Nissan NV350 Urvan Premium 2.5 MT (2018) vs Toyota Hiace GL Grandia 2.8L Diesel A/T (2019)

Nissan NV350 Urvan Premium 2.5 MT (2018) vs Toyota Hiace GL Grandia 2.8L Diesel A/T (2019): which should you buy?

For Filipino buyers choosing between the Nissan NV350 Urvan Premium 2.5 MT and the Toyota Hiace GL Grandia 2.8L A/T, the decision hinges on budget, power needs, and transmission preference. The Nissan NV350 is significantly cheaper at ₱2,105,000, making it a strong option for cost-conscious buyers or fleets. Its 2.5L turbo diesel engine produces 129 PS and 356 Nm, paired with a 5-speed manual transmission — sufficient for daily cargo or passenger use but less refined. In contrast, the Toyota Hiace commands ₱2,481,000 but offers substantially more power: 176 PS and 450 Nm from its 2.8L turbo diesel, paired with a smoother 6-speed automatic transmission. The Hiace also has four doors (versus three on the NV350), providing easier passenger access and loading. Both have body-on-frame construction and similar warranty terms. If you need maximum passenger comfort, automatic driving, and extra power for highway or heavy loads, the Hiace is worth the premium. If budget is the primary constraint and a manual transmission is acceptable, the NV350 delivers solid value. For daily commuting with frequent stops and heavy traffic, the Hiace's automatic and more doors make it more practical, while the NV350 is adequate for routes with less congestion.