2012 Toyota Hilux Vs 2012 Nissan Navara review and comparison


Toyota Hilux
VS
Nissan Navara

Welcome to the Toyota Hilux vs Nissan Navara D40 review and comparison.  Both models have been updated for 2012 although only the Toyota can be seen from the outside.  As of 2012 we like both cars but prefer the Navara slightly ahead of the Hilux although both have known flaws and problems. The biggest problem with the Navara has also been fixed with this update, being the very ordinary dash board, it now looks and feels like a decent place to be. 

The top range Hilux has been given lots of new equipment that presumably will filter down to the rest of the range. new technology include LSD, GPS, auto-air, stability control and various cosmetic changes. The Navara has also been updated once again mostly to the top range ST-X models with lots of goodies including the updated dash and console, stability control, 7 speed auto gearbox in some models, more airbags, climate control, Leather, GPS and so forth. Both brands have had price adjustments, but it is price increases for the Navara and reductions for the Hilux so best to talk to the local dealer for the specific details. 

We’ve compared and them before on the website and can only say that the interior upgrade has made the Navara more desirable. Furthermore the powerhouse V6 diesel can be purchased as the ST-X or ST-X550 specification. 

In all seriousness the price reduction for Hilux models along with equipment updates still make the Hilux the automatic choice.  However the increase in the prices of the Navara are real downer since this model with the only 2.5 or 3 litre diesel engines requires specific servicing to be reliable whereas at least the Hilux can be purchased with the reliable 4.0 litre petrol but the direct injection diesels have similar issues to the Navara. Thankfully both are easily better than the Amarok. 

The V6 diesel option with the 7 speed gearbox in the Navara along with equipment upgrades are the only models of interest to us as the lower spec models are more costly for essentially the same car as the past 4 years. The price increase for the mid-range models doesn’t quite ruin the advantage of increased specs but Hilux is still better value. In our eyes both are overall equals.



Toyota Hilux (2012 upgrade)
Nissan Navara (D40)
Engines  
1GR-FE – V6 Petrol (modified)
Twin Cam with VVTi EFI
4 Litre (3956cc)
Claimed 175Kw @ 5200RPM
Claimed 376Nm @ 3800RPM (MANUAL + 5 spd AUTO)
Claimed 343Nm @ 3800RPM (4 Spd AUTO)

1KD-FTV – IL4 Diesel (modified)
Turbo-charged – Intercooler
Direct Injection – Common Rail
3 Litre (2982cc)
Claimed 126Kw @ 3600RPM
Claimed 343Nm @ 1400-3400RPM

2TR-FE – IL4 Petrol (modified)
DOHC 16 valve with VVTi
2.7 Litre (2693cc)
Claimed 116Kw @ 5200RPM
Claimed 240Nm @ 3800RPM

V9X
V6 Diesel
DOHC Turbo charged with intercooler
Direct injection
3.0 Litre (2993cc)
Claimed 170Kw @ 3750RPM
Claimed 550Nm @ 1750RPM

YD25 (Modified May 2010)
IL4 DOHC Diesel
Turbo-charged – Intercooler
Direct Injection – Common Rail
2.5 Litre (2488cc)
Claimed 140Kw @ 4000 RPM (April 2012)
Claimed 450Nm @ 2000 RPM  (April 2012)
Claimed 126Kw @ 4000 RPM (May 2010)
Claimed 403Nm @ 2000 RPM  (May 2010)

VQ40 (some countries)
V6 Petrol 
DOHC EFI
4 Litre (3954cc)
Claimed 198Kw @ 5600 RPM
Claimed 385Nm @ 4000 RPM

Weight  

1825 – 1905Kg
Towing capacity up to 2250kg

1940 – 2001Kg
Towing capacity up to 3000kg

Fuel capacity & consumption  
Up to 76 litres
IL6 Petrol 13-13.3 lts per 100km
IL4 Diesel 8.2-9.3 lts per 100km

Up to 80 litres
V6 Petrol 13.6-14 lts per 100km
YD25 Diesel 10.5 lts per 100km
V9X Diesel 9.3 lts per 100km

Other specifications  
5 or 4 speed Auto or 5 speed manual
Overall height/width 1810/1835
Overall length/wheelbase 5260/3085
Tray L1520 x W1515 x D450 mm
Total payload capability 1000kg (Approx)
NCAP safety rating 4/5
Tyre size: 265-65-17 – 205-60-16
Petrol: GGN series – Diesel KUN series  

5 speed or 7 speed Auto or 6 speed manual
Overall height/width 1795/1848
Overall length/Wheelbase 5296/3200
Tray L1511mm x W1485mm x D457mm
Total payload capability 820kg (Approx)
ANCAP safety rating 4/5

Capability  
Angle of: (degrees)
Approach 30 Departure 23-26 Breakover N/A
Minimum ground clearance 292mm
Water Fording depth 700mm Max
4WD system: Part time 4WD High & Low range

Angle of: (degrees)
Approach 29-32 Departure 22-27.5 Breakover N/A
Minimum ground clearance 205-217mm
Water Fording depth N/A
4WD system: Part time 4WD High & Low range

Performance  
   
Pricing  
2012 FROM $38,990 – $53,490 AUD
2011 FROM $40,490 AUD
2010 FROM $44500-$56,000 AUD
*Always check with the dealer for up to date pricing and specials accessories etc…
2012 $34,990 – 62,990 AUD