The Toyota Fortuner is one of the most successful full-size SUVs on Indian roads, boasting a rugged build, stylish design, and long-lasting performance. The Fortuner appeals to a wide range of customers due to its availability of both petrol and diesel engines, which are offered in both manual and automatic transmissions.
One of the key factors that potential buyers consider is mileage. Although the performance and durability of the Fortuner are well presented, fuel economy must go hand in hand to complement the fuel prices and running costs in the long run.
In this comparison, we’ll break down the official mileage figures, real-world performance, and cost implications of both petrol and diesel variants. By the end, you’ll have a clear idea of which Fortuner version suits your driving needs best.
Continue reading to discover a detailed comparison of Toyota Fortuner Petrol vs Diesel mileage.
Toyota Fortuner ARAI Mileage Figures
Official ARAI-certified mileage for the Toyota Fortuner across all engine and transmission options is:
| Engine & Transmission | ARAI Mileage (kmpl) |
| Diesel – Manual | 14 kmpl |
| Diesel – Automatic | 14 kmpl |
| Petrol – Automatic | 11 kmpl |
Toyota Fortuner Real-World Mileage vs ARAI Mileage
Though official mileage figures provide a good reference point, real-world conditions paint a more practical picture. In city driving, the diesel manual and automatic versions average around 14 kmpl, while on highways, they can reach close to their claimed 15 kmpl.
The petrol automatic, on the other hand, achieves approximately 11 kmpl in city use and around 12-13 kmpl on highways under steady cruising conditions. The main factors that lead to differences between ARAI and on-road mileage are:
- Habits of Driving: Aggressive acceleration and braking decrease mileage by gigantic margins. Smooth driving with gentle control will keep you close to the figures released.
- Traffic Congestion: Urban traffic with stop-and-go conditions, present around the clock, decreases efficiency compared to open roads. More distance of uninterrupted driving allows the engine to deliver optimally within its limits.
- Vehicle Load & AC Usage: Passenger, baggage carrying, and running the AC at full power use more fuel. Light load and moderate AC usage can be a significant mileage saver.
- Maintenance: Properly serviced engines, clean filters, and accurate tyre pressures all contribute towards achieving near-claimed mileage. Neglecting service intervals results in increased consumption in the long run.
For most buyers, diesel remains the frugal choice, especially for those who regularly cover long distances.
Toyota Fortuner Fuel Efficiency Comparison: Petrol vs Diesel
When it comes to fuel efficiency comparisons, the petrol and diesel Fortuners target fundamentally different customers. The diesel model is optimised for high-speed efficiency on long distances as well as stability on highways, whereas the petrol model is aimed at refinement and smoother delivery.
Toyota Fortuner City Fuel Efficiency Comparison
In city driving, the diesel’s high-level torque delivery enables it to deal with stop-go traffic with comparatively better fuel economy. The manual diesel model gains a slight edge over the automated one in terms of efficiency, but both are nearly neck and neck.
The petrol automatic consumes more fuel during traffic-infested city driving, making it less economical for daily usage. Key reasons behind such differences are:
- Engine Torque: The increased low-RPM torque of the diesel provides improved efficiency in crawling traffic. It offers sufficient pulling capacity without necessitating excessive gear shifting.
- Transmission Type: Automatic petrol variants consume more fuel due to the torque converter systems. The slightly heavier diesel automatic remains more fuel-efficient in the city.
- Idle Fuel Loss: Diesel engines idle more efficiently in slow-moving traffic than petrol engines. This allows for less total fuel waste on long crawls.
- Heat and Efficiency: Petrol engines generate more heat when driving in slow-moving traffic, which reduces their efficiency compared to diesel engines. The diesel’s temperature stability helps for longer mileage.
- Fuel Price Effect: Since petrol is generally more expensive than diesel fuel, the cost difference per litre widens the fuel economy disadvantage on city driving. This makes diesel more affordable for urban driving that is done frequently.
Toyota Fortuner Highway Fuel Efficiency Comparison
On highways, the diesel variant remains the fuel-efficiency leader. Smooth speeds and slow acceleration enable the manual diesel to achieve up to 15 kmpl, with the automatic not far behind.
The petrol automatic, although high-tech and powerful, is less frugal, returning approximately 10–11 kmpl. The factors on highways that influence this are:
- Cruising Efficiency: Diesel engines are more suitable for maintaining a steady speed over long distances. Petrol engines, being smoother, consume more fuel when running at high RPM.
- Overtaking Power: Both engines are good, but the diesel is more powerful with a superior power-efficiency ratio. Petrol engines are more responsive but more expensive per kilometre.
- Load and AC usage: Both fuels lose efficiency under heavy load and AC usage, although petrol models are disproportionately affected. This renders diesel a more secure choice for family or goods transport.
- Terrain Impact: Under hilly conditions, diesel engines perform better on gradients without sacrificing as much mileage as petrol engines. Petrol engines will need more throttle input when climbing uphill.
- Refuelling: Diesel refuelling along highways is more convenient and, therefore, simpler to organise for long-distance travelling. Petrol owners may need to refuel more frequently due to lower mileage.
Toyota Fortuner Fuel Cost Comparison: Petrol vs Diesel
Understanding fuel costs is essential when deciding between the petrol and diesel variants of the Toyota Fortuner. Let’s compare the running expenses based on a typical monthly driving of 1500 km and a few other aspects to help you gauge which option fits your budget better.
| Aspects | Petrol | Diesel |
| Monthly Running Distance | 1500 km | 1500 km |
| Monthly Fuel Use | Approx. 126 litres | Approx. 87 litres |
| Average Monthly Fuel Cost | ₹10,094* | ₹6,953* |
| Average Yearly Fuel Cost | ₹1,21,128* | ₹79,116* |
| 5-Year Fuel Cost | ₹6,05,640* | ₹3,95,580* |
Note: Calculations are based on average fuel prices of ₹80/litre for petrol and ₹80/litre for diesel. Costs may vary depending on region and fluctuating fuel prices. The diesel Fortuner offers better fuel savings, making it the more cost-effective choice for long-term, high-mileage usage.
Toyota Fortuner Mileage vs Competitors
Comparing the Toyota Fortuner’s mileage with that of some of its closest rivals provides insight into its fuel efficiency. Here’s a look at official mileage figures for petrol and diesel variants (wherever applicable):
| Model | Petrol Mileage (kmpl) | Diesel Mileage (kmpl) |
| Toyota Fortuner | 11 kmpl (Automatic) | 14 kmpl (Manual/Automatic) |
| Jeep Meridian | N/A | 14.60 kmpl |
| MG Gloster | N/A | 13.92 kmpl |
The Toyota Fortuner stands out in the diesel SUV space, with efficiency figures that nearly match those of the Jeep Meridian and surpass those of the MG Gloster, while also offering a petrol option that rivals lack, albeit at a lower mileage.
Summary
To sum it up, the Toyota Fortuner Diesel offers class-leading fuel efficiency compared to competition such as the Jeep Meridian and the MG Gloster. While the petrol model falls behind on fuel efficiency, the latter is made up for with better performance and refinement for customers prioritising comfort over mileage.
The Fortuner diesel, however, strikes an optimal balance between mileage, performance, and long-distance usability, particularly on highways, where it can deliver 15 kmpl. Your choice between diesel and petrol Fortuner models finally boils down to the nature of your usage and driving habits.
For infrequent city driving, petrol will suffice, but for long-term highway driving or frequent highway driving, diesel remains the more economical and sensible option.
FAQs about Toyota Fortuner Mileage Comparison
Is the Toyota Fortuner diesel suitable for long-distance driving?
Yes, the diesel one is frugal on fuel and boasts high torque, making it perfect for highway cruising and long-distance travel. Its fuel efficiency is ideal for heavy users.
Does the petrol Fortuner use a whole lot more fuel?
The petrol Fortuner uses 8–11 kmpl depending on the driving conditions. Although less fuel-efficient, it offers a smoother drive, making it perfect for city users or those who use it part-time.
Is the Toyota Fortuner suitable for city driving?
Under urban conditions, the Fortuner diesel achieves approximately 12–13 kmpl, while the petrol variant achieves approximately 8–9 kmpl. Although diesel is cost-effective, the petrol model can be ideal for customers who prioritise refinement over price.
Can Fortuner mileage be improved by implementing improved driving habits?
Yes, smooth acceleration, proper tyre pressure, and regular servicing contribute significantly to mileage. Consistently following these habits also reduces wear and tear, resulting in lower long-term maintenance costs.
How does the Toyota Fortuner’s mileage impact the resale value?
As the Fortuner diesel delivers good mileage and durability, it has one of the highest resale values in its class. Used ones are usually sold at a premium due to their proven track record of efficiency.
