MG MG3 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.
MG MG3
From $20,990
Hatchback
Petrol
Petrol
81kW
6 L/100km
4★ ANCAP
293L
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 MG MG3 starts from $20,990 before on-road costs, while the Toyota HiLux opens at $20,990. Both land at the same RRP, so on-road costs and dealer deals become the real differentiator.
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 $23,089 and $23,089 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the MG MG3 by roughly $7,270 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
The Toyota HiLux holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 4 stars for the MG MG3.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The MG MG3 packs more ADAS features with 5 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 0 in the Toyota HiLux.
Both include the essentials: core safety systems. Airbag count is 6 in the MG MG3 and 4 in the Toyota HiLux.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems.
The MG MG3 stands out with Apple CarPlay and power tailgate that you will not find on the Toyota HiLux. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The MG MG3 uses a Petrol producing 81kW and 142Nm of torque, sent through a cvt to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 10.8 seconds.
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 81kW. 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 500kg. That 2,000kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.2m diameter
Good
Based on 10.2m 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.
Good
Clears the U-turn in one swing
Needs about 9.0 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
1.8 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 $1,710/year for the MG MG3 and $3,164/year for the Toyota HiLux. That is a $1,454 annual difference in favour of the MG MG3.
Estimated annual total: $1,710 (MG MG3) vs $3,164 (Toyota HiLux). The MG MG3 saves you roughly $1,454 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 10 years / 250,000km (MG MG3) vs 3 years / 100,000km (Toyota HiLux). The MG MG3 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the MG MG3 if: You want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer MG'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
The Toyota HiLux takes 3 of 5 key spec categories. The MG MG3 will save you roughly $1,454 a year in fuel. The MG MG3 adds peace of mind with a longer 10-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, MG MG3 and Toyota HiLux?
The MG MG3 is the cheapest at $20,990 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The MG MG3 uses the least fuel at 6L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
The Toyota HiLux has the highest ANCAP rating at 5 stars.
Which can tow the most?
The Toyota HiLux has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,500kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The MG MG3 has the longest warranty at 10 years / 250k km.
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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