Foton Thunder 2.0 4×4 AT (2024) vs Toyota Hiace Commuter (2020)
A full spec-by-spec comparison of Foton Thunder 2.0 4×4 AT (2024) vs Toyota Hiace Commuter (2020) — engine, performance, dimensions, features and price, with the differences highlighted to help you decide.
| Specification | Foton Thunder 2.0 4×4 AT (2024) Foton ₱1,398,000 | Toyota Hiace Commuter (2020) Toyota ₱1,396,000 |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Model Year | 2024 | 2020 |
| Warranty | 5 years or 150,000 kms | 3-years/100,000 km |
| Availability | Current | Current |
| Engine & Drivetrain | ||
| Engine Type | Inline-4 | Inline-4 |
| Displacement | 1968cc | 2982cc |
| Valvetrain | DOHC 16-valve | DOHC 16-valve |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | Turbocharged |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Max Power | 161 PS @ 3600 rpm | 136 PS @ 3400 rpm |
| Max Torque | 390 Nm | 300 Nm @ 1200 - 2400 rpm |
| Transmission | Automatic | 5-speed M/T |
| Drivetrain | 4WD | RWD |
| Compression Ratio | — | 16.0 |
| Body & Dimensions | ||
| Body Type | Pickup | Van |
| Segment | Pickup | Van |
| Construction | Body-on-frame | Body-on-frame |
| Exterior Colors | White | White |
| Doors | 4 | 5 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 3 |
| Length (mm) | 5340 | 4695 |
| Width (mm) | 1940 | 1695 |
| Height (mm) | 1870 | 1980 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 3110 | 2570 |
| Curb Weight (kg) | 2980 | 2475 |
| Fuel Tank (L) | 76 | 70 |
| Chassis, Wheels & Brakes | ||
| Front Suspension | Double Wishbone w/ Coil Spring | Double Wishbone w/ Coil Spring |
| Rear Suspension | Leaf Spring Non-Independent | Leaf Spring |
| Front Wheels | 18 | 15 |
| Rear Wheels | 18 | 15 |
| Front Tires | 265/70R18 | 195/R15 |
| Rear Tires | 265/70R18 | 195/R15 |
| Front Brakes | Disc | Disc |
| Rear Brakes | Disc | Drum |
| Steering Type | EPS | Hydraulic |
| Steering Column | Tilt & Telescope | Tilt |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring | Yes | No |
| Differential Lock | No | No |
| Safety | ||
| Anti-lock Braking (ABS) | Yes | 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 | Yes | No |
| Forward Collision Mitigation | No | No |
| Blind Spot Warning | No | No |
| Hill Start Assist | Yes | No |
| Hill Descent Control | Yes | 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 | Yes | No |
| Security Alarm | Yes | No |
| Door Locking | Central Locking | Manual Locking |
| Comfort & Convenience | ||
| Air Conditioning | Automatic Climate Control Dual Zone | 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 | No | Yes |
| Paddle Shifters | No | 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 | no | yes |
| Infotainment & Audio | ||
| Speakers | 6 | 2 |
| Touchscreen | Yes | No |
| Navigation | No | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | No |
| Apple CarPlay | Yes | No |
| Android Auto | No | No |
| USB | No | 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 | No | No |
Foton Thunder 2.0 4×4 AT (2024) vs Toyota Hiace Commuter (2020): which should you buy?
For a Filipino buyer deciding between the 2024 Foton Thunder 2.0 4×4 AT pickup and the 2020 Toyota Hiace Commuter van, the choice hinges on intended use and power needs. Both are priced almost identically (₱1,398,000 vs ₱1,396,000) and share a body‑on‑frame construction, but the Thunder offers a smaller 1.97‑L turbo diesel that produces significantly more power (161 PS) and torque (390 Nm) than the Hiace’s 3.0‑L unit (136 PS, 300 Nm). The Thunder’s 4WD system and automatic transmission make it better suited for off‑road or cargo‑heavy tasks, while the Hiace’s 5‑speed manual and rear‑wheel drive favor city driving and passenger transport. Seating capacity also differs: the Thunder seats five in a pickup layout, whereas the Hiace accommodates more passengers with five doors and a van body, ideal for shuttle or family use. Warranty favors the Thunder (5 years/150,000 km) over the Hiace’s 3 years/100,000 km. If you need a rugged workhorse with higher torque and all‑wheel traction, the Foton Thunder is the clear pick. If passenger capacity, manual control, and a proven van platform are priorities, the Toyota Hiace remains the practical option.
Frequently asked questions
Which vehicle is cheaper?
The Toyota Hiace Commuter is slightly cheaper at ₱1,396,000 compared to the Foton Thunder’s ₱1,398,000.
Which model has more power?
The Foton Thunder 2.0 produces 161 PS, while the Toyota Hiace delivers 136 PS, making the Thunder more powerful.
Which is better for off‑road or heavy‑load work?
The Thunder’s 4WD drivetrain, higher torque (390 Nm) and automatic transmission make it better suited for off‑road or heavy‑load applications.
Which vehicle is more suitable for daily passenger commuting?
The Toyota Hiace, with its van body, five doors and RWD layout, is designed for passenger transport and is more appropriate for daily commuting.