Toyota Fortuner vs Mazda CX-30
What's the difference?

Toyota Fortuner

$49,755 - $70,888

2025 price

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Mazda CX-30

$22,850 - $41,950

2024 price

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Land Rover Discovery Sport

Mercedes-Benz EQ-Class

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Mercedes-Benz G63

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLS

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

Mini Countryman

Mitsubishi ASX

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Mitsubishi Outlander

Mitsubishi Pajero

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Renault Megane E-Tech

Renault Scenic E-Tech

Summary

2025 Toyota Fortuner

2024 Mazda CX-30

By Marcus Craft

By James Cleary

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Diesel Turbo 4, 2.8L

Inline 4, 2.5L

Fuel Type

Diesel

Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

7.6L/100km (combined)

6.6L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Capable 4WD
Rugged build
Function over fashion

Value
Practicality
Safety

Dislikes

Feels old
Lacklustre performance
Driver-assist tech needs work

Dated interior
Fuel efficiency could be better
Bit noisy

2025 Toyota Fortuner Summary

The Toyota Fortuner has been around since 2015 with very few significant changes in the years between then and now.

And that’s telling because the HiLux-based Fortuner has never managed to make the mark in its market segment that Toyota would so dearly like it to.

With a new Fortuner possibly due in the not-too-distant future – with Toyota’s mild-hybrid 48V V-Active system onboard perhaps? – it’s worth revisiting the seven-seat Fortuner to see how the current ageing 4WD wagon stands up against its fresher rivals.

Read on.

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2024 Mazda CX-30 Summary

If you’re in the market for a city- and family-friendly compact SUV, you’re in luck.

The small SUV segment is one of the most heavily populated and hotly contested in the Aussie new-car market and the Mazda CX-30 G25 GT SP FWD is pitched against a seething pack of at least 10 similarly sized, generously specified and highly-credentialed competitors.

So, stay with us on a mission to determine whether this high-end version of one of Mazda’s best sellers is worthy of a spot on your new-car short list.

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Deep dive comparison

2025 Toyota Fortuner 2024 Mazda CX-30

Verdict

The Toyota Fortuner is a family friendly wagon and a very capable 4WD, but it’s looking and feeling decidedly old, especially when cross-shopped against the current highly competitive 4WD wagon market in which vehicles are increasingly stylish, sophisticated and packed with driver-assist tech (that isn't clunky) and standard features (that are extensive).

The Fortuner is practical and easy to live with as a daily driver, and in GXL spec it makes a lot of sense as a functional not flashy off-road tourer, but it’s far from the best family 4WD wagon around.

Until a next-generation Fortuner possibly arrives, there are plenty of Toyota fans who’d happily settle for a current Fortuner – if they haven’t already.

Verdict

About to enter its fifth year in market the Mazda CX-30 is holding up well and this GT SP FWD grade delivers solid value relative to its key competitors, of which there are many. It’s also space-efficient, practical and performs well with top-shelf safety, decent refinement and good dynamic ability.

Alternately, it’s crying out for a hybrid powertrain to improve fuel efficiency, the interior form and function is starting to date and while it meets the market the ownership promise could be sharper. But this little SUV is still worthy of a spot on your new-car short list.

Toyota Fortuner vs Mazda CX-30 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Toyota Fortuner vs Mazda CX-30
What's the difference?