Mazda CX-8 vs Toyota Fortuner
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
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Price Breakdown
Pricing for one or both models is yet to be confirmed for the Australian market. We will update this comparison when official RRPs are announced.
Safety Rundown
Both the Mazda CX-8 and Toyota Fortuner hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 96% for the Mazda CX-8 and 95% for the Toyota Fortuner.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 7 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Mazda CX-8, against 1 on the Toyota Fortuner.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the Mazda CX-8 and 7 in the Toyota Fortuner.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mazda CX-8 stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display, wireless charging, heated front seats, ventilated seats, power tailgate and ambient lighting — features our data doesn't list for the Toyota Fortuner. The Toyota Fortuner counters with Apple CarPlay. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Mazda CX-8 lines up producing 140kW and 450Nm of torque, sent through a 6-speed automatic to a AWD layout.
The Toyota Fortuner responds with a Diesel making 150kW and 500Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.5 seconds.
The Toyota Fortuner has the clear power advantage at 150kW vs 140kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mazda CX-8 measures 4,925mm long on a 2,930mm wheelbase, 130mm longer than the Toyota Fortuner at 4,795mm (2,745mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mazda CX-8 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 209L in the Mazda CX-8 and 200L in the Toyota Fortuner, giving the Mazda CX-8 a 9L advantage. The Toyota Fortuner seats 7 vs 6.
For towing, the Toyota Fortuner leads with a 3,100kg braked capacity vs 2,000kg. That 1,100kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.6m to 11.6m
Based on 11.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,710/year for the Mazda CX-8 and $2,166/year for the Toyota Fortuner. That is a $456 annual difference in favour of the Mazda CX-8.
Warranty: 5 years (Mazda CX-8) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Toyota Fortuner). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mazda CX-8 if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Toyota Fortuner if: You prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Mazda CX-8 and Toyota Fortuner trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Mazda CX-8 will save you roughly $456 a year in fuel. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Mazda CX-8 and Toyota Fortuner?
The Toyota Fortuner is the cheapest at $53,775 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mazda CX-8 uses the least fuel at 6L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched on crash rating: Mazda CX-8 and Toyota Fortuner all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Mazda CX-8 has the largest boot at 209L.
Which can tow the most?
The Toyota Fortuner has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,100kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Toyota Fortuner makes the most power at 150kW.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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