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This is our quick Toyota Hiace Commuter Bus vs Honda Odyssey comparison. This is a irrelevant comparison really but since we where in sitting one as we take notes we decided to feature a Hiace comparison. The Toyota Hiace Commuter Bus is one the biggest MPVs available and it can seat up to 14 people in basic comfort. The Hiace Bus is clearly a niche commercial vehicle but one which normal people can buy if they have a very large family to move around. The newest Honda Odyssey is a smaller car and can only seat up to 8 and is clearly more regular sized family orientated.
Toyota Hiace vs Honda Odyssey exterior: The exterior of the Hiace is pure commercial van, it has simple lines and box like. In that regard the Hiace is not a bad looking box and hence one of the reasons why it still sells well. The Odyssey is quite a different car and MPV in terms of looks and thanks to the high bling front end stands out quite nicely and we thinks looks good.
Toyota Hiace vs Honda Odyssey interior: The Hiace Commuter Bus super Long wheelbase is a one of the cheapest people carrier (for 14) used by taxis, airport transfers and tourist buses not families. It is of course very basic in standard trim but it is easy enough to upgrade the interior to something much more comfortable. The simple controls in the Hiace along with the forward seating doesn’t feel very safe for the driver. The Odyssey comes standard with family friendly luxury regardless of trim level you choose and top range version is indeed a luxury car. Pity we don’t get the integrated vacuum cleaner option or better stereo system.
Toyota Hiace vs Honda Odyssey engine and technology: The Hiace has a lower powered version of the 3 litre diesel used in the Hilux. It’s built for durability rather than sports car performance. We are surprised at the ability to continue moving regardless of load at a better than expected pace. The Odyssey has many of the latest tech and you can expect decent on road performance and fuel economy. Finally one of the most important things for a MPV is safety and while the Hiace meets the legislated standards the Odyssey gets the top safety ratings also feels more substantial and equipped with much more passenger safety features. There’s really no comparison here…
Toyota Hiace vs Honda Odyssey road test: The Hiace feels slow but strong. It is not comfortable for passengers if they happen to be of normal sized adults and travelling with more than 9 people. Cramming more in for any length of time is asking for trouble or hope that it is a short trip. Less people on board means more space but not comfort in the Hiace. It’s quite noisy too but it helps if you’ve been stuck on a plane for a few hours to dampen your senses of vibrations and other things. You can expect travelling with 8 in a fully loaded Odyssey is cramped too but travelling with 6 is simply luxury.
In the end these are two different types of cars – if that was’t already obvious. The Hiace is a bus and there’s no hiding that. The Odyssey is one of the best people movers or MPVs around – try it out and see what you think. There is so much flexibility Honda has built into the latest model that it may just be the alternative to a SUV or a bus.
| Toyota Hiace (Superlong Wheelbase) |
New Honda Odyssey |
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| Engines | |
| IL4 Petrol DOHC VVT EFI 2.7 Litre (2700cc) Claimed 111Kw @ 4800PM Claimed 241Nm @ 3800PM |
K24W IL4 Petrol (91 Unleaded) DOHC VVT EFI 2.4 Litre (2356cc) Claimed 129Kw @ 6200RPM Claimed 225Nm @ 4000RPM |
| KDH Series IL4 Diesel TC – IC – DI – CR 3 Litre (3000cc) Claimed 100Kw @ 3400RPM Claimed 300Nm @ 1200RPM |
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| Weight | |
| From 1900Kg (Manual petrol) Towing capacity up to 1400kg |
From 1819Kg Towing capacity up to 1000kg |
| Fuel capacity & consumption | |
| Up to 70 litres IL4 Petrol 12.6 litres per 100km (Auto) IL4 Diesel 9.2 litres per 100km (Auto) |
55 litres IL4 Petrol 7.6 litres per 100km |
| Other specifications | |
| 4 speed Auto and 5 speed manual Overall height/width 2285/1880 Overall length/wheelbase 5380/3110 NCAP safety rating X/5 4WD system: FWD Tyre size: 215-70-16 |
7 speed CVT Overall height/width 1695/1800 Overall length/wheelbase 4840/2900 NCAP safety rating 5/5 4WD system: FWD Tyre size:215-55-17 |
| Capability | |
| Angle of: (degrees) Approach xx Departure xx Breakover xx Ground clearance (unloaded) xxxmm Water Fording depth xxmm Max |
Angle of: (degrees) Approach xx Departure xx Breakover xx Ground clearance (unloaded) xxxmm Water Fording depth xxmm Max |
| Performance | |
| – | – |
| Pricing | |
| 2014 $32,990 – 59,990 AUD | 2014 $38,990 – 47,620 AUD *Always check with the dealer for up to date pricing, specifications, on-road costs, accessories and specials etc.. everything as usual is subject to change! |