Toyota Hiace History: Six Generations Of The Versatile MPV — Cargo Van, Passenger Transport, Ambulance & More

The Toyota Hiace is an iconic name in the world of vans and MPVs, renowned for its versatility, reliability, and durability. With over 7.5 million units produced, the Hiace is a popular option in the MPV segment. Over the years, it has served multiple roles, available in several configurations including minivan/MPV, minibus, crew van, pickup truck, taxi, and even an ambulance.

Since its inception in 1967, the Hiace has evolved through several generations. The Toyota Granvia premium MPV is also based on the Toyota Hiace . This article delves into the history and evolution of the Toyota Hiace over its six generations, highlighting the key changes and advancements that have defined each generation.

Origins Of The Toyota Hiace

Fun fact: Toyota’s first vehicle wasn’t a car. It was in fact a truck named the G1 which debuted in 1935. The Japanese auto giant’s first car only came about a year later, in 1936. During World War II, Toyota continued to produce trucks for the Imperial Japanese Army. 1952 saw the arrival of the Toyopet Crown, Toyota’s first passenger car post-war.

Toyota then launched the venerable Land Cruiser in 1951. Here’s a detailed account of the history and generations of the Toyota Land Cruiser . In 1965, the Nissan Homy passenger van was launched and Toyota felt the need to compete in the same segment as well. This led to the development of the Toyota Hiace.

First Generation | 1967 - 1977

The Toyota Hiace was first introduced in 1967 as a response to the growing demand for light commercial vehicles in Japan and other markets. The first generation of the Toyota Hiace featured a simple and functional design. It had a one-box cab-over body design with the driver and front passenger seats placed above the engine.?

This design maximized interior space while keeping exterior dimensions to a minimum. A 1.3-litre inline-4 petrol engine initially powered the Hiace. Over the years, 1.5-litre, 1.6-litre, and 1.8-litre inline-4 engines were also made available. This generation of the Hiace is the rarest and is considered a hot buy among van enthusiasts.?

Second Generation | 1977 - 1985

In 1977, Toyota introduced the second generation of the Hiace, which saw considerable improvements in both design and functionality. The second-gen Hiace featured a modern exterior, with improved interior comfort and convenience. This is where it gained the instantly recognisable Hiace silhouette.?

It was available in multiple configurations, including short and long-wheelbase versions, including a pickup truck style. While the van was produced until 192, production of the pickup continued until 1985. This generation introduced the option of a diesel engine — a 2.2-litre inline-4. Petrol variants were powered by 1.6-litre, 1.8-litre, and 2.0-litre inline-4 motors .?

Third Generation | 1982 - 2007

Fourth Generation | 1989 - 2004

Fifth Generation | 2004 - Present

Sixth Generation | 2019 - Present

Most Popular Toyota Hiace Generations In The UAE: 5th & 6th Gen

Toyota Hiace Price In The UAE

Prices for a new Toyota Hiace for sale in the UAE range from AED 78,000 to AED 279,000. Prices for a used Toyota Hiace for sale in the UAE range from AED 26,000 to AED 110,000 depending on the model, year of manufacture, and condition.

Read the complete Toyota Hiace Car Spotlight Article here .

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