Toyota Hiace Van Review

Our Review of the Toyota Hiace

Toyota's Hiace Lwb Diesel 300 Van may not have the exterior looks of other vehicles in its market, but it has been given some nice features by Toyota which addresses some issues that vans of this type seem to have.

The cabin of the Toyota Hiace has been significantly improved featuring an MP3 compatible CD stereo and quite plush looking seats. The instruments have a good logical layout about them and there are numerous handy storage options for paperwork and coffee flasks. The driver has an airbag and ABS brakes are fitted as standard.

The Toyota Hiace is capable of carrying a 1265Kg payload, and gets through 32.5 miles per gallon to transport it. The payload is supported by a generous load space and it is accessed by rear doors that can open 180 degrees together with a sliding side door. The load length of the Toyota Hiace is 2780, it has a width of 1650mm and a load height of 1420mm. The Toyota Hiace can easily handle a few Euro pallets with room to spare.

The 2.5 diesel engine is capable of giving a drive 115bhp which translates to a torque of 294Nm at low revs. This accounts for the good fuel consumption as well as giving the Toyota Hiace an ability to shift a capacity load very quickly from standing still, and on the motorway. It also gives the van a bit of gumption when negotiating crowded city roads.

Toyota has used sound suppressing materials which quieten the engine noise considerably, and the vehicle handles well. The Toyota Hiace has also been given a very good driving position which gives the driver very good visibility but at the same time the driver will find themselves sitting in a comfortable car like position. Unlike many other vans the gear stick is floor rather than dash mounted, but it does a good job and is fairly smooth.

Though the Toyota Hiace may not come feature packed and arguably it is a little on the basic side, the van designers have address issues from a practical standpoint and as a result, have come up with a van which can carry more cargo, at a more competitive fuel consumption price than many of its competitors including Volkswagen.

Some may be put off by the lack of features and class the vehicle as a budget option to be avoided. When push comes to shove however, there is nothing wrong with the Toyota Hiace at all.