Hyundai Grand Starex CRDi VGT GLS (10 seater) MT (2015) vs Toyota Hiace Ambulance (2020)

Hyundai Grand Starex CRDi VGT GLS (10 seater) MT (2015) vs Toyota Hiace Ambulance (2020): which should you buy?

For a Filipino buyer who needs a multi‑purpose people‑mover with seating for a larger crew, the 2015 Hyundai Grand Starex CRDi VGT GLS is the clearer choice. It seats 10 versus the Toyota Hiace Ambulance’s 2 seats, making it suitable for family trips, shuttle services or small business transport. Although the Grand Starex is slightly more expensive (₱1,563,000 vs ₱1,540,000), it offers substantially higher output – 170 PS and 392 Nm of torque – compared with the Hiace’s 136 PS and 300 Nm, giving better acceleration when fully loaded. Both are diesel, 5‑speed manual, RWD and body‑on‑frame, but the Grand Starex’s larger 2.5‑L engine delivers more low‑end torque (2000‑2500 rpm) which is useful for city and highway hauling. The Hiace, being a 2020 model, is still in production and comes with a fresh 5‑year warranty, whereas the Grand Starex is discontinued with an “unlimited/5‑years” warranty that may be harder to claim. If you need a brand‑new, warranty‑friendly van for occasional medical transport or cargo, the Hiace Ambulance fits; otherwise, for regular passenger transport and higher performance, the Grand Starex is the better investment.