Nissan Leaf EV (2023) vs Toyota Hiace Commuter (2020)
A full spec-by-spec comparison of Nissan Leaf EV (2023) vs Toyota Hiace Commuter (2020) — engine, performance, dimensions, features and price, with the differences highlighted to help you decide.
| Specification | Nissan Leaf EV (2023) Nissan ₱1,998,000 | 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 | Electric Motor | Inline-4 |
| Aspiration | Hybrid / Electric | Turbocharged |
| Fuel Type | Electric | Diesel |
| Max Power | 150 PS | 136 PS @ 3400 rpm |
| Max Torque | 320 Nm | 300 Nm @ 1200 - 2400 rpm |
| Transmission | Single Speed | 5-speed M/T |
| Drivetrain | FWD | RWD |
| Displacement | — | 2982cc |
| Valvetrain | — | DOHC 16-valve |
| Compression Ratio | — | 16.0 |
| Body & Dimensions | ||
| Body Type | Hatchback | Van |
| Segment | Hatchback | Van |
| Construction | Unibody | Body-on-frame |
| Exterior Colors | White Pearl, Night Blue Metallic, Radiant Red, Gun Metallic | White |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seating Capacity | 2+3 | 3 |
| Length (mm) | 4490 | 4695 |
| Width (mm) | 1788 | 1695 |
| Height (mm) | 1540 | 1980 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2700 | 2570 |
| Curb Weight (kg) | 1591 | 2475 |
| Fuel Tank (L) | — | 70 |
| Chassis, Wheels & Brakes | ||
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut w/ Coil Spring | Double Wishbone w/ Coil Spring |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion Beam | Leaf Spring |
| Front Wheels | 16 | 15 |
| Rear Wheels | 16 | 15 |
| Front Tires | 205/55/R16 | 195/R15 |
| Rear Tires | 205/55/R16 | 195/R15 |
| Front Brakes | Disc | Disc |
| Rear Brakes | Disc | Drum |
| Steering Type | EPS | Hydraulic |
| Steering Column | Tilt | 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 | No | No |
| Stability Control | No | No |
| Traction Control | No | No |
| Vehicle Dynamic Control | Yes | No |
| Forward Collision Mitigation | No | No |
| Blind Spot Warning | Yes | 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 | Fabric | Vinyl |
| Parking Brake | EPB | Manual |
| Key Type | Keyless Entry | Standard Key |
| Push-Button Start | No | No |
| Cruise Control | Yes | No |
| Multi-Info Display | Yes | Yes |
| Paddle Shifters | No | 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 |
Nissan Leaf EV (2023) vs Toyota Hiace Commuter (2020): which should you buy?
For a Filipino buyer looking for an electric vehicle with good range and low operating costs, the Nissan Leaf EV (2023) is highly recommended. It offers 150 PS of power and 320 Nm of torque, making it suitable for daily commutes and urban driving. The Leaf has a single-speed transmission and front-wheel drive, providing a smooth ride and efficient performance. Its electric motor means no fuel costs, only electricity bills, which is ideal for budget-conscious buyers. On the other hand, the Toyota Hiace Commuter (2020) is better suited for those who need more power and torque due to its turbocharged inline-4 engine delivering 136 PS of power at 3400 rpm and 300 Nm of torque from 1200 - 2400 rpm. The Hiace also offers a 5-speed manual transmission, making it more versatile for different driving conditions. For those who prioritize practicality over range or power, the Hiace Commuter is a better choice.