Toyota HiLux vs RAM 1500
What's the difference?

Toyota HiLux

$33,990 - $82,990

2026 price

View pricing & specs

RAM 1500

$109,950 - $249,950

2026 price

View pricing & specs

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

2026 RAM 1500

By Mark Oastler

By Byron Mathioudakis

Safety Rating

Electric motor type

Permanent Magnet

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Vehicle type

Battery Electric

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Electric range

315 km

—

Energy consumption

20.2 kWh/100km

Battery capacity

59.20 kWh

Seating

Likes

Zero tailpipe emissions
Silent powertrain
Zippy response

Massive space and refinement
Engineering sophistication
A strong heart

Dislikes

High price
Short driving range
Limited GVM/GCM ratings

Expensive
Not as economical as hoped
Poor warranty coverage

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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2026 RAM 1500 Summary

Fancy a Ford Ranger Wildtrak, Toyota HiLux Rogue or Isuzu D-Max Blade, but need something that’s a bit bigger, bolder and brawnier?

Behold the Ram 1500 Rebel. No, not a Rambler Rebel from the Mad Men era, but a full-sized pick-up truck that’s aimed at younger and/or more-adventure-minded buyers.

Rivalling the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ZR2, it brings a sporty off-road vibe to Australia’s best-selling big US-made ute. Let’s check it out.

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Toyota HiLux 2026 RAM 1500

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

As with all current-generation Ram 1500s, the Rebel remains one of our favourite full-sized American utes on the Australian market.

Yes, it is not cheap, and a few items standard on the Laramie Sport have been deleted for better or worse, but the Rebel offers better off-road capability without losing any of the regular 1500’s driver enjoyment, comfort, refinement and overall class.

An upsized Ranger Wildtrak with more civility than its redneck reputation suggests.

Toyota HiLux vs RAM 1500 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Toyota HiLux vs RAM 1500
What's the difference?