Volkswagen Passat 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.
Volkswagen Passat
Price TBC
sedan
petrol
—
140kW
6.4 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
586L
Toyota HiLux
From $33,990
Ute
Diesel
2.8L 4-cyl Turbo-Diesel
150kW
7.3 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
—
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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 Volkswagen Passat 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 Volkswagen Passat.
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 Volkswagen Passat does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Volkswagen Passat lines up producing 140kW and 320Nm of torque, sent through a 7-speed dsg to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.9 seconds.
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 140kW. In the real-world sprint, the Volkswagen Passat is 2.3s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Volkswagen Passat measures 4,775mm long on a 2,791mm wheelbase, 605mm shorter than the Toyota HiLux at 5,380mm (3,085mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Toyota HiLux generally means more rear legroom.
0For towing, the Toyota HiLux leads with a 2,900kg braked capacity vs 1,800kg. That 1,100kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.8m to 11.7m
Based on 11.7m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.8m 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 $1,824/year for the Volkswagen Passat and $2,081/year for the Toyota HiLux. That is a $257 annual difference in favour of the Volkswagen Passat.
Estimated annual total: $1,824 (Volkswagen Passat) vs $2,081 (Toyota HiLux). The Volkswagen Passat saves you roughly $257 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Volkswagen Passat) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Toyota HiLux). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Volkswagen Passat if: You want lower running costs, or prefer Volkswagen'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 Volkswagen Passat takes 3 of 5 key spec categories. The Volkswagen Passat will save you roughly $257 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, Volkswagen Passat and Toyota HiLux?
The Toyota HiLux is the cheapest at $33,990 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Volkswagen Passat uses the least fuel at 6.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Volkswagen Passat 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 Volkswagen Passat has the largest boot at 586L.
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. The Volkswagen Passat is quickest to 100km/h in 7.9s.
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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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