Toyota Corolla Altis 2.0 V (2017) vs Toyota Hiace Commuter (2020)
A full spec-by-spec comparison of Toyota Corolla Altis 2.0 V (2017) vs Toyota Hiace Commuter (2020) — engine, performance, dimensions, features and price, with the differences highlighted to help you decide.
| Specification | Toyota Corolla Altis 2.0 V (2017) Toyota ₱1,451,000 | Toyota Hiace Commuter (2020) Toyota ₱1,396,000 |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Model Year | 2017 | 2020 |
| Warranty | 100,000 km/3-years | 3-years/100,000 km |
| Availability | Current | Current |
| Engine & Drivetrain | ||
| Engine Type | Inline-4 | Inline-4 |
| Displacement | 1987cc | 2982cc |
| Valvetrain | DOHC 16-valve | DOHC 16-valve |
| Aspiration | Naturally Aspirated VVT-i | Turbocharged |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Diesel |
| Max Power | 145 PS @ 6500 rpm | 136 PS @ 3400 rpm |
| Max Torque | 187 Nm @ 3600 rpm | 300 Nm @ 1200 - 2400 rpm |
| Transmission | CVT | 5-speed M/T |
| Drivetrain | FWD | RWD |
| Compression Ratio | — | 16.0 |
| Body & Dimensions | ||
| Body Type | Sedan | Van |
| Segment | C | Van |
| Construction | Unibody | Body-on-frame |
| Doors | 4 | 5 |
| Seating Capacity | 2+3 | 3 |
| Length (mm) | 4620 | 4695 |
| Width (mm) | 1775 | 1695 |
| Height (mm) | 1460 | 1980 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2700 | 2570 |
| Fuel Tank (L) | 55 | 70 |
| Exterior Colors | — | White |
| Curb Weight (kg) | — | 2475 |
| Chassis, Wheels & Brakes | ||
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | Double Wishbone w/ Coil Spring |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion Beam | Leaf Spring |
| Front Wheels | 17 Alloy | 15 |
| Rear Wheels | 17 Alloy | 15 |
| Front Tires | 215/45 R17 | 195/R15 |
| Rear Tires | 215/45 R17 | 195/R15 |
| Front Brakes | Disc | Disc |
| Rear Brakes | Disc | Drum |
| Steering Type | EPS | Hydraulic |
| Steering Column | tilt and telescopic | Tilt |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring | No | No |
| Differential Lock | No | No |
| Safety | ||
| Anti-lock Braking (ABS) | Yes | No |
| Electronic Brakeforce Distribution | Yes | No |
| Brake Assist | Yes | No |
| Parking Sensors | Yes | No |
| Stability Control | No | No |
| Traction Control | No | No |
| Vehicle Dynamic Control | No | No |
| Forward Collision Mitigation | No | No |
| Blind Spot Warning | No | No |
| Hill Start Assist | No | No |
| Hill Descent Control | No | No |
| Auto Stop/Start | No | No |
| Driver Airbag | Yes | No |
| Knee Airbag | Yes | No |
| Passenger Airbag | Yes | No |
| Front Curtain Airbags | Yes | No |
| Rear Curtain Airbags | Yes | No |
| Rear Side Airbags | Yes | No |
| Engine Immobilizer | Yes | No |
| Security Alarm | Yes | No |
| Door Locking | Central Locking | Manual Locking |
| Comfort & Convenience | ||
| Air Conditioning | Auto Climate Control System | Dual Manual Airconditioning |
| Rear A/C Vents | Yes | No |
| Seat Material | Leather | Vinyl |
| Parking Brake | Manual | Manual |
| Key Type | Smart Entry | Standard Key |
| Push-Button Start | Yes | No |
| Cruise Control | Yes | No |
| Multi-Info Display | Yes | Yes |
| Paddle Shifters | Yes | No |
| Reverse Camera | No | No |
| Auto Headlights | No | No |
| Power Windows | Yes | Yes |
| Power Seats | Yes | No |
| Remote Trunk Release | No | No |
| Eco Mode | No | No |
| Antenna | yes | yes |
| Infotainment & Audio | ||
| Speakers | 6 | 2 |
| Touchscreen | Yes | No |
| Navigation | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | No |
| Apple CarPlay | No | No |
| Android Auto | No | No |
| USB | Yes | Yes |
| AUX Input | Yes | Yes |
| AM/FM Radio | Yes | Yes |
| CD Player | Yes | Yes |
| DVD Player | No | No |
| MP3 Playback | Yes | Yes |
| iPod Support | No | No |
| SD Card Slot | No | No |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlights | LED | Halogen |
| Fog Lights | Yes | Yes |
| Daytime Running Lights | Yes | No |
Toyota Corolla Altis 2.0 V (2017) vs Toyota Hiace Commuter (2020): which should you buy?
For a Filipino buyer focused on personal daily driving, the 2017 Toyota Corolla Altis 2.0 V is the clearer choice. It costs slightly more (₱1,451,000 vs ₱1,396,000 for the Hiace) but offers a sportier 145 PS gasoline engine, CVT transmission and a sleek 4‑door sedan body that fits city traffic and parking constraints. Its unibody construction, FWD layout and compact 4620 mm length make it more agile and fuel‑efficient for everyday commutes, while still providing seating for up to five. The Hiace Commuter, priced a bit lower, is a 5‑door, body‑on‑frame van with a larger 2982 cc turbo‑diesel engine that delivers more torque (300 Nm) but less peak power (136 PS) and comes only with a 5‑speed manual. Its RWD setup and van body suit cargo or large‑family transport, but the bulkier dimensions and manual gearbox reduce convenience for typical city use. Both carry the same 3‑year/100,000 km warranty. Choose the Corolla if you prioritize comfort, handling, and a modern sedan experience; opt for the Hiace only if you need extra interior space and higher low‑end torque for hauling goods or many passengers.
Frequently asked questions
Which model is cheaper?
The Toyota Hiace Commuter 2020 is priced at ₱1,396,000, which is ₱55,000 less than the Corolla Altis 2.0 V.
Which vehicle has more power?
The Corolla Altis 2.0 V produces 145 PS, while the Hiace Commuter makes 136 PS, so the Corolla has the higher peak power.
Which is better for daily commuting in the city?
The Corolla Altis, with its compact sedan shape, CVT, FWD and gasoline engine, offers better maneuverability and fuel‑efficiency for typical city commutes compared to the larger, manual‑shifted, RWD van.
What are the key practical differences?
The Corolla seats 5 in a sedan layout, has a CVT and unibody construction, while the Hiace seats up to 5 in a van body, provides a manual 5‑speed gearbox, higher torque for load‑carrying, and a body‑on‑frame design suited for cargo or larger groups.