A proper head-to-head in South Africa — compare price, performance,
fuel economy or electric range, safety and the details that shape long-term ownership.
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished Efficiency
Which One's Right for You?
Hiace
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
iX1
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Full Specs, Side by Side
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Spec
Hiace
iX1
Model Introduced Year
2019
2023
Generation
H300 generation – front-engine layout replacing the previous cab-over design
Battery-electric U11 compact SUV, closely related in body and cabin architecture to the third-generation X1.
Facelift History
Current H300 generation launched in SA in 2019 – major redesign from rear-engine layout
The current U11 iX1 is the first battery-electric X1 generation; no South African facelift has been announced.
Facelift Launched Since
2019
Original current-generation version
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
Van
SUV
Color Note
White, Silver
-
Dealer Stock Note
Base grade in the South Africa lineup
-
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
active
active
Segment
Van
Premium SUV
Tare Mass Kg
2080 kg
-
Vehicle Type
Van
Car
Spec
Hiace
iX1
Length
5380 mm
4500 mm
Width
1880 mm
1845 mm
Height
2285 mm
1616 mm
Wheelbase
2985 mm
2692 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
175 mm
190 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
125 mm
170 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
70 l
0 l
Boot/Cargo Space
5200 l
490 l
Kerb Weight
2080 kg
2085 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
3500 kg
2580 kg
Payload Capacity
1420 kg
570 kg
Towing Capacity
2000 kg
1200 kg
Seating Capacity
2 seats
5 seats
Number of Rows
1 rows
2 rows
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
6.5 m
5.8 m
Front Headroom
992 mm
1020 mm
Rear Headroom
Not Applicable
981 mm
Front Legroom
1032 mm
1050 mm
Rear Legroom
Not Applicable
928 mm
Spec
Hiace
iX1
Front Track Width
Not Applicable
-
Rear Track Width
Not Applicable
-
Front Suspension
MacPherson Strut
Adaptive M Suspension
Rear Suspension
Leaf Spring
Adaptive M Suspension
Power Steering
Hydraulic
-
Steering Column
Tilt
-
Front Spring Type
MacPherson Strut
-
Rear Spring Type
Leaf Spring
-
Front Anti-Roll Bar
Front
-
Front Suspension Type
MacPherson Strut
Adaptive M Suspension
MagneRide Damping
Not Available
-
Rear Axle Type
Leaf Spring
-
Rear Suspension Type
Leaf Spring
Adaptive M Suspension
Suspension
MacPherson Strut
-
Spec
Hiace
iX1
Load Bed Length
Not Applicable
-
Load Bed Width
Not Applicable
-
Climate Control
Manual AC
Automatic climate control
Power Windows
Front Only
Standard
Keyless Entry
Not Available
Yes
Push Button Start
Not Available
Yes
Wireless Charging
Not Available
Yes
Sunroof
Not Available
Panoramic
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
Yes
Automatic Headlamps
Not Available
-
Rain Sensing Wipers
Not Available
Yes
Boot Space Seats Folded
5200 l
-
AC Type
Manual AC
Automatic climate control
Adaptive Dampers
Not Available
-
Climate Zones
Manual AC
-
Electric Folding Mirrors
Front Only
-
Engine Start Button Illumination
Not Available
-
Engine Start Stop
Not Available
Yes
Engine Start Stop Button
Not Available
Yes
Engine Warranty
5 Years / 150,000 km
-
Front Armrest
Not Available
-
Fuel Consumption Combined
8.5
-
Hill Start Assist
Not Available
-
Panoramic Roof
Not Available
Panoramic
Performance Data Logger
Not Available
-
Power Mirrors
Front Only
-
Push Button Start
Not Available
Yes
Rear Seat Split
Standard
-
Rear Wing
Not Available
-
Rev Matching
Not Available
-
Seat Type
Fabric
-
Spare Wheel
Full-Size
Tyre repair kit
Stabilizer Bar
Front
-
Telescopic Steering
Tilt
-
Tilt Steering
Tilt
-
Voice Command
Not Available
-
Voice Command Support
Not Available
-
Accelerator 0 100
18.0 sec
-
Air Conditioning
Manual AC
Automatic climate control
Battery Preconditioning
Not Available
-
Bed Extender
Not Available
-
Bottle Holders
Standard
-
Canopy Fitment
Not Available
-
Centre Console
Not Available
-
Common Rail Injection
Common Rail Direct Injection
-
Diff Lock
Not Available
-
Difflock
Not Available
-
Digital Speedometer
Not Available
-
Front Diff Lock
Not Available
-
Intelligent Battery System
Not Available
-
Intelligent Keyless Entry
Not Available
-
Lift Gate
Not Available
-
Load Bed Cover
Not Available
-
Load Bed Light
Not Available
-
Load Bed Steps
Not Available
-
Loadbox Depth Mm
Not Available
-
Loadbox Length Mm
Not Applicable
-
Loadbox Rope Hooks
Not Available
-
Loadbox Tiedown Brackets
Not Available
-
Loadbox Width Mm
Not Applicable
-
Manual Aircon
Manual AC
-
Mirror
Front Only
-
One Pedal Driving
Not Available
-
Passive Entry Start
Not Available
-
Powered Tailgate
Not Available
-
Rear Diff Lock
Not Available
-
Rear Electric Motor
Not Available
-
Regenerative Braking Levels
Not Available
-
Remote Central Locking
Standard
-
Roof Rack Compatibility
Not Available
-
Sonar
Not Available
-
Sound System
2
6
Source Model Column
hiace
-
Sport Plus Mode
Not Available
-
Sports Bar
Not Available
-
Stabilizer Bar Front
Front
-
Steering Column Adjustment
Tilt
-
Surround View Monitor
Not Available
Yes
Tailgate Damper
Not Available
-
Tailgate Lock
Not Available
-
Tow Bar Type
Not Available
-
TPMS
Not Available
Standard
Trim Level
base
-
Unlocking
Not Available
Yes
Variant Role
Commercial utility derivative
-
Vdc
Standard
-
Vehicle To Grid
Not Available
-
Vehicle To Load
Not Available
-
Walk Away Auto Door Lock
Not Available
-
Walk Away Lock
Not Available
-
Wireless Charger
Not Available
Yes
Spec
Hiace
iX1
Engine
2.5-litre Turbocharged Diesel
BMW eDrive electric drive
Engine Code
Market-specific engine family
Not Applicable
Fuel Type
Diesel
Electric
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
2494 cc
Not Applicable
Cylinders
4
Not Applicable
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Not Applicable
Valves
16
Not Applicable
Valves per Cylinder
4
Not Applicable
Aspiration
Turbocharged
Not Applicable
Fuel System
Common Rail Direct Injection
Not Applicable
Compression Ratio
10.5:1
Not Applicable
Bore
82.0 mm
Not Applicable
Stroke
94.6 mm
Not Applicable
Maximum Power
75 kW
230 kW
Maximum Torque
260 Nm
494 Nm
Combined Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Combined Torque
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Motor Type
Not Applicable
Permanent-magnet synchronous motor
Number of Motors
Not Applicable
2
Motor Location
Not Applicable
Front and rear axles
Drive Type
RWD
AWD
Transmission
5-Speed Manual
Single-Speed Reduction Gear
Top Speed
150 km/h
210 km/h
0-100 km/h
18.0 sec
5.6 sec
Quarter Mile
15.5 sec
16.2 sec
Drive Modes
Eco, Comfort, Sport
Eco, Comfort, Sport
Launch Control
No
No
Rev Limiter
4800 rpm
Not Applicable
Power-to-Weight Ratio
36.1 kW/tonne
100 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
125 Nm/tonne
220 Nm/tonne
Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
1 kWh
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
64.8 kWh
Battery Type
Not Applicable
Lithium-ion
Battery Voltage
Not Applicable
400 V
Electric Range
Not Applicable
490 km (BMW stated)
AC Charging Power
Not Applicable
11 kW
DC Charging Power
Not Applicable
130 kW
AC Charging Time
Not Applicable
6 h 30 min
DC Charging Time
Not Applicable
30 min
Regenerative Braking
Not Applicable
Yes
Spec
Hiace
iX1
Gearbox
5-Speed Manual
Single-Speed Reduction Gear
Drivetrain Layout
FR
All-wheel drive
LSD Available
No
Yes
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Yes
Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Yes
Paddle Shifters
No
Yes
Final Drive Ratio
Not Applicable
Yes
Number of Gears
5
1
Transmission Type
Manual
Automatic
Clutch Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Gear Shift Indicator
Not Applicable
Yes
Gear Shift Type
5-Speed Manual
Automatic selector
Drivetrain
RWD/
AWD
4WD Engagement
Not Applicable
Electronically controlled AWD
4WD Hi Range
Not Applicable
Yes
4WD Lo Range
Not Applicable
Yes
4WD Selector
Not Applicable
Yes
Automatic Shift Paddles
No
Yes
Differential Type Front
Not Available
-
Differential Type Rear
Not Available
-
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Yes
Gearbox Type
5-Speed Manual
Single-speed reduction gear
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Yes
Low Range
Not Applicable
Yes
Axle Layout
RWD
Yes
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Yes
Transfer Case Guard
Not Available
-
Transmission Speeds
5
1
Spec
Hiace
iX1
Claimed Mileage
11.8 km/l
Not Applicable
City Mileage
10.0 km/l
Not Applicable
Highway Mileage
11.5 km/l
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Capacity
70 l
0 l
Emission Standard
Euro 4
Euro 6
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Real-world Mileage
11.8 km/l
Not Applicable
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
CCS Combo
Charging Type
Not Applicable
AC and DC
Fuel Tank Litres
70
0
Combined Driving Range
Not Applicable
490 km (BMW stated)
Electric Consumption
Not Applicable
14.8
Range Real World Highway
Not Applicable
360 km
Range Real World Mixed
Not Applicable
420 km
Spec
Hiace
iX1
Airbags
2
6
ABS
Standard
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Standard
Traction Control
Standard
Standard
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Yes
Hill Start Assist
Not Available
Standard
Child Safety Lock
Standard
Standard
ISOFIX Mounts
Not Available
Standard
Brake Assist
Standard
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Not Available
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Standard
Alarm System
Standard
-
Central Locking
Standard
-
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Not Available
Standard
Front Parking Sensors
Not Available
Yes
AEB
Not Available
Yes
BA
Standard
Standard
Brake Override System
Not Available
Yes
Curtain Airbags
Not Available
Yes
Driver Airbag
2
Yes
EBD
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Standard
Hill Hold
Not Available
Standard
Passenger Airbag
2
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Yes
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Not Available
Yes
Seatbelt Reminder
Not Available
Standard
Side Airbags
Not Available
Yes
Stability Control
Standard
Standard
TCS
Standard
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring
Not Available
-
Knee Airbag
Not Available
Yes
ABS EBD
Standard
Standard
Anti Theft Alarm
Standard
-
Driver Front Passenger Airbags
2
-
Driver Passenger Airbags
2
-
ESC With Traction Control
Standard
-
Spec
Hiace
iX1
Cruise Control
Not Available
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Yes
Lane Keep Assist
Not Available
Yes
Lane Departure Warning
Not Available
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
Not Available
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Yes
Parking Sensors
Not Available
Yes
Rear View Camera
Not Available
Yes
360 Degree Camera
Not Available
Yes
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Not Available
Yes
Driver Fatigue Alert
Not Available
Yes
Traffic Sign Recognition
Not Available
Yes
Auto Highbeam
Not Available
Yes
Auto Lights
Not Available
-
Auto Wipers
Not Available
Yes
EV Mode
Not Available
-
Rear Parking Sensors
Not Available
Yes
Reverse Camera
Not Available
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Yes
Park Assist
Not Available
Standard
Around View Monitor
Not Available
Yes
Blind Spot Warning
Not Available
Yes
Emergency Braking
Not Available
-
Forward Collision Warning
Not Available
Yes
Parking Distance Sensors
Not Available
-
Parking Sensor
Not Available
-
Pre-Collision System
Not Available
-
Rain Sensor Wipers
Not Available
-
Rear View Camera
Not Available
-
Reverse Camera Type
Not Available
-
Reversing Camera
Not Available
-
Surround View Camera
Not Available
Yes
Spec
Hiace
iX1
Seat Material
Fabric
Leather/Sensatec
Seat Adjustment
Manual
-
Heated Seats
Not Applicable
Yes
Ventilated Seats
Not Applicable
Yes
Steering Type
Hydraulic
-
Steering Adjustment
Tilt
-
Ambient Lighting
Not Applicable
Yes
Folding Rear Seats
Standard
-
Front Armrest
Not Available
-
Front Shoulder Room
Not Applicable
-
Rear Shoulder Room
Not Applicable
-
Cup Holders
Standard
-
Rear USB Ports
1
-
Steering Wheel Material
Not Applicable
Steering wheel M Leather
Instrument Cluster Type
Not Available
-
Interior Colour Options
2
-
60 40 Split Seat
Standard
Yes
Adjustable Driver Seat
Manual
-
Driver Seat Adjustment
Manual
Electric multi-way
Fabric Seats
Fabric
-
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Manual
Electric multi-way
Armrest Front
Not Available
-
Driver Seat
Manual
-
Interior Courtesy Lamps
Commercial-focused interior, large cargo area, basic but durable fittings
-
Leather Accented Seat Trim
Fabric
-
Interior Colours
2
-
Seat Fold Type
Standard
-
Seat Trim
Fabric
Sport seats for driver and front passenger
Spec
Hiace
iX1
Infotainment System
6.8-inch Touchscreen
Yes
Apple CarPlay
Not Available
Yes
Android Auto
Not Available
Yes
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Yes
Number of Speakers
2
6
Navigation System
Not Available
-
Digital Instrument Cluster
Not Applicable
12.3
USB Ports
1
2
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Not Available
Yes
Wireless Android Auto
Not Available
Yes
Voice Recognition
Not Available
-
Infotainment Screen Size
6.8-inch Touchscreen
14.9
Infotainment Display
6.8-inch Touchscreen
-
Rear Usb
1
-
Audio Speakers
2
6
Audio System
2
-
Display Audio
6.8-inch Touchscreen
-
Front Rear USB Charge Ports
1
-
Infotainment Screen
6.8-inch Touchscreen
14.9
Multi Information Display
Not Available
-
Connected Services
Standard
-
Voice Control
Not Available
-
Smartphone Connectivity
Not Available
-
Touchscreen
6.8-inch Touchscreen
14.9
Spec
Hiace
iX1
LED Headlamps
Not Available
Yes
Daytime Running Lamps
Not Available
Standard
Fog Lamps
Not Available
Yes
Roof Rails
Not Available
Yes
Alloy Wheel Design
Not Available
-
Chrome Exterior Finish
Not Available
-
Rear Spoiler
Not Available
-
Exterior Colour Options
2
Multiple manufacturer colours
Roof Type
Not Available
-
Body Type
Van
-
DRL
Not Available
Standard
Fog Lights
Not Available
-
Front Fog Lights
Not Available
-
Led Headlights
Not Available
Yes
Auto Headlights
Not Available
-
Automatic Headlamps
Not Available
-
Daytime Running Lights
Not Available
Standard
Electric Blind Sunroof
Not Available
-
Exterior Colour Options
2
-
Exterior Mirror Electric
Front Only
-
Front Fog Lamps
Not Available
Yes
Headlamp Levelling
Not Available
-
Headlamps
Not Available
Yes
Headlight Type
Not Available
Yes
Headlights
Not Available
Yes
Load Bed Liner
Not Available
-
Panoramic Sunroof
Not Available
Yes
Active Exhaust
Not Available
-
Rear Spoiler
Not Available
-
Spec
Hiace
iX1
Approach Angle
Not Available
25 deg
Departure Angle
Not Available
23 deg
Wading Depth
Not Available
500 mm
Terrain Modes
Not Available
Auto; Sport; Eco
Locking Differential
Not Applicable
Yes
4WD System Type
Not Applicable
All-wheel drive
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Yes
Breakover Angle
Not Available
20 deg
Energy Recovery Display
Not Available
-
Front Skid Plate Guard
Not Available
-
Ground Clearance Max
175 mm
-
Ground Clearance Min
175 mm
-
Off Road Descent Control
Not Available
-
Off Road Traction Assist
Not Available
-
Crawl Control
Not Available
-
Rear Skid Plate Guard
Not Available
-
Skid Plates Fuel Tank
Not Available
-
Skid Plates Transfer Case
Not Available
-
Terrain Mode Mud
Not Available
-
Terrain Mode Normal
Not Available
-
Terrain Mode Rock
Not Available
-
Terrain Mode Sand
Not Available
-
Terrain Mode Snow
Not Available
-
Terrain Response System
Not Available
-
Underbody Camera
Not Available
-
Spec
Hiace
iX1
Tyre Size
195/75 R16C
225/50 R18
Wheel Type
Not Available
-
Front Brake Type
Disc
Ventilated disc
Rear Brake Type
Drum
Disc
Spare Wheel Type
Full-Size
Tyre repair kit
Wheel Rim Size
Not Available
18" M Lt/Aly wheels Double-spoke style 838 M Bicolour
Brake Type Front
Disc
-
Brake Type Rear
Drum
-
Spare Tyre
Full-Size
Tyre repair kit
Tyre Type
195/75 R16C
-
Autonomous Emergency Brake
Not Available
-
Brakes
Disc
-
Cornering Brake Control
Standard
-
Fifth Wheel Prep
Not Available
-
Handbrake Type
Not Applicable
Electronic
Hydraulic Brake Assist
Standard
-
Spare Wheel Size Type
Full-Size
-
Steering Wheel Cruise Controls
Not Available
-
Tyre Pressure Display
Not Available
-
Tyre Pressure Monitoring
Not Available
Standard
Wheel Material
Not Available
-
Wheels
Not Available
-
Spec
Hiace
iX1
Battery Warranty
5 Years / 150,000 km
-
Maintenance Plan
3 Years / 45,000 km
-
Service Plan Duration
3 Years / 45,000 km
5 years / 100000 km BMW Motorplan
Service Plan Distance
3 Years / 45,000 km
5 years / 100000 km BMW Motorplan
Service Plan
3 Years / 45,000 km
5 years / 100000 km BMW Motorplan
Spec
Hiace
iX1
Warranty Years
3 years / 100 000 km
Yes
Warranty Kilometers
3 years / 100 000 km
Yes
Roadside Assistance
3 Years
-
Basic Warranty
3 years / 100 000 km
Yes
Roadside Assistance
3 Years
-
Warranty
3 years / 100 000 km
Yes
Warranty Roadside Assistance
3 Years
-
Spec
Hiace
iX1
CO2 Emissions
209 g/km
0 g/km
Hybrid System Type
Not Available
-
Fuel Octane Requirement
Diesel
-
Euro Emission Standard
Euro 4
-
Idle CO2 Output
209
-
CO2 Emissions G Km
209
-
Spec
Hiace
iX1
Real-world City Mileage Min
9.5 l/100km
-
Real-world City Mileage Max
12 l/100km
-
Real-world Highway Mileage Min
8.5 l/100km
-
Real-world Highway Mileage Max
10 l/100km
-
Owner Review Count
7
-
Spec
Hiace
iX1
Ownership Role
Base
Private, business and fleet
Price Zar
680900 ZAR
1255000 ZAR
Pricing Role
Current listed price
Current recommended retail price
Starting Price
680900
1255000
Starting Price Zar
680900
1255000
In depth: how these cars differ
This Hiace and iX1 comparison uses the exact derivatives selected above for South Africa. The catalogue index covers performance, efficiency, safety equipment, practicality and ownership cover only where comparable source-backed fields are present.
Performance index: Hiace 37 vs iX1 95.
Efficiency index: Hiace 48 vs iX1 90.
Safety-equipment index: Hiace 44 vs iX1 92.
Practicality index: Hiace 71 vs iX1 64.
Ownership-cover index: Hiace 43 vs iX1 not separately scored.
These figures are Hagalu catalogue-comparison indicators, not customer ratings, crash-test scores, resale guarantees or a substitute for a road test. Each page shows its weighted source coverage beside the result.
Model imagery
Hiace and iX1 image comparison
Open an image for its full canonical file or visit the model page for the complete vehicle record.
A transparent comparison of published catalogue fields. This is not a road-test score, owner rating or editorial review rating, and it appears only when every vehicle clears the same comparable-data threshold.
Evidence / 100
Evidence-index readout
iX1 leads by 36 points
iX1 has a large lead in Hagalu's source-backed catalogue index over Hiace.
Large difference in the source-backed catalogue index.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
iX1
Performance
95/100
Efficiency
90/100
Safety
92/100
Practicality
64/100
Hiace
Performance
37/100
Efficiency
48/100
Safety
44/100
Practicality
71/100
Ownership
43/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexBMW iX1
leads the specification evidence index with 85 pts
vs 49 pts for Hiace
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, iX1 leads. However, Hiace may suit buyers prioritising different confirmed fields. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Related comparisons
Continue with closely related South Africa models and comparable body styles.
There is no universal winner. Use the comparison table to match the models and available derivatives in South Africa on price, safety equipment, space, powertrain and ownership cover. The category indicators summarise published catalogue data; they are not a road test or customer rating.
Compare the published consumption or mileage rows for the exact derivatives using the same unit and test basis. A catalogue figure is useful for like-for-like comparison, but traffic, speed, load, weather and driving style can change actual fuel use.
Compare only equipment explicitly listed for each derivative, including airbags, stability control and driver-assistance systems. Confirm the exact trim with the manufacturer, and treat any independent crash-test result separately because equipment and ratings can differ by market.
A reliable five-year total cannot be calculated from catalogue data alone. Add the exact purchase and finance cost, fuel or electricity, insurance quotes, scheduled servicing, tyres and expected resale value. Check whether the selected derivative includes a service or maintenance plan.
Use the seating, boot or load-space, ISOFIX and safety rows as a first check. Then test the exact cars with your child seats, passengers and typical luggage, because published dimensions do not show every access or comfort difference.
Compare the published power, torque and 0–100 km/h rows when they are available for both exact derivatives. Vehicle weight, gearing and power delivery also matter, so catalogue outputs alone do not establish real-world overtaking or response.
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