Toyota HiAce 2022: update adds vehicle tracking, drops petrol V6 option

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The 2022 Toyota HiAce has been given a subtle update with features such as standard vehicle tracking and increased cabin storage sure to catch the eye of business owners.

As part of the reshuffle, Toyota has also taken the knife to the 3.5L V6 petrol options due to an overwhelming preference for the 2.8L turbodiesel four-cylinder.

Toyota has raised the price of the HiAce by $990 across the range, moving the entry price of the range to $44,230 (before on-road costs) for a long-wheelbase (LWB) van with a manual transmission.

Rivals such as the LDV G10 midsize van offer similar capability with a starting price of $34,200 driveway, though with a shorter three-year, 100,000km warranty in comparison to the Toyota with a five-year unlimited-kilometre warranty, with an extra two years on the drivetrain.

Like the HiAce, the Volkswagen Transporter is offered in a range of wheelbase lengths with prices starting from $38,990 for a short wheelbase or $44,990 for a LWB option, with both prices before on-roads.

All HiAce models are now fitted with Toyota Connected Services which automatically notifies the brand’s 24/7 emergency call centre if the driver gets caught up in a crash.

The system can also be activated manually from inside the cockpit or used to track the HiAce in the event that thieves make off with a van full of expensive tools or goods. 

Inside the HiAce is a strictly practical vehicle with a range of door pockets and storage pockets to keep paperwork out the way. To improve this functionality, Toyota has included a storage box as standard which replaces the existing console tray.

The storage box contains an A4-sized binder rack and movable partition and can serve as a cupholder if needed.

Also included in the front of the cabin are weather-proof floor mats that can easily be shaken out along with a lower roof-mounted antenna that should be carwashes a bit easier. 

Toyota now offers a single engine for the HiAce in the 2.8L four-cylinder turbodiesel inline-six that produces 130kW of power and 450Nm of torque. 

Opting for the manual turns the torque down to 420Nm, while the HiAce commuter slices off both ends with 120kW/420Nm even with the automatic.

It’s paired to either a six-speed manual or six-speed torque converter automatic in the entry-level long-wheelbase van, while all other grades and body styles stick with the automatic. Power is sent exclusively to the rear wheels.

The decision to ditch the 3.5L V6 petrol will be disappointing to some with its more power-focused 207kW/350Nm outputs, but it also chewed significantly more fuel at 12L/100km/h compared with the diesel at 8.4/100km/h.

Toyota has also made the decision to offer the HiAce exclusively in French Vanilla white, though the fact they had more available previous to this will be news to many.

The updated 2022 HiAce will arrive in dealerships this September alongside the updated Granvia people mover.

Toyota HiAce 2022: prices in Australia

All prices listed are before on-road costs.

• LWB Van (manual): $44,230
• LWB Van (automatic): $46,230
• LWB Van 4-door: $46,230
• LWB GL Van: $47,230
• LWB Crew Van: $49,230
• SLWB Van: $54,230
• SLWB GL Van: $55,230
• SLWB Commuter Bus: $69,230
• SLWB Commuter GL Bus: $72,230