Toyota Fortuner vs Lexus UX
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 Toyota Fortuner starts from $45,990 before on-road costs, while the Lexus UX opens at $46,900. That makes the Toyota Fortuner the more affordable entry point by $910.
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 $50,589 and $51,590 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
Both the Toyota Fortuner and Lexus UX hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 95% for the Toyota Fortuner and 96% for the Lexus UX.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Lexus UX packs more ADAS features with 6 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 Toyota Fortuner and 8 in the Lexus UX.
Feature Showdown
The Toyota Fortuner features a 8-inch touchscreen, while the Lexus UX gets a 10.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Lexus UX counters with heated front seats, power tailgate, Lexus Premium Sound audio and ambient lighting that the Toyota Fortuner does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Toyota Fortuner uses a Diesel producing 150kW and 500Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a 4WD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.5 seconds.
The Lexus UX responds with a Petrol making 126kW and 200Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.7 seconds.
The Toyota Fortuner has the clear power advantage at 150kW vs 126kW. In the real-world sprint, the Toyota Fortuner is 0.2s quicker. 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 2,745mm wheelbase, 300mm longer than the Lexus UX at 4,495mm (2,640mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Toyota Fortuner generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 200L in the Toyota Fortuner and 217L in the Lexus UX, giving the Lexus UX a 17L advantage. The Toyota Fortuner seats 7 vs 5.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.8m to 11.0m
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,166/year for the Toyota Fortuner and $2,052/year for the Lexus UX. That is a $114 annual difference in favour of the Lexus UX.
Estimated annual total: $2,166 (Toyota Fortuner) vs $2,052 (Lexus UX). The Lexus UX saves you roughly $114 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Toyota Fortuner) vs 4 years / 100,000km (Lexus UX). The Toyota Fortuner has longer coverage. Capped-price servicing: —4yr (Lexus UX).
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Toyota Fortuner if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, value a longer warranty, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Lexus UX if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Lexus's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Toyota Fortuner takes 5 of 7 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Lexus UX will save you roughly $114 a year in fuel. The Toyota Fortuner 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.
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.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 20 April 2026
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