Toyota Motor Philippines has finally released the 2023 Lite Ace. That’s right, this is the latest model in a long line of one of the most recognizable names in the Toyota marque, and it is back as an affordable but capable logistics solution for small, medium, and even large businesses.
The all-new 2023 Toyota Lite Ace
Exterior
As we’ve mentioned in the article covering the preview of the Lite Ace, it looks similar to the current Town Ace DX that’s sold in Japan. It is boxy, and it assumes a panel van configuration.
A Lite Ace Panel Van converted into an ambulance
There is however, a single-cab pickup truck type body. This is reminiscent of the flat-bed truck variant used by the Suzuki Carry. And like this odel, the new Lite Ace pickup truck also gets a drop-side functionality for easy access to cargo.
Its front end, like the original Lite Ace of old, gets a front fascia that slants forward like a wedge. This front end then features a pair of large halogen headlamps, as well as a black plastic front bumper. No fuss, no muss.
The Lite Ace Pickup truck has leaf springs, as well as a dropside bed
From the side, one can see that it rides on a set of 14-inch steel wheels. The rear then gets a pair of halogen taillights.
Interior
Inside, the occupants are greeted with hard but durable plastics all around. That goes for the vehicle’s dashboard as well as its interior door panels.
The manually adjustable seats are also clad in PVC, and the driver gets an analog gauge cluster, a turnkey ignition system, two cup holders, and manual air-conditioning.
Tech and Safety
For safety, the Lite Ace is kitted out with dual airbags. Both Lite Ace variants get antilock braking, though only the panel van gets stability control. All variants do come with electric-assisted power steering, as well as a steering lock.
Simple, but not barebones
While simple, the Lite Ace is not barebones. This is because it actually comes with a 2-DIN audio unit that’s capable of playing CDs and AM/FM radio. It also has USB, Bluetooth, an aux input jack, and it is paired to a two-piece speaker system.
Moreover, only the Lite Ace Panel Van variant comes with power door locks for its front, rear and back doors.
Engine
The 2023 Toyota Lite Ace is powered by a 1.5-liter inline-4 gasoline mill. Yes, this is the 2NR-VE, which is the same four-banger that the Toyota Veloz and Avanza currently use. On the new Lite Ace though, it has a different output rating of 94 horsepower and 134 Nm of torque. The said engine is then paired with a five-speed manual gearbox sending power to its rear wheels.
Own a business? Then the Lite Ace might suit your needs
Suspension-wise, the Lite Ace uses a MacPherson strut for the front. For the panel van, its rear uses a five-link coil spring type suspension. The pickup truck’s rear in turn, gets leaf springs. Braking for this model is handled by front disc brakes, and rear drum brakes.
Price
With regards to pricing, the pickup truck retails at Php 570,000. The Panel Van meanwhile can be had for Php 655,000. Furthermore, Toyota also bestowed the new Lite Ace also comes with a three-year, or 100,000 km warranty, whichever comes first.
For more new car releases for the Philippines as well as the latest automotive industry updates, keep it here on Philkotse.
Know more about Toyota Lite Ace 2024
The Toyota Lite Ace is a light commercial vehicle. It was introduced to the local market by Toyota Motor Philippines on July 15, 2022, and it comes in August with different variants.
Powering the Toyota Lite Ace is a 1.5-liter inline-4 gasoline engine. At maximum, it can make up to 94 horsepower and 134 Nm of torque.
Size-wise, the Panel Van is 4,045mm long, 1,665mm wide, and 1,930mm in height. The Pickup truck variant meanwhile, is 4,195mm long, 1,675 wide, and 1,920mm tall. The FX utility, then has a length of 4,300mm, a width of 1,675mm, and a height of 2,015. The largest Lite Ace variant is the Cargo utility van, which spans 4,370mm long, 1,675mm wide, and 2,165mm in height.
Locally, the 2023 Toyota Lite Ace competes against the likes of the Suzuki Carry, Mitsubishi L300, Kia K2500, and Isuzu Travis, among others.
>>> New and used Toyota Lite Ace 2025 for sale in the Philippines
Toyota Lite Ace Launch
Initially, the Lite Ace name was released globally way back in 1970. It then enjoyed a great deal of popularity as a simple but capable people carrier in the Philippines from the 1980s to the 1990s.
More recently in July 2022, TMP revived the famed name as a light commercial vehicle. It comes in four forms: a panel van, a pickup truck, an aluminum cargo van, and an FX utility van.
Toyota Lite Ace Exterior
On the outside, the Philippine-spec Lite Ace assumes a simple box-like design equipped with 14-inch steel wheels, halogen headlamps, and halogen taillights. Its front end looks similar to the original Lite Ace as it also comes with a slanting wedge shape.
The pickup truck in particular features a flat bed with dropside capability. The panel van meanwhile has power side and rear doors.
Toyota Lite Ace Interior
As a simple logistics-focused ride, the Lite Ace gets a simple front cabin. Its dash is mostly made of durable plastic, though it has some niceties like cupholders and ample elbowroom. It also has manual air-conditioning, as well as manually adjustable PVC-clad seats.
Technology & Safety Features
For safety, the Lite Ace comes standard with dual front airbags and antilock braking. Both trims also come with seat belts and a steering lock. Only the panel van though, gets stability control.
Toyota Lite Ace Chassis
The all-new Lite Ace falls under the S-series of models just like the Japanese-spec S400 series Lite Ace and Town Ace. Like the model sold in other markets, it also assumes a semi-cab-over-engine body.
For suspensions, the Panel van gets a Macpherson strut for the front, and a five-link type for the rear. The pickup truck version meanwhile, uses leaf springs for the rear.
Toyota Lite Ace Engine
Powering the 2023 Toyota Lite Ace is a 1.5-liter inline-4 engine. This is the same 2NR-VE that the Avanza and Veloz use, though it was detuned to produce up to 94 horsepower and 134 Nm of torque.
All trims of the new Lite Ace are rear-wheel-drive, and they all use a five-speed manual gearbox.
For the Philippine market, the Toyota Lite Ace’s sole color option is White 2.
The Toyota Lite Ace’s features are largely on-par with other similarly sized light commercial vehicles in the market. It also sits in the middle of the pack in terms of power output, with some models being able to trump it solely because they are diesel-powered and have more torque. Hopefully, Toyota PH can also release more variants for the Lite Ace as it only has two currently.
Toyota Lite Ace 2025 Price List
| Variants | Price |
|---|---|
| Toyota Lite Ace 1.5 Panel Van MT | ₱695,000 |
| Toyota Lite Ace 1.5 Cargo Aluminum Van MT | ₱699,000 |
| Toyota Lite Ace 1.5 FX Utility Van MT | ₱747,000 |
| Toyota Lite Ace 1.5 Patrol Vehicle | ₱820,000 |
| Toyota Lite Ace 1.5 Patient Transport Vehicle | ₱945,000 |
| Toyota Lite Ace MPUV Class 1 | ₱998,000 |
Toyota Lite Ace Pros & Cons
Pros
- Affordable
- Looks robust
- Ample features
- Decent engine output
Cons
- Only two variants at launch
₱ 645,000 - ₱ 737,000
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