Toyota introduced an updated version of its HiAce light commercial van in several global markets, which includes updated safety features and new engines, and is designed for cargo and passenger transportation.

Toyota has introduced an updated version of its HiAce light commercial van in several global markets, which includes new safety features and new engines, and is designed for cargo and passenger transportation. The new series made its official premiere in a Toyota presentation at the Grand Hyatt Manila, Philippines.

The new HiAce will be available with two-seat vans in long and super-long wheelbase configurations, the former available as a five-seat crew van and the latter as a 17-seat commuter bus, according to Toyota. It will be available with a 2.8L four-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine or a 3.5L naturally aspirated petrol engine, both available with six-speed manual or automatic transmissions.

The HiAce is available in Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Oceania, Mexico, and Latin America, said Toyota. The new Toyota HiAce is also prepared to launch in the Australian market by mid-year.

The new Toyota HiAce offers new advanced safety technologies, including a pre-collision system with autonomous emergency braking and pedestrian and cyclist detection. Also available on the Toyota HiAce is a reversing camera and up to nine airbags that are complemented by an optional digital rear-view mirror that provides a wide field of view unobstructed by headrests, occupants, or cargo.

The Toyota HiAce will have an available cargo capacity of 6.2 cubic meters of space for the long wheelbase (LWB) model and 9.3 cubic meters for the larger-capacity super-long wheelbase (SLWB) variation. Meanwhile, the towing capacity has been expanded to a maximum of 4,188 pounds.

Appearing first on the Japanese market in 1967, the Toyota HiAce has been manufactured in a variety of configurations over the years: truck, minivan, panel van, and more. The vehicle is noted for its narrow construction, making it easy to navigate through tight or crowded spaces, but it also provides a spacious interior, a powerful engine, and long-term durability.

Today, the Toyota HiAce remains a best-selling van that is highly sought-after among fleets in need of dependable light commercial vehicles with a large passenger capacity. This multi-purpose vehicle is well suited for the demands of many types of businesses, including:

• Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC services

• Retail home-delivery companies

• Construction and landscaping companies

• Food catering

• Non-profit organizations

• Housecleaning companies

• Courier delivery services

A Toyota HiAce LWB or SLWB can provide fleets with the versatile transportation benefits associated with minibuses, panel vans, campers, passenger vans, and related vehicles. Its new features also include improvements in upholstery, dashboard and steering wheel design, and ergonomics. The Toyota HiAce offers low noise and vibration levels to enhance passenger comfort.

2023 UPDATE

The 2023 Toyota HiAce series represents a further refinement of this popular light commercial van. Its new-to-2023 features include:

• Power lumbar support on the driver's seat.

• Barn door option (on most versions). These doors can be folded up to 180 degrees.

Furthermore, the 2023 Toyota HiAce comes standard with a variety of world-class safety features:

• Autonomous emergency braking (AEB) system

• Blind spot monitoring

• Automatic high-beam headlights

• Lane-departure warning & lane-keeping assist

• Rear cross-traffic alert

• Traffic sign recognition (TSR)

• Front/rear parking sensors

• Reversing camera

A 2023 Toyota HiAce LWB van, SLWB van, or Commuter model can be a fine addition to your fleet.

Did you enjoy this article? Please leave a comment for us or subscribe to our newsletter.