Toyota HiLux vs Toyota GR 86
What's the difference?

Toyota HiLux

$33,990 - $82,990

2026 price

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Toyota GR 86

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2023 price

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Summary

2026 Toyota HiLux

2023 Toyota GR 86

By Marcus Craft

By Matt Campbell

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Diesel Turbo 4, 2.8L

Flat 4, 2.4L

Fuel Type

Diesel/Electric

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

7.1L/100km (combined)

8.7L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

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

Faster than before
More focused than before
Still a standout, even at this price

Dislikes

Tyres
Squeezy rear seat
A tub liner would be nice

Severely behind on safety tech
Prices are up a lot
Could be too firm for some

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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2023 Toyota GR 86 Summary

The new, second generation take on the hachi-roku formula adds a serious amount of 'GRRRR' to the mix. This is it - the new-look, more powerful and much angrier Toyota GR86.

It takes the familiar front-engine, rear-wheel-drive sports car formula and mixes in a bit of madness - there’s a more focused chassis setup, redone steering, a firmer ride and of course, a bigger capacity engine. Still no turbo, though.

The question is - does it improve on the original? And can it live up to its new jaw-dropping price?

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Toyota HiLux 2023 Toyota GR 86

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

If you’re expecting a faster, angrier and more focused version of the original 86, you’re going to be happy with this car. If you’re expecting it to be as fun and chuckable as the first one, you might be upset.

It has a different character, this GR86 - certainly with more GRRRR than ever before - and it still represents a strong sports car option for buyers, even if it is a fair bit more expensive this time around. It'd be hard not to recommend the GTS version to anyone considering it.

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

Toyota HiLux vs Toyota GR 86 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Toyota HiLux vs Toyota GR 86
What's the difference?