Mazda BT-50 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.
Mazda BT-50
From $36,400
Ute
Diesel
Diesel
120kW
6.9 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
—
Toyota HiLux
From $33,990
Cab Chassis
Diesel
2.8L 4-cyl Turbo-Diesel
150kW
7.3 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
—
Track the Mazda BT-50 & Toyota HiLux
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Price Breakdown
The Mazda BT-50 starts from $36,400 before on-road costs, while the Toyota HiLux opens at $33,990. That makes the Toyota HiLux the more affordable entry point by $2,410.
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 $40,040 and $37,389 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
Both the Mazda BT-50 and Toyota HiLux hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 86% for the Mazda BT-50 and 84% for the Toyota HiLux.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 6 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Toyota HiLux, against 4 on the Mazda BT-50.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the Mazda BT-50 and 8 in the Toyota HiLux.
Feature Showdown
The Mazda BT-50 features a 7-inch touchscreen paired with a 4.2-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 Mazda BT-50 stands out with Apple CarPlay — features our data doesn't list for 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.
Drivetrain
The Mazda BT-50 uses a Diesel producing 120kW and 400Nm of torque, sent through a 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 Toyota HiLux has the clear power advantage at 150kW vs 120kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mazda BT-50 measures 5,320mm long on a 3,125mm wheelbase, 60mm shorter than the Toyota HiLux at 5,380mm (3,085mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mazda BT-50 generally means more rear legroom.
For towing, the Mazda BT-50 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 12.5m
Based on 12.5m 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 $1,967/year for the Mazda BT-50 and $2,081/year for the Toyota HiLux. That is a $114 annual difference in favour of the Mazda BT-50.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda BT-50) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Toyota HiLux). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mazda BT-50 if: You want lower running costs, need stronger towing, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Toyota HiLux if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Mazda BT-50 and Toyota HiLux trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Mazda BT-50 will save you roughly $114 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, Mazda BT-50 and Toyota HiLux?
The Toyota HiLux is the cheapest at $33,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mazda BT-50 by $2,410.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mazda BT-50 uses the least fuel at 6.9L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched on crash rating: Mazda BT-50 and Toyota HiLux all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which can tow the most?
The Mazda BT-50 has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Toyota HiLux makes the most power at 150kW.
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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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