Toyota HiLux vs Volkswagen T-Cross
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.
Data checked: specs 26 Oct 2026, price 7 Oct 2026
Driver assistance, as the manufacturer lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
$33,990RRP
- cannot be matched: Keyless Entry, Push-Button Start, Wireless Phone Charging and 1 more not offered
$34,990RRP
- no option data for this car
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
Track the Toyota HiLux & Volkswagen T-Cross
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Price Breakdown
The Toyota HiLux starts from $33,990 before on-road costs, while the Volkswagen T-Cross opens at $34,990. That makes the Toyota HiLux the more affordable entry point by $1,000.
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 $37,389 and $38,489 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Volkswagen T-Cross by roughly $2,425 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Recalls on our record
Toyota HiLux
- REC-005004 · published 30 Nov 2021Due to poor stiffness of the rear licence plate bracket around the single mounting point, there is a possibility this may lead to cracking as a result of metal fatigue caused by vibration when driving on a rough (corrugated) roads.Year range on the notice: 2015 - 2021
- REC-001279 · published 30 Mar 2021The Australian Design Rule (ADR 61/02) requires a compliance label to be fitted to vehicles.Year range on the notice: 2019 - 2021
- REC-001315 · published 16 Dec 2020The brake booster may have been incorrectly manufactured, causing an internal fault.Year range on the notice: 2018 - 2020
- 4 more on the model page.
Volkswagen T-Cross
- REC-006631 · published 18 Jun 2026Due to a software issue, the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) may fail to illuminate the visual vehicle speed, fuel level and other critical safety information.Year range on the notice: 2024 - 2025
- REC-005623 · published 21 Feb 2023Due to a software fault, the visual and acoustic seat belt warning system may not operate as intended.Year range on the notice: 2021
- REC-004991 · published 4 Nov 2021The seatbelt warning (acoustic warning tone and visual display) may occasionally operate rather than continuously, in circumstances such as a seatbelt not fastened or unfastened while the vehicle is moving.Year range on the notice: 2020 - 2021
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Feature Showdown
The Toyota HiLux features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 7-inch digital dash, while the Volkswagen T-Cross gets a 8-inch display and 10.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Toyota HiLux stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto — features our data doesn't list for the Volkswagen T-Cross. The Volkswagen T-Cross counters with Apple CarPlay and wireless charging. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Toyota HiLux uses a 2.8L 4-cyl Turbo-Diesel producing 150kW and 420Nm of torque, sent through a manual to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 10.2 seconds.
The Volkswagen T-Cross responds with a Petrol making 85kW and 200Nm, paired to a auto driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 10.2 seconds.
The Toyota HiLux has the clear power advantage at 150kW vs 85kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Toyota HiLux measures 5,380mm long on a 3,085mm wheelbase, 1272mm longer than the Volkswagen T-Cross at 4,108mm (2,563mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Toyota HiLux generally means more rear legroom.
For towing, the Toyota HiLux leads with a 2,900kg braked capacity vs 1,100kg. 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.
10.6m to 10.8m
Based on 10.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.6m 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 $2,081/year for the Toyota HiLux and $1,596/year for the Volkswagen T-Cross. That is a $485 annual difference in favour of the Volkswagen T-Cross.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Toyota HiLux) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Volkswagen T-Cross). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Toyota HiLux if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Volkswagen T-Cross if: You want lower running costs, or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Volkswagen T-Cross: Top CarSorted Score, 71 vs 70, but the Toyota HiLux is $1,000 cheaper
The Volkswagen T-Cross comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (71 vs 70), taking 1 of 4 key spec rows below. The deciding gaps: technology (Volkswagen T-Cross ahead by 33), safety (Toyota HiLux ahead by 20), fuel economy (Volkswagen T-Cross ahead by 15). The Volkswagen T-Cross will save you roughly $485 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, Toyota HiLux and Volkswagen T-Cross?
The Toyota HiLux is the cheapest at $33,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Volkswagen T-Cross by $1,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Volkswagen T-Cross uses the least fuel at 5.6L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
Toyota HiLux holds a 5-star ANCAP rating. We have no published ANCAP rating for Volkswagen T-Cross, so there is nothing to compare on crash performance. Compare the active-safety features above instead.
Which can tow the most?
The Toyota HiLux has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,900kg.
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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