Toyota Fortuner vs Mazda Cx-6E
What's the difference?

Toyota Fortuner

$49,755 - $70,888

2025 price

View pricing & specs

Mazda Cx-6E

$53,990 - $57,990

2026 price

View pricing & specs

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

2026 Mazda Cx-6E

By Marcus Craft

By Andrew Chesterton

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Diesel Turbo 4, 2.8L

Electric motor type

—

Fuel Type

Diesel

Vehicle type

Battery Electric

Fuel Efficiency

7.6L/100km (combined)

Electric range

484 km

Energy consumption

18.9 kWh/100km

Battery capacity

78.00 kWh

Seating

Likes

Capable 4WD
Rugged build
Function over fashion

Nicely executed design, inside and out
Sharp enough pricing to capture attention
Backseat space for days

Dislikes

Feels old
Lacklustre performance
Driver-assist tech needs work

Digital wing mirrors are rubbish on all cars
Some flaws in the drive experience
Chinese manufacturing, but a very Japanese warranty

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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2026 Mazda Cx-6E Summary

We know the story of Mazda’s sudden EV push already, but I’ll recap it quickly.

On one side, soaring fuel prices and helpful incentives combined to lure Aussie buyers into EVs in record numbers. But Mazda doesn’t really have any to sell. On the other side, tightening NVES (New Vehicle Efficiency Standard) regulations punish brands that aren’t using EVs to lower their fleet emissions. But Mazda doesn’t really have any to sell.

The answer lay not in Japan, but in China, where Mazda has been able to capitalise on its relationship with Changan to get new EVs on the road quickly. The first was the 6e sedan, and this is the second arrival, the CX-6e.

And yes, that means that under the skin of this undeniably sexy electric SUV it’s very similar to something from Deepal, but the brand insists it’s still very much a Mazda everywhere else.

And so with this, Mazda rides into the electric SUV fray. But how does it stack up?

View full pricing & specs

Deep dive comparison

2025 Toyota Fortuner 2026 Mazda Cx-6E

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

It might be the product of the brand's Chinese partnership, and in fact it might not even be a Mazda under the skin, but it definitely feels more like the Japanese brand than you might be expecting.

Does it feel quite enough like a Mazda? That's going to be up to you. But it certainly looks the part, inside and out.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer with travel, accommodation and meals provided.

Note: The author, Andrew Chesterton, is a co-owner of Smart As Media, a content agency and media distribution service with a number of automotive brands among its clients. When producing content for CarsGuide, he does so in accordance with the CarsGuide Editorial Guidelines and Code of Ethics, and the views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author.

Toyota Fortuner vs Mazda Cx-6E What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Toyota Fortuner vs Mazda Cx-6E
What's the difference?