Volkswagen T-Roc 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 Volkswagen T-Roc starts from $44,990 before on-road costs, while the Toyota Fortuner opens at $45,990. That makes the Volkswagen T-Roc the more affordable entry point by $1,000.
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 $49,489 and $50,589 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Volkswagen T-Roc by roughly $1,850 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Volkswagen T-Roc and Toyota Fortuner hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 96% for the Volkswagen T-Roc and 95% for the Toyota Fortuner.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Volkswagen T-Roc packs more ADAS features with 5 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 6 in the Volkswagen T-Roc and 7 in the Toyota Fortuner.
Feature Showdown
The Volkswagen T-Roc features a 8-inch touchscreen, while the Toyota Fortuner gets a 8-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Volkswagen T-Roc stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and wireless charging 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.
Drivetrain
The Volkswagen T-Roc uses a Petrol producing 110kW and 250Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.1 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 Toyota Fortuner has the clear power advantage at 150kW vs 110kW. In the real-world sprint, the Volkswagen T-Roc is 0.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Volkswagen T-Roc measures 4,251mm long on a 2,603mm wheelbase, 544mm shorter than the Toyota Fortuner at 4,795mm (2,745mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Toyota Fortuner generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 392L in the Volkswagen T-Roc and 200L in the Toyota Fortuner, giving the Volkswagen T-Roc a 192L advantage. The Toyota Fortuner seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the Toyota Fortuner leads with a 3,000kg braked capacity vs 1,800kg. That 1,200kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.6m to 11.0m
Based on 10.6m 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
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,796/year for the Volkswagen T-Roc and $2,166/year for the Toyota Fortuner. That is a $370 annual difference in favour of the Volkswagen T-Roc.
Estimated annual total: $1,796 (Volkswagen T-Roc) vs $2,166 (Toyota Fortuner). The Volkswagen T-Roc saves you roughly $370 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Volkswagen T-Roc) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Toyota Fortuner). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Volkswagen T-Roc if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Volkswagen'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
The Volkswagen T-Roc takes 4 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Volkswagen T-Roc will save you roughly $370 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Volkswagen T-Roc has a clear edge. 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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