Lexus IS vs Toyota HiLux
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars 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.
Lexus IS
Price TBC
Convertible
Petrol
2.5-litre naturally aspirated V6 petrol
153kW
9.3 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
109L
Toyota HiLux
From $33,990
Cab Chassis
Diesel
2.8L 4-cyl Turbo-Diesel
150kW
7.3 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
—
Lexus IS: we're still completing price, 0-100km/h, warranty, ground clearance and braked towing.
A blank cell below means we don't have that figure, not that the car scores badly on it. We leave them empty rather than estimate, so any row where one car is blank isn't a like-for-like comparison yet.
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Price Breakdown
Pricing for one or both models is yet to be confirmed for the Australian market. We will update this comparison when official RRPs are announced.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems.
The Toyota HiLux counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Lexus IS uses a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated V6 petrol producing 153kW and 252Nm of torque, sent through a 6-speed automatic to a RWD layout.
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 Lexus IS has the clear power advantage at 153kW vs 150kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Lexus IS measures 4,635mm long on a 2,730mm wheelbase, 745mm shorter than the Toyota HiLux at 5,380mm (3,085mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Toyota HiLux generally means more rear legroom.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.2m to 10.8m
Based on 10.2m 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
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,651/year for the Lexus IS and $2,081/year for the Toyota HiLux. That is a $570 annual difference in favour of the Toyota HiLux.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Lexus IS if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Lexus's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Toyota HiLux if: You want lower running costs, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Lexus IS and Toyota HiLux trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Toyota HiLux will save you roughly $570 a year in fuel. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Lexus IS and Toyota HiLux?
The Toyota HiLux is the cheapest at $33,990 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Toyota HiLux uses the least fuel at 7.3L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
Toyota HiLux holds a 5-star ANCAP rating. We have no published ANCAP rating for Lexus IS, so there is nothing to compare on crash performance. Compare the active-safety features above instead.
Which can tow the most?
The Toyota HiLux has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,900kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Lexus IS makes the most power at 153kW.
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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
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