63% of its value after 5 years. That's what a Toyota HiLux retains. The Ranger holds 58%, the D-Max 55%. On a $60,000 ute, that 8% gap between the HiLux and D-Max is worth $4,800 when you sell. But the D-Max costs $3,250 less to buy. These three utes are so close on specs that the real battle is in the ownership maths.
The Full Spec Battle
| Spec | Ranger XLT V6 | HiLux SR5 | D-Max X-Terrain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price (RRP) | $63,790 | $60,150 | $56,900 |
| Engine | 3.0L V6 TD | 2.8L 4-cyl TD | 3.0L 4-cyl TD |
| Power | 184kW | 150kW | 140kW |
| Torque | 600Nm | 500Nm | 450Nm |
| Fuel Economy | 8.7L/100km | 7.6L/100km | 7.2L/100km |
| Towing (Braked) | 3,500kg | 3,500kg | 3,500kg |
| Payload | 1,003kg | 925kg | 965kg |
| Gearbox | 10-speed Auto | 6-speed Auto | 6-speed Auto |
| Screen | 12" | 8" | 9" |
| Warranty | 5yr | 5yr | 6yr/150k |
| 5yr Resale (est.) | ~58% | ~63% | ~55% |
5-Year Ownership Cost
| Cost | Ranger XLT V6 | HiLux SR5 | D-Max X-Terrain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Driveaway (est.) | ~$69,500 | ~$66,000 | ~$62,000 |
| 5yr Fuel | $12,038 | $10,545 | $9,990 |
| 5yr Servicing | $4,500 | $4,000 | $3,750 |
| 5yr Insurance | $10,500 | $10,000 | $9,500 |
| Resale (est. 5yr) | ~$40,300 | ~$41,580 | ~$34,100 |
| True 5yr Cost | $56,238 | $48,965 | $51,140 |
The HiLux wins on total 5-year cost. Despite costing $4,000 more than the D-Max to buy, the HiLux's resale advantage ($7,480 more at 5 years) more than covers the difference.
CarSorted Data Insight
Based on CarSorted's database of 1,041 Australian vehicles: across all ute variants in our database, the average towing capacity is 3,220kg braked. All three of these utes exceed that at 3,500kg. But the Ranger V6's 600Nm of torque is 20% more than the D-Max's 450Nm, making it the most effortless tower of the three, especially on grades.
The D-Max has the best fuel economy of any ute with 3,500kg towing in our database. At 7.2L/100km, it uses 17% less fuel than the Ranger V6 (8.7L). For tradies doing 25,000km/year, that's a $695/year fuel saving.
The Verdict
Buy the Ranger if: you want the most powerful ute (V6, 600Nm), best tech (12" screen, SYNC4), and the best towing experience. Pay the premium for the V6 experience.
Buy the HiLux if: you buy and sell every 3-5 years and want maximum resale return. You're essentially renting the cheapest ute in Australia when you factor in how much you get back.
Buy the D-Max if: you want the best value right now. Cheapest to buy, cheapest to fuel, 6-year warranty, and more features per dollar than the HiLux. Best for long-term owners who keep their ute 7+ years.
Compare all three on CarSorted with 200+ specs and running cost calculators.
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Disclaimer: All information in this article was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (4 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Specifications, government incentives, and rebates can change without notice. Always verify details with the manufacturer or relevant authority before making a purchase decision. Running cost estimates are based on average Australian driving conditions at 15,000 km/year. All opinions are editorial and independent. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations or rankings.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 4 April 2026
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