BMW iX1 vs Toyota Fortuner 2.8 GD-6: Which Should You Buy in 2025?

Considering switching to an EV? This comprehensive comparison between the BMW iX1 and the Toyota Fortuner 2.8 GD-6 will help you make the right decision for your wallet and lifestyle in South Africa.

📊 Quick Comparison Overview

Feature	BMW iX1	Toyota Fortuner 2.8 GD-6
Purchase Price	R1,150,000	R850,000
5-Year Fuel Cost	R58,376	R134,550
5-Year Maintenance	R15,000	R40,000
Total Cost of Ownership	R1,223,376	R1,024,550
Winner	Petrol wins by R198,826!

💰 The Real Cost: 5-Year Ownership Analysis

Here’s where electric vehicles shine. While the BMW iX1 costs R1,150,000 upfront compared to the Toyota Fortuner 2.8 GD-6’s R850,000, the total cost of ownership tells a different story.

Fuel Costs Breakdown

BMW iX1 electricity cost: R11,675/year = R58,376 over 5 years
Toyota Fortuner 2.8 GD-6 petrol cost: R26,910/year = R134,550 over 5 years
Fuel savings with EV: R76,174 over 5 years

Maintenance Costs

BMW iX1: R15,000 (minimal – no oil changes, less brake wear)
Toyota Fortuner 2.8 GD-6: R40,000 (regular servicing, oil, filters, etc.)
Maintenance savings with EV: R25,000

🎯 Who Should Buy the BMW iX1?

The BMW iX1 is perfect for you if:

💰 Budget-conscious long-term: Save R-3,314 per month on running costs
🏠 Home charging available: Wake up to a “full tank” every morning for just R973/month
🌆 City/suburban driving: Perfect for the 440km range on a single charge
🔧 Low maintenance priority: No oil changes, no exhaust systems, minimal brake wear
🌍 Environmental responsibility: Zero tailpipe emissions in SA’s cities
⚡ Modern technology: Latest infotainment, over-the-air updates, advanced safety features

🎯 Who Should Buy the Toyota Fortuner 2.8 GD-6?

The Toyota Fortuner 2.8 GD-6 makes sense if:

💵 Lower upfront cost needed: R300,000 cheaper to purchase
⛽ Long-distance flexibility: Refuel anywhere in 5 minutes with petrol stations everywhere
🚗 Heavy towing/off-road: 2.8L engine provides proven capability
📍 Rural/remote areas: No charging infrastructure concerns
🔋 No home charging option: Petrol stations remain more accessible for now
👴 Familiar technology: Comfortable with traditional vehicle ownership

💡 Key Decision Factors

Choose the BMW iX1 if you:

✅ Drive less than 440km per day on average
✅ Have access to home charging or workplace charging
✅ Want to save R-3,314 per month on running costs
✅ Prioritize lower maintenance and running costs
✅ Want zero tailpipe emissions
✅ Can manage the higher upfront cost

Choose the Toyota Fortuner 2.8 GD-6 if you:

✅ Need maximum flexibility for long-distance travel
✅ Don’t have reliable charging access
✅ Drive more than 440km daily
✅ Need to minimize upfront costs
✅ Prefer the familiarity of petrol stations
✅ Live in an area with limited charging infrastructure

🔋 Charging Infrastructure in South Africa

South Africa’s EV charging network is growing rapidly, with over 500 public charging points nationwide. Major cities like Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, and Pretoria have excellent coverage.

Home charging is the game-changer: Installing a home charger (R15,000-R30,000) gives you a “full tank” every morning at a fraction of petrol costs.

📈 Long-Term Value

Over 5 years of ownership (15,000km/year):

Total savings with BMW iX1: R-198,826
Monthly savings: R-3,314
Cost per kilometer – BMW iX1: R16.31
Cost per kilometer – Toyota Fortuner 2.8 GD-6: R13.66

🌍 Environmental Impact

By choosing the BMW iX1 over the Toyota Fortuner 2.8 GD-6, you’ll prevent approximately 13,514kg of CO₂ from entering the atmosphere over 5 years.

🏁 The Verdict

It’s Close: Consider Your Priorities

The cost difference is relatively small – just R-198,826 over 5 years (R-3,314/month). Your decision should be based on lifestyle factors:

Choose the BMW iX1 if environmental impact and modern technology matter to you
Choose the Toyota Fortuner 2.8 GD-6 if maximum flexibility and lower upfront cost are priorities

Both are solid choices at this price point.

💰 Calculate Your Own Savings

Want to see how much you could save based on your specific driving habits? Use our EV Cost Savings Calculator to input your exact annual kilometers, electricity rate, and more.

🚗 Ready to Make the Switch?

Need help installing a home charger for your new EV? Get a free quote for professional EV charger installation anywhere in South Africa.

Last updated: December 2025