Mazda Mazda2 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 Mazda2
From $20,495
Hatchback
Petrol
1.5 litre in-line 4 cylinder 16-valve DOHC S-VT
76kW
6.4 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
250L
Toyota HiLux
From $20,990
Cab Chassis
Petrol
Four cylinders, in-line, DOHC, four valves per cylinder
122kW
11.1 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
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Toyota HiLux: we're still completing length, width, 0-100km/h, ground clearance and turning circle.
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
The Mazda Mazda2 starts from $20,495 before on-road costs, while the Toyota HiLux opens at $20,990. That makes the Mazda Mazda2 the more affordable entry point by $495.
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 $22,545 and $23,089 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mazda Mazda2 by roughly $6,700 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Mazda Mazda2 and Toyota HiLux hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 0 out of 10 key ADAS systems.
Both include the essentials: core safety systems. Airbag count is 6 in the Mazda Mazda2 and 4 in the Toyota HiLux.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems.
Drivetrain
The Mazda Mazda2 uses a 1.5 litre in-line 4 cylinder 16-valve DOHC S-VT producing 76kW and 135Nm of torque, sent through a 5-speed manual to a FWD layout.
The Toyota HiLux responds with a Four cylinders, in-line, DOHC, four valves per cylinder making 122kW and 245Nm, paired to a 5-speed manual driving the rear wheels.
The Toyota HiLux has the clear power advantage at 122kW vs 76kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
For towing, the Toyota HiLux leads with a 2,500kg braked capacity vs 700kg. That 1,800kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
9.8m diameter
Excellent
Based on 9.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Interactive simulator: U-turns, parking & towing
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns are easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
Excellent
Clears the U-turn in one swing
Needs about 8.6 m of road; you have 9.0 m.
U-turn on a wide street
≥ 10 m: clears in one
U-turn on a standard street
7 m: 3-point turn
Standard parking bay
1.7 m wide: fits with room
Tight carpark aisle
6 m: swings in
Narrow laneway
3.5 m: no room to turn
Turning circle ratings
Standard widths: AU local streets carry ~5.5–7 m of carriageway; main roads ~9–12 m. AS 2890.1 carpark aisles are ~5.8–6.6 m for 90° bays (2.6 m wide × 5.4 m deep).
Road, aisle, swing and off-tracking figures are indicative estimates from the published turning circle. Verify in person before relying on them.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,824/year for the Mazda Mazda2 and $3,164/year for the Toyota HiLux. That is a $1,340 annual difference in favour of the Mazda Mazda2.
Estimated annual total: $1,824 (Mazda Mazda2) vs $3,164 (Toyota HiLux). The Mazda Mazda2 saves you roughly $1,340 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 3 years (Mazda Mazda2) vs 3 years / 100,000km (Toyota HiLux). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mazda Mazda2 if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Toyota HiLux if: You prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Mazda Mazda2 and Toyota HiLux trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Mazda Mazda2 will save you roughly $1,340 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 Mazda2 and Toyota HiLux?
The Mazda Mazda2 is the cheapest at $20,495 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Toyota HiLux by $495.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mazda Mazda2 uses the least fuel at 6.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Mazda Mazda2 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 Toyota HiLux has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Toyota HiLux makes the most power at 122kW.
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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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