs Santa Fe Hybrid 59.
Safety-equipment index: Fortuner 89 vs Santa Fe Hybrid 89.
Practicality index: Fortuner 89 vs Santa Fe Hybrid 73.
Ownership-cover index: Fortuner 43 vs Santa Fe Hybrid 65.
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.
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