Toyota Hiace Van - A van practical for everyday applications

The first generation was launched on 1967 and had 4 engine variants within its lifetime and a rather lengthy production span of 10 years. It also had 4 body variants within the same time. It was introduced as a commuter vehicle capable of light commercial use and was available as a delivery van, a commuter van, a pick-up truck variant, and a wagon. The design featured a Monocoque body with the front wheel suspension being independent. The engines available at launch were a 1.3 liter Type P that was capable of 56 HP or a 1.5 liter (2R) that could produce 70 HP. Both engines were gas powered. In 1971, they replaced the 1.5 liter engine with a more powerful 1.6 liter unit that could generate 83HP. The 18 liter variant was introduced in 1975. They all came with a 4 speed manual transmission.

First generation body types for the Hiace van included a delivery van whose capacity was either 500/850Kg. The commuter version had a passenger capacity of 12 while the wagon could carry as many as 9. You could also get a 2 ton truck variant. This was only available as a single cab. This was a relatively small vehicle with a standard body of just 2350mm. The commuter version was 50mm shorter (about 2 inches) while the truck bed was 2650mm long.

The Hiace came with a heater, which at the time was considered the preserve of mid and top range personal vehicles.

The second generation of Toyota Hiace vans was launched in 1977. Improvements were made to the overall cab design and single headlights were introduced. It available in standard, long, and super long versions for the van. The trucks now came as a single or double cab, with open van or paneled builds. A new smaller version was introduced called the Toyota LiteAce. This was smaller and was closer to the first generation Hiace vans in size. Important upgrades were also made to the comfort, safety, and functionality. By lengthening the van, they increased the volume of cargo that could be carried, and the comfort of the passengers. The wheel base on the standard vans was 2340 mm (90.2 inches), while the long vans measured 2545 mm for the long, and 2845 for the super long van.

The engine sizes and power outputs also changed. At launch, all engines were powered by gasoline, and came in 3 variants. The smallest was a 1.6 liter 12R-J engine that could churn out 80 HP, while the midrange 1.8 liter 16R-J engine could put out 95 HP. The largest of these was a 2 liter 18R-U engine capable of 100HP. In July 1979, Toyota introduced a 2.2 liter diesel powered Type L engine that produced 72 HP.

Notable changes on the second generation vans included the "increase in load capacity" of the standard version to 600/850kg. The 9 sitter wagon was also able to carry up to 750Kg with the rearmost seats put away. This however reduced the passenger carrying capacity to 6. The Hiace also started installing a parallel 4- link closing mechanism for back door. It made opening the door in tight spaces such as delivery lanes easier.

This generation of the Hiace was introduced in 1982, although people had to wait 3 years longer for the pick-up truck. This came in August of 1985 and shared the dyna model which was different from the 1-box models previously. This was in the height if the multipurpose vehicle trend, and this translated into the design. The interior of the vehicles was retailored for comfort and space. The ride was made smoother with the introduction of the 4-link coil spring suspension in the rear. A custom sunroof was also introduced in some models. The model numbers of the vans were also able to tell you the wheel base information. Short wheel base variants were the 50 series, while 60 series denoted the long wheel base vans. Super long vans were in the 70 series.

Third generation Hiace vans came with a "newly developed engine". There was a 1.8 liter and a 2 liter variant of the gas powered engine. A 2.2 liter type L diesel engine was introduced at a later date. Due the demand for comfort when driving, a 4- speed automatic transmission was added as an option for the gas engine. In 1985, the 7 seater wagon got a top of the range super custom limited model. Selected wagons and vans were also produced with 4-wheel drive.

The first fourth gen Hiace was made available in August of 1989. Toyota made steps to solidify Hiace's standing as a luxury multipurpose box vehicle. This included making it more user friendly, and changing the engines included. There were newer 2-liter gas engines including the 2 liter 1RZ-E and the 1RZ units. There was also a larger 2.4-liter 2RZ-E gas engine, and a 2.8-liter (3L) diesel engine to all the 4WD models. The engines came with better fuel economy and an increase in power as well. Most were rear wheel drive with the 4WD being part-time. This was made full-time in 1993. There were facelifts made to the Hiace in May of 1994, in 1997, and again in 2002. The vans came with a 5 speed transmission.

Several variations of the Hiace were launched in the lifetime of the 4th generation. In 1999 for instance, the Grandia and the 2.0GL variants were launched together with a Hiace commuter. A special edition Super Grandia J was also sold from August 2002 to June 2003.

This was a further improvement on the previous generations and was launched in August of 2004. It came either as a wide long wheelbase van, a super long wheelbase Grand cabin with a high roof, a wide long wheelbase wagon, or as a wide super long wheelbase van. The gear was also moved to the dashboard for easier reach. You either got a 5 speed manual, or a 4 speed automatic as transmission.

The engine on most models was a 4 cylinder Overhead camshaft engine. It was available as a 2000cc 1TR-FE or a 2700cc 2TR-FE for petrol, or a 2500cc 2KD-FTV and a 3000cc 1KD-FTV turbodiesel. The 1TR-FE and 2TR-FE engines are capable of 134HP at 5600rpm and 158HP at 5200 rpm respectively. The 1KD-FTV and 2KD-FTV give 142Hp and 107HP at 3400rpm respectively.

In November of 2017, they fitted the Japanese variants of the Regius Ace and Hiace with the 2.8L 1GD-FTV with a 6 speed automatic. This was capable of generating 149HP at 3600 rpm and was designed replace the 1KD-FTV engine.

The panel van is arguably the most famous urban load carrier in the world today. Since 1967, it has been used as a delivery van, a commercial van, an office moving van, and in even in some parts of Africa modified to carry passengers. The cab over design in particular allows for more luggage space in the back.

There have been several developments in the line, to improve its functionality, especially in urban spaces. It started with the introduction of a longer and more streamlined cab in 1977, during the introduction of the second generation of the vehicle. The introduction of a short and long wheelbase version to increase diversity. The engines and transmissions have also been vastly improved for more fuel efficiency, more horsepower and torque, and lower carbon emissions. The most powerful of the first generation Hiace panel vans for instance could only muster 84HP, while the newer versions come with a more powerful 2.8L turbocharged engine capable of up to 174HP. That is more than double the original Hiace's output.

This version of the Hiace came with the introduction of the fourth generation. It was created as an upmarket version of the workhorse DX. It was wider and the engine provided more power. The ride quality was also greatly improved, and subsequent upgrades were made with each newer version of the vehicle. For instance, the 2012 super GL came with a 3.0L engine, and safety features such as front airbags for the driver and passenger. It also came with anti-lock braking and air conditioning as standard. They have since added reversing cameras as standard. The 2012 Super GL is capable of an impressive 8L for every 100 kilometers, and comes with a four star safety rating. All these are features that are essential for urban driving which is something Toyota promises with the Hiace.

This was launched and marketed as a people carrier. It was the comfort option of the Hiace and was designed to ride better than the Commercial van, with relatively the same amount of power. The commuter Hiace in the third generation can be touted as the precursor of sorts to the minibus. This was confirmed with the launch of the fourth generation 15 seat super long wheel base high roof minibus in 1989. This came with either a 2.0L gas, or 3.0L turbodiesel engine. The newer versions came with more power up to 160HP and a 5 speed manual gearbox. The diesel version gets a four speed automatic with the gas variant getting a 6 speed automatic instead.

There have been improvements to the original minibus, with focus being on comfort and passenger space. The mount of seating has been reduced for the 2019 version for instance with focus on passenger space and leg room. You get a choice between a 12 and a 14 seater. It comes with air conditioning as standard and foldable second row of seats for more active luggage space. There is more space in the front for the driver, with storage cubbies and cup holders. You also get a 3 inch display with connectivity and rear camera view. Safety features include ABS braking, airbags and vehicle stability control. You also get reverse sensors, hill and parking assist as standard. The minibus also comes with air conditioning for the rear seats as standard, and a power sliding door with the controls reachable by the driver.

This is the highest version of the Toyota Hiace line. It was launched as part of the 6th generation of Hiace and has seen some drastic changes to both the style and the design. The first major change is a deviation from the cab over design for a protruding hood. This also means that the engine is no longer under the front seats. This was done with both space and safety in mind. It increases the amount of room available to the driver and front passenger, while at the same time working to disperse the impact in the event of a collision. It features angular headlamp and a larger more formidable grill. It also comes with LED lights below the headlamps, compact lower air intakes, a sportier bumper, and a large chrome bar.

The interior comes with changes to the dash and the inclusion of soft touch materials everywhere. With the engine moved from under the seat, it is a reduction on both noise and temperature in the cab. The dashboard is large with easy to read dials and a gear lever. The standard audio system comes with four speakers, aux, USB and Bluetooth connectivity. The electronic doors have speed sensing locks. For safety, the Toyota Hiace deluxe comes with driver and passenger airbags. It comes with ABS and an engine immobilizer.

The engine is a punchy 2.8L four cylinder turbodiesel which is mated to a six speed manual or six speed automatic transmission. This is capable of producing 176HP and 420Nm of torque at 1400 rpm.

The Hiace is available on different wheelbase options. The wheelbase is the distance between the center of the front and rear axle. Knowing what sort of wheel base to get is important, because it influences the kit the car comes with, and also the amount of room. Long wheel base cars come with better space, more comfort, and offer a smoother ride because they are able to roll over bumps easier. This makes them ideal for long distance transportation of people and precious cargo. Short wheel base vehicles on the other hand are more adept at precision driving which makes them ideal for short distance deliveries.

The Toyota Hiace comes with the option of either a short wheelbase, long wheelbase, or super long wheelbase van. Each comes with their own set of benefits including:

When buying a Hiace van, there are two roof options available; the high roof version, and a low roof version. Each option comes with its own set of advantages and shortcomings. It is important to however know how your roof choice may affect your driving and the functionality of the van. Here are the Toyota Hiace roof options in more detail:

The Toyota Hiace van has continued to stand out thanks to its various practical qualities. The customizability and the space make it excellent as an ambulance, tour van, and minibus in various countries. They are also easy to drive with responsive controls and relatively small turning circles. This makes them great as delivery vans.

These practical qualities are mated to a decent amount of power from the engine and amazing reliability. This makes the Toyota Hiace well-loved on various parts of the world. Here are some of the more common uses for the Van:

This was an upmarket variation of the Granvia, which was sold in Japan between 1995 and 2002. It was a semi bonneted van that was available either as rear wheel drive or four wheel drive. It was only available as a passenger only version and came as 2.7L or 3.4L petrol. It was also available as a 2.4L or 3.0L diesel and was marketed as a multipurpose passenger tourer. They are currently highly sort after as used cars and are valued in many countries around the world.

Commonly Known as (Other Names): Granvia, HiAce Regius, Grand HiAce, Touring HiAce

This is the reinvention of the Toyota RegiusAce, which was first introduced to the world in 1999. With the H200 RegiusAce, Toyota did a complete restyling of face and interior. It continued the RegiusAce mission of providing the luxury with the affordability and reliability of the Hiace. The engine options are a 2.7L gas engine or a 3.0L turbodiesel mated to either a 5 speed Manual or a 6 speed automatic transmission. Notable interior changes included moving the gear shift to the panel area in order to allow passengers to move from the front to the rear of the vehicle while remaining inside.

Commonly Known as (Other Names): Mazda Bongo Brawny (Japan), Pars Khodro Haise (Iran), IKCO Aryan (Iran), Toyota Commuter (Thailand), Toyota RegiusAce (Japan), Toyota Pitbull/Box (Kenya), KDH (Sri Lanka), Toyota Ses'fikile (South Africa), Toyota Ventury (Thailand), Toyota Quantum (South Africa)

This was a longer version of the Toyota Hiace that was released in selected markets. It offered a longer cargo by half a foot and a powerful engine. This endeared it to people who used the Toyota Hiace as a delivery van to ferry goods and business items.

This is the passenger variation of the Toyota Hiace Van. It is available in a 6000 liter (about 212 cubic feet) and 10,000 (About 353 cubic feet) liter capacity. This translates to their payload capacity, with the smaller model rated at 1080 Kg (2380lbs) compared to 1300Kg (2866lbs) for the larger model. It comes with extended legroom and air-conditioning as standard. The passenger capacity for the smaller model is 12 while the larger bus can hold 14 comfortably.

Commonly Known as (Other Names): Toyota Minibus, Toyota Hiace Commuter.

These were small cargo haulers that were designed based on the Hiace. They were produced from the first generation in the 1960s until they 1995 when the last one rolled off the line. They were characterized by packing a lot of hauling capacity into a compact and maneuverable truck.

Commonly Known as (Other Names): Hiace Pickup

Toyota is a Japanese company and the home of most of the top kitted Hiace vans. For instance, the first Regius Ace was exclusively sold in Toyopet dealerships in Japan alone. More variations of the Hiace are available in Japan than any other place and as new versions are launched, used Hiace vans become available.

Finding and importing a van from an authorized and trusted dealer is the most reliable way of ensuring that the vehicle you get is in pristine quality. This is because they vet every vehicle carefully before listing it. The strength of their business is dependent on their trustworthiness after all. It also beats purchasing locally, since the used car dealer does not have to deal with the business overheads your local dealer contends with. They will therefore be more pocket friendly.