Toyota HiLux vs Hyundai Staria
What's the difference?

Toyota HiLux

$33,990 - $82,990

2026 price

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Hyundai Staria

$47,740 - $73,740

2026 price

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Volkswagen Transporter

Volvo C40

Summary

2026 Toyota HiLux

2026 Hyundai Staria

By Marcus Craft

By Mark Oastler

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Diesel Turbo 4, 2.8L

Turbo 4, 1.6L

Fuel Type

Diesel/Electric

Premium Unleaded/Electric

Fuel Efficiency

7.1L/100km (combined)

0.0L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Six-speed manual gearbox
Now smoother on road
Retains 4WD capability

Hybrid performance & economy
One-tonne-plus payload
ANCAP safety rating

Dislikes

Tyres
Squeezy rear seat
A tub liner would be nice

No tow rating
Cargo load volume
Cabin noise at highway speeds

2026 Toyota HiLux Summary

The ninth-generation Toyota HiLux is not really a new HiLux in the true sense of the word, but there’s enough going on with it to have generated plenty of excitement in the ute-loving public.

This ‘new’ HiLux, in essence, is an update but it’s an update with substance: the HiLux now sports a new retro design, new interior layout, new suspension tune (softer rated springs and dampers for improved on-road comfort) – and it even has an electric park brake now.

So, with no major mechanical upgrades, is this HiLux enough of an improvement over past iterations to warrant your attention?

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2026 Hyundai Staria Summary

Hyundai has recently launched an updated Staria Load range, with the most significant addition for buyers of mid-size (2.5 tonne-3.5 tonne GVM) commercial vans being the first-time availability of a hybrid drivetrain.

On paper this new HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle) option brings numerous advantages over its diesel sibling, so we recently spent a week at the wheel to see if they are sufficient to win over traditional diesel van buyers.

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Toyota HiLux 2026 Hyundai Staria

Verdict

The Toyota HiLux SR5 now feels nicer and more modern inside and out and it no longer lags behind some other utes – even some of the cheaper ones – in terms of comfort, refinement and all-round driveability.

Toyota has in the past been guilty of sometimes doing the bare minimum when it comes to producing a ‘new’ vehicle – especially LandCruisers or HiLuxes – but this time even though this HiLux is definitely not a new model, the exterior revamp and interior refresh have added more than enough to the HiLux package to keep fans and new buyers happy.

This is the best HiLux so far.

Verdict

The Staria Load HEV offers numerous advantages over its diesel equivalent including superior fuel economy, lower exhaust emissions, higher power output and a bigger payload. However, it also has a higher purchase price and no tow rating, so careful analysis of your specific work requirements will determine if Hyundai’s new hybrid van is fit for purpose.

Toyota HiLux vs Hyundai Staria What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Toyota HiLux vs Hyundai Staria
What's the difference?