It comes as no surprise that the Toyota Hilux would be the next test bed for the feasibility of hybrid powertrains on workhorses, and it has worked to decent success. We reviewed the hybrid Hilux in Raider trim here, and you can check out our thoughts.
Related: Toyota Hilux GR-Sport III pricing versus Ford Ranger Wildtrak X
However, the Hilux hybrid has comparable competition in the form of the GWM P500 in hybrid trim, which has some unique features to add to the bakkie mix. We reviewed the non-hybrid P500 over the December holidays so you can have an idea of what that vehicle is like to live with.
Let's compare the Hilux to the P500. For this comparison, we'll look at the Hilux in double-cab 4x4 48V Legend trim and the P500 in double-cab Ultra Luxury 4x4 HEV trim.
Toyota Hilux
The Hilux needs no introduction. Although it is getting on in age, its current shape is still a solid offering and garners the mantra that if it ain't broke, why fix it? Now, with hybrid tech, let's see how the Hilux fares against its other hybrid competition.
Powertrain
The 2.8 GD-6, a 2.8-litre turbodiesel 4-cylinder engine, is powering the Hilux in this trim. This engine makes 150kW / 500Nm, and power is sent to all four wheels or 2 wheels only via a 6-speed automatic gearbox. The hybrid system is a 48V mild hybrid, providing a power boost of 12kW / 65Nm. This is geared towards efficiency rather than performance. Claimed fuel consumption is rated at 8.0 L /100km with a range of 1000km from the 80-litre tank.
Notable Standard Specification
- Leather seating with leather steering wheel
- Switch 4WD Selector
- JBL Display audio
- Toyota Connect enabled
- Hydraulic Power Steering
- Over fenders
Notable Safety Features
- 7 airbags
- ISOFIX
- ELR Front and rear seatbelts, Front Pretensioner, Force Limiter seatbelts
- Toyota Safety Sense - ADAS systems including, Pre-Collision Systems Lane Departure, Radar Cruise Control, Road Sign Assist
- Front and rear Park Distance Control
- ABS, BA, EBD
Practicality
The Hilux remains a 5-seater bakkie. You can expect a payload of 790kg, a towing capacity rated at 750kg unbraked and 3500kg braked, and finally, a ground clearance of 286mm. There is a full-size spare wheel available, too.
Price and Value
The Hilux in 48V Legend trim costs R921 800. That purchase price includes a 9-service /90 000km service plan and a 3-year /100 000km warranty. If you opt to finance a Hilux, use our finance tool and set the parameters at 72 months, a 10% deposit, no balloon/residual, and a 12% interest rate. You can expect to pay around R16 291 p/m.
GWM P500
Enter the P500, GWM's more significant bakkie offering, but here we have the hybrid variant. The P500 looks rather American in its styling, but it seems imposing in size. Let's see what the P500 offers in Ultra Luxury trim.
Powertrain
Powering the P500 in this trim is a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol 4-cylinder engine with a full parallel hybrid system. This setup makes a combined 255kW / 648Nm and sends power to all four wheels or 2 solely via a 9-speed automatic transmission. The engine produces 180kW / 380Nm, while the electric motor setup makes 78kW / 268Nm. Claimed fuel consumption is rated at 9.8l /100km, with a range of 816km from the 80-litre fuel tank.
Notable Standard Features
- 14.6-inch Touchscreen infotainment with 10-speaker Harman Infinity speakers
- Nappa leather seating
- Panoramic Sunroof
- Electric sliding rear window
- 1kg storage trays under rear seats
- Electronic gear shifter
- Transparent Chassis View
- Electronically controlled front and rear differential locks
- Split tailgate
- Ventilated, Heated Front Seats with massage
Notable Safety Features
- 7 Airbags
- Front and rear park distance control
- Rear cross-traffic alert with braking
- Traffic sign recognition
- 360° Panoramic wiew monitor
- Brake assist
- Lane keep, centring, departure and smart dodge
- Trailer sway mitigation
- Front and rear collision warning with Automated emergency braking
- ABS, EBD, TCS, RMI, ESC
Practicality
The P500 is a 5 seater bakkie. The vehicle's payload is 735kg, its towing capacities are 750kg unbraked and 3500kg braked, and its ground clearance is 224mm. A standard spare wheel is available.
Price and Value
The P500 in this trim costs R999 900. That purchase price includes a 7-year /75 000km service plan, 7-year /200 000km vehicle warranty, and 8-year /150 000km hybrid battery warranty. Using the aforementioned finance tool and setting the parameters to 72 months, a 10% deposit, no balloon/residual, and a 12% interest rate, you can expect to pay R17 593 p/m.
Who wins?
While the P500 is brimmed with standard features and has a better overall power output, you can't deny that the Hilux has the more efficient hybrid system, as evidenced by the more fantastic range and lower claimed fuel consumption. Not only this, but the Hilux is cheaper than the P500.
You can search AutoTrader for the latest Hilux and P500 offerings here and sell your car.
