Puma holds a noticeable edge over Hiace, especially in key ownership areas.
Key Differences At A Glance
Performance
Puma
+1 pts
Efficiency
Puma
+1 pts
Safety
Puma
+14 pts
Practicality
Puma
+6 pts
Ownership
Equal
Category Score Breakdown
🏆 Overall Winner
Puma
Performance
8/20
Efficiency
9/20
Safety
20/20
Practicality
12/20
Ownership
12/20
Hiace
Performance
7/20
Efficiency
8/20
Safety
6/20
Practicality
6/20
Ownership
12/20
Pros & Cons
Hiace
Pros
No major strengths identified
Cons
Less powerful engine setup
Lower fuel efficiency
Less comprehensive safety features
Less practical in daily usage
Best For:General Use
🏆 Overall Winner
Puma
Pros
More powerful engine output
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger safety package
More practical for daily use
Cons
No major weaknesses identified
Best For:Highway DrivingFuel EfficiencyFamily Usage
Who Should Buy Which?
Hiace
Buyers looking for a balanced all-round vehicle
Puma
Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Buyers looking for better fuel efficiency
Families prioritising stronger safety equipment
Large families needing more practicality and usability
Full Specification Comparison
Specification
Hiace
Puma
Ground Clearance
155
170
Wheelbase
2985
2594
Length
4695
4186
Width
1880
1805
Height
1990
1531
Kerb Weight
1780
1325
Gross Vehicle Weight
2800
1775
Seating Capacity
3
5
Boot Space
0
456
Towing Capacity
2800
1200
Front Track Width
-
1541
Rear Track Width
-
1534
Turning Radius
-
5.4
Specification
Hiace
Puma
Engine
2.5L Turbodiesel
1.0L EcoBoost Mild Hybrid
Engine Type
Inline 4-cylinder 2KD-FTV
Inline 3 Cylinder Turbo Mild Hybrid
Displacement
2494
999
Cylinders
4
3
Valves per Cylinder
4
4
Power
75
92
Torque
200
170
Fuel System
Common Rail Direct Injection
Direct Injection
Top Speed
148
185
0-100 km/h
17.5
10.5
Power @ RPM
3600 rpm
6000 rpm
Torque @ RPM
1800 rpm
2000-4500 rpm
Turbocharger
Turbocharged
Single Turbo
Compression Ratio
-
10.5:1
Engine Position
-
Front Transverse
Specification
Hiace
Puma
Transmission
5-speed Manual
7-Speed Automatic DCT
Drive Type
RWD
FWD
Drivetrain Layout
Rear Wheel Drive
Front Wheel Drive
LSD Available
Mechanical Differential
Not Available
Transfer Case
None
Not Applicable
Paddle Shifters
-
Standard
Differential Lock
-
Not Applicable
Specification
Hiace
Puma
Claimed Mileage
12.0
16.4
City Mileage
10
12
Highway Mileage
14
18
Fuel Tank Capacity
70
42
Emission Standard
Euro 5
Euro 6
AdBlue Tank Capacity
-
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
-
Standard
Specification
Hiace
Puma
Airbags
2
8
ABS
Standard
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Not Available
Standard
Traction Control
Standard
Standard
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Not Available
Child Safety Lock
Standard
Standard
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
Standard
Brake Assist
Standard
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Not Available
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Standard
Hill Start Assist
-
Standard
Alarm System
-
Standard
Central Locking
-
Standard
Side Impact Beams
-
Standard
Specification
Hiace
Puma
Cruise Control
Standard
Adaptive
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Standard
Lane Keep Assist
Not Available
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring
Not Available
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Standard
Parking Sensors
Rear Only
Front and Rear
Rear View Camera
Standard
Standard
360 Degree Camera
Not Available
Not Available
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Not Available
Standard
Lane Departure Warning
-
Standard
Driver Fatigue Alert
-
Standard
Traffic Sign Recognition
-
Standard
Specification
Hiace
Puma
Seat Material
Fabric
Sport Partial Leather
Seat Adjustment
Manual
Electric 6-Way
Heated Seats
Not Available
Front
Ventilated Seats
Not Available
Not Available
Steering Type
Hydraulic Power Steering
Electric Power Assisted
Steering Adjustment
Tilt
Tilt and Telescopic
Ambient Lighting
Not Available
Ambient Sport Lighting
Folding Rear Seats
-
60/40 Split
Front Armrest
-
Standard
Rear Armrest
-
Standard
Specification
Hiace
Puma
Climate Control
Not Available
Automatic AC
Power Windows
All Windows
All Doors
Keyless Entry
Standard
Smart Entry
Push Button Start
Not Available
Standard
Wireless Charging
Not Available
Standard
Sunroof
Not Available
Not Available
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
Not Available
Automatic Headlamps
-
Standard
Rain Sensing Wipers
-
Standard
Auto Dimming Mirror
-
Standard
Specification
Hiace
Puma
Infotainment Screen
Basic Radio
12-inch SYNC 4 Touchscreen
Apple CarPlay
Not Available
Wireless
Android Auto
Not Available
Wireless
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Standard
Number of Speakers
6
6
Navigation System
Not Available
Standard
Digital Instrument Cluster
-
12-inch Full Digital
USB Ports
-
3
Wireless Apple CarPlay
-
Standard
Specification
Hiace
Puma
LED Headlamps
Halogen
Full LED
Daytime Running Lamps
Standard
LED
Fog Lamps
Front Only
LED
Roof Rails
Not Available
Standard
Alloy Wheel Design
Steel Wheels
19-inch Sport Alloy
Chrome Exterior Finish
-
Not Available
Body Cladding
-
Standard
Rear Spoiler
-
Sport Rear Spoiler
Specification
Hiace
Puma
Approach Angle
29
-
Departure Angle
26
-
Wading Depth
700
-
Terrain Modes
None
-
Locking Differential
Rear Differential Lock
-
Specification
Hiace
Puma
Tyre Size
195/75 R16
225/40 R19
Wheel Type
Steel
Alloy
Front Brake Type
Ventilated Disc
Ventilated Disc
Rear Brake Type
Drum
Solid Disc
Spare Wheel Type
-
Tyre Repair Kit
Specification
Hiace
Puma
Front Suspension
Double Wishbone
MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension
Leaf Spring
Torsion Beam
Chassis Type
Ladder Frame
Monocoque
Power Steering
-
Electric
Steering Column
-
Tilt and Telescopic
Specification
Hiace
Puma
Service Interval
10000 km / 12 months
15,000 km or 1 Year
Approx Service Cost
Moderate
Approx R5,000
Battery Warranty
24 Months
Not Applicable
Maintenance Plan
-
Optional
Specification
Hiace
Puma
Warranty Years
3
3
Warranty Kilometers
100000
100000
Roadside Assistance
3 Years
3 Years
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
-
6 Years
Specification
Hiace
Puma
CO2 Emissions
225
118
Start Stop System
Not Available
Standard
Hybrid System Type
None
Mild Hybrid
Noise Level
-
67
Final Verdict
🏆Ford Puma
wins with 61 pts
vs 39 pts for Hiace
In structured scoring, Puma emerges as the stronger overall package. However, Hiace may appeal to buyers prioritising different factors. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.