VS
At a Glance
Power
135 kW
150 kW
Torque
480 Nm
500 Nm
Fuel
8.6 l/100km
7.4 l/100km
Towing
3500 Kg
2750 Kg
Engine
2370 cc
2755 cc
Choosing between the GWM P500 and the Toyota Hilux is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The GWM P500 delivers 135 kW while the Toyota Hilux produces 150 kW. On fuel, the P500 returns 8.6 l/100km while the Hilux uses 7.4 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R889 900 for the P500 and R877 800 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.
Performance
Power Output
135 kW
150 kW
Torque
480 Nm
500 Nm
Top Speed
—
175 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2370 cc
2755 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
diesel
diesel-electric hybrid
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
9
6
Drive Wheels
all
rear
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
—
Low Range
✓ Standard
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
8.6 l/100km
7.4 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
78 l
80 l
CO2 Emissions
226 g/km
195 g/km
Dimensions
Length
5445 mm
5325 mm
Width
1991 mm
1900 mm
Height
1924 mm
1815 mm
Wheelbase
3350 mm
3085 mm
Ground Clearance
224 mm
286 mm
Kerb Weight
2550 Kg
1889 Kg
Doors
4
4
Seats
5
5
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500 Kg
2750 Kg
Load Capacity
760 l
850 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
7
7
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
—
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
7
3
Warranty Distance
200000 Km
100000 Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
7
9 services
Service Plan Distance
75000
90000
Service Intervals
15000
10000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Toyota Hilux
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Hilux
Fuel Economy
Hilux
Value
Hilux
Practicality
P500
Pros & Cons
GWM P500
Higher towing capacity (3500 Kg)
Higher fuel consumption (8.6 l/100km)
Less power than rival (135 kW vs 150 kW)
Higher starting price
Toyota Hilux
More powerful engine (150 kW)
Better fuel economy (7.4 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R877 800)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the P500 or Hilux?
The P500 uses 8.6 l/100km and the Hilux uses 7.4 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Hilux is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the P500 or Hilux?
The P500 produces 135 kW and 480 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 P500 and Hilux?
The P500 starts from R889 900 and the Hilux from R877 800. The Hilux is cheaper by R12 100 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the P500 or Hilux?
The P500 has a braked towing capacity of 3500 Kg and the Hilux can tow 2750 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the P500 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.