It's Australia's greatest rivalry on four wheels. The Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger have traded the #1 and #2 sales positions for years. Both tow 3,500kg, both have loyal followings, and both have just been updated. Let's settle this with data.
The Head-to-Head
| Spec | HiLux SR5 (2.8L Diesel) | Ranger XLT (2.0L Bi-Turbo) |
|---|---|---|
| Price (RRP) | ~$60,150 | ~$58,790 |
| Engine | 2.8L 4cyl turbo diesel | 2.0L 4cyl bi-turbo diesel |
| Power | 150kW | 154kW |
| Torque | 500Nm | 500Nm |
| Towing (braked) | 3,500kg | 3,500kg |
| Payload | ~925kg | ~1,003kg |
| Fuel (combined) | 7.6L/100km | 7.4L/100km |
| Tray length | 1,520mm | 1,550mm |
| Ground clearance | 286mm | 235mm |
| ANCAP | 5 stars | 5 stars |
| Warranty | 5yr / unlimited km | 5yr / unlimited km |
| Transmission | 6-speed auto | 10-speed auto |
Where the Ranger Wins
- Interior quality. the Ranger's cabin is a generation ahead. The 12-inch SYNC 4A screen, digital instrument cluster, and soft-touch materials make the HiLux feel dated
- Payload. ~80kg more than the HiLux, which matters for tradies loading tools and materials
- Ride comfort. the multi-link rear suspension (XLT and above) is significantly more comfortable than the HiLux's leaf springs, especially unladen
- 10-speed auto. smoother, more responsive, and better for towing on grades
- Pro Trailer Assist. reverses a trailer for you using the dial. Game-changer for inexperienced towers
- V6 option. the 3.0L V6 turbo diesel (Wildtrak, Raptor) delivers 600Nm and is the strongest engine in any ute
Where the HiLux Wins
- Reliability reputation. Toyota's reliability record is unmatched. The HiLux has decades of proven durability in harsh Australian conditions
- Resale value. consistently the best resale of any vehicle in Australia. After 5 years, a HiLux retains 60-65% of its value vs 55-60% for the Ranger
- Ground clearance. 286mm vs 235mm. Matters for genuine off-road use
- Aftermarket. the HiLux aftermarket is enormous. Every accessory, bull bar, and canopy is available and often cheaper than Ranger equivalents
- Simplicity. the 2.8L engine is proven over millions of km. The Ranger's bi-turbo 2.0L is more complex
- Servicing cost. Toyota capped-price servicing is typically $200-300 cheaper over 5 years
5-Year Cost of Ownership
| 5-Year Cost | HiLux SR5 | Ranger XLT |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase (driveaway) | ~$65,000 | ~$64,000 |
| Fuel (5yr @ 15k km/yr) | ~$10,830 | ~$10,545 |
| Servicing (5yr) | ~$3,200 | ~$3,800 |
| Insurance (5yr) | ~$8,000 | ~$8,500 |
| Resale (est. 5yr) | -$39,000 | -$35,200 |
| True 5yr cost | ~$48,030 | ~$51,645 |
The HiLux is ~$3,600 cheaper over 5 years, almost entirely due to better resale. If you plan to keep the car for 7+ years, the Ranger's lower running costs close the gap.
The Verdict
Buy the Ranger if: you want a more comfortable daily driver, better tech, and plan to tow with Pro Trailer Assist. The interior alone justifies the switch for many buyers.
Buy the HiLux if: you value reliability above all else, want the best resale value, do genuine off-road work, or run a fleet where simplicity and parts availability matter.
Neither is wrong. They're both excellent utes. The best way to decide is to compare them spec-by-spec for your specific needs.
→ Compare HiLux vs Ranger side-by-side on CarSorted (200+ specs)
Compare these cars yourself
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Disclaimer: All information in this article was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (1 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Specifications, government incentives, and rebates can change without notice. Always verify details with the manufacturer or relevant authority before making a purchase decision. Running cost estimates are based on average Australian driving conditions at 15,000 km/year. All opinions are editorial and independent. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations or rankings.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 1 April 2026
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