Review - Toyota HiAce

The problem that the Toyota HiAce faces in 2021, though, is that competition is coming thick and fast. The HiAce’s competitors, like the Ford Transit, Volkswagen Transporter, Hyundai iLoad, Fiat Scudo and Mercedes Vito means that the decision of which van is your best option is more complicated than ever before.

With that in mind, how does the Toyota HiAce stand as a value for money workhorse, and how does it stack up to its competitors? Let’s find out. 

Starting Price: $39,740

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Toyota HiAce (LWB) Specifications

For more details and other variants, check Toyota HiAce car page.

How Much Does It Cost?

The Toyota HiAce lineup kicks off at $39,740 for the HiAce long wheelbase V6 petrol fitted with a manual transmission, while an automatic version brings the price up to $41,740. The range then moves to the HiAce long wheelbase diesel that is priced from $43,240 for the manual and $45,240 for the automatic variant. Stepping up to the HiAce long wheelbase crew with a diesel engine brings the price to $48,240, while the HiAce Super long wheelbase petrol V6 is priced from $49,740 and the diesel variant brings the price to $53,240.

Finally, the range-topping Toyota HiAce Commuter Super long wheelbase is priced from $68,240 and the Commuter GL Super long wheelbase brings the price to $71,240.

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What Features Does the Toyota HiAce Have?

Toyota packages all HiAce models with a range of features, with even the entry-level model receiving a set of 16-inch steel wheels, 8.0-inch infotainment system with a USB port, bluetooth connectivity, digital radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support. The HiAce also comes packaged with a 4.2-inch digital instrument cluster screen, air conditioning, reversing cameras with front and rear parking sensors, cruise control, leather steering wheel, seven airbags, power windows, as well as a full-sized spare tyre.

Stepping up to the Crew variant adds two extra airbags, door handles and bumpers finished in the same colour as the bodywork, and an automatically dimming rear-view mirror.

Finally, the range-topping Commuter GL comes packaged with a set of 16-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights with daytime running lamps, automatic sliding doors, leather and fabric interior upholstery, a USB port in the rear of the cabin, as well as a glass roof hatch for emergencies.

Range Features:

• 16-inch steel wheels as standard
• 8.0-inch Infotainment System with Digital Radio, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
• Cruise Control
• Reversing Camera with Front & Rear Sensors
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Automatic headlights
• Blind-spot Monitoring, Rear Cross-Traffic Alerts
• 16-inch alloys (Commuter GL)
• LED headlights, power sliding door (Commuter GL)

Toyota HiAce Colours

Is it Comfortable to Drive?

The latest Toyota HiAce is surprisingly comfortable to drive, especially when you consider its sheer size and weight. Toyota options the HiAce with a choice of two engines, a petrol unit pushing out 207kW and 351Nm of torque, while the four-cylinder turbo-diesel unit pushes out 130kW and more importantly, 450Nm of torque. This means that both engines have a nice amount of power, with the diesel in particular having more than enough push for whatever conditions you’re driving in, or the weight of the cargo you’re transporting. The automatic transmission takes care of shifts without a problem, and Toyota’s attention to sound insulation is clear in the cabin, with a relatively quiet atmosphere for a van, which is welcome news if you’re opting for the commuter versions of the HiAce to transport people in comfort.

How Big is the Toyota HiAce?

The long wheelbase HiAce measures in at 5265mm in length, 1950mm wide and 1990mm high, while the Super long wheelbase brings these figures to 5915mm long, 1950mm wide and 2280mm in height.

Is The HiAce Practical and Good For Work?

It will come as no surprise to hear that practicality and the ability to transport a huge amount of cargo comes naturally to the HiAce. Toyota has updated the dimensions of the latest generation HiAce to be slightly larger than its predecessor, and can swallow up even more people and cargo. In the base LWB van, there is 6,200L of cargo storage on offer, with 9,300L available in the SLWB variant, with a load of tie-down points for your goods. If you’re in the business of transporting people, rather than cargo, you’ll be glad to know that the 12-seat Commuter offers a huge amount of space for occupants, while the five-seat variant means you can transport your friends and family, as well as a huge amount of cargo without breaking a sweat.

Is it Safe?

The Toyota HiAce has been awarded ANCAP’s maximum five-star safety rating, scoring 94 out of 100 for occupant protection and 88 out of 100 for child occupant protection. To make things even better, with the latest HiAce, Toyota has also added a huge array of active safety technologies to keep the driver and their cargo safe. This means that even the entry-level HiAce comes packaged with autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alerts, lane-keep assist and departure warnings, automatic lights and a rear-view camera with front and rear sensors to make parking as easy as possible.

Is it Fuel Efficient?

The HiAce’s economy depends on which engine you opt for, with the petrol engine significantly thirstier than its diesel siblings. The V6 petrol manual is officially rated at 12.4L per 100km on a combined cycle, while the auto returns a figure of 12L per 100km. The diesel variant, however, brings these figures down to just 8.2L per 100km in the automatic and 7.5L per 100km for the manual LWB; the crew van and Super LWB diesel variants are rated at 8.4 L per 100km.

If economy is a key concern for you, the HiAce powered by a diesel engine is no doubt the pick of the bunch.

Our Verdict: Is the Toyota HiAce Worth it?

It should come as no surprise that the HiAce is by far the van segment’s most popular offering, and there’s good reason for this. Rather than chasing any competitors, the Toyota HiAce sets the pace for its competitors, and in almost every way, is the yardstick that those competitors are measured up against. Toyota’s most recent update for the HiAce range essentially acts to future-proof its lineup, particularly with the addition of new safety technologies, maintaining the HiAce’s lead over its competitors. If you’re in the market for a new car, you can get a free quote and see how much OnlineAuto can save you on your next car, or call us on 1300 719 925

Five Specs You Need to Know

1. 6,200L of Loadspace in LWB version; 9,300L in SLWB Van
2. Payload Capacity Rated Between 995kg and 1135kg
3. 16-inch Steel Wheels Fitted as Standard
4. Five year, unlimited KM warranty; servicing every six-months or 10,000km
5. 3.5-litre petrol & 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine options

Pros

• Fully packed with safety equipment
• Economical diesel engine
• Significant all-round improvements over previous HiAce

Cons

• Thirsty petrol engine option
• Restricted towing capacity
• Six-month/10,000km service intervals; although Toyota offers capped price servicing

OnlineAuto Rating: 8/10

Toyota HiAce Competition