Toyota HiLux vs BMW IX2
What's the difference?

Toyota HiLux

$33,990 - $82,990

2026 price

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BMW IX2

$59,990 - $89,900

2024 price

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Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLB

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

Mercedes-Benz Vito

Mercedes-Benz X-Class

Volkswagen Transporter

Volvo C40

Summary

2026 Toyota HiLux

2024 BMW IX2

By Mark Oastler

By John Law

Safety Rating

Electric motor type

Permanent Magnet

Electric motor type

Electromagnetically Excited

Vehicle type

Battery Electric

Vehicle type

Battery Electric

Electric range

315 km

Electric range

—

Energy consumption

20.2 kWh/100km

—

Battery capacity

59.20 kWh

67.00 kWh

Seating

Likes

Zero tailpipe emissions
Silent powertrain
Zippy response

Spacious and thoughtful cabin
Polished drivetrain
Daring appearance

Dislikes

High price
Short driving range
Limited GVM/GCM ratings

M35i's over-firm ride
Not as practical as X1
Some rivals charge faster

2026 Toyota HiLux Summary

Toyota claims its first HiLux BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) has been designed primarily with mining, business and government fleet customers in mind, by combining the iconic ute’s 4x4 all-terrain capability with zero tailpipe emissions only a full-electric drivetrain can deliver.

To prove its suitability for harsh Aussie conditions, Toyota claims the HiLux BEV has undergone more than two years of testing on site with major mining companies, covering thousands of kilometres in ambient temperatures up to 50 degrees.

We recently sampled the HiLux BEV as a daily driver in metropolitan use, to see if its mining-focused credentials translate to being a practical alternative to traditional diesel power for tradies working in busy urban environments.

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2024 BMW IX2 Summary

Following its global launch in February this year, the second-generation 'U10' 2024 BMW X2 and iX2 have landed in Australia.

The coupe SUV range comprises four variants with turbo-petrol and pure electric models sitting alongside each other in showrooms with precious few visual differences.

That'll either be a good or bad thing, depending on how much you want to parade your choice to go for current or combustion.

More clear cut is the X2's new – and more sensible – position in BMW's SUV line-up. Rather than a quirky curio that's smaller and less practical than the X1, the 20cm longer gen-two X2 finally makes sense in BMW's X line-up.

To see if the driving experience and build quality live up the shiny new exterior, we've been invited to Tasmania to sample the new car's attributes on typically testing (and picturesque) roads.

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Toyota HiLux 2024 BMW IX2

Verdict

Given the HiLux BEV was developed in close cooperation with mining companies, its relatively short driving range appears tailor-made for that role given the daily driving distances (typically around 150km or less) in underground and open-cut mining operations. However, determining if our SR5 test vehicle is equally well suited to urban tradie duties would require careful analysis of driving range and payload/towing requirements, to determine if its emissions-free high purchase price can be justified.

Verdict

The second-generation BMW X2 is leagues better than the car it replaces. It now sits nicely in BMW's line-up and offers genuinely tempting electric variants.

This isn't an affordable car by any means but next to rivals from Mercedes-Benz and Volvo, the well-equipped iX2 xDrive30 feels a complete package.

Similarly, the entry-level xDrive20i petrol is a very compelling choice with a comfortable ride and sporty drive.

We'd skip the contrived M35i unless your heart is set on going quickly in a straight line. With the thinking cap on, it's also hard to make a case for the X2 over the objectively better (and more affordable) X1. Then there's the more spacious, powerful, efficient and cheaper Tesla Model Y.

That's not really the point of this car, though. It'll never sell in as many numbers as the X1. Those who love its fastback styling will be pleasantly surprised by the new X2. It does what it says on the tin, marrying the BMW badge with a sporty drive and daring style.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with travel, accommodation and meals provided.

Toyota HiLux vs BMW IX2 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Toyota HiLux vs BMW IX2
What's the difference?