BYD Dolphin (2023) vs Toyota Hiace Commuter (2020)
A full spec-by-spec comparison of BYD Dolphin (2023) vs Toyota Hiace Commuter (2020) — engine, performance, dimensions, features and price, with the differences highlighted to help you decide.
| Specification | BYD Dolphin (2023) BYD ₱1,438,000 | Toyota Hiace Commuter (2020) Toyota ₱1,396,000 |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Model Year | 2023 | 2020 |
| Warranty | 6-years/150,000km | 3-years/100,000 km |
| Availability | Current | Current |
| Engine & Drivetrain | ||
| Engine Type | Electric Motor | Inline-4 |
| Fuel Type | Electric | Diesel |
| Max Power | 95 PS | 136 PS @ 3400 rpm |
| Max Torque | 180 Nm | 300 Nm @ 1200 - 2400 rpm |
| Transmission | Single Speed | 5-speed M/T |
| Drivetrain | FWD | RWD |
| Displacement | — | 2982cc |
| Valvetrain | — | DOHC 16-valve |
| Compression Ratio | — | 16.0 |
| Aspiration | — | Turbocharged |
| Body & Dimensions | ||
| Body Type | Hatchback | Van |
| Segment | Hatchback | Van |
| Construction | Unibody | Body-on-frame |
| Exterior Colors | Urban Grey, Cream White | White |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seating Capacity | 2+3 | 3 |
| Length (mm) | 4125 | 4695 |
| Width (mm) | 1770 | 1695 |
| Height (mm) | 1570 | 1980 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2700 | 2570 |
| Curb Weight (kg) | 1405 | 2475 |
| Fuel Tank (L) | — | 70 |
| Chassis, Wheels & Brakes | ||
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut w/ Coil Spring | Double Wishbone w/ Coil Spring |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion Beam | Leaf Spring |
| Front Wheels | 16" alloy | 15 |
| Rear Wheels | 16" alloy | 15 |
| Front Tires | 195/60/R16 | 195/R15 |
| Rear Tires | 195/60/R16 | 195/R15 |
| Front Brakes | Disc | Disc |
| Rear Brakes | Disc | Drum |
| Steering Type | EPS | Hydraulic |
| Steering Column | Tilt + Telescopic | Tilt |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring | Yes | 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 | Yes | No |
| Traction Control | Yes | No |
| Vehicle Dynamic Control | No | No |
| Forward Collision Mitigation | No | No |
| Blind Spot Warning | No | No |
| Hill Start Assist | Yes | No |
| Hill Descent Control | No | No |
| Auto Stop/Start | No | No |
| Driver Airbag | Yes | No |
| Knee Airbag | No | 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 | Automatic Climate Control | Dual Manual Airconditioning |
| Rear A/C Vents | No | No |
| Seat Material | Leather | Vinyl |
| Parking Brake | EPB | Manual |
| Key Type | Keyless Entry | Standard Key |
| Push-Button Start | No | No |
| Cruise Control | Yes | No |
| Multi-Info Display | Yes | Yes |
| Paddle Shifters | No | No |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | No |
| Auto Headlights | No | No |
| Power Windows | Yes | Yes |
| Power Seats | No | No |
| Remote Trunk Release | No | No |
| Eco Mode | No | No |
| Antenna | yes | yes |
| Infotainment & Audio | ||
| Speakers | 6 | 2 |
| Touchscreen | Yes | No |
| Navigation | No | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | No |
| Apple CarPlay | Yes | No |
| Android Auto | No | No |
| USB | Yes | Yes |
| AUX Input | No | Yes |
| AM/FM Radio | Yes | Yes |
| CD Player | No | Yes |
| DVD Player | No | No |
| MP3 Playback | No | Yes |
| iPod Support | No | No |
| SD Card Slot | No | No |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlights | LED | Halogen |
| Fog Lights | No | Yes |
| Daytime Running Lights | Yes | No |
BYD Dolphin (2023) vs Toyota Hiace Commuter (2020): which should you buy?
For a Filipino buyer looking for an electric vehicle with good power and features at a competitive price, the BYD Dolphin stands out. It offers more power (95 PS vs 136 PS), better torque (180 Nm vs 300 Nm), and is available in multiple colors. The Toyota Hiace Commuter, while cheaper, lacks electric motor technology and has less power and torque. For daily commuting needs, the BYD Dolphin's FWD setup might be more practical than the Hiace’s RWD.
Frequently asked questions
Which vehicle is more powerful?
The Toyota Hiace Commuter has 136 PS of max power while the BYD Dolphin has 95 PS. The Hiace also offers a wider torque range of 300 Nm compared to the Dolphin's 180 Nm.
Which vehicle is better for daily commuting?
The BYD Dolphin, being an electric hatchback with FWD setup, might be more practical for daily use. The Hiace Commuter, despite its lower price, has RWD which could make it less suitable for frequent short trips or parking in tight spaces.
Which vehicle is cheaper?
The Toyota Hiace Commuter is cheaper at ₱1,396,000 compared to the BYD Dolphin's ₱1,438,000. However, consider the additional features and benefits of the BYD model.
Which vehicle offers more colors?
The BYD Dolphin offers a wider range of exterior colors (Urban Grey and Cream White) compared to the Hiace Commuter's single color option (White).