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.
Taigo starts ZAR 171,400 cheaperFortuner from ZAR 685,900 · Taigo from ZAR 514,500
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
Fortuner
Taigo
Maximum Power
150 kW
85 kW
Maximum Torque
500 Nm
200 Nm
Engine Size
2755 cc
1000 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
13.2 km/l
16.1 km/l
Ground Clearance
279 mm
168 mm
Boot / Load Bay
-
440 l
Airbags
Side, curtain, driver, passenger and driver knee airbags
6
Kerb Weight
-
1220 kg
Seating Capacity
7 seats
5 seats
Warranty
3 years / 100 000 km
3 years / 120 000 km
= leads in this spec
The Bottom Line
Fortuner has a modest catalogue-index lead, while Taigo remains close.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
Fortuner
+44 pts
Efficiency
Taigo
+7 pts
Safety
Fortuner
+8 pts
Practicality
Fortuner
+23 pts
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
Catalogue-index 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
Taigo
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
Taigo
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Full Specs, Side by Side
Spec
Fortuner
Taigo
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 Taigo 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
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
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
Taigo
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
Taigo
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
Cabin trim, seating material, screen layout and driver-assistance equipment vary by derivative. Compare the chosen Taigo grade before assuming a feature is included.
Interior Colours
5
Black
Seat Trim
Not Applicable
Cloth
Steering Type
-
Standard
Front Armrest
-
Standard
Fabric Seats
-
Cloth
Armrest Front
-
Standard
Interior Trim Colour
-
Black
Floor Mats
-
Standard
Spec
Fortuner
Taigo
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
Taigo
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
3
Body Type
SUV
SUV
Exterior Colour Options
2
3
Headlights
Not Available
Not Available
Load Bed Liner
Not Available
Not Available
Panoramic Sunroof
Not Available
Not Available
Active Exhaust
-
Not Available
Spec
Fortuner
Taigo
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
Not Available
Ground Clearance Max
279 mm
168 mm
Ground Clearance Min
279 mm
168 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
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
Spec
Fortuner
Taigo
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
Taigo
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
Taigo
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
Taigo
CO2 Emissions
Not Applicable
123 g/km
Hybrid System Type
Not Available
Not Available
Fuel Octane Requirement
Diesel
Petrol
Particulate Filter
-
Not Available
Idle CO2 Output
-
123
CO2 Emissions G Km
-
123
Spec
Fortuner
Taigo
Ownership Role
South Africa market model
South Africa market model
Price Zar
999000 ZAR
581500 ZAR
Pricing Role
Current Toyota South Africa lineup
Active local lineup
Starting Price
999000
581500
Starting Price Zar
999000
581500
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 13 points
Fortuner has a modest catalogue-index lead, while Taigo remains close.
Moderate difference in the source-backed catalogue index.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Catalogue-index leader
Fortuner
Performance
80/100
Efficiency
56/100
Safety
89/100
Practicality
89/100
Ownership
43/100
Taigo
Performance
36/100
Efficiency
63/100
Safety
81/100
Practicality
66/100
How to Read This Comparison
🏆Toyota Fortuner
leads the catalogue index with 74 pts
vs 61 pts for Taigo
In Hagalu's source-backed catalogue index, Fortuner leads. However, Taigo 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 Taigo 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 Taigo 36.
Efficiency index: Fortuner 56 vs Taigo 63.
Safety-equipment index: Fortuner 89 vs Taigo 81.
Practicality index: Fortuner 89 vs Taigo 66.
Ownership-cover index: Fortuner 43 vs Taigo 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.
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