Volvo XC40 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 Volvo XC40 starts from $54,990 before on-road costs, while the Toyota Fortuner opens at $53,775. That makes the Toyota Fortuner the more affordable entry point by $1,215.
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 $60,489 and $59,153 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The Volvo XC40 features a 9-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-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.
Interior trim differs: the Volvo XC40 gets synthetic leather upholstery while the Toyota Fortuner offers cloth.
Drivetrain
The Volvo XC40 uses a Petrol producing 145kW and 300Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout.
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 145kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Volvo XC40 measures 4,440mm long on a 2,702mm wheelbase, 355mm 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 452L in the Volvo XC40 and 200L in the Toyota Fortuner, giving the Volvo XC40 a 252L 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.
11.0m diameter
Good
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 $2,081/year for the Volvo XC40 and $2,166/year for the Toyota Fortuner. That is a $85 annual difference in favour of the Volvo XC40.
Estimated annual total: $2,081 (Volvo XC40) vs $2,166 (Toyota Fortuner). The Volvo XC40 saves you roughly $85 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Volvo XC40) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Toyota Fortuner). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Volvo XC40 if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Volvo's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Toyota Fortuner if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Toyota Fortuner takes 3 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Volvo XC40 will save you roughly $85 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Volvo XC40 has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Volvo XC40 and Toyota Fortuner?
The Toyota Fortuner is the cheapest at $53,775 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Volvo XC40 by $1,215.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Volvo XC40 uses the least fuel at 7.3L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — 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 Volvo XC40 has the largest boot at 452L.
Which can tow the most?
The Toyota Fortuner has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,000kg.
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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