For a group trip to the north, the Toyota Hiace suits parties of about 8 to 13 people and the Coaster suits groups of roughly 15 to 28. The Hiace is faster, easier to park and cheaper per day; the Coaster gives everyone more room and a lower cost per head once you fill it. The awkward middle, 13 to 15 people, usually means two Hiaces or a Coaster with empty seats.
This is a comparison, not a rate card. Hire prices below come from operators' published rates in 2026 and vary by season, route and driver, so treat them as ranges and ask for a written quote.
| At a glance | Hiace (Grand Cabin / High Roof) | Coaster |
|---|---|---|
| Usual seats for hire | 10 to 13 (up to 16 in some layouts) | 28 to 29 |
| Length | About 5.9 m | About 7.0 m |
| Rough daily hire, with driver | About Rs 13,000 to 20,000 (2026) | About Rs 16,000 to 30,000 (2026) |
| Fuel economy (new, mixed use) | About 10 to 12 km/l | About 7 to 9 km/l |
| Best for | Families, friend groups, narrow roads | College trips, large family tours |
How many people fit, really?
Listings say 13 seats for a Hiace Grand Cabin and 28 for a Coaster 4C, while manufacturer figures give up to 16 for the Hiace and 29 for the Coaster. The gap is luggage. A full Hiace loses most of its boot space, and roof racks for a week's bags are common on the north run.
Do the sums with bags, not just passengers. A group of 12 with a suitcase each is comfortable in a 13-seat Hiace only if some bags go on the roof. A group of 20 in a Coaster has plenty of space below and behind the seats.
Which one handles the mountain roads better?
Both are used daily on the Karakoram Highway and the paved roads to Hunza, Skardu and Swat. Neither is a jeep, and neither should be used on Deosai's unpaved track, where a 4x4 is required for the plateau road.
The Hiace is more manoeuvrable on narrow stretches and hairpins, and it climbs and accelerates better. Operators note that the bigger Coasters climb more slowly, so you should allow extra time on the itinerary. On long, steep sections a fully loaded Coaster can crawl. Drivers who know the route matter more than the badge.
If people in your group get sick on bends, the seat position matters more than the vehicle; read our guide to car sickness on mountain roads.
What does each cost?
Rates change with fuel, season and demand, and Eid and July are the most expensive times. Published rates in 2026 give a rough picture:
- Hiace: from around Rs 13,000 a day in Lahore, and Rs 15,000 to 20,000 or more for outstation trips.
- Coaster: around Rs 16,000 to 30,000 a day, depending on the model and the city it leaves from.
Operators that quote per day, with the driver included, usually leave fuel, tolls, the driver's meals and accommodation, and park fees to you. A week in the north can add up quickly, so ask exactly what the number covers. Our posts on Hiace hire for the northern areas and Coaster hire for Gilgit-Baltistan cover hiring in more detail.
Fuel and cost per head
The Coaster burns more fuel per kilometre, but it carries about twice the people. Fill it and the per-head cost falls. Half-fill it and the Hiace is cheaper. As a rough test, if you cannot fill at least 18 Coaster seats, price two Hiaces or one Hiace for the same days.
Comfort on long days
A Hiace with high-roof seating is generally more comfortable for a few hours than a standard commuter, and newer Tourer variants are automatic. A Coaster has more legroom, but suspension and seats vary a lot with age. Ask for the model year, working air conditioning and photos of the actual vehicle, and check the tyres.
Is the road safe?
Both vehicles drive the Karakoram Highway. The UK government advises against all travel on the KKH between Mansehra and Chilas, which includes Besham and Dasu, and Babusar (N15) avoids it in summer. Foreign-passport holders should check their own government's advice, which can void insurance. Whichever vehicle you choose, agree the route with the driver before you leave.
Which should you choose?
- 8 to 13 people, mixed luggage: a Hiace.
- 15 to 28 people, school or office groups: a Coaster.
- 13 to 16 people: two Hiaces are often the better choice on hairpin roads and give you flexibility.
- Tight budget and small group: neither. See our trip planning page, or our tours page if you would rather have us organise it.
Frequently asked questions
How many people fit in a Hiace?
Hire listings say 10 to 13 seats with luggage room. Manufacturer figures give up to 16 in some layouts, but that leaves little space for bags.
How many seats does a Coaster have?
Usually 28 to 29 in the versions hired for tours, and listings vary a little.
Is a Coaster safe on mountain roads?
It is widely used on the paved northern roads, but it climbs slowly and needs an experienced driver. Avoid unpaved passes.
Which is cheaper, Hiace or Coaster?
The Hiace costs less per day, and the Coaster is cheaper per person once it is close to full. Get quotes for both.
Can either go to Deosai?
The unpaved Deosai roads need a 4x4, so most groups switch to jeeps at Skardu. Neither the Hiace nor the Coaster is suited to that track.
