2021 Toyota Hiace: Expectations and what we know so far

Updated Sep 22, 2021 | Same topic: Car Sneak Peeks, Teasers, & Rumors

Is there anything new for the 2021 Hiace? 

2021 Toyota Hiace: What we know so far 

The Hiace has been in Toyota’s global lineup since 1967. This makes it one of the longest-running models from the said Japanese marque. In 2019, the sixth-generation H300 Hiace made its debut here in the Philippines. 

With the update, the Toyota Hiace gained a more modern look complete with a new bonnet, as well as several new variants. In other markets, it also received a 3.5-liter V6 gasoline, while the Philippines currently has the good ol’ 2.8-liter 1GD-FTV inline-4 turbo diesel. 

The Toyota Hiace

So, is Toyota going to update the Hiace this year? Well, so far, the company has not made a statement regarding this. Also, the sixth-gen Hiace is relatively new. As such, we can say that it won’t be receiving a facelift or any kind of update anytime soon.

But then again, what can we expect from the Philippine-spec 2021 Toyota Hiace?

A picture of the Toyota Hiace

The Hiace has become one of the better-looking vans available in the Philippines right now

2021 Toyota Hiace: Exterior 

As a carry-over, we’re certain that the PH-spec Toyota Hiace won’t be changing appearance-wise for 2021. It will still have the same dimensions, and it will still have the same set of exterior features. 

The entry-level Hiace Commuter and the mid-range GL Grandia Tourer are kitted out with halogen headlamps and turn signal lamps, and halogen taillights.

The Commuter rides on 15-inch steelies, while the GL Grandia Tourer uses a 15-inch alloy set. These variants bear the new bonnet and the new design, making them one of the more attractive-looking vans in their price range.

A picture of the Hiace Super Grandia Elite

The top-spec Toyota Hiace Super Grandia Elite

The top-spec Hiace GL Grandia Elite, on the other hand, is on another level. It is equipped with LED headlamps, LED front fog lamps, rain-sensing wipers, daytime running lamps, a chrome front grille, LED front clearance lamps, chrome door handles, 17-inch alloy wheels, among others.

Overall, the top-spec Hiace is arguably one of the best-looking vans in the Philippine market right now.

2021 Toyota Hiace: Interior 

Currently, the PH-spec Hiace has several interior layouts depending on the variant. The one that can fit the most people is of course the 15-seat Hiace Commuter Deluxe. The GL Grandia on the other hand can fit in 12, and the GL Grandia Tourer can fit in 14 people.  

The Super Grandia, on the other hand, has a smaller but generous passenger capacity of 10. This is because it uses captain seats instead of the usual bench-type seats the other variants use. 

A picture of the Toyota Hiace

The dashboard of the Toyota Hiace Commuter

>>> Related: Toyota PH repurposes old Hiace vans for cargo-hauling needs

Technology-wise, the Super Grandia Elite is pretty loaded. Its head unit is capable of connecting to a smartphone via T-Link and via USB and Bluetooth. The GL Grandia Tourer also comes with 19 cup holders, fabric/vinyl leather seats, as well as a fabric carpet. Meanwhile, the top-spec Super Grandia Elite comes with leather-clad seats.

For the driver, the top-spec Hiace provides adaptive cruise control, push-to-start, electro-chromatic rearview mirror with a back monitor, and a lighting control system.  

A picture of the interior of the Super Grandia Elite

The luxurious of the Hiace Super Grandia Elite

Most Hiace variants come standard with a dual-zone air conditioner with manual controls, although the top-spec Hiace has more vents. The top-spec Super Grandia Elite meanwhile, comes with automatic climate control.

2021 Toyota Hiace: Engine and Performance 

Under the Hiace’s new hood is the familiar 2.8-liter inline-4 1GD-FTV inline-4 turbo diesel. The said engine is also found on the Toyota Hilux, as well as on the Toyota Fortuner.  

On the automatic variants of the 2021 Hiace, the said diesel mill can churn out up to 174 horsepower and 420 Nm of torque. For the manual versions, it makes slightly less at 163 horsepower with the same amount of torque. 

A picture of the Hiace's engine

The Hiace's 2.8-liter turbo diesel mill

For all Hiace variants, power is sent to the rear. Only the Commuter and the GL Grandia may come with a six-speed manual tranny, while the rest uses a six-speed automatic gearbox. 

For braking, the PH-spec Hiace GL Grandia Tourer variants get discs all around, while the lower-spec variants are equipped with a rear drum brake.  

Being a high passenger capacity van, all variants of the Hiace save for the Super Grandia Elite use a leaf-spring/rigid axle type suspension for its rear, while its front end uses a MacPherson strut-type suspension. 

The top-spec Super Grandia Elite uses a different suspension setup to provide a better ride. Its rear uses a multi-link suspension with coil springs, while its front also uses a MacPherson strut.

A picture of the Hiace GL Tourer

The Hiace GL Tourer

In other parts of the world where gasoline is arguably cheaper, the Hiace also has a 3.5-liter V6 version. The said engine can make an impressive 276 horsepower and 365 Nm of torque.  

While some of you might say that this engine is a guaranteed gas guzzler, a few Hiace fans might like the additional horsepower that it can provide. So, is Toyota going to introduce this engine locally? Well, we’ll have to say that the chances of that happening is slim at best.

2021 Toyota Hiace: Safety 

For airbags, the Hiace Commuter gets three at the front, while the high-trim levels get two. The GL Grandia Tourer, however, gets stability control, speed-sensing door locks, hill-start assist, parking sensors, and a reverse camera.  

The lower-spec Commuter lacks those, but it still gets a car alarm, a seatbelt reminder, anti-lock braking with electronic brake-force distribution, and an engine immobilizer.

The best-equipped Hiace is of course the Super Grandia Elite. It comes with the latest version of the Toyota Safety Sense, which consists of a pre-collision system, lane departure alert, and automatic high beams, plus the adaptive cruise control. It also comes with a clearance and “back sonar,” and nine airbags.

2021 Toyota Hiace: Final Thoughts 

As we’ve said above, the Hiace is arguably one of the best-looking vans in the country right now. It is also one of the few vans of its size and passenger capacity that actually comes with a hood. We also said that it is relatively new to the market, so it won’t be getting a facelift anytime soon.  

A picture of the Commuter Rally Support Vehicle concept car at the 2019 Bangkok Auto Salon

The Hiace Commuter Rally Support Vehicle concept car [Photo: TRD Asia]

For those who are wanting more out of the Hiace however, do note that TRD Asia has displayed the Hiace Commuter Rally Support Vehicle last year.

Essentially, it’s a Hiace fitted with knobby tires, a roof-rack, rear-mounted step-ladder, riveted black fenders, as well as an edgy black/red TRD paint-job. It’s not out yet, but we sure hope that something comes out of this concept vehicle. Maybe a set of optional Hiace TRD parts and accessories in the future? Who knows?

>>> Related: Check out the hottest Toyota Hiace promos

2021 Toyota Hiace: Expected Price 

Currently, the Toyota Hiace price Philippines ranges from Php 1,649,000 to Php 2,998,000. Prices can vary depending on the color. 

Toyota is yet to adjust the prices for the said van model for 2021. To keep yourself updated regarding this, keep reading here on Philkotse.com

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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Cesar G.B. Miguel

Cesar G.B. Miguel

Author

Cesar Guiderone B. Miguel was born and raised in Iligan City, Lanao Del Norte. He graduated in 2010 with a Bachelor of Arts in English degree from Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology. He previously worked as a freelance writer for various websites, as a member of the Iligan City Disaster Risk Reduction Management's training staff, and as a medical sales representative.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/goridus.goridus

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