KGM Musso vs Toyota HiLux
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Utes compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The KGM Musso starts from $40,500 before on-road costs, while the Toyota HiLux opens at $33,990. That makes the Toyota HiLux the more affordable entry point by $6,510.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $44,550 and $37,389 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Toyota HiLux by roughly $1,850 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the KGM Musso and Toyota HiLux hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Toyota HiLux packs more ADAS features with 3 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 2 in the KGM Musso.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the KGM Musso and 8 in the Toyota HiLux.
Feature Showdown
The KGM Musso features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Toyota HiLux gets a 12.3-inch display and 7-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The KGM Musso stands out with Apple CarPlay and ambient lighting that you will not find on the Toyota HiLux. The Toyota HiLux counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the KGM Musso gets leather upholstery while the Toyota HiLux offers cloth.
Drivetrain
The KGM Musso uses a Turbo DDi Diesel producing 133kW and 400Nm of torque, sent through a 6-speed automatic to a 4WD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 10.9 seconds.
The Toyota HiLux responds with a 2.8L 4-cyl Turbo-Diesel making 150kW and 420Nm, paired to a manual driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 10.2 seconds.
The Toyota HiLux has the clear power advantage at 150kW vs 133kW. In the real-world sprint, the Toyota HiLux is 0.7s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The KGM Musso measures 5,105mm long on a 3,000mm wheelbase, 275mm shorter than the Toyota HiLux at 5,380mm (3,085mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Toyota HiLux generally means more rear legroom.
0For towing, the KGM Musso leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 2,900kg. That 600kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.8m to 12.2m
Based on 12.2m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,451/year for the KGM Musso and $2,081/year for the Toyota HiLux. That is a $370 annual difference in favour of the Toyota HiLux.
Estimated annual total: $2,451 (KGM Musso) vs $2,081 (Toyota HiLux). The Toyota HiLux saves you roughly $370 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 7 years / 999,999km (KGM Musso) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Toyota HiLux). The KGM Musso has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the KGM Musso if: You value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer KGM's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Toyota HiLux if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, want lower running costs, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Toyota HiLux takes 4 of 7 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Toyota HiLux will save you roughly $370 a year in fuel. The KGM Musso adds peace of mind with a longer 7-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, KGM Musso and Toyota HiLux?
The Toyota HiLux is the cheapest at $33,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the KGM Musso by $6,510.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Toyota HiLux uses the least fuel at 7.3L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — KGM Musso and Toyota HiLux all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The KGM Musso has the largest boot at 532L.
Which can tow the most?
The KGM Musso has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The KGM Musso has the longest warranty at 7 years / 1000k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Toyota HiLux makes the most power at 150kW. The Toyota HiLux is quickest to 100km/h in 10.2s.
Get ahead of your next car
Join free for new-car launches, news, reviews and buying guides. The independent take on what's new in Australia and what's actually worth buying, no dealer spin. Plus early access and founding-member pricing on the upcoming CarSorted Pro Report. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
By subscribing, you agree to receive marketing emails. You can unsubscribe at any time. View our Privacy Policy.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
Comments (0)
Sign in to join the conversation
No comments yet. Be the first!
