Toyota Hiace: Mk5 vs Mk6
Verdict
At RM123,000 versus RM169,000, the Toyota Hiace Mk6 asks RM46,000 more, but it changes the job description: 10 seats instead of two, 175 hp/450 Nm instead of 101 hp/260 Nm, and an automatic in place of a manual. It is also much larger, stretching 5,915 mm with a 3,860 mm wheelbase, so it suits passenger movement better than tight loading bays. The Mk5 is cheaper, shorter and narrower, and its all-wheel drive may matter on rougher worksites, but safety cover is lighter with two airbags against six.
Pick the Toyota Hiace Mk5 if your work is cargo-first, needs only two seats, and the smaller body plus all-wheel drive matter more than power or airbags.
Pick the Toyota Hiace Mk6 if you need 10 seats, much stronger diesel output, an automatic gearbox and better airbag cover.
Key differences
- Price: Toyota Hiace Mk5 RM123,000; Toyota Hiace Mk6 RM169,000
- Seats: Toyota Hiace Mk5 2; Toyota Hiace Mk6 10
- Engine output: Toyota Hiace Mk5 101 hp/260 Nm; Toyota Hiace Mk6 175 hp/450 Nm
- Transmission and drive: Toyota Hiace Mk5 manual AWD; Toyota Hiace Mk6 conventional automatic RWD
- Size: Toyota Hiace Mk5 4,695 mm long/1,695 mm wide; Toyota Hiace Mk6 5,915 mm long/1,950 mm wide
- Safety and warranty: Toyota Hiace Mk5 2 airbags/3 years; Toyota Hiace Mk6 6 airbags/5 years
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 123,000✓ | RM 169,000 |
| Body type | Commercial | Commercial |
| Segment | Commercial | Commercial |
| Seats | 2 | 10 |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Powertrain | ||
| Fuel | Diesel | Diesel |
| Engine | 2,494 cc | 2,755 cc |
| Power | 101 hp | 175 hp✓ |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 450 Nm✓ |
| Transmission | Manual | Conventional Automatic |
| Driven wheels | All Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,695 mm | 5,915 mm |
| Width | 1,695 mm | 1,950 mm |
| Height | 2,285 mm | 2,280 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,570 mm | 3,860 mm |
| Fuel tank | 70 L | 70 L |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 2 | 6✓ |
| Auto emergency braking | — | — |
| Ownership | ||
| Warranty | 3 | 5✓ |
| Road tax / year | RM 835✓ | RM 1,248 |
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.
Mk5
- RM46,000 cheaper to buy
- Much smaller footprint
- All-wheel drive
- Only two seats
- Far lower output at 101 hp and 260 Nm
- Only two airbags
Mk6
- Ten-seat cabin
- Strong 175 hp and 450 Nm diesel
- Six airbags and five-year warranty
- RM46,000 higher price
- Much longer and wider body
- Rear-wheel drive rather than all-wheel drive
Mk5 vs Mk6 FAQ
Is the Toyota Hiace Mk5 or Toyota Hiace Mk6 better?
The Toyota Hiace Mk6 is better for passenger carrying, power, gearbox convenience, airbags and warranty. The Toyota Hiace Mk5 still makes sense if you only need two seats, want a smaller van and value all-wheel drive.
What is the price difference?
The Toyota Hiace Mk6 costs RM46,000 more than the Toyota Hiace Mk5, at RM169,000 against RM123,000.
Do either get auto emergency braking?
No. Neither generation has auto emergency braking here. The safety gap is in airbags: the Toyota Hiace Mk5 has two, while the Toyota Hiace Mk6 has six.