VS
At a Glance
Power
104 kW
150 kW
Torque
320 Nm
500 Nm
Fuel
7.8 l/100km
7.4 l/100km
Towing
2000 Kg
2750 Kg
Engine
1999 cc
2755 cc
Choosing between the JAC T8 and the Toyota Hilux is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The JAC T8 delivers 104 kW while the Toyota Hilux produces 150 kW. On fuel, the T8 returns 7.8 l/100km while the Hilux uses 7.4 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R349 900 for the T8 and R894 600 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
104 kW
150 kW
Torque
320 Nm
500 Nm
Top Speed
150 Km/h
175 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1999 cc
2755 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
diesel
diesel
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
manual
automatic
Number of Gears
6
6
Drive Wheels
rear
rear
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.8 l/100km
7.4 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
76 l
80 l
CO2 Emissions
199 g/km
195 g/km
Dimensions
Length
5325 mm
5325 mm
Width
1880 mm
1900 mm
Height
1830 mm
1815 mm
Wheelbase
3090 mm
3085 mm
Ground Clearance
220 mm
286 mm
Kerb Weight
1855 Kg
1849 Kg
Doors
4
4
Seats
5
5
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2000 Kg
2750 Kg
Load Capacity
900 l
835 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
2
7
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
—
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
—
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
—
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
—
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
—
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
—
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
—
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
—
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
3
Warranty Distance
100000 Km
100000 Km
Service Plan
—
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
—
9 services
Service Plan Distance
—
90000
Service Intervals
15000
10000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Toyota Hilux
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Hilux
Fuel Economy
Hilux
Value
T8
Practicality
Hilux
Pros & Cons
JAC T8
Lower starting price (R349 900)
Higher fuel consumption (7.8 l/100km)
Less power than rival (104 kW vs 150 kW)
No factory service plan
Toyota Hilux
More powerful engine (150 kW)
Better fuel economy (7.4 l/100km)
Higher towing capacity (2750 Kg)
Factory service plan included
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the T8 or Hilux?
The T8 uses 7.8 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 T8 or Hilux?
The T8 produces 104 kW and 320 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 T8 and Hilux?
The T8 starts from R349 900 and the Hilux from R894 600. The T8 is cheaper by R544 700 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the T8 or Hilux?
The T8 has a braked towing capacity of 2000 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 T8 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.