Verdict
The RM22,945-cheaper Toyota Hilux is the practical choice for a Malaysian household: it has five seats, four doors, all-wheel drive and 473 Nm from its two motors. Its 59.2-kWh battery gives a quoted 257 km range, with 10 kW AC and 125 kW DC charging. The Subaru BRZ is the focused alternative, pairing 234 hp and 250 Nm from a 2.4-litre boxer four with a six-speed manual, rear-wheel drive and just 1,289 kg. It is far smaller and 1,166 kg lighter, but carries only four people and costs more to tax at RM767 a year versus RM160.
Pick the Subaru BRZ if a 234-hp, 1,289-kg rear-wheel-drive coupe with a six-speed manual matters more than rear-seat access, all-wheel drive and lower running tax.
Pick the Toyota Hilux if you need five seats, four doors, all-wheel drive, 473 Nm and EV charging at a lower purchase price.
Key differences
- Price: Subaru BRZ RM249,245; Toyota Hilux RM226,300.
- Powertrain: BRZ 234 hp/250 Nm 2.4-litre petrol boxer four; Hilux twin motors with 193 hp/473 Nm and a 59.2-kWh battery.
- Driveline and transmission: BRZ rear-wheel drive with six-speed manual; Hilux all-wheel drive with single-ratio automatic.
- Size and weight: BRZ 4,265 mm long and 1,289 kg; Hilux 5,320 mm long and 2,455 kg.
- Seating and doors: BRZ has four seats and two doors; Hilux has five seats and four doors.
- Road tax: BRZ RM767 per year; Hilux RM160 per year.
BRZ
- 234 hp boxer engine with six-speed manual
- 1,289 kg, 1,166 kg lighter than the Hilux
- More compact 4,265-mm body
- RM22,945 more expensive
- Four seats and two doors versus five seats and four doors
- No autonomous braking or lane-keeping assist
Hilux
- RM22,945 lower price
- Five seats, four doors and all-wheel drive
- Pre-collision braking, steering correction and adaptive cruise control
- 193 hp versus the BRZ's 234 hp
- 2,455 kg versus the BRZ's 1,289 kg
- 1,055 mm longer than the BRZ
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM249,245 | RM226,300✓ |
| Body type | Coupe | Pickup |
| Segment | Sports Car | Truck/4X4 |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM767 | RM160✓ |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, Naturally-aspirated with Direct and Port Injection, Variable Valve Timing | 400V architecture |
| Capacity | 2,387 cc | — |
| Horsepower | 234 hp at 7,000 rpm | — |
| Torque | 250 Nm at 3,700 rpm | — |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Boxer 4 | — |
| Fuel | Petrol | Electric |
| Bore × Stroke | 94 mm × 86 mm | — |
| Compression Ratio | 12.5 | — |
| Number of Motors | — | 2 |
| Motor Horsepower | — | 193 hp |
| Motor Torque | — | 473 Nm |
| Battery Capacity | — | 59.2 kWh |
| EV Range | — | 257 km |
| Charging Rate (AC) | — | 10 kW |
| Charging Rate (DC) | — | 125 kW |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Manual | Single Ratio Automatic |
| Gears | 6 | — |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Aisin | — |
| Driveline | Rear Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 6.3 seconds | — |
| Top Speed | 226 km/h | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,265 mm | 5,320 mm |
| Width | 1,775 mm | 1,855 mm |
| Height | 1,310 mm | 1,845 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,575 mm | 3,085 mm |
| Weight | 1,289 kg | 2,455 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 50 litres | — |
| Doors | 2 | 4 |
| Seats | 4 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 226 litres | — |
| Front Tyre | 215/40R18 | 265/65R17 |
| Rear Tyre | 215/40R18 | 265/65R17 |
| Spare Tyre | Tyre Repair Kit | Full-size 17" Alloy |
| Factory Tyres | Michelin Pilot Sport 4 | Bridgestone Dueler A/T |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Japan (CBU) | Thailand (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Double Wishbones | De Dion Rear Axle |
| Front Wheels | 18" Alloys | 17" Aero Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 18" Alloys | 17" Aero Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 7 (Driver and Passenger, Driver Knee, Front Side and Front Curtain) | 7 (Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Driver's Knee, Front and Rear Curtain) |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | — | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 4 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available for Two Rear Passenger Seats | Available for two outer rear passenger seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | — | Yes, Pre-collision Braking |
| Lane-keeping Assist | No | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | — | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | Front Seats | All Seats |
| Safety Notes | Rear Cross Traffic Alert | — |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Manual Adjustable | 8-way Power Adjustable Driver's Seat, Manual Adjustable Passenger Seat |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding | 60:40 Tip-up base |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | — | Rear AC Vents |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front | 1 Front, 1 USB Front, 2 USB Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | 8" Touchscreen with Bluetooth, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, 8 Speakers | 12.3" Touchscreen with Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, 8-speaker Sound System |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Two Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | — |
| Parking Sensor Front | — | 4 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes, With 360 Degree Camera |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Handbrake | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 100,000 km | 150,000 km✓ |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
| Warranty Notes | — | 8-Year/Unlimited Mileage Warranty for Battery |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used BRZ & Hilux for sale
BRZ vs Hilux FAQ
Is the Subaru BRZ or Toyota Hilux better?
The Hilux is better for five occupants, all-wheel drive, driver assistance and EV operation. The BRZ is better if you specifically want a lighter rear-wheel-drive coupe with 234 hp and a six-speed manual.
What is the price difference?
The Subaru BRZ costs RM249,245 and the Toyota Hilux costs RM226,300, so the BRZ is RM22,945 more expensive.
How does charging compare with filling the BRZ?
The Hilux has a 59.2-kWh battery, quoted 257 km range, 10 kW AC charging and 125 kW DC charging. The petrol BRZ has a 50-litre fuel tank; no charging is required.
