Verdict
At RM325,800, the BMW X3 costs RM129,920 more than the RM195,880 Toyota Fortuner, but it brings 188 hp, an 8.5-second 0-100 km/h time, a 570-litre boot and a 2,865-mm wheelbase. Its 310 Nm trails the Fortuner’s 400 Nm, however, and the Toyota carries seven people rather than five. The Fortuner is the pragmatic family choice: cheaper to buy, backed by a five-year unlimited-mileage warranty and fitted with a full-size spare. The X3 is the better-equipped five-seat road SUV, with a 14.9-inch display, adaptive cruise control and 360-degree camera.
Pick the BMW X3 if you want stronger 188-hp performance, a 570-litre boot and modern driver-assistance equipment in a five-seat SUV.
Pick the Toyota Fortuner if you need seven seats, 400 Nm of diesel torque, a full-size spare tyre and a RM129,920 lower purchase price.
Key differences
- Price: BMW X3 RM325,800; Toyota Fortuner RM195,880.
- Power and torque: BMW X3 188 hp and 310 Nm; Toyota Fortuner 148 hp and 400 Nm.
- Seating and boot: BMW X3 five seats and 570 litres; Toyota Fortuner seven seats and 200 litres.
- Transmission: BMW X3 eight-speed Steptronic; Toyota Fortuner six-speed automatic.
- Wheelbase: BMW X3 2,865 mm; Toyota Fortuner 2,745 mm.
- Warranty: BMW X3 two years unlimited mileage; Toyota Fortuner five years unlimited mileage.
X3
- 188 hp, 8.5-second 0-100 km/h claim and eight-speed automatic.
- 570-litre boot and 120-mm longer wheelbase.
- Adaptive cruise control, autonomous braking, lane-keeping assist and 360-degree camera.
- RM129,920 more expensive.
- Only five seats versus the Fortuner’s seven.
- 310 Nm is 90 Nm down on the Fortuner.
Fortuner
- Seven seats and 400 Nm from its 2.4-litre diesel.
- RM129,920 cheaper and covered by a five-year unlimited-mileage warranty.
- Full-size 17-inch alloy spare and 80-litre fuel tank.
- 148 hp is 40 hp below the X3.
- 200-litre boot is 370 litres smaller than the X3’s.
- No blind-spot system, autonomous braking, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control or reverse camera.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM325,800 | RM195,880✓ |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | Compact Executive | Truck/4X4 |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM439✓ | RM754 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC direct injection with twin-scroll turbocharger, variable valve timing and mild hybrid assistance | 16-valve DOHC with Common-rail Direct Injection, Variable Geometry Turbocharger and Variable Valve Timing |
| Capacity | 1,998 cc | 2,393 cc |
| Horsepower | 188 hp at 4,400 rpm✓ | 148 hp at 3,400 rpm |
| Torque | 310 Nm at 1,500 rpm | 400 Nm at 1,600 rpm✓ |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline 4 | Inline 4 |
| Fuel | Petrol Hybrid/REV | Diesel |
| Bore × Stroke | — | 92 mm × 90 mm |
| Compression Ratio | — | 15.6 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 8-speed Steptronic | 6-speed Automatic with Sequential Shifter |
| Gears | 8 | 6 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | ZF | Toyota |
| Driveline | All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 8.5 seconds | — |
| Top Speed | 215 km/h | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,755 mm | 4,795 mm |
| Width | 1,920 mm | 1,855 mm |
| Height | 1,660 mm | 1,835 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,865 mm | 2,745 mm |
| Weight | — | 2,090 kg |
| Fuel Tank | — | 80 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 7 |
| Boot Space | 570 litres✓ | 200 litres |
| Front Tyre | 245/50R19 | 265/65R17 |
| Rear Tyre | 245/50R19 | 265/65R17 |
| Spare Tyre | N/A, Tyre Repair Kit | Full-size 17" Alloy |
| Factory Tyres | Continental EcoContact 6 Q | Bridgestone Dueler A/T |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | Double Wishbones |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-Link |
| Front Wheels | 19" Y-spoke M Alloys | 17" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 19" Y-spoke M Alloys | 17" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack & Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Hydraulic Power Steering) |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| ANCAP | — | 5 stars — With 7 airbags and stability control |
| ASEAN NCAP | — | 4 stars — With 3 airbags and no stability control |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 6 (Driver and Front Passenger, Front Side, Curtain Airbags) | 7 (Driver and Passenger, Driver Knee, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain) |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 7 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | — |
| ISOFIX | Available for 2 Outer Rear Seats | Available on 2 Outer Middle Row Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | — |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | No |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | — |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | Front Seats Only |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | Halogen Projector |
| Taillamps | Full LED | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | — |
| Front Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Powered Front Seats | Manual Adjustable |
| Rear Seats | 40:20:40 Split-folding | 60:40 Split-folding Middle Row with one-touch tumble, 50:50 Split-folding Last Row with one-touch space up |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Manual Air-con |
| Rear Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control | Rear Vents with Blower control |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB-C Front, 2 USB-C Rear | 1 Front, 1 Middle Row, 1 Boot, 1 Front USB |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights & Ambient Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 4 Front, 2 Middle Row, 2 Last Row |
| Audio | 14.9" BMW Curved Display Live Cockpit Professional, 6 Speaker | Radio CD/MP3 Player with 6 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | — |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | — |
| Tiptronic | — | ✓ |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | — |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Powered Boot with Contactless Opening | Manual Operation |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | 2 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 2 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, 360-degree View Monitor | — |
| Auto Parking | Yes | — |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | — |
| Head-up Display | ✓ | — |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Backlit Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Handbrake |
| Convenience Notes | — | Qi Wireless Charger, Premium Solar and Security Tint, Front Digital Video Recorder |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Mileage Extended | Unlimited | — |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 2 years | 5 years✓ |
| Warranty Extended | 3 years | — |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used X3 & Fortuner for sale
X3 vs Fortuner FAQ
Is the BMW X3 or Toyota Fortuner better?
The BMW X3 is better for five-seat road use, performance and safety technology, with 188 hp, a 570-litre boot and adaptive cruise control. The Toyota Fortuner is better for seven occupants, 400 Nm of diesel torque and a far lower RM195,880 entry price.
What is the price difference?
The BMW X3 costs RM325,800 and the Toyota Fortuner costs RM195,880, putting the BMW RM129,920 higher.
Which has more luggage space, the BMW X3 or Toyota Fortuner?
The BMW X3 has the larger quoted boot at 570 litres, compared with 200 litres for the Toyota Fortuner. The Fortuner counters with a third row and seven seats; the X3 has five seats.
