Toyota Fortuner vs Hyundai Santa Fe
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.
Data checked: specs 31 Aug 2026, price 8 Sep 2026
Toyota Fortuner: we're still completing price, 0-100km/h, ground clearance and turning circle.
A blank cell below means we don't have that figure, not that the car scores badly on it. We leave them empty rather than estimate, so any row where one car is blank isn't a like-for-like comparison yet.
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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 Toyota Fortuner and Hyundai Santa Fe hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 95% for the Toyota Fortuner and 84% for the Hyundai Santa Fe.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 6 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Hyundai Santa Fe, against 3 on the Toyota Fortuner.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Toyota Fortuner and 7 in the Hyundai Santa Fe.
Recalls on our record
Toyota Fortuner
- REC-001315 · published 16 Dec 2020The brake booster may have been incorrectly manufactured, causing an internal fault.Year range on the notice: 2018 - 2020
Hyundai Santa Fe
- REC-006657 · published 9 Jul 2026Due to a manufacturing defect, the anchorage tensioner stopper for the seatbelts in the front seating positions may lose tension.Year range on the notice: 2022 - 2026
- REC-006589 · published 20 Apr 2026Due to a software issue, the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) may fail to illuminate the visual vehicle speed, fuel level and other critical safety information.Year range on the notice: 2025
- REC-006072 · published 9 Sep 2024Due to a manufacturing issue, the airbag wiring harness under the rear passenger seat may not have been adequately secured.Year range on the notice: 2024
- 12 more on the model page.
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems.
The Hyundai Santa Fe counters with Apple CarPlay, power tailgate and BOSE audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Toyota Fortuner lines up producing 130kW and 450Nm of torque, sent through a 6-speed automatic to a 4WD layout.
The Hyundai Santa Fe responds with a Petrol making 206kW and 422Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels.
The Hyundai Santa Fe has the clear power advantage at 206kW vs 130kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Toyota Fortuner measures 4,795mm long on a 2,750mm wheelbase, 35mm shorter than the Hyundai Santa Fe at 4,830mm (2,815mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Hyundai Santa Fe generally means more rear legroom.
For towing, the Toyota Fortuner leads with a 2,800kg braked capacity vs 2,000kg. That 800kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.6m diameter
Average
Based on 11.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Interactive simulator: U-turns, parking & towing
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns are easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
Average
Needs a 3-point turn (one reverse)
Needs about 10.2 m to swing round without stopping. Road is 9.0 m.
U-turn on a wide street
≥ 10 m: 3-point turn
U-turn on a standard street
7 m: 3-point turn
Standard parking bay
1.9 m wide: fits with room
Tight carpark aisle
6 m: careful, tight swing
Narrow laneway
3.5 m: no room to turn
Turning circle ratings
Standard widths: AU local streets carry ~5.5–7 m of carriageway; main roads ~9–12 m. AS 2890.1 carpark aisles are ~5.8–6.6 m for 90° bays (2.6 m wide × 5.4 m deep).
Road, aisle, swing and off-tracking figures are indicative estimates from the published turning circle. Verify in person before relying on them.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,451/year for the Toyota Fortuner and $2,594/year for the Hyundai Santa Fe. That is a $143 annual difference in favour of the Toyota Fortuner.
Warranty: 3 years / 100,000km (Toyota Fortuner) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Hyundai Santa Fe). The Hyundai Santa Fe has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Toyota Fortuner if: You want lower running costs, need stronger towing, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Hyundai Santa Fe if: You prioritise performance, value a longer warranty, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Hyundai Santa Fe: Top CarSorted Score, 68 vs 54
The Hyundai Santa Fe comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (68 vs 54), taking 2 of 4 key spec rows below. The deciding gaps: technology (Hyundai Santa Fe ahead by 38), value (Hyundai Santa Fe ahead by 23), practicality (Hyundai Santa Fe ahead by 13). The Toyota Fortuner will save you roughly $143 a year in fuel. The Hyundai Santa Fe adds peace of mind with a longer 5-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
One enquiry, local dealers' best price on each. Free for you to use. If you buy, the dealer may pay us a commission.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Toyota Fortuner and Hyundai Santa Fe?
The Hyundai Santa Fe is the cheapest at $54,400 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Toyota Fortuner uses the least fuel at 8.6L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched on crash rating: Toyota Fortuner and Hyundai Santa Fe all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which can tow the most?
The Toyota Fortuner has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,800kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Hyundai Santa Fe has the longest warranty at 5 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Hyundai Santa Fe makes the most power at 206kW.
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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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