Toyota is the industry standard when it comes to pickup trucks. For over fifty years, it has produced the popular Hilux pickup. Over that time, it has earned a reputation for being among the most capable ATVs on the market.
In an early season of Top Gear, a British television show, the Hilux was famously put through its paces. Since then, it has become renowned as one of the most trustworthy and difficult-to-destroy automobiles in the world.
The Toyota HiLux has been one of Australia's best-selling and most highly regarded four-wheel drives since the late 1970s. There. It's out in the open now. The vehicle's unbreakability (hey, it should be a word) has been emphasised in advertising, and it has proven to be reliable in both urban and rural settings. The fact that the resale value is high also demonstrates widespread esteem for classic Luxy automobiles in this country. However, the Navara has failed to generate the same excitement in this region. People still buy and enjoy them, but there's not the same fervour for the brand as there once was.
The Nissan Navara, however, is a newcomer to the market. There have been variations of this pickup for over eighty years. Nissan has been making reliable and practical automobiles for a long time, so the company has accumulated a wealth of experience in the field. Can you tell me, then, whether the Hilux or the Navara is the superior vehicle?
Interior
Jonathan Masiga, a mechanic, says both cars offer a very spacious and neat layout. They also made sure that the plastics used within do not appear cheap but luxurious. They also have an elaborate multimedia system but differ a bit: while the Hilux has got a simple yet informative instrument metre, the Navara NP300 has a 5-inch multimedia system. Nonetheless, the Hilux has a special cooling compartment for your drinks while the Navara has more USB ports and cup holders than the Hilux.
Exterior
Alex Ntambi, a car enthusiast, mentions that this aspect is somewhat difficult to compare because we have varying tastes; some may love the Navara NP300 curves while others may prefer Hilux's strong look.
However, we could look at the range of colours that both cars have to offer: Navara comes in four colours while the Hilux in seven. Apart from having a wider colour range, Toyota Hilux also comes in black which a number of people prefer.
Driving experience and comfort
On good city roads, Aloysius Masaba, a Hilux owner, admits that the Navara will give you a less-bumpy drive, just like any SUV would, while the Hilux will afford you power. That makes the Navara a favourite here.
Looking at suspension, he says the Navara's multi suspension makes the drive even more comfortable and also renders the driver more handling because it shakes less. The rear suspension of the Navara eliminates the traditional leaf springs, replacing them with coil springs, these provide for a more stable ride and add comfort to rival comfort.
More to that, the passenger also feels comfortable at the rear of the trunk. That is quite the opposite for the Hilux which has leaf spring suspension. The leaf springs provide better handling with load and indeed offer more loading capacity.
Entertainment
Moses Mulungi, a tech fanatic, says both vehicles have six speakers and their multimedia system comes with USB ports, AUX jack, Bluetooth and a DVD player. They also have daylights and a reverse camera. The Hilux boasts of a 6.1-inch multimedia touch screen which dwarfs the Navara's optional 5-inch screen. It also has a digital recorder which is quite trendy. However, it is not available in all its versions.
Torque and power
The Hilux comes with a 2.8litre engine while the Navara packs a 2.3litre engine giving it an advantage for fuel consumption if driven with similar conditions and driving style. To catch up on power, the Navara has a twin-turbo system that enables both to have a maximum torque of 450 Nm/rpm. However, the Navara gives off 19ps compared to the 177ps by the Hilux. However, we need to appreciate that the Navara does not rave a lot, giving a false picture of being underpowered.
Performance
Let's start with the performance. According to the figures, the Hilux will do 0 to 62 in around 12.3 seconds, if you choose the automatic gearbox. If you go for the manual, this increases by another half a second to 12.8 seconds, to account for gear shifts.
The Navara is a little faster, thanks mainly to its higher-spec engine. Right now, the Navara comes with a single-engine size, the 2.3-litre diesel engine. But the diesel engine itself comes in two flavours.
There's a single turbo version that will output around 158 bhp. And there's the twin-turbo, which will deliver over 187 bhp. The more powerful twin-turbo engine will catapult the car to 62 mph in around 10.8 seconds, making it 1.5 seconds faster than the Hilux.
Practicality
Dual-cab utes, by definition, must be functional. More is expected of them than of nearly any other automobile model available today. Consider doing important camping and 4x4 tasks on top of trade work, grocery shopping, and hauling yard waste to the dump. A more functional cabin is standard equipment in the HiLux. The interior's hard plastic construction would be simple and easy to maintain. The car had the look and feel of a commercial vehicle, but the term "utilitarian" would be grossly inaccurate. When compared to when apprentices once had to ride in the backseat with their knees tucked into their chests, this industry has certainly advanced.
The double cab configuration is standard on both vehicles. Furthermore, most truck accessories can be used with either vehicle because of their widespread popularity. However, what about the fact that a pickup truck's primary function is to serve as a practical tool?
The cargo space of the Hilux is very large. Choose the double cab model and you'll have a cargo area that can carry more than 1,055 kg. In case you were wondering, that's enough for four grand pianos. Toyota claims that the Hilux can tow up to 3,200 kg, so you can rest assured that it can handle whatever you throw at it.
While both of these numbers are impressive, the Navara is a slight step ahead of the Hilux. More than 1,150 kilogrammes can be carried in the Navara's cargo area, according to Nissan. Not only that, but it has a maximum towing capacity of over 3,500 kilogrammes, making it a formidable vehicle.
However, the Navara in the test was more suitable to our way of life in many other respects. Great quality, sliding factory tie-downs. The factory-installed tub liner, which wrapped around the tailgate, and the ability to secure any bulky items in nearly any position were both huge benefits for a daily-use vehicle. Having a deep upper lip, it could be closed and used as a small table when in a pinch (a neat feature we discovered at happy hour around the campfire that night).
In addition to being a "nicer place to be" in general, the Navara's leather seats should be easier to clean than the pov-pack HiLux's fabric seats. Oh, and don't forget to mention the smart decision Nissan made by including a sliding rear window. When reversing, or if you have smelly pets (or photographers) in the back, this feature is invaluable.
Safety
Sadly, the Hilux doesn't do so well on the safety front. The standard version only managed to score three stars on the Euro NCAP safety ratings. The reason for this was that it scored badly in the "safety assist" category. The Hilux equipped with "Toyota Safety Sense" technology did a lot better, scoring five out of five stars. But it's still unclear how many people will opt for this model. The Navara managed to score four stars the first time around. The Navara comes with an emergency forward braking system and seven airbags.
Thus it seems that the Navara beats out the Hilux in performance, safety and practicality. But these differences are often minor, and might not be enough to sway buyers in one direction or another.
Shopping Run
It seems I've drawn the short straw, as I'll be spending some time with these two 4x4s on the pavement (rather than off-road).
When I first saw a Navara, the interior was the first thing that stood out to me. It appears that inspiration for the Navara's styling came from the company's many popular soft-roading SUVs. It's not built for rough use, but it's comfortable to hold and has a clean design. Don't forget that you're looking at the luxurious top-of-the-line model, complete with soft leather upholstery, dazzling displays, and a wealth of controls. Even the base model (RX) has a pleasant cabin layout, despite having cloth upholstery and no touchscreen.
A blessing on the ageing HiLux, by contrast. It retains the same hard plastics as previous models, giving the impression that it was designed to last rather than please. The dashboard has a touch-screen multimedia interface (that, to be honest, looks like a cheap Aldi iPad) with annoying buttons that are integrated into the touch screen itself. The SR5 top-tier model is not drastically different from the base SR model, down to the clunky gate shifter and goofy-looking touchscreen. It's a tried-and-true method, so why would Toyota ever change it? To all appearances, the HiLux is a sales phenomenon that drives itself.
When compared to its predecessor, the HiLux is a vastly superior vehicle when driving. The new diesel engines (of which there are two variants, displacing 2.4 and 2.8 litres) provide brisk, linear acceleration while also being noticeably quieter than their predecessors. The new six-speed gearbox is great, as well. However, the Navara also offers a comfortable and exciting ride, albeit in a very different way. The 2.3-liter mill is a bit peaky and indecisive through the gearbox until you get it revved up and start spinning the crank. It has better gas mileage, but I prefer the HiLux's handling and performance.
In terms of on-road ride, the Navara is a winner. While the ride comfort of both utes is obviously compromised in order to accommodate the extra weight, the five-link coil setup handles bumps much better. To not say the HiLux is good or bad, but the newer model has improvements over the previous one, such as a longer and flatter leaf pack. As evidence, consider how recently vehicles like the D22 Navaras and LN HiLuxs were crude, noisy, and ponderously slow, and then contrast them with the newer models, which are so much more refined and car-like on the road.
OFF-ROAD
I'll paint the picture for you driving along a windy and rutted dirt road doing just under 40km/h, climbing up from a picturesque valley when all of a sudden the back end of the HiLux wanted to overtake the front end. We did not weigh the tray, and as a result, the vehicle felt dangerous unless put into four-wheel drive. The stability control light would flash violently, and then things would settle down again.
This didn't happen in Navara. It felt planted and compliant… 'sporty' even. So I'm going to give the nod to the Navara for touring and dirt road driving conditions.
On more serious terrain though, that changed. The low-slung side steps on the Navara made it challenging to drive over rocks and ruts, whereas the HiLux (with fantastic traction control) felt genuinely capable. Even with old-school leaf springs in the back-end compared to the exciting new coil-sprung rear end of the Navara. As the Navara featured a factory-fitted rear differential lock, it would crab sideways while trying to climb obstacles – the supple coil suspension didn't help here. I can't wait to drive an NP300 with good aftermarket suspension fitted as I can see the serious potential. If you want a vehicle for rough-and-tumble style off-roading though, the HiLux is a more solid performer.
Ownership
Nissan Navara
You'll need to take your Navara to the shop once every 12 months or 20,000 kilometres (or take advantage of one of the dealership's extended warranty programmes) and the manufacturer provides a warranty for three years/100,000 kilometres.
First six Navara services under the'myNIssan Service Certainty' programme are capped at between $547 and $744 at participating dealerships.
A full-sized spare is included. Excellent to have on hand in the event of a flat tyre. And there are lots of helpful hints in the manual.
Toyota HiLux
The HiLux appears to be a good option at first glance. Starting in early 2019, the brand offered a five-year/unlimited-kilometer warranty, a robust dealer network, and capped service prices.
However, when you dig into the HiLux a little, you'll find that it can be a bit frustrating. You'll have to pay a maximum of $240 per year for maintenance, but you'll have to bring your car in at least twice a year (and possibly more) at the prescribed six-month or 10,000-kilometer intervals.
Easy on the wallet. The frequency is annoying, though.
When comparing two vehicles, the superior one is often immediately apparent. Minor things can quickly become irritating, or one may simply perform better than another. Not that this was one of those times. It's difficult to declare a victor in a contest. The HiLux, however, would serve my purposes better. The build quality was great, and I appreciated the simplicity of the basic model. However, it was not the most stable vehicle on fast dirt roads unless equipped with four-wheel drive. The Navara is a beautiful car for open-road use. The cabin is comfortable, and the ride quality is good thanks to the coil-sprung rear suspension. However, all of the testers agreed that the engine felt stressed. It's not easy to decide. The HiLux is the superior choice if you intend to drive in harsher off-road conditions. However, it's impossible to dispute the Navara's high levels of passenger and driver convenience. Do with the implied meanings what you will.
It's incredible how similar these two Utes are. Two of our drivers have experience with both, and they both say they are satisfied with either.
Since the Navara N-TREK has an orange highlight inside and a slightly better user interface on the audio entertainment system, I would choose it if I had to choose between the two.
But the HiLux would satisfy me just fine. It will come down to a matter of taste in terms of physical characteristics. That seems to sum up the problem with these two Utes nicely.
Your final decision should be based on how each one looks and feels as well as how convenient its features are. They are virtually indistinguishable from one another (with the exception of towing).
If you choose either, you won't be disappointed. The aesthetics, name tag, ambience, etc. are all subjective.
The data is yours to interpret as you see fit. A number of factors, including the stage of development the Ute is at, the buyer's priorities, and the available budget, all play into the discussion of which Ute is best.
I really hope that this data will be helpful to you as you consider making a purchase.
Conclusion
Toyota's Hilux pickup has been on the market for over fifty years. However, the Nissan Navara is a brand-new arrival. Tell me, which of these two trucks is better: the Hilux or the Navara. The cabins of both vehicles are roomy and well-organized. Navara's twin-turbo system boosts the power of its 2.3-liter diesel engine to a maximum of 450 Nm/rpm, surpassing that of the other vehicle.
Each car has a DVD player, and both have a multimedia system with USB ports, an AUX jack, Bluetooth, and a CD player with six speakers. When comparing the Nissan Navara and the Toyota Hilux, the Nissan takes 1.5 seconds less to reach 60 miles per hour. Nissan claims that more than 1,150 kilogrammes can be transported in the Navara's cargo area. The Hilux has a 3,200-kilogram towing capacity, so you can haul whatever you need. The Navara is superior to the Hilux in speed, security, and utility.
However, consumers may not care enough about these distinctions to make a purchase decision based on them. Even the premium SR5 model shares the same clumsy gate shifter as the entry-level SR model. When pitted against the Navara D22, the Navara HiLux emerges victorious on both the road and in the comfort department. The latest diesel power plants are noticeably quieter and accelerate quickly and linearly. The Navara, on the other hand, provides a relaxing and exciting ride of its own.
To navigate rocks and ruts, the Nissan Navara's low-slung side steps were a hindrance. Once every 12 months or 20,000 kilometers, your Navara should be serviced. Beautiful on the open road, Navara's coil-sprung rear suspension ensures a comfortable ride. If you plan on driving in rougher off-road conditions, the HiLux is the better option. The Navara's high levels of passenger and driver convenience cannot be contested.
Content Summary
- The Nissan Navara, however, is a newcomer to the market.
- That is quite the opposite for the Hilux which has leaf spring suspension.
- The more powerful twin-turbo engine will catapult the car to 62 mph in around 10.8 seconds, making it 1.5 seconds faster than the Hilux.
- A more functional cabin is standard equipment in the HiLux.
- Choose the double cab model and you'll have a cargo area that can carry more than 1,055 kg.
- Thus it seems that the Navara beats out the Hilux in performance, safety and practicality.
- Don't forget that you're looking at the luxurious top-of-the-line model, complete with soft leather upholstery, dazzling displays, and a wealth of controls.
- When compared to its predecessor, the HiLux is a vastly superior vehicle when driving.
- The new diesel engines (of which there are two variants, displacing 2.4 and 2.8 litres) provide brisk, linear acceleration while also being noticeably quieter than their predecessors.
- The new six-speed gearbox is great, as well.
- It has better gas mileage, but I prefer the HiLux's handling and performance.
- In terms of on-road ride, the Navara is a winner.
- The low-slung side steps on the Navara made it challenging to drive over rocks and ruts, whereas the HiLux (with fantastic traction control) felt genuinely capable.
- Even with old-school leaf springs in the back-end compared to the exciting new coil-sprung rear end of the Navara.
- If you want a vehicle for rough-and-tumble style off-roading though, the HiLux is a more solid performer.
- The HiLux appears to be a good option at first glance.
- You'll have to pay a maximum of $240 per year for maintenance, but you'll have to bring your car in at least twice a year (and possibly more) at the prescribed six-month or 10,000-kilometer intervals.
- The HiLux is the superior choice if you intend to drive in harsher off-road conditions.