Toyota Hiace Commuter (2020) vs Toyota Yaris Cross 1.5 V CVT Scarlet SE/Attitude Black Mica (2024)
A full spec-by-spec comparison of Toyota Hiace Commuter (2020) vs Toyota Yaris Cross 1.5 V CVT Scarlet SE/Attitude Black Mica (2024) — engine, performance, dimensions, features and price, with the differences highlighted to help you decide.
| Specification | Toyota Hiace Commuter (2020) Toyota ₱1,396,000 | Toyota Yaris Cross 1.5 V CVT Scarlet SE/Attitude Black Mica (2024) Toyota ₱1,318,000 |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Model Year | 2020 | 2024 |
| Warranty | 3-years/100,000 km | 3 years or 100,000 kms |
| Availability | Current | Current |
| Engine & Drivetrain | ||
| Engine Type | Inline-4 | Inline-4 |
| Displacement | 2982cc | 1496cc |
| Valvetrain | DOHC 16-valve | DOHC 16-Valve |
| Compression Ratio | 16.0 | — |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | Naturally Aspirated |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Max Power | 136 PS @ 3400 rpm | 106 PS @ 6000 rpm |
| Max Torque | 300 Nm @ 1200 - 2400 rpm | 138 Nm @ 4200 rpm |
| Transmission | 5-speed M/T | CVT |
| Drivetrain | RWD | FWD |
| Body & Dimensions | ||
| Body Type | Van | Small Crossover SUV |
| Segment | Van | Crossover |
| Construction | Body-on-frame | Unibody |
| Exterior Colors | White | White Pearl, Dark Turquoise SE, Greenish Gun Metal, Scarlet SE |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seating Capacity | 3 | 2+3 |
| Length (mm) | 4695 | 4310 |
| Width (mm) | 1695 | 1770 |
| Height (mm) | 1980 | 1615 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2570 | 2620 |
| Curb Weight (kg) | 2475 | 1250 |
| Fuel Tank (L) | 70 | 42 |
| Chassis, Wheels & Brakes | ||
| Front Suspension | Double Wishbone w/ Coil Spring | MacPherson Strut w/Coil Spring |
| Rear Suspension | Leaf Spring | Torsion beam |
| Front Wheels | 15 | 18 |
| Rear Wheels | 15 | 18 |
| Front Tires | 195/R15 | 225/45R18 |
| Rear Tires | 195/R15 | 225/45R18 |
| Front Brakes | Disc | Disc |
| Rear Brakes | Drum | Disc |
| Steering Type | Hydraulic | EPS |
| Steering Column | Tilt | Tilt |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring | No | No |
| Differential Lock | No | No |
| Safety | ||
| Anti-lock Braking (ABS) | No | Yes |
| Electronic Brakeforce Distribution | No | Yes |
| Brake Assist | No | No |
| Parking Sensors | No | No |
| Stability Control | No | No |
| Traction Control | No | No |
| Vehicle Dynamic Control | No | No |
| Forward Collision Mitigation | No | No |
| Blind Spot Warning | No | No |
| Hill Start Assist | No | Yes |
| 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 | No | Yes |
| Security Alarm | No | Yes |
| Door Locking | Manual Locking | Central Locking |
| Comfort & Convenience | ||
| Air Conditioning | Dual Manual Airconditioning | Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear A/C Vents | No | No |
| Seat Material | Vinyl | Leather |
| Parking Brake | Manual | EPB |
| Key Type | Standard Key | Keyless Entry |
| Push-Button Start | No | No |
| Cruise Control | No | 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 | no |
| Infotainment & Audio | ||
| Speakers | 2 | 6 |
| Touchscreen | No | Yes |
| Navigation | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | Yes |
| Apple CarPlay | No | Yes |
| Android Auto | No | No |
| USB | Yes | No |
| AUX Input | Yes | No |
| AM/FM Radio | Yes | No |
| CD Player | Yes | No |
| DVD Player | No | No |
| MP3 Playback | Yes | No |
| iPod Support | No | No |
| SD Card Slot | No | No |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlights | Halogen | LED |
| Fog Lights | Yes | Yes |
| Daytime Running Lights | No | Yes |
Toyota Hiace Commuter (2020) vs Toyota Yaris Cross 1.5 V CVT Scarlet SE/Attitude Black Mica (2024): which should you buy?
For a Filipino buyer whose priority is moving people or cargo in a commercial setting, the 2020 Toyota Hiace Commuter is the clear choice. It costs ₱1,396,000, slightly more than the 2024 Yaris Cross, but it offers a far larger 2.98‑litre turbo‑diesel engine delivering 136 PS and 300 Nm of torque, which translates to stronger pulling power and better load‑carrying capability—essential for a van used for passenger shuttles or goods transport. Its body‑on‑frame construction and five‑speed manual transmission also give it the durability and driver control valued in commercial fleets. Conversely, the 2024 Toyota Yaris Cross, priced at ₱1,318,000, is a compact crossover SUV with a 1.5‑litre naturally aspirated gasoline engine producing 106 PS and 138 Nm. It is lighter, more fuel‑efficient for city driving, and comes with a CVT and front‑wheel drive, making it suited for personal daily commuting, small families, or urban errands. The Yaris Cross also offers multiple exterior colors and a 2+3 seating layout, while the Hiace is limited to a white finish and a utilitarian van body. Choose the Hiace if you need maximum torque, cargo space, and a work‑horse vehicle; choose the Yaris Cross if you prefer a cheaper, fuel‑friendly, city‑oriented crossover for personal use.
Frequently asked questions
Which model is cheaper?
The Toyota Yaris Cross 2024 is cheaper at ₱1,318,000 compared to the Hiace Commuter’s ₱1,396,000.
Which vehicle has more power?
The Hiace Commuter has more power, delivering 136 PS and 300 Nm of torque, whereas the Yaris Cross produces 106 PS and 138 Nm.
What are the main practical differences?
The Hiace is a body‑on‑frame van with a larger diesel engine, manual transmission and higher torque for cargo or passenger transport; the Yaris Cross is a unibody small crossover SUV with a gasoline engine, CVT and front‑wheel drive, better suited for city commuting and small families.
Which is better for daily commuting?
The Yaris Cross, with its smaller gasoline engine, CVT and compact crossover body, is more appropriate for everyday city driving, while the Hiace is geared toward commercial or heavy‑load use.