BYD Tang DM-i (2026) vs Toyota Hiace GL Grandia Tourer 2.8 Diesel A/T – Luxury Pearl Toning (2019)

BYD Tang DM-i (2026) vs Toyota Hiace GL Grandia Tourer 2.8 Diesel A/T – Luxury Pearl Toning (2019): which should you buy?

For a Filipino buyer who prioritises modern efficiency, passenger comfort and a lower purchase price, the 2026 BYD Tang DM‑i is the clearer choice. It costs ₱2,148,000, about ₱516,000 less than the 2019 Toyota Hiace GL Grandia Tourer, yet delivers 271 PS and 315 Nm from a 1.5‑litre turbo‑charged PHEV powertrain, giving it a sportier feel than the Hiace’s 163 PS and 420 Nm from a 2.8‑litre diesel. The Tang’s six‑speed automatic and front‑wheel‑drive layout suit urban and suburban driving, while its midsize crossover SUV body offers a more car‑like ride, five doors and flexible 2+3+2 seating for up to seven occupants. Its six‑year/150,000 km warranty also exceeds the Hiace’s three‑year/100,000 km coverage. The Hiace, however, remains the practical workhorse for large groups or cargo, with a body‑on‑frame van design, rear‑wheel‑drive, 14‑seat capacity and a robust diesel engine that produces higher torque (420 Nm) for heavy loads. If you need to transport many passengers or haul goods regularly, the Hiace’s size and torque advantage outweigh its higher price and older technology. Otherwise, for everyday family use, fuel‑saving PHEV benefits and a newer warranty, the BYD Tang DM‑i is the more sensible pick.