VS
At a Glance
Power
59 kW
150 kW
Torque
190 Nm
500 Nm
Fuel
7.7 l/100km
7.5 l/100km
Towing
1000 Kg
2800 Kg
Engine
1478 cc
2755 cc
Choosing between the Ashok Leyland Phoenix and the Toyota Hilux is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The Ashok Leyland Phoenix delivers 59 kW while the Toyota Hilux produces 150 kW. On fuel, the Phoenix returns 7.7 l/100km while the Hilux uses 7.5 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R279 900 for the Phoenix and R945 500 for the Hilux. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
Ashok Leyland Phoenix1.5td F/C D/S 2025 - From R279 900
Toyota Hilux2026 - From R945 500
Performance
Power Output
59 kW
150 kW
Torque
190 Nm
500 Nm
Top Speed
100 Km/h
176 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1478 cc
2755 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
3
4
Fuel Type
diesel
diesel-electric hybrid
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
manual
automatic
Number of Gears
5
6
Drive Wheels
rear
rear
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.7 l/100km
7.5 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
50 l
80 l
CO2 Emissions
—
197 g/km
Dimensions
Length
5025 mm
5320 mm
Width
1842 mm
1885 mm
Height
2061 mm
1865 mm
Wheelbase
2590 mm
3085 mm
Ground Clearance
—
312 mm
Kerb Weight
—
2055 Kg
Doors
2
5
Seats
3
5
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1000 Kg
2800 Kg
Load Capacity
1810 lkg
795 lkg
Safety
ABS
—
✓ Standard
EBD
—
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
—
✓ Standard
Traction Control
—
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
—
7
Driver Airbag
—
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
—
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
—
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
—
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
—
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
—
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
—
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
—
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
—
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
—
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
—
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
—
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
3 vehicle / 8 hybrid battery
Warranty Distance
150000 Km
100000 Km
Service Plan
—
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
—
9 servicesyr
Service Plan Distance
—
90000km
Service Intervals
15000
10000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Toyota Hilux
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Hilux
Fuel Economy
Hilux
Value
Phoenix
Practicality
Hilux
Pros & Cons
Ashok Leyland Phoenix
Lower starting price (R279 900)
Higher fuel consumption (7.7 l/100km)
Less power than rival (59 kW vs 150 kW)
No factory service plan
Toyota Hilux
More powerful engine (150 kW)
Better fuel economy (7.5 l/100km)
Higher towing capacity (2800 Kg)
Factory service plan included
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Phoenix or Hilux?
The Phoenix uses 7.7 l/100km and the Hilux uses 7.5 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Hilux is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Phoenix or Hilux?
The Phoenix produces 59 kW and 190 Nm of torque while the Hilux delivers 150 kW and 500 Nm of torque. The Hilux is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Phoenix and Hilux?
The Phoenix starts from R279 900 and the Hilux from R945 500. The Phoenix is cheaper by R665 600 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Phoenix or Hilux?
The Phoenix has a braked towing capacity of 1000 Kg and the Hilux can tow 2800 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Phoenix or the Hilux?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.
Also Consider