Hiace

Now more robust-looking than ever, the Toyota Hiace still remains to be one of the most trusted vans as far as Filipino families are concerned. With the sixth-generation update introduced in February 2019, the Hiace nameplate saw huge changes on the exterior and interior. The all-new Hiace features a nose, unlike the ex-under-the-driver engine design that gives the van a flat fascia. Notably, the exclusive engine room, therefore, renders more space inside the cabin.

Exterior & Interior Features

The Exterior of the Hiace is similar throughout most models. The differences lie in the front bumpers which can be either colored keyed or black, and with the grille. The grille can either be chrome or silver depending on the variant. The standard for the GL Grandia and commuter range is bi-beam multi-reflector halogen headlights with integrated turn lamps. LED daytime running lights are available but only for the GL Grandia Tourer AT variant. Fog lamps are standard for the GL Grandia trim-level but are not present in the Commuter Deluxe trim. It is worth noting that the Cargo and standard Commuter maintained the design of its predecessor.

The Interior of the Hiace has either a beige theme for the Grandia variants or a black theme for the Commuter Deluxe variant. Seats can be had with either fabric or vinyl leather material, while seating configuration is either a 12, 14, or 15 seater configuration, depending on the variant. While standard analog gauges are standard for all models the GL Grandia Tourer AT gets a 4.2-inch TFT multi-information display.

Performance

Powering the Hiace is the 2.8-liter 1GD-FTV diesel engine that has varying outputs depending on the variant. This is the same engine found in the Fortuner, Hilux, and Innova. The Commuter Delux variant has an output of 176 hp and 420 Nm of torque; the GL Grandia gets 176 hp and 450 Nm of torque, and the GL Grandia Tourer gets 163 hp and 420 Nm of torque. Transmission options are either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic.

With the Cargo and standard Commuter variant maintaining the same body from its predecessor, both trims, on the other hand, get a different engine. It’s a 3.0-liter diesel engine that’s found on its predecessor. The said mill is able to 136 hp and 300 Nm of torque, which is then mated to a 5-speed manual transmission.

For suspension, the Hiace features MacPherson struts for the front and a new rigid, leaf spring combination for the rear. Braking is handled by ventilated discs up front as standard. Rear braking power can come from either disc brakes or drum brakes, depending on the variant.

Comfort

For infotainment, the GL Grandia trim-level gets display audio system with CD, DVD, MP3, FLAC with AUX, USB, Bluetooth, and smartphone mirroring technology. The mirroring function comes from Toyota’s proprietary T-link system which can mirror Apple and Android devices. The infotainment also comes with K2 technology. Sound is sent through a 6-speaker system for the GL Grandia trim levels. Climate controls come in the form of dual, manual controls with rear individual vents or with just rear vents.

For the Commuter Deluxe trim level, the infotainment system comes in the form of a 2-DIN head unit that comes with CD, tuner, MP3. Aux, USB, and Bluetooth capabilities. Sound is sent through a 4-speaker system. Climate controls come in the form of dual-zone, front manual control.

Car Safety Features

The Hiace comes with standard safety features such as ABS, dual front airbags, individual passengers. The Commuter Deluxe gets an extra center airbag for the center passenger. The GL Grandia and GL Grandia Tourer get hill-start assist, brake assist, vehicle stability control, and rear parking sensors. The Tourer also gets a backup camera as standard.

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