Modified Toyota Hiace: The next lifestyle van

Updated Mar 14, 2022 | Same topic: Tuning & Mods

Maximize the large proportions of your van.

Toyota Hiace is a common name to hear. Even those who are not up with the latest in the automotive industry have an idea of what the Hiace is. Well, the reason for the matter is that the transport section in the Philippines widely uses the van in its operations, whether for public or private commercial use.

Toyota Hiace front view

Toyota Hiace

Due to its popularity, even those who drive this Toyota car for personal use get to be regarded as a public transport vehicle. Plus, it is not the most aesthetically-looking vehicle to drive especially if you are out with your friends on a road trip. Although, the cabin space would definitely make up for that.

To avoid such situations, you can have your Toyota Hiace modified. Yes, sedans or coupes aren’t the only types of vehicles to receive love from the world of car customization. In fact, it is exciting to customize the van as the large interior can host various amounts of added accessories or tech features.

With that being said, we have listed down three customized Toyota Hiace on this list. You can use the following as references for your next visit to your preferred auto shop. We have chosen three distinctive types of Hiace modification that should suit different lifestyles.

Toyota Hiace: Take it off-road

Since the Toyota Hiace comes with somewhat off-road-capable features such as a rear-wheel-drive system and a large diesel engine, light off-roading adventures shouldn’t be an issue. Moreover, the van comes with a leaf spring suspension setup at the rear which can help you carry more loads without having the vehicle struggle.

As such, a customized Toyota Hiace for off-roading is one of your many options. You can start with choosing an off-road or all-terrain tire to replace the vehicle’s standard 15-inch steel wheels. This can also create a more rugged appeal to the finish especially if you pair it with a blacked-out wheel design.

Modified Toyota Hiace front view

Off-roading Hiace [Photo: EnduroCo]

A massive bull bar is another great way to enhance the off-road capability of the van or it can simply add to its overall presence while being driven on the road. This will help protect your vehicle from rough roads or rocks that might hit the front end. We recommend getting a blacked-out bull bar instead of chrome for that genuine off-road appearance. It will also go well with the black wheels, if you chose to install one.

Lastly, a snorkel would be a good addition to this type of customization. For the uninitiated, a snorkel lets vehicles run underwater with ease as the air intake now gets air from the tip of the accessory. Considering storms can be violent in the Philippines, a snorkel can help you drive through flooded areas.

As for the interior, it’s pretty much up to you what you want to carry on your off-road adventures. But if you are not going to use all seats, then we recommend that you remove some. Instead, replace the seats with storage for your camping equipment such as a gas tank, cargo, and even a bed so you won’t have to deal with mosquitoes.

Toyota Hiace: City van

We are moving to a completely different type of Toyota Hiace modification. In fact, it is quite the opposite. You can make your van stand out against public transportation units with sporty accessories. In case you’re wondering, this type of customization is not new as many Hiace clubs in the Philippines do so.

You don’t necessarily need to add aero custom kits such as canards because, let’s face it, the Toyota Hiace’s body is not the most aerodynamic out there. It is designed to haul people and cargo, and not for the fast lane. Keep the body as it is, and simply change what is already included.

Modified Toyota Hiace front view

Hiace and style can go together [Photo: S.A.D Custom Japan]

The first modification you might want to consider is changing the bumper. In the photo of the modified Toyota Hiace made by S.A.D Custom Japan, the bumper gets sharp character lines. It goes well with the smoked headlights that give a picture of a mad-looking face.

Moving to the sides, a new set of blacked-out wheels have been installed, which is seamlessly linked by a ‘Stinger’ sticker in between. The large windows have been tinted heavily as well to go along with the black theme of the customization. Lastly, the ride height has been lowered, completing the modified look.

For obvious reasons, this type of customization is not for everyone, especially for those who use the van for business or hauling plenty of people. The lowered ride height alone will be an issue if you will max out the seating capacity. Also, we doubt that shuttle companies will accept this Toyota Hiace look to their fleet.

Toyota Hiace: Move like a VIP

This time, we will talk about a modified interior of the Toyota Hiace which can exude a luxurious appeal. You can turn your workhorse-looking vehicle into a VIP-like van with few modifications, especially in the cabin. That said, you don’t have to worry much about the exterior if you plan to choose this package.

Modified Toyota Hiace side view

Step inside into luxury [Photo: Ann Corporation]

You can start by replacing all the seats with leather ones. For the middle row seats, you can opt for captain chairs so passengers can find their most desired seating position conveniently. The sheet metal part inside the van can also be padded with leather so passengers can only feel soft-touch materials.

To create an even more modified Toyota Hiace luxury interior finish, you can add lighting, a sunroof, and television. Some celebrities even choose to install a bed so they have a place to sleep in sets. Just keep in mind that these modified interior upgrades can be costly. That said, you should have a plan that goes well within the amount you are willing to spend on your van.

Modified Toyota Hiace interior view

Feel like a VIP [Photo: Ann Corporation]

Furthermore, if you still want to make changes on the exterior, we suggest that you pick chrome body kits instead of blacked-out ones. This will help make your van look premium instead of sporty. Once passengers slide the door of your vehicle open, they will be welcomed with an even more luxurious-looking modified interior of your Hiace.

Visit Philkotse.com for more car mod tips

Know more about Toyota Hiace 2024

Toyota Hiace

The Toyota Hiace 2024 is a light commercial vehicle that is a familiar sight on Philippine roads. Aside from being used as a spacious private transport for households with large families, it is also typically employed for business in delivering cargo and as a fleet transport. Toyota Hiace Prices in the Philippines range between PHP 1,851,000 and PHP 2,521,000 from a base 15-seater Commuter Deluxe variant to the GL Grandia Tourer. A single 2.8-liter turbodiesel engine is on offer, partnered with either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission.gau

A Hiace car features a body measuring 5,265mm long, 1,950mm wide, and 1,990mm high on most variants, with a wheelbase of 3,210mm. Dimensions differ on the range-topping Super Grandia Elite which sits 650mm longer and 290mm higher, and has a wheelbase of 3,860mm. Monthly installments start at Php 19,875 for the Commuter Deluxe, with a 60-month contract on a 50 percent downpayment. Among its rivals are the Nissan Urvan, Foton View Traveller, Hyundai Grand Starex, Hyundai H350, and Ford Transit.  

 

Toyota HiAce Launch

The global launch of the sixth generation Toyota Hiace was held in the Philippines last February 18, 2019. The launch introduced the Hiace in a new shape. It replaced the older generation’s thin and long rectangular profile. It was replaced with a broader look and a longer nose.

The Toyota Hiace has gone through a lengthy period of five generations. The latest generation arrived in the Philippines with a spacious interior and all new features. Aside from the contemporary design, the Toyota HiAce uses an efficient and powerful engine. It makes the vehicle a highly suitable car for commuting people without worrying about refueling again and again.

The Toyota HiAce is available in four colors – Dark Grey MetallicWhite PearlLuxury Pearl Toning, and Black.

Toyota HiAce Exterior

All the variants of the Toyota HiAce have the same exterior design. There is a slight difference in the front bumpers, which can either be black or keyed and with the grille. The grille also depends on the variant, which can be silver or chrome. The Commuter Deluxe and GL Grandia have halogen headlights with bi-beam and multi-reflector features and integrated turn lamps, which come as a standard on both variants. LED daytime running lights are exclusively available for GL Grandia Tourer AT variant only. The GL Grandia variant has fog lamps that come as standard. This feature is lacking in the Commuter Deluxe trim-level.

The rear part of the vehicle comes with larger headlights and lengthier bumper running to both sides' rear wells at the bottom end.

Toyota Hiace Philippine angular front

All the variants of the Toyota HiAce have the same exterior design

Toyota HiAce Interior

The cabin of the Toyota HiAce also depends on the variant. The Commuter Deluxe features a black-themed cabin while the Grandia variants come with a beige theme interior. The Toyota HiAce can be had with either vinyl or fabric seats. The seating configuration also depends on the variant, which can either be 12, 14, or 15. This allows users the flexibility to choose the variant as per the requirement.

A standard analog gauge comes as standard on all variants, but the GL Grandia Tourer gets an advantage with TFT multi-information display measuring 4.2 inches. The center console is completely revamped with new HVAC controls.

Toyota Hiace Philippines cabin

The Toyota HiAce can be had with either vinyl or fabric seats

Technology & Safety Features

The GL Grandia variant is equipped with a display audio system with DVD, CD, MP3, USB, FLAC with AUX, Bluetooth, and smart mirroring function. The mirroring technology originated from Toyota's proprietary T-link system that can mirror Android and Apple devices. The infotainment system is also equipped with K2 technology. A six-speaker system delivers the audio of the GL Grandia variants.

The infotainment of the Commuter Deluxe variant is handled by the 2-DIN head unit along with tuner, CD, Aux, MP3, Bluetooth, and USB capabilities. The audio is sent via a four-speaker system.

Toyota Hiace Philippines dashboard area

The GL Grandia variant is equipped with a display audio system with DVD, CD, MP3, USB, FLAC with AUX, Bluetooth, and smart mirroring function

The Toyota HiAce comes with various standard safety features for a safe ride. It includes dual front airbags and ABS. The Commuter Deluxe is equipped with an extra center airbag for the center passenger. Vehicle stability control, brake assist, hill-start assist, and rear parking sensors are available in GL Grandia and GL Grandia Tourer. The backup camera comes as a standard in the Tourer as well.

Platform & Chassis

The Toyota HiAce is a 4-door van with a front-engine rear-wheel-drive layout. It sits on the Toyota New Global Architecture platform. The McPherson struts handle the front suspension while a new rigid, leaf spring combination handles the rear setup. 

Ventilated discs deliver the stopping power for the front brakes. The rear brakes vary depending on the variant, which can either be drum brakes or disc brakes.

The fuel consumption of the Toyota HiAce also depends on the variant and fuel type. In terms of dimension, the Toyota HiAce has a length of 5,300 mm, a width of 1,970 mm and a wheelbase of 3,210 mm. The car's ground clearance is 175 mm.

>>> Toyota Hiace for sale in the Philippines at the best prices

Engine & Drivetrain

The current model is doing away with the old 3.0L engine. The new model of the Toyota HiAce is now powered by the 2.8L 1GD-FTV diesel engine. It is the same engine found in the Innova, Fortuner, and Hilux. The engine’s output varies depending on the variant. The Commuter Deluxe trim-level produces pumps out 176 horsepower and 420 Newton-meter.

The GL Grandia variant has an output of 176 hp and 450 Nm of torque. The power output of the GL Grandia Tourer gets a maximum output of 163 hp and 420 Nm of torque. It comes with either a 6-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmission option.

Toyota Hiace Philippines engine

The current model is doing away the old 3.0L engine

Toyota HiAce Colors

  • The Toyota Hiace Cargo is available in White 1.
  • The Toyota Hiace GL Grandia is available in Luxury Pearl Toning, Silver Mica Metallic, and Black Mica.
  • The Toyota Hiace GL Grandia Tourer is available in Luxury Pearl Toning, Silver Mica Metallic, and Beige Metallic.
  • The Toyota Hiace Commuter Deluxe is available in Silver Mica Metallic and White 1.

The Toyota Hiace is offered in a wide array of configurations which is more than its rivals such as the Foton View Traveller and Nissan Urvan.

Toyota HiAce Pros & Cons

Pros  Cons
  • Sourced from Japan

  • Reliable workhorse and people hauler

  • Engine delivers good power

 
  • It doesn't offer spirited driving

  • Rear passengers can feel uncomfortable on rough roads

  • The Hiace Cargo looks too straightforward

Toyota HiAce Q&A

1. What are the Dimensions of Toyota Hiace 2024?

Dimensions for the Toyota Hiace 2024 include 5,265mm long, 1,950mm wide, and 1,990mm high on most variants, with a wheelbase of 3,210mm

2. How much is Toyota Hiace Philippines?

2024 Toyota Hiace price is from 1,189,000 PHP to 2,536,000 PHP.

3. How many seats is the Hiace 2024 Commuter Deluxe?

There are 15 seats.

4. Is Hiace Philippines available in Automatic Transmission?

No, it's not true. Toyota Hiace 2024 comes with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission.

5. Is the Toyota Hiace 2024 a van?

Yes, it is. The body type of Hiace 2024 is a van.

 

₱ 1,724,000 - ₱ 2,439,000

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Rex Sanchez

Rex Sanchez

Author

Rex Sanchez grew up in Saudi Arabia where he saw and got into the automotive scene. He started his career for an aviation company in the said region, writing about turbines and rotors which are later distributed for educational purposes. And now, he joined Philkotse.com as a staff writer. Currently, he is the youngest on the team and is more than ready to grow in the field.

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