Verdict
These are very different tools. For Malaysian private transport, the Aion Y Plus makes the stronger case: its 201 hp motor, five seats and 430 km EV range suit daily family duty, while six airbags and stability control are decisive against the Hiace’s two airbags and no stability control. The Toyota Hiace is the commercial choice, bringing all-wheel drive, a 70-litre diesel tank and a full-size spare, but its two-seat cabin and five-speed manual narrow its appeal. The Aion’s RM160 annual road tax versus RM835 also matters.
Pick the Aion Y Plus if you need a five-seat EV with 430 km range, stronger safety equipment and lower annual road tax.
Pick the Toyota Hiace if your work needs a two-seat commercial vehicle with all-wheel drive, a 70-litre diesel tank and a full-size spare.
Key differences
- Powertrain: Aion has a 201 hp, 225 Nm electric motor; Toyota has a 101 hp, 260 Nm 2.5-litre turbodiesel.
- Energy storage: Aion carries a 63.2 kWh battery with 430 km range; Toyota has a 70-litre diesel tank.
- Drivetrain: Aion is front-wheel drive with a single-ratio automatic; Toyota is all-wheel drive with a five-speed manual.
- Seating: Aion has five seats; Toyota has two seats.
- Safety: Aion has six airbags and stability control; Toyota has two airbags and no stability control.
- Warranty: Aion has an eight-year, 160,000 km manufacturer warranty; Toyota has a three-year, 100,000 km warranty.
Y Plus
- 430 km EV range from a 63.2 kWh battery.
- Six airbags, stability control and a 360-degree camera.
- Five seats, 405-litre boot and 60:40 split-folding rear seats.
- Space-saver spare tyre instead of the Hiace’s full-size 15-inch steel spare.
Hiace
- All-wheel drive and a 70-litre diesel tank.
- Full-size 15-inch steel spare tyre.
- 260 Nm from its 2.5-litre turbodiesel.
- Only two seats versus the Aion’s five.
- Two airbags and no stability control.
- Three-year, 100,000 km warranty trails the Aion’s eight-year, 160,000 km cover.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM119,800✓ | RM123,000 |
| Body type | SUV | Commercial |
| Segment | B-Segment | Commercial |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM160✓ | RM835 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 400V architecture | 16-valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Common-rail Direct Injection and Variable Valve Timing |
| Capacity | — | 2,494 cc |
| Horsepower | — | 101 hp |
| Torque | — | 260 Nm |
| Fuel | Electric | Diesel |
| Bore | — | 92 mm |
| Compression Ratio | — | 18.5 |
| Number of Motors | 1 | — |
| Motor Horsepower | 201 hp | — |
| Motor Torque | 225 Nm | — |
| Battery Capacity | 63.2 kWh | — |
| EV Range | 430 km | — |
| Charging Rate (AC) | 6.6 kW | — |
| Charging Rate (DC) | 80 kW | — |
| V2L | 3.3 kW | — |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Single Ratio Automatic | Manual |
| Transmission Name | — | 5 Speed Manual |
| Gears | — | 5 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | — | Aisin |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 8.5 seconds | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,535 mm | 4,695 mm |
| Width | 1,870 mm | 1,695 mm |
| Height | 1,650 mm | 2,285 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,750 mm | 2,570 mm |
| Weight | — | 1,890 kg |
| Fuel Tank | — | 70 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 2 |
| Boot Space | 405 litres | — |
| Front Tyre | 215/55R17 | 195R15C |
| Rear Tyre | 215/55R17 | 195R15C |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | Full-size 15" Steel |
| Factory Tyres | Chao Yang SU318a H/T | — |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | China (CBU) | Thailand (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Struts | Double Wishbones |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion Beam | Leaf Spring |
| Front Wheels | 17" Alloys | 15" Steel |
| Rear Wheels | 17" Alloys | 15" Steel |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Hydraulic Power Steering) |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| ANCAP | — | 4 stars — With 2 airbags and no stability control |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain | Driver and Passenger |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | — |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | — |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | — |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 2 Three-point |
| ISOFIX | Available on outer two rear seats | — |
| Lane-keeping Assist | No | — |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | — |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | Halogen Reflector |
| Taillamps | Full LED | Normal Bulb |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | — |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | — |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | — |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Powered Driver Seat, Manual Passenger Seat | Manual Adjustable |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding | — |
| Front Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control System | Manual Air-con |
| Rear Air-con | Rear AC Vents | Rear Vents with Blower |
| Sunroof | Panoramic Glass Roof | — |
| Power Sockets | — | 1 Front |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | — |
| Sun Shade | Panoramic Glass Roof Shade | — |
| Audio | 14.6" Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Six-Speaker Bongiovi Sound System | Radio CD/MP3 Player with 4 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch | Two Windows, Driver's Side Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless (Depress Brake to Start) | Manual Key |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Remote Control Activation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | — |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | — |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | — |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | — |
| Boot Operation | Manual Operation | — |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 3 Sensors | 2 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, 360-degree Camera | — |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | — |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | — |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | — |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | — |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 160,000 km✓ | 100,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 8 years✓ | 3 years |
| Warranty Notes | 8 Year, 200,000 km Warranty (Battery) | — |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used Y Plus & Hiace for sale
Y Plus vs Hiace FAQ
Is the Aion Y Plus or Toyota Hiace better?
The Aion Y Plus is better for private daily use, with five seats, 430 km EV range, six airbags and stability control. Choose the Toyota Hiace only when its two-seat commercial layout, all-wheel drive and diesel tank suit the job.
What is the price difference?
The Aion Y Plus costs RM3,200 less, at RM119,800 versus RM123,000 for the Toyota Hiace.
What charging does the Aion Y Plus support?
The Aion Y Plus supports 6.6 kW AC charging and up to 80 kW DC charging. It also has 3.3 kW vehicle-to-load capability for powering external electrical equipment.