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 679995 cheaperHilux from ZAR 326,200 · Tasman from ZAR 679,995
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
Hilux
Tasman
Engine Power
165
147 kW
Torque
550
440 Nm
Engine Size
2755
2151
Claimed Mileage
11.5
11.8
Ground Clearance
286
231
Boot Space
0
1115
Airbags
7
6
Kerb Weight
2120
2085
Seating Capacity
Available
5
Warranty
3
7
= leads in this spec
The Overall Score — Here's How They Stack Up
🏆 Winner
#1
Tasman
73
/ 100
+6
pts
#2
Hilux
67
/ 100
Very close match. Final decision depends on buyer preference.
The Bottom Line
Both Hilux and Tasman are extremely closely matched, making the final choice dependent on buyer preference.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
Hilux
+3 pts
Efficiency
Hilux
+6 pts
Safety
Hilux
+2 pts
Practicality
Tasman
+9 pts
Ownership
Tasman
+8 pts
Score Breakdown by Category
🏆 Overall Winner
Tasman
Performance
15/20
Efficiency
0/20
Safety
18/20
Practicality
20/20
Ownership
20/20
Hilux
Performance
18/20
Efficiency
6/20
Safety
20/20
Practicality
11/20
Ownership
12/20
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
Hilux
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger safety package
Weak Spots
Less practical in daily usage
Shorter warranty coverage
Best suited to:Highway DrivingFuel Efficiency
🏆 Overall Winner
Tasman
Strengths
More practical for daily use
Better long-term ownership value
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Lower fuel efficiency
Less comprehensive safety features
Best suited to:Family Usage
Which One's Right for You?
Hilux
Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Buyers looking for better fuel efficiency
Families prioritising stronger safety equipment
Tasman
Large families needing more practicality and usability
Long-term owners valuing warranty and ownership peace of mind
Full Specs, Side by Side
Spec
Hilux
Tasman
Ground Clearance
286
231
Wheelbase
3085
3200
Length
5325
5335
Width
1900
1930
Height
1865
1895
Kerb Weight
2120
2085
Gross Vehicle Weight
3150
3250
Seating Capacity
5
5
Boot Space
0
1115
Towing Capacity
3500
3500
Number of Doors
5
4
Boot Space Seats Folded
1500
1115
Front Track Width
1550
1619
Rear Track Width
1540
1625
Turning Radius
Available
12.6
Load Bed Length
Available
1520
Load Bed Width
Available
1165
Front Legroom
Available
1040
Rear Legroom
Available
855
Front Headroom
Available
1010
Rear Headroom
Available
955
Front Shoulder Room
Available
1405
Rear Shoulder Room
Available
1350
Max Payload
Available
1100
Boot Volume
Available
1115
Doors
Available
4
Seats
Available
5
Front Overhang
Available
940
Fuel Tank Capacity
Available
80
Rear Overhang
Available
1195
Spec
Hilux
Tasman
Engine
2.8L GD Turbo Diesel High Output
2.2 CRDi D4HB Inline-4 Diesel
Engine Type
Inline 4 Turbocharged Intercooled
Inline 4 Cylinder Turbodiesel
Displacement
2755
2151
Cylinders
4
4
Valves per Cylinder
4
16
Power
165
147 kW
Torque
550
440 Nm
Fuel System
Common Rail Direct Injection
Common Rail Direct Injection
Top Speed
185
185
0-100 km/h
9.8
9.8
Cylinder Layout
Inline 4 (I4)
Inline 4 (I4)
Engine Aspiration
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Engine Code
Standard
D4HB
Compression Ratio
10.5:1
15.4:1
Cylinder Bore
82.0
85.4
Piston Stroke
92.0
94.0
Fuel Grade Required
Petrol
B7 Diesel
Turbocharger
Turbo
Yes
Power @ RPM
150
3,800 rpm
Torque @ RPM
400
1,750 rpm
Engine Position
Available
Front Transverse
Engine Oil Capacity
Available
7.0
Power
150
197
Variable Valve Timing
Available
No
Maximum Engine RPM
Available
4,000 rpm
Engine Type Config
Available
Inline 4 Cylinder (I4) DOHC 16-Valve Diesel
0–100 km/h
Available
9.8
Battery Capacity
Available
N/A
Charging Port
Available
N/A
AC Charging Time
Available
N/A
Engine Displacement
Available
2151
EV Range
Available
N/A
Spec
Hilux
Tasman
Transmission
6-Speed Automatic with Paddle Shift
8-Speed Automatic
Drive Type
4x4
4WD
Drivetrain Layout
Selectable 4WD with Low Range
4WD
LSD Available
Electronic Rear Differential Lock
Yes
Transfer Case
High and Low Range
Part-Time 4WD with Low Range
Number of Gears
6
8
Transmission
Automatic CVT
8-Speed Automatic
Differential Lock
Electronic Lock
Yes
Transmission Type
Automatic
Automatic Transmission
Paddle Shifters
Available
No
Final Drive Ratio
Available
3.94
Steering Turns Lock to Lock
Available
15.2:1
Clutch Type
Available
Torque Converter
Drivetrain
Available
4WD
Spec
Hilux
Tasman
Claimed Mileage
11.5
11.8
City Mileage
8
9.5
Highway Mileage
12
14.1
Fuel Tank Capacity
80
80
Emission Standard
Euro 5
Euro 6
AdBlue Tank Capacity
32
No
Auto Start Stop
Available
Yes
Average Fuel Consumption
Available
8.5
Claimed Fuel Consumption
Available
8.5
Distance To Empty
Available
N/A
Low Fuel Warning
Available
Yes
Fuel Efficiency
Available
8.5 L/100km
Real-world Mileage
Available
10.2
Spec
Hilux
Tasman
Airbags
7
6
ABS
Standard
Yes
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Yes
Traction Control
Standard
Yes
Hill Descent Control
Standard
Yes
Child Safety Lock
Standard
Yes
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
Yes
Brake Assist
Standard
Yes
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Standard
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Yes
Central Locking
Power with Remote
Yes
Hill Start Assist
Yes
Yes
Front Parking Sensors
Yes
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Yes
Alarm System
Available
Yes
Side Impact Beams
Available
Yes
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Available
Yes
Speed Alert System
Available
Yes
Pedestrian Detection AEB
Available
Yes
Safety Rating
Available
5
Whiplash Protection
Available
Yes
Lane Change Warning
Available
Yes
AEB
Available
Yes
BA
Available
Yes
Brake Override System
Available
Yes
Curtain Airbags
Available
Yes
Driver Airbag
Available
Yes
EBD
Available
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Available
Yes
Fatigue Detection
Available
Yes
Hill Hold
Available
Yes
Passenger Airbag
Available
Yes
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Available
Yes
Side Airbags
Available
Yes
TCS
Available
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
Available
Yes
Knee Airbag
Available
No
Spec
Hilux
Tasman
Cruise Control
Standard
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Standard
Yes
Lane Keep Assist
Standard
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
Standard
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Standard
Yes
Parking Sensors
Front and Rear
Yes
Rear View Camera
Standard
Yes
360 Degree Camera
Standard
No
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Standard
Yes
Lane Departure Warning
Yes
Yes
Rear Parking Sensors
Yes
Yes
Traffic Sign Recognition
Yes
No
Driver Fatigue Alert
Yes
Yes
Auto Highbeam
Available
No
Auto Lights
Available
Yes
Auto Wipers
Available
Yes
Drive Modes
Available
Yes
Eco Mode
Available
Yes
EV Mode
Available
No
Reverse Camera
Available
Yes
Sport Mode
Available
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Available
Yes
Park Assist
Available
No
Spec
Hilux
Tasman
Seat Material
GR Sport Leather with Red Stitching
Leather
Seat Adjustment
Driver Electric
8-Way Power
Heated Seats
Front Seats Heated
Yes
Ventilated Seats
Not Available
No
Steering Type
Rack and Pinion Power Steering
Electric Power Assisted
Steering Adjustment
Tilt and Telescopic
Tilt and Telescopic
Ambient Lighting
Multi-Color Ambient
Yes
Front Armrest
Yes
Centre Armrest
Cup Holders
4
4
Folding Rear Seats
Yes, 60:40 Split
No
Interior Colour Options
Black
Black
Leather Seats
Available
Yes
Rear Armrest
Available
Yes
Rear AC Vents
Available
No
Rear USB Ports
Available
Yes
Steering Wheel Material
Available
Leather
Instrument Cluster Type
Available
Digital
Driver Lumbar Support
Available
No
Door Map Pockets
Available
Yes
60 40 Split Seat
Available
No
Adjustable Driver Seat
Available
8-Way Power
Adjustable Front Seat
Available
4-Way Manual
Cooled Seats
Available
No
Driver Seat Adjustment
Available
8-Way Power
Fabric Seats
Available
No
Front Headrest
Available
Adjustable
Memory Seats
Available
No
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Available
4-Way Manual
Rear Headrest
Available
Adjustable
Spec
Hilux
Tasman
Climate Control
Dual-zone Automatic
Yes
Power Windows
All Windows One-Touch
Yes
Keyless Entry
Smart Entry
Yes
Push Button Start
Standard
Yes
Wireless Charging
Standard
No
Sunroof
Not Available
No
Electric Tailgate
Standard with Soft Close
No
Automatic Headlamps
Yes
Yes
Payload Capacity
1000
1100
Power Mirrors
Power Adjustment
Yes
Rain Sensing Wipers
Available
Yes
Auto Dimming Mirror
Available
Yes
Rear Window Defroster
Available
Yes
Electric Mirror Folding
Available
Yes
Driver Seat Height Adjustment
Available
Yes
Follow Me Home Headlamps
Available
No
12V Accessory Socket
Available
Yes
Speed Limiter
Available
Yes
AC Type
Available
Automatic Climate Control
Adaptive Dampers
Available
No
Aero Kit
Available
No
Auto Dimming Irvm
Available
Yes
Boot Opener
Available
Remote
Chrome Exterior Highlights
Available
No
Chrome Grille
Available
No
Climate Zones
Available
2
Door Ajar Warning
Available
Yes
Drag Coefficient
Available
0.40
Driver Display
Available
Digital Cluster
Electric Folding Mirrors
Available
Yes
Engine Check Warning
Available
Yes
Engine Start Button Illumination
Available
Yes
Engine Start Stop
Available
Yes
Engine Start Stop Button
Available
Yes
Engine Warranty
Available
7 Years / 150,000 km
Exhaust Finish
Available
-
Exhaust Type
Available
-
Front Armrest
Available
Centre Armrest
Front Power Outlet
150
Yes
Fuel Consumption Combined
Available
8.5
Fuel Lid Opener
Available
Remote
Gear Shift Type
Available
Automatic
Glovebox Cooling
Available
No
Ground Clearance Unladen
Available
231
Headlamp Height Adjust
Available
Yes
Headlamp Washer
Available
No
Headrest Adjustable
Available
Yes
Heads Up Display
Available
No
Hill Start Assist
Available
Yes
Impact Sensing Door Unlock
Available
Yes
Intercooler
Available
Yes
Launch Control
Available
No
Multi Function Steering
Available
Yes
Panoramic Roof
Available
No
Performance Data Logger
Available
No
Push Button Start
Available
Yes
Rear Defogger
Available
Yes
Rear Reading Lamps
Available
Yes
Rear Seat Split
Available
No
Rear Wing
Available
No
Remote Engine Start
Available
No
Rev Matching
Available
No
Ride Mode Selection
Available
Yes
Roof Antenna
Available
Yes
Seat Type
Available
Leather Seats
Seatbelt Pre Tensioner
Available
Yes
Seatbelt Reminder
Available
Yes
Service Plan
Available
3 Years / 45,000 km
Service Reminder
Available
Yes
Side Steps
Available
No
Skid Plates
Available
Yes
Spare Wheel
Available
Full-Size Spare
Speed Alert System
Available
Yes
Stability Control
Available
Yes
Stabilizer Bar
Available
Yes
Steering Mounted Controls
Available
Yes
Steering Response
Available
Normal
Tachometer
Available
Yes
Tail Lamps
Available
LED
Telescopic Steering
Available
-
Tilt Steering
Available
-
Trip Computer
Available
Yes
Tyre Repair Kit
Available
No
Valves Per Cylinder
Available
4
Vanity Mirror
Available
Yes
Voice Command
Available
Yes
Voice Command Support
Available
Yes
Spec
Hilux
Tasman
Infotainment Screen
9-inch Toyota Premium Touch
12.3-inch Touchscreen
Apple CarPlay
Wireless
Yes
Android Auto
Wireless
Yes
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Yes
Number of Speakers
8 JBL Premium Speakers
8
Navigation System
Integrated with Live Traffic
Yes
FM Radio
Yes
Yes
AUX Input
Yes
No
Digital Instrument Cluster
Yes
Yes
USB Ports
Available
2
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Available
Yes
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Available
Yes
Voice Recognition
Available
Yes
Infotainment Screen Size
Available
12.3
Wi-Fi Hotspot
Available
No
Audio Controls On Steering
Available
Yes
Infotainment Display
Available
12.3
Rear Usb
Available
Yes
Premium Audio
Available
Yes
Spec
Hilux
Tasman
LED Headlamps
GR LED Projector
Yes
Daytime Running Lamps
LED
Yes
Fog Lamps
LED
Yes
Roof Rails
Standard
No
Alloy Wheel Design
18-inch GR Sport Black Alloy
Alloy Alloy
Body Cladding
Yes
Yes
Door Handle Finish
Chrome Finish
Body Colour
Exterior Colour Options
Pearl White
Multiple
Chrome Exterior Finish
Available
No
Rear Spoiler
Available
No
Roof Type
Available
Standard
Wing Mirror Type
Available
Electric
Rear Wiper
Available
No
Body Type
Available
Double Cab Bakkie
DRL
Available
Yes
Fog Lights
Available
Yes
Front Fog Lights
Available
Yes
Led Headlights
Available
Yes
Led Taillights
Available
Yes
Rear Fog Lights
Available
No
Spec
Hilux
Tasman
Approach Angle
31
30
Departure Angle
28
26
Wading Depth
700
800
Terrain Modes
Sand Mud Rock Dirt
Yes
Locking Differential
Electronic Rear Lock
Yes
4WD System Type
Part-time 4WD
Part-Time with Low Range
Underbody Protection
Available
Yes
Ramp Breakover Angle
Available
20
Recovery Hooks
Available
Yes
Hill Descent Control
Available
Yes
Ramp-over Angle
Available
19
Spec
Hilux
Tasman
Tyre Size
265/60 R18 All Terrain
265/60 R18
Wheel Type
Alloy
Alloy
Front Brake Type
Ventilated Disc
Ventilated Disc
Rear Brake Type
Drum
Drum
Front Brake Disc Diameter
300
320
Spare Wheel Type
Available
Full-Size Spare
Rear Brake Drum Diameter
Available
295
Parking Brake Type
Available
Electronic
Tyre Load Index
Available
116
Tyre Speed Rating
Available
T
Wheel Rim Size
Available
265/60 R18
Brake Type Front
Available
Ventilated Disc
Brake Type Rear
Available
Drum
Spare Tyre
Available
Full-Size Spare
Tyre Type
Available
Radial
Front Tyre Width
Available
265
Rear Tyre Width
Available
265
Wheel Diameter
Available
18
Spec
Hilux
Tasman
Front Suspension
GR Tuned Monotube Dampers
Double Wishbone
Rear Suspension
Heavy Duty Leaf Spring
Leaf Spring
Chassis Type
Reinforced Ladder Frame
Body-on-Frame
Front Spring Type
Coil Spring
Coil Spring
Front Anti-Roll Bar
Yes
Yes
Power Steering
Electric
Yes
Steering Column
Available
Adjustable
Rear Spring Type
Available
Leaf Spring
Rear Anti-Roll Bar
Available
No
Shock Absorber Type
Available
Telescopic
Spec
Hilux
Tasman
Service Interval
10000 km / 12 months
15000
Approx Service Cost
Moderate to High
R4,800 per service
Battery Warranty
24 Months
N/A
First Service At
5000
15000
Maintenance Plan
Available
3 Years / 45,000 km
Engine Oil Change Interval
Available
15000
Service Plan Duration
Available
3
Service Plan Distance
Available
45000
Anti-Rust Treatment
Available
Yes
Alternator
Available
Yes
Battery Type
Available
N/A
Gear Shift Indicator
Available
No
Spec
Hilux
Tasman
Warranty Years
3
7
Warranty Kilometers
100000
150000
Roadside Assistance
3 Years
5 Years
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
5 Years / Unlimited km
5 Years
Basic Warranty
Available
7 Years / 150,000 km
Spec
Hilux
Tasman
CO2 Emissions
245
224
Start Stop System
Standard
Yes
Hybrid System Type
None
None
Idle CO2 Output
2.0
235
Fuel Octane Requirement
Unleaded 95 RON
B7 Diesel
Noise Level
Available
72
Particulate Filter
Available
DPF
Euro Emission Standard
Available
Euro 6
Green NCAP Rating
Available
5
Fuel Evaporation Control
Available
No
Spec
Hilux
Tasman
Real-world City Mileage Min
Available
8.1
Real-world City Mileage Max
Available
10.5
Real-world Highway Mileage Min
Available
12.7
Real-world Highway Mileage Max
Available
14.8
Owner Review Count
Available
-
So, Which One Should You Buy?
🏆KIA Tasman
wins with 73 pts
vs 67 pts for Hilux
In structured scoring, Tasman emerges as the stronger overall package. However, Hilux 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 Tasman 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: Hilux 6 vs Tasman 0. 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: Hilux 20, Tasman 18. 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: Hilux 12, Tasman 20. 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: Hilux 11, Tasman 20. This covers boot space, seat flexibility, and day-to-day usability — not just interior dimensions on paper.
Performance scores: Hilux 18, Tasman 15. 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 Tasman edges the overall ownership score, but check whether either variant includes a service plan — that changes the monthly maths significantly.
The Tasman 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 Hilux and Tasman in South Africa
evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.
Performance: Hilux scores 18 vs 15.
Efficiency: Hilux scores 6 vs 0.
Safety: Hilux scores 20 vs 18.
Practicality: Hilux scores 11 vs 20.
Ownership: Hilux scores 12 vs 20.
Final structured scoring gives Tasman
the advantage in this comparison.
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