Verdict
At RM395,888, the Lexus NX asks RM200,008 more than the Toyota Fortuner, but it brings 184 hp, two electric motors, a 7.7-second 0-100 km/h time and active safety systems including autonomous braking and steering lane-keep. Its 520-litre boot also dwarfs the Fortuner’s 200 litres. The RM195,880 Fortuner is the rational choice when seven seats, an 80-litre tank and 400 Nm of diesel torque from 1,600 rpm matter more. These serve sharply different Malaysian needs, not merely different budgets.
Pick the Lexus NX if you want a five-seat petrol hybrid with a 520-litre boot, 7.7-second sprint and substantially fuller driver-assistance kit.
Pick the Toyota Fortuner if you need seven seats, 400 Nm from 1,600 rpm, an 80-litre tank and a far lower purchase price.
Key differences
- Price: Lexus NX RM395,888; Toyota Fortuner RM195,880.
- Seating: Lexus NX 5 seats; Toyota Fortuner 7 seats.
- Engine output: Lexus NX 184 hp at 6,000 rpm and 221 Nm at 4,300 rpm; Toyota Fortuner 148 hp at 3,400 rpm and 400 Nm at 1,600 rpm.
- Boot space: Lexus NX 520 litres; Toyota Fortuner 200 litres.
- Fuel tank: Lexus NX 55 litres; Toyota Fortuner 80 litres.
- Dimensions: Lexus NX is 4,660 mm long and 1,670 mm tall; Toyota Fortuner is 4,795 mm long and 1,835 mm tall.
NX
- 184 hp petrol-hybrid system with two electric motors
- 520-litre boot space
- Autonomous braking, steering lane-keep and adaptive cruise control
- Costs RM200,008 more
- Five seats versus the Fortuner’s seven
- 55-litre tank versus 80 litres
Fortuner
- Seven-seat cabin with one-touch tumble middle-row seats
- 400 Nm diesel torque at 1,600 rpm
- Full-size 17-inch alloy spare tyre
- 148 hp versus the NX’s 184 hp
- 200-litre boot versus 520 litres
- No autonomous braking, lane-keeping assist or blind-spot information system
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM395,888 | RM195,880✓ |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | Compact Executive | Truck/4X4 |
| Assembly | CBU | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM830 | RM754✓ |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, naturally-aspirated with variable valve timing and hybrid assistance | 16-valve DOHC with Common-rail Direct Injection, Variable Geometry Turbocharger and Variable Valve Timing |
| Capacity | 2,487 cc | 2,393 cc |
| Horsepower | 184 hp at 6,000 rpm✓ | 148 hp at 3,400 rpm |
| Torque | 221 Nm at 4,300 rpm | 400 Nm at 1,600 rpm✓ |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline 4 | Inline 4 |
| Fuel | Petrol Hybrid/REV | Diesel |
| Bore × Stroke | 87.5 mm × 103.4 mm | 92 mm × 90 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 14 | 15.6 |
| Number of Motors | 2 | — |
| Motor Horsepower | 133 hp | — |
| Motor Torque | 208 Nm | — |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 8-Speed Direct Shift | 6-speed Automatic with Sequential Shifter |
| Gears | 8 | 6 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Aisin | Toyota |
| Driveline | All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 7.7 seconds | — |
| Top Speed | 200 km/h | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,660 mm | 4,795 mm |
| Width | 1,865 mm | 1,855 mm |
| Height | 1,670 mm | 1,835 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,690 mm | 2,745 mm |
| Weight | 1,765 kg | 2,090 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 55 litres | 80 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 7 |
| Boot Space | 520 litres✓ | 200 litres |
| Front Tyre | 235/50R20 | 265/65R17 |
| Rear Tyre | 235/50R20 | 265/65R17 |
| Spare Tyre | — | Full-size 17" Alloy |
| Factory Tyres | Bridgestone Alenza 001 Run-flats | Bridgestone Dueler A/T |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Japan (CBU) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | Double Wishbones |
| Rear Suspension | Double Wishbone | Multi-Link |
| Front Wheels | 20" Dark Grey Metallic with Bright Machined Finish Alloy | 17" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 20" Dark Grey Metallic with Bright Machined Finish Alloy | 17" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and 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 | 7 (Driver and Passenger, Front Knee, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain) | 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 on Two Outer Rear Passenger Seats | Available on 2 Outer Middle Row Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | — |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | No |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | — |
| Seatbelt Reminder | For All Seats | Front Seats Only |
| Safety Notes | Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), TPMS | — |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | 3 LED Projectors | Halogen Projector |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | — |
| Front Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | 8-way Power Adjustable Front Seats with Driver's Memory Function, Ventilated | Manual Adjustable |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 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 System with Lexus Climate Concierge | Manual Air-con |
| Rear Air-con | Rear Vents | Rear Vents with Blower control |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Rear | 1 Front, 1 Middle Row, 1 Boot, 1 Front USB |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lights (64 Colours) | Map Lights and Ambient Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 4 Front, 2 Middle Row, 2 Last Row |
| Audio | 14" Lexus Premium Audio Touchscreen with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and 10 Speakers | 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 Start | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | — |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go | — |
| Tiptronic | — | ✓ |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | — |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Steering Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Boot Operation | Powered Boot with Contactless Opening | Manual Operation |
| Parking Sensor Front | 4 Sensors | 2 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 2 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, with Panoramic View Camera | — |
| 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, Smart Card Key | Qi Wireless Charger, Premium Solar and Security Tint, Front Digital Video Recorder |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 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 NX & Fortuner for sale
NX vs Fortuner FAQ
Is the Lexus NX or Toyota Fortuner better?
The Lexus NX is better for five occupants wanting hybrid assistance, faster acceleration, a much larger boot and active safety technology. Choose the Toyota Fortuner if seven seats, low-rpm diesel torque and the much lower price are your priorities.
What is the price difference?
The Lexus NX costs RM200,008 more than the Toyota Fortuner: RM395,888 against RM195,880.
Which has more passenger and luggage space?
The Toyota Fortuner carries seven people to the Lexus NX’s five, but its boot is only 200 litres. The five-seat NX has a 520-litre boot, giving it 320 litres more luggage space.
