Nissan Pulsar 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.
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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
Both the Nissan Pulsar 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 0 in the Nissan Pulsar.
Both include the essentials: core safety systems.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems.
The Toyota HiLux counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto that the Nissan Pulsar does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Nissan Pulsar lines up producing 96kW and 174Nm of torque, sent through a cvt to a front-wheel drive 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 96kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.8m diameter
Good
Based on 10.8m 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.
Good
Clears the U-turn in one swing
Needs about 8.8 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
1.9 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 $1,910/year for the Nissan Pulsar and $2,081/year for the Toyota HiLux. That is a $171 annual difference in favour of the Nissan Pulsar.
Estimated annual total: $1,910 (Nissan Pulsar) vs $2,081 (Toyota HiLux). The Nissan Pulsar saves you roughly $171 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 3 years / 100,000km (Nissan Pulsar) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Toyota HiLux). The Toyota HiLux has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Nissan Pulsar if: You want lower running costs, or prefer Nissan's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Toyota HiLux if: You prioritise performance, value a longer warranty, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Nissan Pulsar and Toyota HiLux trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Nissan Pulsar will save you roughly $171 a year in fuel. The Toyota HiLux adds peace of mind with a longer 5-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Nissan Pulsar and Toyota HiLux?
The Toyota HiLux is the cheapest at $33,990 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Nissan Pulsar uses the least fuel at 6.7L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Nissan Pulsar 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 Nissan Pulsar has the largest boot at 510L.
Which can tow the most?
The Toyota HiLux has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,900kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Toyota HiLux has the longest warranty at 5 years / Unlimited.
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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