Nissan Pulsar vs Toyota Prado
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.
Nissan Pulsar
Price TBC
sedan
petrol
—
96kW
6.7 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
510L
Toyota Prado
From $72,500
SUV
Diesel
2.8L 4-cyl Turbo-Diesel 48V V-Active
150kW
7.6 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
408L
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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 Prado hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Toyota Prado packs more ADAS features with 5 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 Prado 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 Prado responds with a 2.8L 4-cyl Turbo-Diesel 48V V-Active making 150kW and 500Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.6 seconds.
The Toyota Prado 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
Boot space is 510L in the Nissan Pulsar and 408L in the Toyota Prado, giving the Nissan Pulsar a 102L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
12.0m diameter
Average
Based on 12.0m 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.
Average
Needs a 3-point turn (one reverse)
Needs about 10.5 m to swing round without stopping. Road is 9.0 m.
U-turn on a wide street
≥ 10 m — 3-point turn
U-turn on a standard street
7 m — 3-point turn
Standard parking bay
2.0 m wide — fits with room
Tight carpark aisle
6 m — careful, tight swing
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 $2,166/year for the Toyota Prado. That is a $256 annual difference in favour of the Nissan Pulsar.
Estimated annual total: $1,910 (Nissan Pulsar) vs $2,166 (Toyota Prado). The Nissan Pulsar saves you roughly $256 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 Prado). The Toyota Prado has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Nissan Pulsar if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Nissan's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Toyota Prado 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 Prado trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Nissan Pulsar will save you roughly $256 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Nissan Pulsar has a clear edge. The Toyota Prado 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 Prado?
The Toyota Prado is the cheapest at $72,500 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 Prado 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 Prado has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Toyota Prado has the longest warranty at 5 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Toyota Prado 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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