Toyota Hilux VIGO Vs Nissan Navara D22

Here's a quick comparison between the Toyota Hilux and the D22 Nissan Navara or Frontier. The D22 Navara has been around for a long time (from the late 90's) and is a very popular commercial vehicle in many countries even in 2010 hence still manufactured.  See here for the newer D40 Nissan Navara Comparison

The D22 Navara may be old but it is a proven package meaning its reliability and other problems are well known which makes it a easy choice. It's much promoted ABN pricing also makes it very attractive to business operators who are also after a family friendly vehicle.  You can pack the kids up in the Navara, off to school then to work without any delay. Admittedly it applies to all the dual cab looks we are reviewing.
The D22 Navara may not be the most attractive car on the road with too much extra 'bling' (very SE Asian- if you've been there) but obviously its other features overcome any issues with the added cosmetics.
Specification comparison below!

 D22 Nissan Navara
VSToyota Hilux

It is tough to compare what is an ancient design with the newest Hilux for obvious reasons but since one of us had one as a first car and basically drove it everywhere albeit very slowly. Why? it was the old model with a 2.7 litre diesel with a whole 64Kw at 4300rpm and 180Nm 2200rpm!  At least it didn't break down until the final years of its life - but that was years ago now the new one is much better.

The current D22 has much more power than the earlier versions and it really needed it. It is adequately powered in this presumably final version but clearly nowhere near the current Hilux. 

The interior design may look old but at least the materials are good quality and the seat trim which probably belongs in a sporty version of a car rather than ute adds appeal.

In all honestly there it's that much difference between any of the various utilities we've tried. Although each one so far had some feature which we found worth a second look. The Hilux for example with the new 5 speed auto is very 'zippy' and only the Triton with its AWD system impressed. The D22 Navara impresses for being 90% as good as the current competition for a noticeably lower price. 

Its age and well known problems have been presumably addressed in the current D22 so should be a safe choice. 

We are slightly biased due the past ownership issue so as a quick summary if you want a dual cab utility and can live with the 90's interior and bling everywhere the value for money D22 Navara is probably the choice for you.

Toyota Hilux (4x4 VIGO 2010)

Engines
1GR-FE (modified)V6 Petrol
DOHC with VVTi EFI
4 Litre (3956cc)
Claimed 175Kw @ 5200 RPM
Claimed 376Nm @ 3800 RPM (MANUAL)
Claimed 343Nm @ 3800 RPM (AUTO)

1KD-FTV (modified)
IL4 DOHC Diesel
Turbo-charged - Intercooler
Direct Injection - Common Rail
3 Litre (2982cc)
Claimed 126Kw @ 3600 RPM
Claimed 343Nm @ 1400-3400RPM
2TR-FE (modified)
IL4 Petrol
DOHC 16 valve with VVTi
2.7 Litre (2693cc)
Claimed 116Kw @ 5200RPM
Claimed 240Nm @ 3800RPM

Weight

1825 - 1905Kg
Towing capacity up to 2250kg

Fuel capacity & consumption

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

 Other specifications

5 or 4 speed Auto
or 5 speed manual
Overall height/width 1810/1835
Overall length/Wheelbase 5255/3085
Track (front/rear) 1540/1540
Tray L1520mm x W1515mm x D450mm
Total payload capability 1000kg (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
Part-time 4x4

Nissan Navara D22

Engines
YD25IL4 DOHC Diesel
Turbo-charged - Intercooler
Direct Injection - Common Rail
2.5 Litre (2488cc)
Claimed 98Kw @ 3600 RPM
Claimed 304Nm @ 2000 RPM

Weight
1822Kg
Towing capacity up to 2800kg

Fuel capacity & consumption
Up to 75 litres
IL4 Diesel 9.2 lts per 100km

Other specifications
5 speed manual
Overall height/width 1725/1825
Overall length/Wheelbase 5180/2950
Track (front/rear) 1525/1505
Tray Lxxxxmm x Wxxxxmm x Dxxxmm
Total payload capability 1000kg (Approx)
ANCAP safety rating 3/5

Capability
Angle of: (degrees)
Approach xx
Departure xx
Breakover xx
Minimum ground clearance 225mm
Water Fording depth xxmm Max
Part-time 4x4

Toyota Hilux Vs Nissan Navara

Here's a quick comparison between the  Toyota Hilux and the D40 Nissan Navara or Frontier. See here for the older D22 Navara Comparison

Well, you know by now the reasons we are comparing the Hilux and the Nissan Navara or Frontier as it is known in some parts of the world. The reason for a dual-cab definitely makes sense since the car can carry the family, go off road and deal with any sort of  business you can think off.

Since there are also business incentives in terms of tax deduction and business pricing for these types of cars if you are in our situation - you must consider the ute!

For 2011 The Navara will have the option of a new diesel engine code named V9X that develops 170Kw and 550Nm!

Specification comparison below!

D40 Nissan Navara
VSToyota Hilux 

Pricing list is for the 4x4 Hilux dual cab SR/SR5 and the Navara ST-X. The Navara ST-X was chosen because it is clearly the most popular version in Australia.  Nissan have recently introduced the Titanium version which has even more car like equipment.

The Navara's specifications listed below, I have compared the Hilux against are likewise for the 4x4 dual cab version.  And as you can see they are close overall.  I think choosing between the two would be based more on whether you want the most powerful engine.

However note that the Nissan Navara's engine requires more revs which may not be what you want being a utility vehicle and the gearbox which is not geared for speed. The Nissan has a higher towing capacity compared to the Hilux. Also there are notable differences height measurements between the diesel and petrol versions - I think this is odd!

The current series of Nissan Navara are also genuinely decent cars. When compared to the Hilux you will notice how more comfy the Navara is on the road. It rides better at presumably the expense of off-road capability. Performance is virtually identical the Toyota having the smoother response and more urge low down. The Nissan's interior looks better than the Hilux until the dashboard.

At this stage I would pick the Navara slightly ahead of the Hilux - and my main concern is whether I could live with the Nissan's interior, specifically the dashboard. Everything including the chunky styling are good however the dashboard is just too 80's (like the Pathfinder).

Toyota Hilux (4x4 Vigo 2010)

 Engines
1GR-FE (modified)V6 Petrol
DOHC with VVTi EFI
4 Litre (3956cc)
Claimed 175Kw @ 5200 RPM
Claimed 376Nm @ 3800 RPM (MANUAL)
Claimed 343Nm @ 3800 RPM (AUTO)

1KD-FTV (modified)
IL4 DOHC Diesel
Turbo-charged - Intercooler
Direct Injection - Common Rail
3 Litre (2982cc)
Claimed 126Kw @ 3600 RPM
Claimed 343Nm @ 1400-3400RPM
2TR-FE (modified)
IL4 Petrol
DOHC 16 valve with VVTi
2.7 Litre (2693cc)
Claimed 116Kw @ 5200RPM
Claimed 240Nm @ 3800RPM

Weight
1825 - 1905Kg
Towing capacity up to 2250kg

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

Other specifications
5 or 4 speed Auto
or 5 speed manual
Overall height/width 1810/1835
Overall length/Wheelbase 5255/3085
Track (front/rear) 1540/1540
Tray L1520mm x W1515mm x D450mm
Total payload capability 1000kg (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
Part-time 4x4

Nissan Navara (4x4 2010)

Engines
VK9X
V6 Diesel
DOHC Turbo charged with intercooler
Direct injection
3.0 Litre (2998cc)
Claimed 170Kw @ 3750RPM
Claimed 550Nm @ 1750RPM
VQ40
V6 Petrol
DOHC EFI
4 Litre (3954cc)
Claimed 198Kw @ 5600 RPM
Claimed 385Nm @ 4000 RPM

YD25 (May 2010)
IL4 DOHC Diesel
Turbo-charged - Intercooler
Direct Injection - Common Rail
2.5 Litre (2488cc)
Claimed 126Kw @ 4000 RPM
Claimed 403Nm @ 2000 RPM
YD25II (May 2010)
IL4 DOHC Diesel
Turbo-charged - Intercooler
Direct Injection - Common Rail
2.5 Litre (2488cc)
Claimed 140Kw @ 4000 RPM
Claimed 450Nm @ 2000 RPM

Weight
1940 - 2001Kg
Towing capacity up to 3000kg

Fuel capacity & consumption
Up to 80 litres
IL6 Petrol 13.6-14 lts per 100km
IL4 Diesel 9.8-10.5 lts per 100km

Other specifications
5 speed Auto
6 speed manual
Overall height/width 1779/1850
Overall length/Wheelbase 5230/3200
Track (front/rear) 1570/1570
Tray L1511mm x W1485mm x D457mm
Total payload capability 820kg (Approx)
ANCAP safety rating 3/5

Capability

Angle of: (degrees)
Approach 29-32
Departure 22-27.5
Breakover N/A
Minimum ground clearance 205-217mm
Water Fording depth N/A
Part-time 4x4

Toyota Hilux(Vigo) Vs Mazda BT-50 and Ford Ranger

Here's a quick comparison between the Toyota Hilux and the Mazda BT-50 and its twin the Ford Ranger.

The Mazda BT-50 and Ford Ranger are interesting utes. Both are based on the platform but differ in specifications. First impressions are good because it once you're in it didn't feel like a pickups. They initially don't feel like commercial vehicles apart form getting into the cabin.

The Mazda and Ford interiors look like they are from regular sedans made in the early 2000's. Mazda in particular feels like the old Mazda 323 before they changed the name to 3. There are not many buttons to play with but at least it felt nicer to be in than some of the utes we've previously tried. Reused parts like the air vents and controls from the regular passenger models are worthy inclusions. I did like Mazda's more conservative shape but the latest Ford Ranger enhancements would probably be my choice if I did get one.

Mazda BT-50 and Ford Ranger  
VSToyota Hilux

The only things that count against it are the thin doors and smaller interior - or so it seemed. The engines are state of the art for 2010 and on paper produces as much if not more power and torque than the competing models.

The on-road drive is typical commercial vehicle with steering feel,  noise and refinement. If anything we thought the Ford drove and rode better than the Mazda. However the Hilux is still a better experience in the petrol version. In diesel from there really is not much difference.

As for its competitors stay tuned for some more comparisons over the next few months.  Our leader board reads like this:
1 - Triton
2 - BT-50 & Ford Ranger
3 - Navara
4 - Hilux

Note that you should always check with your local dealer for correct and up to date specifications and pricing.

 Toyota Hilux (4x4 Vigo 2010)



Engines
1GR-FE (modified)V6 Petrol
DOHC with VVTi EFI
4 Litre (3956cc)
Claimed 175Kw @ 5200RPM
Claimed 376Nm @ 3800RPM (MANUAL)
Claimed 343Nm @ 3800RPM (AUTO)

1KD-FTV (modified)
IL4 DOHC Diesel
Turbo-charged - Intercooler
Direct Injection - Common Rail
3 Litre (2982cc)
Claimed 126Kw @ 3600RPM
Claimed 343Nm @ 1400-3400RPM
2TR-FE (modified)
IL4 Petrol
DOHC 16 valve with VVTi
2.7 Litre (2693cc)
Claimed 116Kw @ 5200RPM
Claimed 240Nm @ 3800RPM

Weight
1825 - 1905Kg
Towing capacity up to 2250kg

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

Other specifications
5 or 4 speed Auto
or 5 speed manual
Overall height/ width 1810/1835
Overall length/Wheelbase 5255/3085
Track (front/rear) 1540/1540
Tray L1520mm x W1515mm x D450mm
Total payload capability 1000kg (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
Part-time 4x4

Mazda BT-50 and Ford Ranger

Engines
MZR-CD 3.0
IL4 Diesel
DOHC 16 Valve with EFI
Turbo-charged - Intercooler
Direct Injection - Common Rail
3.0 Litre (2953cc)
Claimed 115Kw @ 3200 RPM
Claimed 380Nm @ 1800 RPM

Weight
1885 - 1899Kg
Towing capacity up to 3000kg

Fuel capacity & consumption
Up to 70 litres
IL4 Diesel 9.5-10.4 lts per 100km

Other specifications
5 speed Auto
or 5 speed manual
Overall height/width 1762/1807
Overall length/Wheelbase 5169/3000
Track (front/rear) 1475/1470
Tray L1530mm x W1456mm x D465mm
Total payload capability 938kg (Approx)
ANCAP safety rating 3/5

Capability
Angle of: (degrees)
Approach 32
Departure 26
Breakover 28
Minimum ground clearance 207mm
Water Fording depth N/A Max
Part-time 4x4

Toyota vigo 0-100 in 8 sec by Efast LE

Toyota Vigo vs Ford Triton Drag avenue