In 2019, Toyota introduced the sixth generation of its HiAce van, yet the fifth generation endures in its home market of Japan with a recent renewal for 2024. While the iconic Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) has seen minimal evolution since 2004, its enduring popularity among Japanese buyers persists, thanks to consistent model year updates tailored to its shorter cab-over bodystyle.
Visual changes are scarce in the 2024 Toyota HiAce H200, with the exterior design remaining virtually unaltered. However, a novel "Earth Color Package" now graces the flagship diesel-powered Super GL trim, blending a beige hue with a matte black grille, maintaining unpainted bumpers, and featuring chrome-finished mirrors and door handles.
Introducing enhanced functionality, the 2024 model incorporates a new wheelchair mount for the HiAce Welcab, streamlining the wheelchair securing process within the cabin. Notably, the ambulance variant now includes the "ITS Connect" (Intelligent Transportation System) as a standard feature, aiming to reduce emergency transport times and enhance accident prevention through signal transmission to infrastructure and neighboring vehicles.
Under the hood, the HiAce retains its powertrain lineup from the previous year, encompassing the 2.0-liter and 2.7-liter gasoline options, alongside the 2.8-liter diesel variants, available in both rear-wheel-drive (RWD) and four-wheel-drive (4WD) configurations. Similarly, the Toyota Safety Sense suite persists, offering fundamental Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) like collision avoidance assist, lane departure warning, and auto high beams.
The 2024 Toyota HiAce caters to diverse needs in Japan, presenting configurations such as the regular van, passenger wagon, long-wheelbase commuter, high-roof welcab, and ambulance. Pricing commences at $25,090 for the base gasoline-powered van and reaches up to $82,920 for the fully equipped ambulance, providing a versatile range of choices for consumers in the Japanese market.