Verdict
These two serve very different jobs. At RM100,888, the MG 4 is RM22,112 cheaper, yet brings a 200 hp rear motor, 64 kWh battery and 435 km EV range, plus five seats and 363 litres of boot space. Its RM160 annual road tax also undercuts the Hiace’s RM835. The Toyota Hiace is the working tool: its 2.5-litre 101 hp, 260 Nm diesel, five-speed manual and all-wheel drive suit commercial use, but it has only two seats and far less safety kit. For Malaysian private use, the MG is the clear choice.
Pick the MG 4 if you want a five-seat electric hatchback with 435 km range, much lower road tax and modern active safety equipment.
Pick the Toyota Hiace if you need a two-seat commercial vehicle with a 2.5-litre diesel engine, 70-litre fuel tank and all-wheel drive.
Key differences
- Price: MG 4 RM100,888; Toyota Hiace RM123,000
- Powertrain: MG 4 200 hp/250 Nm electric motor; Hiace 101 hp/260 Nm 2.5-litre diesel
- Road tax: MG 4 RM160 per year; Hiace RM835 per year
- Seating: MG 4 five seats; Hiace two seats
- Length: MG 4 4,287 mm; Hiace 4,695 mm
- Safety: MG 4 six airbags and stability control; Hiace two airbags and no stability control
4
- RM22,112 lower purchase price
- 435 km EV range from a 64 kWh battery
- Six airbags, stability control and autonomous braking
- No all-wheel drive, versus the Hiace
- Tyre repair kit instead of the Hiace’s full-size spare tyre
Hiace
- All-wheel drive with 260 Nm diesel torque
- 70-litre fuel tank
- Full-size 15-inch steel spare tyre
- RM22,112 higher purchase price
- Only two seats versus the MG 4’s five
- Two airbags and no stability control, versus six airbags and active safety assistance
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM100,888✓ | RM123,000 |
| Body type | Hatchback | Commercial |
| Segment | C-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 | 200 hp | — |
| Motor Torque | 250 Nm | — |
| Battery Capacity | 64 kWh | — |
| EV Range | 435 km | — |
| Charging Rate (AC) | 11 kW | — |
| Charging Rate (DC) | 150 kW | — |
| V2L | 2.5 kW | — |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Single Ratio Automatic | Manual |
| Transmission Name | — | 5 Speed Manual |
| Gears | — | 5 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | — | Aisin |
| Driveline | Rear Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 7.7 seconds | — |
| Top Speed | 160 km/h | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,287 mm | 4,695 mm |
| Width | 1,836 mm | 1,695 mm |
| Height | 1,504 mm | 2,285 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,705 mm | 2,570 mm |
| Weight | 1,685 kg | 1,890 kg |
| Fuel Tank | — | 70 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 2 |
| Boot Space | 363 litres | — |
| Front Tyre | 235/45R18 | 195R15C |
| Rear Tyre | 235/45R18 | 195R15C |
| Spare Tyre | Tyre Repair Kit | Full-size 15" Steel |
| Factory Tyres | Bridgestone Turanza T005 EV | — |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | China (CBU) | Thailand (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Struts | Double Wishbones |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Leaf Spring |
| Front Wheels | 18" Alloys | 15" Steel |
| Rear Wheels | 18" 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual For Rear Doors | — |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 2 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | — |
| ISOFIX | Available On Outer Two Rear Seats | — |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | — |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | — |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | — |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | — |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | Halogen Reflector |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | Normal Bulb |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | — |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | — |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | — |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Power Adjustable Driver's Seat, Manual Adjustable Front Passenger Seat | Manual Adjustable |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding | — |
| Front Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control | Manual Air-con |
| Rear Air-con | — | Rear Vents with Blower |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 3 USB | 1 Front |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | — |
| Audio | 10.25" Touchscreen with Wired Apple CarPlay & Android Auto | Radio CD/MP3 Player with 4 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down | 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 | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | — |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | — |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | — |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | — |
| Boot Operation | Manual Operation | — |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 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 | Unlimited✓ | 100,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years✓ | 3 years |
| Warranty Notes | 8-year/150,000 km Battery 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 4 & Hiace for sale
4 vs Hiace FAQ
Is the MG 4 or Toyota Hiace better?
The MG 4 is better for private Malaysian buyers: it costs less, seats five, has 435 km EV range and carries substantially more safety equipment. The Hiace is the better pick only when a two-seat diesel commercial vehicle with all-wheel drive is required.
What is the price difference?
The Toyota Hiace costs RM22,112 more than the MG 4: RM123,000 against RM100,888.
Which costs less in annual road tax?
The MG 4 costs RM160 per year in road tax, while the Toyota Hiace costs RM835. The MG therefore saves RM675 annually.