smart #1 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.
Price Breakdown
The smart #1 starts from $54,900 before on-road costs, while the Toyota Fortuner opens at $53,775. That makes the Toyota Fortuner the more affordable entry point by $1,125.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $60,390 and $59,153 respectively.
The smart #1 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Toyota Fortuner, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
Both the smart #1 and Toyota Fortuner hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 96% for the smart #1 and 95% for the Toyota Fortuner.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The smart #1 packs more ADAS features with 9 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 1 in the Toyota Fortuner.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the smart #1 and 7 in the Toyota Fortuner. The smart #1 adds a 360-degree camera that the Toyota Fortuner misses.
Feature Showdown
The smart #1 features a 12.8-inch touchscreen paired with a 9.2-inch digital dash, while the Toyota Fortuner gets a 8-inch display and 4.2-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The smart #1 stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, heated front seats, power tailgate, Beats audio and ambient lighting that you will not find on the Toyota Fortuner. The Toyota Fortuner counters with Apple CarPlay. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the smart #1 gets leather upholstery while the Toyota Fortuner offers cloth. Climate control is 2-zone in the smart #1 and 1-zone in the Toyota Fortuner.
Drivetrain
The smart #1 uses a Electric producing 200kW and 343Nm of torque, sent through a single-speed automatic to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.7 seconds.
The Toyota Fortuner responds with a Diesel making 150kW and 500Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.5 seconds.
The smart #1 has the clear power advantage at 200kW vs 150kW. In the real-world sprint, the smart #1 is 2.8s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The smart #1 measures 4,270mm long on a 2,750mm wheelbase, 525mm shorter than the Toyota Fortuner at 4,795mm (2,745mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the smart #1 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 203L in the smart #1 and 200L in the Toyota Fortuner, giving the smart #1 a 3L advantage. The Toyota Fortuner seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the Toyota Fortuner leads with a 3,000kg braked capacity vs 1,600kg. That 1,400kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m to 11.1m
Based on 11.1m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 150,000km (smart #1) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Toyota Fortuner). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the smart #1 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer smart's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Toyota Fortuner if: You want the lower entry price, need stronger towing, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The smart #1 takes 3 of 5 key spec categories. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, smart #1 and Toyota Fortuner?
The Toyota Fortuner is the cheapest at $53,775 before on-road costs. That undercuts the smart #1 by $1,125.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Toyota Fortuner uses the least fuel at 7.6L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — smart #1 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 smart #1 has the largest boot at 203L.
Which can tow the most?
The Toyota Fortuner has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,000kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The smart #1 makes the most power at 200kW. The smart #1 is quickest to 100km/h in 6.7s.
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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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