Next Toyota HiAce could be an all-electric people hauler: Report

Updated Sep 14, 2022 | Same topic: Automotive Industry Updates

It’s expected to have the same overall capacity as the current van.  

Don’t look now, but the next generation of Toyota’s iconic HiAce light commercial vehicle (LCV) could run exclusively on electric power and is expected to come as early as 2025. 

Toyota HiAce EV render

This is your first look at a possible electric Toyota HiAce [Image: Best Car Web]

Japanese car website Best Car Web reports that the seventh iteration of the HiAce will be a battery electric vehicle (BEV). The model will be built on the same e-TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) platform that underpins the Toyota bZ4X, Lexus RZ 450e, and Subaru Solterra crossovers as well as the upcoming Toyota bZ3 sedan.

An initial render shows the rumored HiAce EV as having a shorter nose than the current model, with the wedge-shaped profile toned down considerably while retaining the overall boxy shape. 

Toyota GranAce

The upcoming model is expected to haev the same total capacity as the current HiAce/GranAce

According to information from the website, the luggage compartment’s length on the electric HiAce will be slightly shorter, since the front seats will be moved slightly to the rear. However, since the electric powertrain allows for greater freedom in terms of packaging, the total capacity is expected to at least still be equal to the sixth generation.   

The website also reports that the next versions of the Town Ace passenger van, based on the Noah/Voxy minivan, will be electrified with BEV and hybrid versions. Toyota is following through on its promise of 30 new EVs by 2030, with projected annual sales of 3.5 million by then, even though it continues development along the lines of hydrogen and alternative fuels.

Toyota HiAce fifth gen

Believe it or not, the fifth generation HiAce is still being sold in the Japanese market   

Sales of the fifth generation HiAce continue to be brisk in Japan, despite being 18 years old. The sixth-generation model is sold alongside it in Toyota’s home market under the ‘GranAce’ moniker.  

Interestingly, one company seems to have beaten Toyota to the punch where an electric HiAce is concerned. That would be Joylong and its E6 electric van, based on the Chinese automaker’s Majestic model, a HiAce clone. This is powered by an electric motor rated at 81 horsepower connected to an 86.1 kWh battery. The Joylong E6 is sold in Australia for AUD 90,000 (Php 3.46 million). 

If you’re looking for a Toyota HiAce for sale in the Philippines or reading more electrifying news regarding your favorite models, visit Philkotse.com now.

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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Joseph Paolo Estabillo

Joseph Paolo Estabillo

Author

Joseph holds a degree in Journalism from the University of the Philippines Diliman and has been writing professionally since 1999. He has written episodes for CNN Philippines' motoring show Drive, and has worked on corporate projects for MG Philippines and Pilipinas Shell. Aside from being Philkotse.com’s Content Lead, he also writes content for numerous car dealerships in the U.S., spanning multiple brands such as Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Maserati, among others.

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