Verdict
For just RM800 more, the GAC Emkoo is the more sensible private-car buy: it carries five people, has a 638-litre boot, 175 hp and a 7DCT, against the Toyota Hiace’s two seats, 101 hp and five-speed manual. It also brings six airbags, stability control and autonomous braking, where the Hiace has two airbags and no stability control. The Hiace counters with all-wheel drive, a 70-litre diesel tank and a full-size spare, but its RM835 annual road tax is RM715 higher than the Emkoo’s RM120.
Pick the GAC Emkoo if you need a five-seat SUV with 638 litres of boot space, a 175 hp petrol turbo and a far fuller active-safety kit.
Pick the Toyota Hiace if all-wheel drive, a 70-litre diesel tank and a full-size spare matter more than passenger capacity, automatic shifting and safety equipment.
Key differences
- Price: GAC Emkoo RM123,800; Toyota Hiace RM123,000.
- Power and torque: GAC Emkoo 175 hp and 270 Nm; Toyota Hiace 101 hp and 260 Nm.
- Transmission: GAC Emkoo seven-speed wet dual-clutch automatic; Toyota Hiace five-speed manual.
- Seats and boot: GAC Emkoo five seats and 638 litres; Toyota Hiace two seats and no boot-space figure.
- Safety: GAC Emkoo six airbags and stability control; Toyota Hiace two airbags and no stability control.
- Fuel tank and road tax: GAC Emkoo 55 litres and RM120 yearly; Toyota Hiace 70 litres and RM835 yearly.
Emkoo
- 175 hp and 270 Nm with a seven-speed wet DCT.
- Five seats and a 638-litre boot.
- Six airbags, stability control and autonomous braking.
- RM800 pricier than the Toyota Hiace.
- 55-litre tank is 15 litres smaller than the Toyota Hiace’s.
- Front-wheel drive rather than all-wheel drive.
Hiace
- RM800 lower purchase price.
- 70-litre diesel tank and all-wheel drive.
- Full-size 15-inch steel spare tyre.
- Two seats versus the GAC Emkoo’s five.
- 101 hp and five-speed manual versus 175 hp and a seven-speed DCT.
- Two airbags and no stability control, versus six airbags and stability control.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM123,800 | RM123,000✓ |
| Body type | SUV | Commercial |
| Segment | C-Segment | Commercial |
| Assembly | CKD | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM120✓ | RM835 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Dual Variable Valve Timing | 16-valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Common-rail Direct Injection and Variable Valve Timing |
| Capacity | 1,497 cc | 2,494 cc |
| Horsepower | 175 hp✓ | 101 hp |
| Torque | 270 Nm✓ | 260 Nm |
| Fuel | Petrol | Diesel |
| Bore | — | 92 mm |
| Compression Ratio | — | 18.5 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) | Manual |
| Transmission Name | 7DCT | 5 Speed Manual |
| Gears | 7 | 5 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | — | Aisin |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 8.8 seconds | — |
| Top Speed | 190 km/h | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,680 mm | 4,695 mm |
| Width | 1,901 mm | 1,695 mm |
| Height | 1,670 mm | 2,285 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,750 mm | 2,570 mm |
| Weight | 1,540 kg | 1,890 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 55 litres | 70 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 2 |
| Boot Space | 638 litres | — |
| Front Tyre | 235/55R19 | 195R15C |
| Rear Tyre | 235/55R19 | 195R15C |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | Full-size 15" Steel |
| Factory Tyres | Continental EcoContact 6 | — |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Thailand (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | Double Wishbones |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Leaf Spring |
| Front Wheels | 19" Two-tone Alloys | 15" Steel |
| Rear Wheels | 19" Two-tone 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 |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | — |
| ISOFIX | Available on 2 Outer Rear Seats | — |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | — |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | — |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | — |
| 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 Front Seats with Ventilated Driver's Seat | Manual Adjustable |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding with Manual Recline | — |
| Front Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control | Manual Air-con |
| Rear Air-con | Rear AC Vents | Rear Vents with Blower |
| Sunroof | Panoramic Glass Roof | — |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB Front, 1 USB Rear | 1 Front |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | — |
| Sun Shade | Panoramic Glass Roof Shade | — |
| Audio | 10.1" Touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, 6-speaker Sound System | Radio CD/MP3 Player with 4 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Driver's Side Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch | Two Windows, Driver's Side Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Manual Key |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Remote Control Activation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | — |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | — |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | — |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | — |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | — |
| Boot Operation | Powered Boot | — |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | — |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 2 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, 360-degree View Monitor | — |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | — |
| Head-up Display | ✓ | — |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | — |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | — |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | — |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 150,000 km✓ | 100,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years✓ | 3 years |
| Warranty Notes | 7 Year, 180,000 km Powertrain Warranty | — |
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 Emkoo & Hiace for sale
Emkoo vs Hiace FAQ
Is the GAC Emkoo or Toyota Hiace better?
The GAC Emkoo is better for most private buyers. It has five seats, a 638-litre boot, 175 hp, a seven-speed automatic and substantially more safety equipment. Choose the Toyota Hiace for its all-wheel drive, 70-litre tank and full-size spare.
What is the price difference?
The GAC Emkoo costs RM123,800 and the Toyota Hiace costs RM123,000, so the Emkoo is RM800 more expensive. Its annual road tax is RM120, while the Hiace’s is RM835.
Which has the stronger safety kit?
The GAC Emkoo has the stronger safety kit: six airbags, stability control, autonomous braking, lane-keeping assist and collision warning. The Toyota Hiace has driver and passenger airbags, ABS/EBD, but no stability control.