Toyota Hiace Philippines 2019: Specs, Features & Prices Share:

1. Brief Overview: Specs, Features & Price

Toyota Hiace has finally come out! Yes, you read correctly, and what is even more interesting is it is having its global debut right in the Philippines

You might agree with me that the term “revolutionary” is not really a mainstream description for an improved van, however, this brand new Hiace introduces huge and important features on the new model which I am sure, you will definitely love.

It is important to recognize that our country is the biggest export market outside Japan when it comes to Hiace, a hallmark of the Filipino’s kinship for the big vans of Toyota.

And that’s exactly the reason why Toyota wish to go down in history and set its world premiere in our country. Toyota Hiace’s price starts at Php 1.590 million.

The Toyota Hiace was first launched in 1967 and since then further innovations were made on the car. Here are the set of pros and cons that you should consider if you wish to purchase this year’s version:

2. Toyota Hiace 2019: Pros

• One of the changes in the new Toyota’s version of Hiace is the relocation of its engine to the front. While it is true that we had Granvia way back in the 90s, this one is entirely different as its overall range got its engine set upright in its front and never a singular variant. This is to address a more rigorous crash-tests across the globe; its notable flat nose feature would not cut it any longer.

• There is a slight sense of overhaul in the new version of Toyota’s Hiace line up. Rather than four variants, it was cut down into three: Hiace’s range now includes the Commuter Deluxe along with the GL Grandia as well as GL Grandia Tourer. Their functions, however, remains the same: Commuter Deluxe acting as the variant of entry-level, GL serving as the mid-range, and of course the Tourer intended to the shuttle crowd (VIP).
• Safety standards are also one of the subjects of the new innovations that the latest version can boast. ABS has been deemed the standard for recent car models, luckily the new Hiace’s variants are equipped with ABS.
• It looks like Toyota is adopting a European concept in its engine range. Instead of having it in twos, the new Hiace vans are being motorized by a lone engine. Relative to the variant, alone mill has three varied tunes just as the Europeans. ​

You can say goodbye to the 2.5 and 3 liters that served Toyota its purpose since 2004, they have been replaced by the 2.8 liters turbodiesel from Innova, along with Hilux, and especially Fortuner.

3. 2019 Toyota Hiace: Cons

• Across time, Toyota Hiace has been known to prioritize its function over its design, thus, you can always notice that it always keeps its visual aspects especially its backseat design. While it is true that Toyota has done great efforts in having its overall appearance look modernized, still it appears cramped and utilitarian, particularly its outside appearance.
• We cannot deny the fact the comfort offered by the Toyota Hiace’s in-cabin is good, however, in terms of cabin and dashboard design, it kind of appears boring and plain. Also, for a model of its price and size, the special feature setlist appears quite short, which put people under the impression that it feels and looks so simple.

• Being a boxy and huge vehicle that it is, the new version of Toyota Hiace should not be driven fervently. The great center of gravity affects body roll, especially at much higher speeds, meaning you opt for lower speeds when you want to drive the Toyota Hiace 2019.

For further evaluation, you might want to visit our expert Toyota Philippines Review for all models.