Honda BR-V 1.5 VX CVT w/ Sensing (2023) vs Toyota Hiace Commuter (2020)
A full spec-by-spec comparison of Honda BR-V 1.5 VX CVT w/ Sensing (2023) vs Toyota Hiace Commuter (2020) — engine, performance, dimensions, features and price, with the differences highlighted to help you decide.
| Specification | Honda BR-V 1.5 VX CVT w/ Sensing (2023) Honda ₱1,400,000 | Toyota Hiace Commuter (2020) Toyota ₱1,396,000 |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Model Year | 2023 | 2020 |
| Warranty | 3-years/100,000km | 3-years/100,000 km |
| Availability | Current | Current |
| Engine & Drivetrain | ||
| Engine Type | Inline-4 | Inline-4 |
| Displacement | 1498cc | 2982cc |
| Valvetrain | DOHC 16-valve | DOHC 16-valve |
| Aspiration | Naturally Aspirated | Turbocharged |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Max Power | 121 PS @ 6600 rpm | 136 PS @ 3400 rpm |
| Max Torque | 145 Nm @ 4300 rpm | 300 Nm @ 1200 - 2400 rpm |
| Transmission | CVT | 5-speed M/T |
| Drivetrain | FWD | RWD |
| Compression Ratio | — | 16.0 |
| Body & Dimensions | ||
| Body Type | MPV AUV | Van |
| Segment | Crossover | Van |
| Construction | Unibody | Body-on-frame |
| Exterior Colors | Tafetta White, Lunar Silver Metallic, Meteoroid Gray Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl | White |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seating Capacity | 2+3+2 | 3 |
| Length (mm) | 4490 | 4695 |
| Width (mm) | 1780 | 1695 |
| Height (mm) | 1685 | 1980 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2700 | 2570 |
| Curb Weight (kg) | 1298 | 2475 |
| Fuel Tank (L) | 42 | 70 |
| Chassis, Wheels & Brakes | ||
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut w/ Coil Spring | Double Wishbone w/ Coil Spring |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion Beam | 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 | Drum | Drum |
| Steering Type | EPS | Hydraulic |
| Steering Column | Tilt | Tilt |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring | No | No |
| Differential Lock | No | No |
| Safety | ||
| Anti-lock Braking (ABS) | Yes | No |
| Electronic Brakeforce Distribution | Yes | 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 | 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 | 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 | Manual | Manual |
| Key Type | Keyless Entry | Standard Key |
| Push-Button Start | No | No |
| Cruise Control | Yes | No |
| Multi-Info Display | Yes | Yes |
| Paddle Shifters | Yes | No |
| Reverse Camera | No | 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 | Yes | Yes |
| Daytime Running Lights | Yes | No |
Honda BR-V 1.5 VX CVT w/ Sensing (2023) vs Toyota Hiace Commuter (2020): which should you buy?
For a Filipino buyer prioritizing daily comfort, fuel efficiency, and city maneuverability, the Honda BR-V 1.5 VX CVT is the superior choice. It offers a significantly lower price of ₱1,400,000 compared to the Toyota Hiace's ₱1,396,000, while delivering a smooth 121 PS of power via a CVT transmission. The BR-V's unibody construction, 5-door design, and 2+3+2 seating layout provide a more refined and spacious passenger experience ideal for families or commuters. Conversely, the Toyota Hiace Commuter is the logical pick for those needing maximum towing capability, durability, and raw torque. Its body-on-frame chassis, 2982cc turbocharged diesel engine producing 300 Nm of torque, and rear-wheel drive layout make it the robust workhorse for heavy loads or long-distance hauling, despite the slightly older model year and manual transmission.
Frequently asked questions
Which vehicle is cheaper?
The Toyota Hiace Commuter is slightly cheaper at ₱1,396,000, while the Honda BR-V 1.5 VX CVT is priced at ₱1,400,000.
Which engine is more powerful?
The Toyota Hiace Commuter generates more power with 136 PS compared to the Honda BR-V's 121 PS, though the Hiace produces significantly more torque at 300 Nm versus 145 Nm.
Which is better for daily commuting in Manila traffic?
The Honda BR-V is better suited for daily commuting due to its CVT transmission, unibody construction, and 5-door layout offering easier access and a more comfortable ride compared to the Hiace's 5-speed M/T and body-on-frame design.
Which vehicle is more practical for heavy loads or towing?
The Toyota Hiace Commuter is far more practical for heavy duties because it features a body-on-frame construction, RWD drivetrain, and a 2982cc turbocharged diesel engine designed for high torque, unlike the FWD Honda BR-V.