Hyundai Kona 2.0 GLS 6 A/T (2018) vs Toyota Hiace Commuter (2020)
A full spec-by-spec comparison of Hyundai Kona 2.0 GLS 6 A/T (2018) vs Toyota Hiace Commuter (2020) — engine, performance, dimensions, features and price, with the differences highlighted to help you decide.
| Specification | Hyundai Kona 2.0 GLS 6 A/T (2018) Hyundai | Toyota Hiace Commuter (2020) Toyota ₱1,396,000 |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Model Year | 2018 | 2020 |
| Warranty | — | 3-years/100,000 km |
| Availability | — | Current |
| Engine & Drivetrain | ||
| Engine Type | Inline-4 | Inline-4 |
| Valvetrain | DOHC 16-valve | DOHC 16-valve |
| Aspiration | Naturally Aspirated, NU MPI Atkinson | Turbocharged |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Diesel |
| Max Power | 149 PS @ 6200 rpm | 136 PS @ 3400 rpm |
| Max Torque | 179 nm @ 4500 rpm | 300 Nm @ 1200 - 2400 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-A/T | 5-speed M/T |
| Drivetrain | FWD | RWD |
| Displacement | — | 2982cc |
| Compression Ratio | — | 16.0 |
| Body & Dimensions | ||
| Body Type | Crossover | Van |
| Segment | J | Van |
| Construction | Unibody | Body-on-frame |
| Doors | 4 | 5 |
| Seating Capacity | 2+3 | 3 |
| Length (mm) | 4165 | 4695 |
| Width (mm) | 1800 | 1695 |
| Height (mm) | 1550 | 1980 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2600 | 2570 |
| Exterior Colors | — | White |
| Curb Weight (kg) | — | 2475 |
| Fuel Tank (L) | — | 70 |
| Chassis, Wheels & Brakes | ||
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | Double Wishbone w/ Coil Spring |
| Rear Suspension | Coupled Torsion Beam Axle | Leaf Spring |
| Front Wheels | 17 | 15 |
| Rear Wheels | 17 | 15 |
| Front Tires | 215/55/R17 | 195/R15 |
| Rear Tires | 215/55/R17 | 195/R15 |
| Front Brakes | Disc | Disc |
| Rear Brakes | Disc | Drum |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring | No | No |
| Differential Lock | No | No |
| Steering Type | — | Hydraulic |
| Steering Column | — | Tilt |
| Safety | ||
| Anti-lock Braking (ABS) | No | No |
| Electronic Brakeforce Distribution | No | No |
| Brake Assist | No | No |
| Parking Sensors | No | 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 | No | No |
| Knee Airbag | No | No |
| Passenger Airbag | No | No |
| Front Curtain Airbags | No | No |
| Rear Curtain Airbags | No | No |
| Rear Side Airbags | No | No |
| Engine Immobilizer | No | No |
| Security Alarm | Yes | No |
| Door Locking | — | Manual Locking |
| Comfort & Convenience | ||
| Air Conditioning | Manual Aircon | Dual Manual Airconditioning |
| Rear A/C Vents | Yes | No |
| Seat Material | Fabric | Vinyl |
| Key Type | Keyless Entry | Standard Key |
| Push-Button Start | No | No |
| Cruise Control | No | No |
| Multi-Info Display | No | Yes |
| Paddle Shifters | No | No |
| Reverse Camera | No | No |
| Auto Headlights | No | No |
| Power Windows | No | Yes |
| Power Seats | No | No |
| Remote Trunk Release | No | No |
| Eco Mode | No | No |
| Antenna | no | yes |
| Parking Brake | — | Manual |
| Infotainment & Audio | ||
| Speakers | 2 | 2 |
| Touchscreen | No | No |
| Navigation | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| Apple CarPlay | No | No |
| Android Auto | No | No |
| USB | No | Yes |
| AUX Input | No | Yes |
| AM/FM Radio | No | Yes |
| CD Player | No | Yes |
| DVD Player | No | No |
| MP3 Playback | No | Yes |
| iPod Support | No | No |
| SD Card Slot | No | No |
| Lighting | ||
| Fog Lights | Yes | Yes |
| Daytime Running Lights | No | No |
| Headlights | — | Halogen |
Hyundai Kona 2.0 GLS 6 A/T (2018) vs Toyota Hiace Commuter (2020): which should you buy?
For the Filipino buyer prioritizing daily utility and resale value, the Toyota Hiace Commuter is the superior choice despite its higher price tag. The Hiace offers a robust 2982cc turbocharged diesel engine producing 136 PS and 300 Nm of torque, paired with a 5-speed manual transmission and a body-on-frame construction, making it ideal for heavy loads or rough roads. In contrast, the 2018 Hyundai Kona GLS 6 A/T is a lighter crossover with a 149 PS naturally aspirated engine, 6-speed automatic, and unibody frame, suited for city commuting where comfort and lower initial cost matter more than towing capacity. If budget is the primary constraint, the Kona is the logical pick, but for serious utility, the Hiace's diesel power and RWD layout provide superior capability.
Frequently asked questions
Which vehicle is more powerful?
The Hyundai Kona 2.0 GLS 6 A/T is more powerful with 149 PS compared to the Toyota Hiace Commuter's 136 PS, though the Hiace produces significantly more torque at 300 Nm versus the Kona's 179 Nm.
Which one is cheaper?
The data provided does not list a price for the 2018 Hyundai Kona 2.0 GLS 6 A/T, but the 2020 Toyota Hiace Commuter is priced at ₱1,396,000.
Which has more seating capacity?
The Toyota Hiace Commuter offers 5 doors, while the Hyundai Kona has 4 doors; the Hiace is a van body type designed for utility, whereas the Kona is a 2+3 seating crossover.
Which is better for daily commuting in Manila traffic?
The Hyundai Kona is better for typical city commuting due to its 6-speed automatic transmission and lighter unibody construction, whereas the Toyota Hiace's RWD drivetrain and 5-speed manual are geared toward work and load-carrying.