Top-end JAC T8 vs cheapest Toyota Hilux Double Cab – 2 ways to spend R460,000

JAC, a Chinese brand selling light commercial vehicles in South Africa, recently added a 2.0-litre, turbo-diesel option to its T8 Double Cab range.

Previously, this bakkie was only available with a 1.9-litre motor.

As a result, the new top-end JAC T8 will now cost buyers R462,400 – putting it into Hilux Double Cab territory.

We compare the cheapest version of the Toyota Hilux Double Cab – which sells for R460,600 – against the most-expensive JAC T8 to see which one provides more value, below.

Features

In the Toyota Hilux Double Cab range, the entry-level Hilux S is as primitive as they come. It has no audio system, no multi-information driver’s display, PVC seats, and a black plastic front bumper.

A manual air-conditioner, electric windows, central locking, one 12V power outlet, and a multifunction steering wheel are included, but most luxuries beyond this are reserved for the more expensive specifications.

Although this Hilux doesn’t have a radio as standard, it does come with four speakers installed – and most 2021 models on the second-hand market feature an aftermarket Sansui audio system.

This makes it likely the radio is an optional extra when buying the bakkie.

The JAC T8, on the other hand, is situated firmly in the value-for-money category – with the range-topping Lux trim offering all the bells and whistles.

You get a multifunction steering wheel, a multi-information driver’s display, a manual aircon, artificial leather upholstery, central locking, a reverse camera with rear parking sensors, electric windows, and a 7-inch touch display with Bluetooth support.

The JAC also sports xenon headlights, 18-inch alloy wheels, rock sliders, and a roll bar – whereas the Toyota has halogen lights, steel wheels, no sliders, and no roll bar.

ABS brakes with brake assist and hill-start control are standard on both bakkies, too, while the Hilux further gets trailer sway control and three airbags.

The T8 has two airbags.

Performance

The newly-added 2.0-litre, turbo-diesel motor for the JAC T8 produces 104kW and 320Nm, which is a 4kW improvement over the 1.9-litre version.

The engine mates to a six-speed manual transmission that delivers power to all four wheels via a shift-on-the-fly four-wheel-drive system.

Top speed clocks in at a rather low 150km/h, with an 8.7l/100km combined fuel consumption rating on the books.

The T8 also offers low-range gears and a “torque amplification mode” which benefits its off-road abilities, said JAC.

Under the hood of this Toyota lies a 2.7-litre, naturally-aspirated petrol engine putting out 122kW and 245Nm – connected to a five-speed manual gearbox that drives the rear wheels.

The Hilux reaches a higher top speed of 180km/h and achieves a hefty combined fuel consumption of 10.7l/100km.

Despite the JAC’s more sophisticated drivetrain, it only has a ground clearance of 210mm, compared to the 286mm of the Hilux.

The 4×4 JAC then supports a maximum towing capacity of 2,000kg – which is lower than the Hilux’s 2,500kg – but boasts a higher maximum payload capacity of 900kg next to the Toyota’s 835kg.