Geely EX5 EM-i Max (2026) vs Toyota Hiace Commuter (2020)
A full spec-by-spec comparison of Geely EX5 EM-i Max (2026) vs Toyota Hiace Commuter (2020) — engine, performance, dimensions, features and price, with the differences highlighted to help you decide.
| Specification | Geely EX5 EM-i Max (2026) Geely ₱1,468,000 | Toyota Hiace Commuter (2020) Toyota ₱1,396,000 |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Model Year | 2026 | 2020 |
| Availability | Current | Current |
| Warranty | — | 3-years/100,000 km |
| Engine & Drivetrain | ||
| Engine Type | Inline-4 | Inline-4 |
| Displacement | 1498cc | 2982cc |
| Valvetrain | 16-Valve | DOHC 16-valve |
| Aspiration | Naturally Aspirated | Turbocharged |
| Fuel Type | PHEV | Diesel |
| Max Power | 99 PS | 136 PS @ 3400 rpm |
| Max Torque | 125 Nm | 300 Nm @ 1200 - 2400 rpm |
| Transmission | 1DHT Automatic | 5-speed M/T |
| Drivetrain | FWD | RWD |
| Compression Ratio | — | 16.0 |
| Body & Dimensions | ||
| Body Type | Midsize Crossover SUV | Van |
| Segment | Crossover | Van |
| Construction | Unibody | Body-on-frame |
| Exterior Colors | Alpine White, Coudveil Silver, Volcanic Grey, Polar Black, Glacier Blue, Jungle Green | White |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 3 |
| Length (mm) | 4740 | 4695 |
| Width (mm) | 1905 | 1695 |
| Height (mm) | 1685 | 1980 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2755 | 2570 |
| Curb Weight (kg) | 1770 | 2475 |
| Fuel Tank (L) | 51 | 70 |
| Chassis, Wheels & Brakes | ||
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | Double Wishbone w/ Coil Spring |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-Link | Leaf Spring |
| Front Wheels | 19 Alloys | 15 |
| Rear Wheels | 19 Alloy | 15 |
| Front Tires | 245/45R19 | 195/R15 |
| Rear Tires | 245/45 R19 | 195/R15 |
| Front Brakes | Disc | Disc |
| Rear Brakes | Disc | Drum |
| Steering Type | EPS | Hydraulic |
| Steering Column | Tilt | Tilt |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring | — | No |
| Differential Lock | — | 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 |
| Driver Airbag | Yes | No |
| Knee Airbag | Yes | No |
| Passenger Airbag | Yes | No |
| Front Curtain Airbags | Yes | No |
| Rear Curtain Airbags | Yes | No |
| Engine Immobilizer | Yes | No |
| Security Alarm | Yes | No |
| Door Locking | Central Locking | Manual Locking |
| Vehicle Dynamic Control | — | No |
| Forward Collision Mitigation | — | No |
| Blind Spot Warning | — | No |
| Hill Start Assist | — | No |
| Hill Descent Control | — | No |
| Auto Stop/Start | — | No |
| Rear Side Airbags | — | No |
| Comfort & Convenience | ||
| Air Conditioning | Automatic Climate Control | Dual Manual Airconditioning |
| Seat Material | Fabric | Vinyl |
| Parking Brake | EPB | Manual |
| Key Type | Keyless | Standard Key |
| Push-Button Start | Yes | No |
| Cruise Control | Yes | No |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | No |
| Power Windows | Yes | Yes |
| Rear A/C Vents | — | No |
| Multi-Info Display | — | Yes |
| Paddle Shifters | — | No |
| Auto Headlights | — | No |
| Power Seats | — | No |
| Remote Trunk Release | — | No |
| Eco Mode | — | No |
| Antenna | — | yes |
| Infotainment & Audio | ||
| Speakers | 6 | 2 |
| Touchscreen | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | No |
| Apple CarPlay | Yes | No |
| Android Auto | Yes | No |
| AM/FM Radio | Yes | Yes |
| Navigation | — | No |
| USB | — | Yes |
| AUX Input | — | Yes |
| CD Player | — | Yes |
| DVD Player | — | No |
| MP3 Playback | — | Yes |
| iPod Support | — | No |
| SD Card Slot | — | No |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlights | LED | Halogen |
| Fog Lights | — | Yes |
| Daytime Running Lights | — | No |
Geely EX5 EM-i Max (2026) vs Toyota Hiace Commuter (2020): which should you buy?
For a Filipino buyer prioritizing fuel efficiency, modern comfort, and city maneuverability, the Geely EX5 EM-i Max is the superior choice despite its higher sticker price. It offers a plug-in hybrid system with a 1498cc engine producing 99 PS, allowing for smoother, quieter daily commutes in heavy traffic compared to the older Toyota Hiace. Conversely, the Toyota Hiace Commuter (2020) remains the logical selection for buyers needing a rugged, work-oriented van with a 2982cc turbo-diesel engine delivering 136 PS and 300 Nm of torque. If budget is the primary constraint, the Hiace is cheaper by ₱72,000, but the EX5 provides a unibody construction, automatic transmission, and multiple exterior colors versus the Hiace's body-on-frame chassis, manual transmission, and single white color option.
Frequently asked questions
Which vehicle costs less?
The Toyota Hiace Commuter is cheaper, priced at ₱1,396,000 compared to the Geely EX5 EM-i Max's ₱1,468,000.
Which car has more power?
The Toyota Hiace Commuter is more powerful, producing 136 PS versus the Geely EX5 EM-i Max's 99 PS.
Which vehicle is better for daily city commuting?
The Geely EX5 EM-i Max is better for city commuting due to its PHEV system, 1DHT automatic transmission, and unibody construction, whereas the Hiace uses a 5-speed manual and body-on-frame design.
What is the main difference in construction?
The Geely EX5 EM-i Max features a unibody construction with 5 doors, while the Toyota Hiace Commuter utilizes a body-on-frame construction with only 5 doors.