Toyota Fortuner GR-S pricing versus Ford Everest Sport
The GR derivatives of Toyota's product lineup do very well with local consumers, whether a compact hatchback or a large double cab, the GR brand has done wonders for Toyota locally. We check out how the Fortuner GR-S stacks up against the Sport version of the Ford Everest.
Seven-seater SUV comparison
When it comes to large seven-seater family SUVs, there are only two big names that everyone thinks about. The Toyota versus Ford debate has been going on for decades, and the competition between these two brands hasn't dulled. Both offer a multi-seat off-road capable machine with a few model derivatives, and today we will examine the two sportier models from each manufacturer.
Related: Toyota Fortuner GR-Sport (2025) First Drive Review
The GR-S model from Toyota gets a sportier interior and some suspension and styling refinements. In contrast, the Sport from the blue oval gets interior and styling treatments that give it a more menacing appearance, but let's take a closer look at each.
New Ford Everest (2022) First Drive Review
Toyota Fortuner GR-S
Price - R 999 000
Powertrain
The Fortuner GR-S is powered by a 2.8-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine that produces 165kW and 550Nm. Power is sent to all four wheels through a 6-speed automatic transmission, and is equipped with a low range and diff lock.
Standard Equipment
The Fortuner GR-S differentiates itself from the normal model with features like a roof spoiler, 18-inch black alloy wheels, and GR-specific badging. Interior-wise, the GR-S has upgraded sport seats with partial suede and leather upholstery, sports pedals, a cooled glove box, and red trim accents.
Safety
The 2025 Toyota Fortuner GR-S is equipped with Toyota Safety Sense which incorporates:
- Pre-Crash System (PCS): Mitigates potential collisions by detecting proximity and warning the driver of oncoming vehicles or pedestrians.
- Lane-Keeping Assistance: Helps keep the vehicle in its lane.
- Blind-Spot Monitoring: Alerts the driver to vehicles in their blind spot.
- Adaptive Cruise Control: Maintains a set speed and distance from the vehicle ahead.
- Active Traction Control (A-TRC): Enables stability when driving off-road or in slippery conditions.
The safety equipment also includes:
- 7 airbags (driver, front passenger, curtain, driver-knee, and front side)
- Front/rear parking sensors
- Stability control
- ISOFix
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
- Auto Emergency Braking
Practicality
The Fortuner GR-S comfortably seats seven adults, and the third row can be raised or lowered to increase or decrease load space. It is rated to tow 750kg unbraked and 3 300kg braked.
Price and Value
The GR-S derivative comes under a million rand at R 999 000. Toyota offers a 3-year / 100 000 km warranty and a 9-service / 90 000 km service plan.
Ford Everest 2.0 BiT Sport
Price - R 1 029 000
Powertrain
The Everest Sport is powered by a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder twin-turbo diesel engine that produces 154kW and 500Nm. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a 10-speed automatic transmission. There is no diff lock or low range available.
Standard Equipment
The Ford Everest Sport gets 20-inch wheels and aggressive exterior styling elements. A 12-inch vertical touchscreen infotainment system with Ford's SYNC 4A platform with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto takes centre stage in the dash. Seating-wise, the driver and front passenger get 10-way electrically adjustable leather-accented seats with blue contrast stitching, with heating and ventilation, with the 2nd row being slidable and reclinable, and the 3rd row folding flat into the rear cargo area to increase or decrease cargo space.
Safety
The Ford Everest Sport receives a 5-star NCAP rating.
- 6 Airbags
- ABS, TCS
- ADAS
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- 360-degree camera
- Keyless Entry
- Blind Spot Monitoring
Practicality
The Everest Sport is rated to tow 750kg unbraked and 3 500kg braked, with a load capacity rating of over 750kg. Rear cargo space can be increased from 259 to 1823 litres by rearranging the seats.
Price and Value
Ford offers the Everest Sport at R 1 029 000, and has come to the party offering an optional 4-year / 120 000 km warranty and a 6-year / 90 000 km service plan.
