Subaru Impreza 2.0i-s (2017) vs Toyota Hiace Commuter (2020)

Subaru Impreza 2.0i-s (2017) vs Toyota Hiace Commuter (2020): which should you buy?

The 2017 Subaru Impreza 2.0i‑s and the 2020 Toyota Hiace Commuter serve very different needs, so the choice hinges on intended use. The Impreza is a compact C‑segment sedan with all‑wheel drive, a flat‑four 2.0‑L engine delivering 156 PS and 196 Nm, and a CVT. It seats 2 + 3, is 4,625 mm long and priced at ₱1,458,000, making it slightly more expensive but offering sporty handling, better power‑to‑weight and a modern sedan cabin for a small family or a professional who values driving dynamics and AWD traction. The Hiace, on the other hand, is a 5‑door van built on a body‑on‑frame chassis, powered by a 3.0‑L turbo‑diesel delivering 136 PS but a much higher 300 Nm torque low down, paired with a 5‑speed manual. At ₱1,396,000 it is a few hundred thousand pesos cheaper and provides far more interior volume and seating for up to 15 passengers, making it ideal for commercial use, shuttle services, or large families needing cargo space. In summary, choose the Impreza if you want a sporty, AWD sedan for everyday driving and occasional trips; choose the Hiace if you need maximum passenger capacity, cargo room, and low‑end torque for hauling, and can work with a manual transmission and rear‑wheel drive layout.