The revived Toyota Tamaraw has all the potential to shake up the utility vehicle market. With four body styles available plus custom configurations and a sub-P800k starting price, it might just be the solution for most business owners looking for great value in their workhorse.
The thing is, there are other utility vehicles that the Tamaraw has to face. Not only that, there are also those that indirectly compete with it, particularly ones that cater to more specialized needs.
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We’ve lined up ten alternatives to the all-new Toyota Tamaraw, but we’ll list them down a little differently. In this case, we’ll be splitting the alternatives into two. The first five are those you’d expect, while the latter are surprising yet still worthy substitutes.
Mitsubishi L300 (P825,000)
Yes, the chassis is well over 45 years old now, but there’s a good reason why the L300 is the default choice of many business fleets. Its proven basic mechanicals, 2.2-liter turbodiesel engine, and high payload capacity work in the Mitsubishi’s favor. Interestingly, the base price is higher than the Tamaraw, but for those who want a fuss-free option in the utility vehicle market, the L300’s brand equity is hard to overlook
Isuzu Traviz (P1,040,000 to P1,110,000)
Say the word Isuzu and one will associate it with reliability and durability. With that in mind, the Traviz is a worthy alternative to the Tamaraw. Like the L300, it has simple mechanicals but uses a far newer chassis. Not as fresh as the Tamaraw, of course, but it can carry a lot of weight, vital in the hauling business.
Kia K2500 (P1,210,000 to P1,307,000)
For those who want a wider array of options for their utility vehicle, it’s hard to beat the Kia K2500. It’s available in a variety of configurations that allows the end user to get it as a cab and chassis, single cab, dual cab, cargo van, and one can even have it with four-wheel drive. Those options give it a slight edge over the Tamaraw, although it is a a fair bit more expensive compared to the Toyota. Still worth a look, though
Hyundai H-100 (P984,000 to P1,260,000)
While not the most popular choice in the utility vehicle segment, the Hyundai H-100 still has a lot going for it. For starters, it starts under P1-M and has one of the most powerful engines in its class. Payload capacity is competitive, and its interior isn’t totally utilitarian.
Isuzu D-Max single cab (P938,000 to P1,178,000)
Perhaps the most similar to the Tamaraw is the most basic single cab version of the Isuzu D-Max. Like the Toyota, it’s based on an existing pickup platform, comes with a modern turbodiesel engine, and offers a high degree of customization for specific needs. However, customers can get it with four-wheel drive and even the 3.0-liter turbodiesel under the hood. For those who wish the Tamaraw had four-wheel drive, the D-Max might be the way to go.
Suzuki Eeco (Price TBA)
We now move on to the more offbeat alternatives to the Tamaraw. We start with the Suzuki Eeco which…hasn’t been launched yet. Nonetheless we reckon it deserves a spot in local showrooms. Not everyone needs a large hauler for their businesses, and the Eeco might be enough for most folks. It’s just 3.6 meters long, making it ideal for tight spaces, while the van body maximizes interior space from its small footprint.
Toyota Lite Ace pickup/van (P645,000 to P998,000)
While we’re on the subject of small haulers, let’s not forget that Toyota essentially makes a baby Tamaraw. The Lite Ace is (almost) infinitely configurable, offers good payload, and reasonably priced. Sure, it won’t carry as much as the Tamaraw, but the lower base price and easier maneuverability makes it an attractive proposition to value-minded buyer who doesn’t need a large vehicle.
Mitsubishi Xpander GLX MT / Nissan Livina E MT (P1,068,000 / P1,069,000)
Hear us out: Small entry-level MPVs have the potential to be great for businesses. How so? Well, not all businesses need a stiff-riding, truck-based vehicle. For those that carry fragile cargo and require a softer ride, these subcompact car-based MPVs fit the bill. Which is why we’d like to nominate the base versions of the Mitsubishi Xpander and its twin, the Nissan Livina. They’re among the softest-riding MPVs around, so it should be good for delicate items.
Suzuki Ertiga GA MT (P954,000)
But if you want something less expensive, the underrated Suzuki Ertiga is worth checking out. The upright shape is good for tall items, and the cargo capacity isn’t half bad. The mild-hybrid powertrain should save a few liters in the long run, too.
Toyota Avanza J MT (P838,000)
And capping off the list is yet another Toyota. The least expensive Avanza has the fleet market in mind, but its MPV shape makes it a decent hauler as well. It might not have the same payload capacity as the Tamaraw and Lite Ace, but car-like ride means items don’t get thrown around as much on bumpy roads. The 1.3-liter sips fuel but no ball of fire, although it should be enough for most. Also, it has one of the largest cargo areas in the subcompact MPV class, a huge plus in this crowd.
