It’s an office on wheels these days.  Your new van has to be able to run your laptop, apps, mapping systems, offer cubby hole storage and be comfortable for hours on end.  Having been in the game of producing some of the most reliable commercial vans on the market for over forty years, Toyota have always delivered a sound van for the buyer on the lookout for a tough van with a design that has been built to last.

There are many reasons why people need a van in their life, not least of all for the very fact that they offer the best amount of space on four wheels.  Whether it’s lugging cargo boxes from office to office, running a courier service between cities, getting the flowers to market each morning or getting those rolls of carpet to the next big building ‘reno’ you’re never going to go too far wrong with a model of Hiace van from Toyota.

The 2020 Toyota van has plenty of space, and the versatility of having a range of cargo carrying options makes the new Hiace Van a particularly likable choice.  The LWB, LWB Exterior Pack, LWB Interior Pack, and LWB TOW and Stow Pack are all commercial vans offering a 1990 mm height, a 1950 mm width and a 5265 mm length.  All these vans come with a 179 mm ground clearance.

If you need a van for ferrying people from one location to another, then the Toyota Hiace Commuter (12 Seats) and Toyota Hiace Commuter GL (12 Seats) offer a 2280 high, 1950 mm wide and 5915 mm long option.  The GL just has a slightly more comfortable interior, ideal for those longer commutes.  Both Commuter vans offer a 183 mm ground clearance with the RWD format.  The glass roof escape hatch doubles as a sunroof, which creates a bright and airy feel in the passenger zone.  Wall-mounted USB ports for rear occupants are standard.  GL versions run with some classier alloys, plus there’s a powered sliding side door with a driver remote control, LED daytime running lights, a glass roof escape hatch, a leather steering wheel, synthetic leather/fabric seats and a digital rear-view mirror with auto dimming as some pretty nice features.  Both Commuters come standard with a quality infotainment system with a 7.0-inch colour touchscreen, steering wheel-mounted controls and multiple connectivity including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and CD inputs.  Cruise control, a reversing camera, heaps of USB charging ports in the passenger zone and lots more features make the Hiace Commuter a winning combo.

Toyota’s latest generation HiAce mid-sized van is a comfortable, practical and competent load-hauler in both long wheelbase (LWB) and then super-long wheelbase (SLWB) configurations.  Now, these above options are only a drop in the bucket of ways that Toyota can set their vans up according to customer requirements.  If you have a look at the current models available – you’ll find these below – then you’ll see there’s sure to be a Hiace suited to your needs.

Another requirement for a good modern van is to have superb seating comfort.  If you’re going to spend hours at the wheel then you are going to need a driver’s seat that is ergonomic, supportive and comfortable.  Your back needs the right seat, and with a new Hiace you know you’ll be getting a sound seating position.  Seat adjustment isn’t just two ways, you also get height adjustment.   Steering wheel adjustment comes in the form of rake and height adjustment, so getting your body shape comfortable in the new Hiace cockpit is a done deal.  Though there seems to be no lumbar support adjustment, the setup is pretty right.

Having a van that breathes is essential in Toyota.  The 2020 Toyota Hiace van comes with a strong air-conditioning system capable of blowing clean, cool or warm, air throughout the van – a real important feature if you are using it as a people mover.

You are also going to need plenty of storage in the front of the van.  It is your mobile office; so there is under seat storage, large console compartments, various dash storage areas, big door bins and a sunglasses holder for those in the front.  Of course there are cup holders!

A new, modern van must have all the necessary tech connection solutions, and the new Hiace van has all the USB, jack points and charging facilities you’ll need to keep your business moving.  You can also get the Hiace set up with a laptop desk as part of the interior furniture in the front seats.  Satellite navigation and cruise control are standard, and there is also a grunty sound system for when the commute takes a little longer than expected.

Grunt comes from a strong 2.8 litre turbo diesel engine with 420 Nm on tap.  Toyota’s latest 2.8 litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel, which is also found under the bonnet of the current HiLux, produces 120 kW at 3600 rpm and 420 Nm of torque between 1600-2200rpm.  This is slightly less than the 130 kW/450 Nm in the SLWB Toyota Hiace Van on which the Commuter is based.  You never feel short of breath for everyday driving conditions, that’s for sure.  The auto match is nice, and there is also a six-speed manual gearbox option should you want it.

Most will settle for the 2.8 option; however there is a silky smooth 3.5, V6 petrol with 207 kW of impressively refined power.  Toyota’s 7GR-FKS petrol engine is an all-aluminium 3.5-litre DOHC multi-valve V6 boasting the latest VVTi technology.  Its peak 351 Nm of torque is met at a relatively high 4600 rpm, while the full 207 kW is found at 6000 rpm.  The full 351Nm of torque remains reasonably linear between 2000 and 4000 rpm, great for mid-range grunt, but sometimes found wanting a little lower.  The manual transmission has six speeds and is shifted by a short gear-stick mounted in a dashboard console.  A six-speed auto might be the preferred choice in V6 guise.

Running the roads regularly requires solid handling and excellent safety.  The new Hiace van rides confidently and there are so many driver aids and crash avoidance features that are standard.  You also get an array of passive safety features that come standard on a modern-day Toyota Hiace Van.  The maximum five-stars has been given the new Hiace from ANCAP’s own rating system.  Things like AEB with day/night pedestrian and day cyclist detection is standard.  Lane departure, steering assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and road sign assist are some of the other top features.  Toyota also has one of the better vehicle stability control systems which includes trailer sway control and hill-start assist.  You also get a reversing camera with guide lines, and front and rear parking sensors as standard.

Reliability and toughness is what you’re going to need in this day and age.  Peugeot, Renault and Ford all make ‘pearler’ vans.  Just make sure you check out the Toyota Hiace Van first, and see why the Hiace package is so popular.  A Toyota warranty is always good and adds peace of mind to your new Hiace purchase.

The current 2020 Toyota Hiace models include the:

• Toyota HiAce LWB 2.8L, Diesel, 6 SP AUTO
• Toyota HiAce LWB 2.8L, Diesel, 6 SP SEQ AUTO
• Toyota HiAce LWB 2.8L, Diesel, 6 SP MAN
• Toyota HiAce LWB 3.5L, ULP, 6 SP AUTO
• Toyota HiAce LWB 3.5L, ULP, 6 SP SEQ AUTO
• Toyota HiAce LWB 3.5L, ULP, 6 SP MAN
• Toyota HiAce LWB (4 Door Option) 2.8L, Diesel, 6 SP SEQ AUTO
• Toyota HiAce LWB (5 Seats) 2.8L, Diesel, 6 SP SEQ AUTO
• Toyota HiAce LWB (5 Seats) (colours) 2.8L, Diesel, 6 SP SEQ AUTO
• Toyota HiAce LWB (panel Option) 2.8L, Diesel, 6 SP SEQ AUTO
• Toyota HiAce LWB Courier Pack 2.8L, Diesel, 6 SP AUTO
• Toyota HiAce LWB Courier Pack 2.8L, Diesel, 6 SP MAN
• Toyota HiAce LWB Courier Pack 3.5L, ULP, 6 SP AUTO
• Toyota HiAce LWB Courier Pack 3.5L, ULP, 6 SP MAN
• Toyota HiAce LWB Courier Pack – STL/PNL 2.8L, Diesel, 6 SP AUTO
• Toyota HiAce LWB Crew 2.8L, Diesel, 6 SP AUTO
• Toyota HiAce LWB Crew Interior Pack 2.8L, Diesel, 6 SP AUTO
• Toyota HiAce LWB Crew TOW & Stow Pack 2.8L, Diesel, 6 SP AUTO
• Toyota HiAce LWB Exterior Pack 2.8L, Diesel, 6 SP AUTO
• Toyota HiAce LWB Exterior Pack 2.8L, Diesel, 6 SP MAN
• Toyota HiAce LWB Exterior Pack 3.5L, ULP, 6 SP AUTO
• Toyota HiAce LWB Exterior Pack 3.5L, ULP, 6 SP MAN
• Toyota HiAce LWB Exterior Pack – STL/PNL 2.8L, Diesel, 6 SP AUTO
• Toyota HiAce LWB GL 2.8L, Diesel, 6 SP SEQ AUTO
• Toyota HiAce LWB GL (colours) 2.8L, Diesel, 6 SP SEQ AUTO
• Toyota HiAce LWB GL + Courier Pack 2.8L, Diesel, 6 SP AUTO
• Toyota HiAce LWB GL + Exterior Pack 2.8L, Diesel, 6 SP AUTO
• Toyota HiAce LWB GL + Interior Pack 2.8L, Diesel, 6 SP AUTO
• Toyota HiAce LWB GL + Technician Pack 2.8L, Diesel, 6 SP AUTO
• Toyota HiAce LWB GL + TOW & Stow Pack 2.8L, Diesel, 6 SP AUTO
• Toyota HiAce LWB GL Pack 2.8L, Diesel, 6 SP AUTO
• Toyota HiAce LWB Interior Pack 2.8L, Diesel, 6 SP AUTO
• Toyota HiAce LWB Interior Pack 2.8L, Diesel, 6 SP MAN
• Toyota HiAce LWB Interior Pack 3.5L, ULP, 6 SP AUTO
• Toyota HiAce LWB Interior Pack 3.5L, ULP, 6 SP MAN
• Toyota HiAce LWB Interior Pack – STL/PNL 2.8L, Diesel, 6 SP AUTO
• Toyota HiAce LWB Steel Panel 2.8L, Diesel, 6 SP AUTO
• Toyota HiAce LWB Stow & TOW Pack – STL/PNL 2.8L, Diesel, 6 SP AUTO
• Toyota HiAce LWB Technician Pack 2.8L, Diesel, 6 SP AUTO
• Toyota HiAce LWB Technician Pack 2.8L, Diesel, 6 SP MAN
• Toyota HiAce LWB Technician Pack 3.5L, ULP, 6 SP AUTO
• Toyota HiAce LWB Technician Pack 3.5L, ULP, 6 SP MAN
• Toyota HiAce LWB Technician Pack – STL/PNL 2.8L, Diesel, 6 SP AUTO
• Toyota HiAce LWB TOW & Stow Pack 2.8L, Diesel, 6 SP AUTO
• Toyota HiAce LWB TOW & Stow Pack 2.8L, Diesel, 6 SP MAN
• Toyota HiAce LWB TOW & Stow Pack 3.5L, ULP, 6 SP AUTO
• Toyota HiAce LWB TOW & Stow Pack 3.5L, ULP, 6 SP MAN
• Toyota HiAce Slwb 2.8L, Diesel, 6 SP AUTO
• Toyota HiAce SLWB 2.8L, Diesel, 6 SP SEQ AUTO
• Toyota HiAce Slwb 3.5L, ULP, 6 SP AUTO
• Toyota HiAce SLWB 3.5L, ULP, 6 SP SEQ AUTO
• Toyota HiAce Slwb GL 2.8L, Diesel, 6 SP SEQ AUTO
• Toyota HiAce Slwb GL (colours) 2.8L, Diesel, 6 SP SEQ AUTO
• Toyota HiAce Slwb GL Pack 2.8L, Diesel, 6 SP AUTO
• Toyota HiAce Commuter (12 Seats) 2.8L, Diesel, 6 SP AUTO
• Toyota HiAce Commuter GL (12 Seats) 2.8L, Diesel, 6 SP AUTO
• Toyota HiAce Slwb Commuter 2.8L, Diesel, 6 SP SEQ AUTO
• Toyota HiAce Slwb Commuter GL 2.8L, Diesel, 6 SP SEQ AUTO
• Toyota HiAce Slwb Commuter GL (colours) 2.8L, Diesel, 6 SP SEQ AUTO

For any more information on the Toyota Hiace or, for that matter, any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181.  If you’d like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quote requests out to our national network of Toyota dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours.  Private Fleet – car buying made easy!