A proper head-to-head in South Africa — we cover price, performance,
petrol economy, safety and what it'll actually cost you to own each one long term.
Hilux starts ZAR 385000 cheaperCorolla Cross from ZAR 385,000 · Hilux from ZAR 326,200
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
Corolla Cross
Hilux
Engine Power
90
165
Torque
142
550
Engine Size
1798
2755
Claimed Mileage
21.8
11.5
Ground Clearance
161
286
Boot Space
414
0
Airbags
7
7
Kerb Weight
1420
2120
Seating Capacity
Available
Available
Warranty
3
3
= leads in this spec
The Overall Score — Here's How They Stack Up
🏆 Winner
#1
Hilux
67
/ 100
+17
pts
#2
Corolla Cross
50
/ 100
Moderate difference between the models.
The Bottom Line
Hilux holds a noticeable edge over Corolla Cross, especially in key ownership areas.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
Hilux
+11 pts
Efficiency
Hilux
+6 pts
Safety
Equal
Practicality
Equal
Ownership
Equal
Score Breakdown by Category
🏆 Overall Winner
Hilux
Performance
18/20
Efficiency
6/20
Safety
20/20
Practicality
11/20
Ownership
12/20
Corolla Cross
Performance
7/20
Efficiency
0/20
Safety
20/20
Practicality
11/20
Ownership
12/20
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
Corolla Cross
Strengths
Nothing stands out clearly here.
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Lower fuel efficiency
Best suited to:General Use
🏆 Overall Winner
Hilux
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Better fuel efficiency
Weak Spots
No obvious weak spots to flag.
Best suited to:Highway DrivingFuel Efficiency
Which One's Right for You?
Corolla Cross
Buyers looking for a balanced all-round vehicle
Hilux
Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Buyers looking for better fuel efficiency
Full Specs, Side by Side
Spec
Corolla Cross
Hilux
Ground Clearance
161
286
Wheelbase
2640
3085
Length
4460
5325
Width
1825
1900
Height
1620
1865
Kerb Weight
1420
2120
Gross Vehicle Weight
1880
3150
Seating Capacity
5
5
Boot Space
414
0
Towing Capacity
750
3500
Number of Doors
5
5
Boot Space Seats Folded
1500
1500
Front Track Width
1550
1550
Rear Track Width
1540
1540
Turning Radius
Available
Available
Load Bed Length
Available
Available
Load Bed Width
Available
Available
Front Legroom
Available
Available
Rear Legroom
Available
Available
Front Headroom
Available
Available
Rear Headroom
Available
Available
Front Shoulder Room
Available
Available
Rear Shoulder Room
Available
Available
Max Payload
Available
Available
Boot Volume
Available
Available
Doors
Available
Available
Seats
Available
Available
Front Overhang
Available
Available
Fuel Tank Capacity
Available
Available
Rear Overhang
Available
Available
Spec
Corolla Cross
Hilux
Engine
1.8L Petrol Hybrid
2.8L GD Turbo Diesel High Output
Engine Type
Inline 4 Cylinder Atkinson Cycle
Inline 4 Turbocharged Intercooled
Displacement
1798
2755
Cylinders
4
4
Valves per Cylinder
4
4
Power
90
165
Torque
142
550
Fuel System
Electronic Fuel Injection
Common Rail Direct Injection
Top Speed
170
185
0-100 km/h
11.2
9.8
Cylinder Layout
Inline 4 (I4)
Inline 4 (I4)
Engine Aspiration
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Engine Code
Standard
Standard
Compression Ratio
10.5:1
10.5:1
Cylinder Bore
82.0
82.0
Piston Stroke
92.0
92.0
Fuel Grade Required
Petrol
Petrol
Power @ RPM
150
150
Torque @ RPM
400
400
Turbocharger
Available
Turbo
Engine Position
Available
Available
Engine Oil Capacity
Available
Available
Power
150
150
Variable Valve Timing
Available
Available
Maximum Engine RPM
Available
Available
Engine Type Config
Available
Available
0–100 km/h
Available
Available
Battery Capacity
Available
Available
Charging Port
Available
Available
AC Charging Time
Available
Available
Engine Displacement
Available
Available
EV Range
Available
Available
Spec
Corolla Cross
Hilux
Transmission
e-CVT
6-Speed Automatic with Paddle Shift
Drive Type
4x2
4x4
Drivetrain Layout
Front Wheel Drive
Selectable 4WD with Low Range
LSD Available
Not Available
Electronic Rear Differential Lock
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
High and Low Range
Number of Gears
6
6
Transmission
Automatic CVT
Automatic CVT
Differential Lock
Electronic Lock
Electronic Lock
Transmission Type
Automatic
Automatic
Paddle Shifters
Available
Available
Final Drive Ratio
Available
Available
Steering Turns Lock to Lock
Available
Available
Clutch Type
Available
Available
Drivetrain
Available
Available
Spec
Corolla Cross
Hilux
Claimed Mileage
21.8
11.5
City Mileage
18.5
8
Highway Mileage
20.5
12
Fuel Tank Capacity
36
80
Emission Standard
Euro 6
Euro 5
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Available
32
Auto Start Stop
Available
Available
Average Fuel Consumption
Available
Available
Claimed Fuel Consumption
Available
Available
Distance To Empty
Available
Available
Low Fuel Warning
Available
Available
Fuel Efficiency
Available
Available
Real-world Mileage
Available
Available
Spec
Corolla Cross
Hilux
Airbags
7
7
ABS
Standard
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Standard
Traction Control
Standard
Standard
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Standard
Child Safety Lock
Standard
Standard
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
Standard
Brake Assist
Standard
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Standard
Central Locking
Power with Remote
Power with Remote
Hill Start Assist
Yes
Yes
Front Parking Sensors
Yes
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Yes
Alarm System
Available
Available
Side Impact Beams
Available
Available
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Available
Available
Speed Alert System
Available
Available
Pedestrian Detection AEB
Available
Available
Safety Rating
Available
Available
Whiplash Protection
Available
Available
Lane Change Warning
Available
Available
AEB
Available
Available
BA
Available
Available
Brake Override System
Available
Available
Curtain Airbags
Available
Available
Driver Airbag
Available
Available
EBD
Available
Available
Engine Immobiliser
Available
Available
Fatigue Detection
Available
Available
Hill Hold
Available
Available
Passenger Airbag
Available
Available
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Available
Available
Side Airbags
Available
Available
TCS
Available
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring
Available
Available
Knee Airbag
Available
Available
Spec
Corolla Cross
Hilux
Cruise Control
Adaptive Cruise Control
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Standard
Standard
Lane Keep Assist
Standard
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring
Standard
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Standard
Standard
Parking Sensors
Front and Rear
Front and Rear
Rear View Camera
Standard
Standard
360 Degree Camera
Standard
Standard
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Standard
Standard
Lane Departure Warning
Yes
Yes
Rear Parking Sensors
Yes
Yes
Traffic Sign Recognition
Yes
Yes
Driver Fatigue Alert
Yes
Yes
Auto Highbeam
Available
Available
Auto Lights
Available
Available
Auto Wipers
Available
Available
Drive Modes
Available
Available
Eco Mode
Available
Available
EV Mode
Available
Available
Reverse Camera
Available
Available
Sport Mode
Available
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control
Available
Available
Park Assist
Available
Available
Spec
Corolla Cross
Hilux
Seat Material
Leather
GR Sport Leather with Red Stitching
Seat Adjustment
Power Driver / Manual Passenger
Driver Electric
Heated Seats
Front Seats
Front Seats Heated
Ventilated Seats
Not Available
Not Available
Steering Type
Electric Power Steering
Rack and Pinion Power Steering
Steering Adjustment
Tilt and Telescopic
Tilt and Telescopic
Ambient Lighting
Standard
Multi-Color Ambient
Front Armrest
Yes
Yes
Cup Holders
4
4
Folding Rear Seats
Yes, 60:40 Split
Yes, 60:40 Split
Interior Colour Options
Black
Black
Leather Seats
Available
Available
Rear Armrest
Available
Available
Rear AC Vents
Available
Available
Rear USB Ports
Available
Available
Steering Wheel Material
Available
Available
Instrument Cluster Type
Available
Available
Driver Lumbar Support
Available
Available
Door Map Pockets
Available
Available
60 40 Split Seat
Available
Available
Adjustable Driver Seat
Available
Available
Adjustable Front Seat
Available
Available
Cooled Seats
Available
Available
Driver Seat Adjustment
Available
Available
Fabric Seats
Available
Available
Front Headrest
Available
Available
Memory Seats
Available
Available
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Available
Available
Rear Headrest
Available
Available
Spec
Corolla Cross
Hilux
Climate Control
Dual-zone Automatic
Dual-zone Automatic
Power Windows
All Windows One-Touch
All Windows One-Touch
Keyless Entry
Smart Entry
Smart Entry
Push Button Start
Push Button Start
Standard
Wireless Charging
Standard
Standard
Sunroof
Electric Sunroof
Not Available
Electric Tailgate
Powered Tailgate
Standard with Soft Close
Automatic Headlamps
Yes
Yes
Follow Me Home Headlamps
Yes
Available
Auto Dimming Mirror
Yes
Available
Power Mirrors
Power Adjustment
Power Adjustment
Payload Capacity
500
1000
Rain Sensing Wipers
Available
Available
Rear Window Defroster
Available
Available
Electric Mirror Folding
Available
Available
Driver Seat Height Adjustment
Available
Available
12V Accessory Socket
Available
Available
Speed Limiter
Available
Available
AC Type
Available
Available
Adaptive Dampers
Available
Available
Aero Kit
Available
Available
Auto Dimming Irvm
Available
Available
Boot Opener
Available
Available
Chrome Exterior Highlights
Available
Available
Chrome Grille
Available
Available
Climate Zones
Available
Available
Door Ajar Warning
Available
Available
Drag Coefficient
Available
Available
Driver Display
Available
Available
Electric Folding Mirrors
Available
Available
Engine Check Warning
Available
Available
Engine Start Button Illumination
Available
Available
Engine Start Stop
Available
Available
Engine Start Stop Button
Available
Available
Engine Warranty
Available
Available
Exhaust Finish
Available
Available
Exhaust Type
Available
Available
Front Armrest
Available
Available
Front Power Outlet
150
150
Fuel Consumption Combined
Available
Available
Fuel Lid Opener
Available
Available
Gear Shift Type
Available
Available
Glovebox Cooling
Available
Available
Ground Clearance Unladen
Available
Available
Headlamp Height Adjust
Available
Available
Headlamp Washer
Available
Available
Headrest Adjustable
Available
Available
Heads Up Display
Available
Available
Hill Start Assist
Available
Available
Impact Sensing Door Unlock
Available
Available
Intercooler
Available
Available
Launch Control
Available
Available
Multi Function Steering
Available
Available
Panoramic Roof
Available
Available
Performance Data Logger
Available
Available
Push Button Start
Available
Available
Rear Defogger
Available
Available
Rear Reading Lamps
Available
Available
Rear Seat Split
Available
Available
Rear Wing
Available
Available
Remote Engine Start
Available
Available
Rev Matching
Available
Available
Ride Mode Selection
Available
Available
Roof Antenna
Available
Available
Seat Type
Available
Available
Seatbelt Pre Tensioner
Available
Available
Seatbelt Reminder
Available
Available
Service Plan
Available
Available
Service Reminder
Available
Available
Side Steps
Available
Available
Skid Plates
Available
Available
Spare Wheel
Available
Available
Speed Alert System
Available
Available
Stability Control
Available
Available
Stabilizer Bar
Available
Available
Steering Mounted Controls
Available
Available
Steering Response
Available
Available
Tachometer
Available
Available
Tail Lamps
Available
Available
Telescopic Steering
Available
Available
Tilt Steering
Available
Available
Trip Computer
Available
Available
Tyre Repair Kit
Available
Available
Valves Per Cylinder
Available
Available
Vanity Mirror
Available
Available
Voice Command
Available
Available
Voice Command Support
Available
Available
Spec
Corolla Cross
Hilux
Infotainment Screen
9-inch Touchscreen
9-inch Toyota Premium Touch
Apple CarPlay
Wireless
Wireless
Android Auto
Wireless
Wireless
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Standard
Number of Speakers
6
8 JBL Premium Speakers
Navigation System
Built-in GPS
Integrated with Live Traffic
FM Radio
Yes
Yes
AUX Input
Yes
Yes
Digital Instrument Cluster
Yes
Yes
USB Ports
Available
Available
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Available
Available
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Available
Available
Voice Recognition
Available
Available
Infotainment Screen Size
Available
Available
Wi-Fi Hotspot
Available
Available
Audio Controls On Steering
Available
Available
Infotainment Display
Available
Available
Rear Usb
Available
Available
Premium Audio
Available
Available
Spec
Corolla Cross
Hilux
LED Headlamps
LED Projector
GR LED Projector
Daytime Running Lamps
LED
LED
Fog Lamps
Front and Rear
LED
Roof Rails
Standard
Standard
Alloy Wheel Design
18-inch Alloy Wheels
18-inch GR Sport Black Alloy
Body Cladding
Plastic Cladding
Yes
Chrome Exterior Finish
Yes
Available
Door Handle Finish
Chrome Finish
Chrome Finish
Exterior Colour Options
Pearl White
Pearl White
Rear Spoiler
Available
Available
Roof Type
Available
Available
Wing Mirror Type
Available
Available
Rear Wiper
Available
Available
Body Type
Available
Available
DRL
Available
Available
Fog Lights
Available
Available
Front Fog Lights
Available
Available
Led Headlights
Available
Available
Led Taillights
Available
Available
Rear Fog Lights
Available
Available
Spec
Corolla Cross
Hilux
Approach Angle
18
31
Departure Angle
22
28
Wading Depth
400
700
Terrain Modes
Normal / Eco / Power
Sand Mud Rock Dirt
Locking Differential
Not Available
Electronic Rear Lock
4WD System Type
Part-time 4WD
Part-time 4WD
Underbody Protection
Available
Available
Ramp Breakover Angle
Available
Available
Recovery Hooks
Available
Available
Hill Descent Control
Available
Available
Ramp-over Angle
Available
Available
Spec
Corolla Cross
Hilux
Tyre Size
225/50 R18
265/60 R18 All Terrain
Wheel Type
Alloy
Alloy
Front Brake Type
Ventilated Disc
Ventilated Disc
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Drum
Front Brake Disc Diameter
300
300
Spare Wheel Type
Available
Available
Rear Brake Drum Diameter
Available
Available
Parking Brake Type
Available
Available
Tyre Load Index
Available
Available
Tyre Speed Rating
Available
Available
Wheel Rim Size
Available
Available
Brake Type Front
Available
Available
Brake Type Rear
Available
Available
Spare Tyre
Available
Available
Tyre Type
Available
Available
Front Tyre Width
Available
Available
Rear Tyre Width
Available
Available
Wheel Diameter
Available
Available
Spec
Corolla Cross
Hilux
Front Suspension
MacPherson Strut
GR Tuned Monotube Dampers
Rear Suspension
Torsion Beam
Heavy Duty Leaf Spring
Chassis Type
Monocoque
Reinforced Ladder Frame
Front Spring Type
Coil Spring
Coil Spring
Front Anti-Roll Bar
Yes
Yes
Power Steering
Electric
Electric
Steering Column
Available
Available
Rear Spring Type
Available
Available
Rear Anti-Roll Bar
Available
Available
Shock Absorber Type
Available
Available
Spec
Corolla Cross
Hilux
Service Interval
15000 km / 12 months
10000 km / 12 months
Approx Service Cost
Low
Moderate to High
Battery Warranty
8 Years / 195000 km
24 Months
First Service At
5000
5000
Maintenance Plan
Available
Available
Engine Oil Change Interval
Available
Available
Service Plan Duration
Available
Available
Service Plan Distance
Available
Available
Anti-Rust Treatment
Available
Available
Alternator
Available
Available
Battery Type
Available
Available
Gear Shift Indicator
Available
Available
Spec
Corolla Cross
Hilux
Warranty Years
3
3
Warranty Kilometers
100000
100000
Roadside Assistance
3 Years
3 Years
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
5 Years / Unlimited km
5 Years / Unlimited km
Basic Warranty
Available
Available
Spec
Corolla Cross
Hilux
CO2 Emissions
102
245
Start Stop System
Hybrid Auto Stop
Standard
Hybrid System Type
Self-Charging Hybrid
None
Idle CO2 Output
2.0
2.0
Fuel Octane Requirement
Unleaded 95 RON
Unleaded 95 RON
Noise Level
Available
Available
Particulate Filter
Available
Available
Euro Emission Standard
Available
Available
Green NCAP Rating
Available
Available
Fuel Evaporation Control
Available
Available
Spec
Corolla Cross
Hilux
Real-world City Mileage Min
11
Available
Real-world City Mileage Max
13
Available
Real-world Highway Mileage Min
15
Available
Real-world Highway Mileage Max
18
Available
Owner Review Count
64
Available
So, Which One Should You Buy?
🏆Toyota Hilux
wins with 67 pts
vs 50 pts for Corolla Cross
In structured scoring, Hilux emerges as the stronger overall package. However, Corolla Cross may appeal to buyers prioritising different factors. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Other Comparisons Worth Checking
See how similar cars go head-to-head — you might find a better fit than you expected.
On our scoring the Hilux edges ahead overall. That said, the right choice depends on what you actually use the car for — the breakdown above shows exactly where each one wins and loses.
Efficiency scores: Corolla Cross 0 vs Hilux 6. In the real world, diesel variants of either car will beat the claimed figure on long highways and fall short in Joburg traffic.
Safety scores: Corolla Cross 20, Hilux 20. Check each model page for NCAP ratings and which trim levels include AEB and blind-spot monitoring — those features aren't always standard.
Long-term ownership scores: Corolla Cross 12, Hilux 12. Service intervals, parts availability in SA, and whether a service plan is bundled all factor in — check the individual variant specs for that detail.
Practicality scores: Corolla Cross 11, Hilux 11. This covers boot space, seat flexibility, and day-to-day usability — not just interior dimensions on paper.
Performance scores: Corolla Cross 7, Hilux 18. This looks at real-world pace — 0–100 kph, highway flexibility, and how either car feels when you actually need to overtake on an N-road.
Resale varies with colour, spec, and market timing, but Japanese brands — and Toyota specifically — have a strong track record in SA. Check current used prices for both on AutoTrader to see the real gap right now.
Ground clearance and 4WD availability are what matter most here. Scroll to the spec table above to compare both side by side — if either model offers a 4WD variant, that's the version worth comparing.
Fuel, insurance, and service costs are the big three. Diesel variants of both models typically save R800–R1,500/month in fuel at current SA pump prices. The Hilux edges the overall ownership score, but check whether either variant includes a service plan — that changes the monthly maths significantly.
The Hilux scores better overall, but neither car is a bad buy here. It comes down to what features matter to you — check the full spec table above to see exactly what you gain and lose at each price point.
In Depth — Breaking It All Down
The comparison between Corolla Cross and Hilux in South Africa
evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.
Performance: Corolla Cross scores 7 vs 18.
Efficiency: Corolla Cross scores 0 vs 6.
Safety: Corolla Cross scores 20 vs 20.
Practicality: Corolla Cross scores 11 vs 11.
Ownership: Corolla Cross scores 12 vs 12.
Final structured scoring gives Hilux
the advantage in this comparison.
Compare
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