Hyundai Palisade 2.5 Turbo HEV Calligraphy (2026) vs Toyota Hiace Commuter (2020)
A full spec-by-spec comparison of Hyundai Palisade 2.5 Turbo HEV Calligraphy (2026) vs Toyota Hiace Commuter (2020) — engine, performance, dimensions, features and price, with the differences highlighted to help you decide.
| Specification | Hyundai Palisade 2.5 Turbo HEV Calligraphy (2026) Hyundai ₱3,980,000 | Toyota Hiace Commuter (2020) Toyota ₱1,396,000 |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Model Year | 2026 | 2020 |
| Warranty | 5-years/200,000km | 3-years/100,000 km |
| Availability | Current | Current |
| Engine & Drivetrain | ||
| Engine Type | Inline-4 | Inline-4 |
| Displacement | 2497cc | 2982cc |
| Valvetrain | DOHC 16-Valve | DOHC 16-valve |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | Turbocharged |
| Fuel Type | Hybrid | Diesel |
| Max Power | 334 PS | 136 PS @ 3400 rpm |
| Max Torque | 422 Nm | 300 Nm @ 1200 - 2400 rpm |
| Transmission | Automatic 6-Speed | 5-speed M/T |
| Drivetrain | AWD | RWD |
| Compression Ratio | — | 16.0 |
| Body & Dimensions | ||
| Body Type | Large Crossover SUV | Van |
| Segment | Crossover | Van |
| Construction | Unibody | Body-on-frame |
| Exterior Colors | Graphite Grey, Abyss Black, Creamy White, Moonlight Blue Sierra Burgundy Pearl | White |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seating Capacity | 2+2+3 | 3 |
| Length (mm) | 5065 | 4695 |
| Width (mm) | 1980 | 1695 |
| Height (mm) | 1805 | 1980 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2970 | 2570 |
| Curb Weight (kg) | 2275 | 2475 |
| Fuel Tank (L) | 72 | 70 |
| Chassis, Wheels & Brakes | ||
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut w/Coil Spring | Double Wishbone w/ Coil Spring |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link with Coil Spring | Leaf Spring |
| Front Wheels | 21 | 15 |
| Rear Wheels | 21 | 15 |
| Front Tires | 265/45R21 | 195/R15 |
| Rear Tires | 265/45R21 | 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 | Yes | No |
| Brake Assist | No | No |
| Parking Sensors | Yes | No |
| Stability Control | Yes | No |
| Traction 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 | Yes | No |
| Knee Airbag | Yes | 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 |
| Vehicle Dynamic Control | — | No |
| 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 | Yes | No |
| Cruise Control | Yes | No |
| Multi-Info Display | Yes | Yes |
| Paddle Shifters | Yes | No |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | No |
| Auto Headlights | No | No |
| Power Windows | Yes | Yes |
| Power Seats | Yes | No |
| Remote Trunk Release | No | No |
| Eco Mode | No | No |
| Antenna | yes | yes |
| Infotainment & Audio | ||
| Speakers | 14 | 2 |
| Touchscreen | Yes | No |
| Navigation | Yes | 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 | Yes | No |
Hyundai Palisade 2.5 Turbo HEV Calligraphy (2026) vs Toyota Hiace Commuter (2020): which should you buy?
For a Filipino buyer prioritizing luxury, performance, and family comfort, the 2026 Hyundai Palisade 2.5 Turbo HEV Calligraphy is the superior choice, despite its significantly higher price. At ₱3,980,000, it offers a modern unibody crossover design with 334 PS of power, AWD capability, and a 5-year warranty. Conversely, the 2020 Toyota Hiace Commuter remains the pragmatic, budget-friendly option at ₱1,396,000, ideal for those needing a rugged, body-on-frame van with a diesel engine for utility. The Palisade delivers a 2+2+3 seating layout and hybrid efficiency, while the Hiace provides a 5-speed manual transmission and RWD layout. Choose the Palisade for daily luxury commuting with ample space, or the Hiace if cost and durability in a van format are the primary concerns.
Frequently asked questions
Which vehicle is cheaper?
The 2020 Toyota Hiace Commuter is significantly cheaper at ₱1,396,000 compared to the 2026 Hyundai Palisade 2.5 Turbo HEV Calligraphy which costs ₱3,980,000.
Which car has more power?
The Hyundai Palisade is more powerful with a max output of 334 PS, whereas the Toyota Hiace produces only 136 PS.
Which is better for daily commuting in the Philippines?
The Hyundai Palisade is designed for daily commuting with its 2+2+3 seating capacity, AWD system, and hybrid fuel type, while the Toyota Hiace is a van primarily suited for utility.
Do both vehicles offer a 5-year warranty?
No, only the 2026 Hyundai Palisade offers a 5-year/200,000km warranty, while the 2020 Toyota Hiace Commuter comes with a 3-year/100,000 km warranty.