- Toyota updates its ageless HiAce as it enters year 22 in Japan.
- New LEDs, screens, heated seats, and ADAS modernize the van.
- Its ladder frame and engines carry over unchanged for 2026.
Even in a market driven by rapid model cycles and relentless innovation, some vehicles prove surprisingly resistant to change. Japan’s Toyota HiAce is that exception to the rule. While much of the world moved on to a new generation in 2019, the domestic version of this long-running van has been soldiering on since 2004.
Yet despite its age, the cabover light commercial vehicle remains popular enough in Japan to justify its continued presence, and for 2026, it receives its most comprehensive update in over a decade.
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Now entering its twelfth model-year revision, the HiAce gets its most substantial round of changes since 2013, when it received a revised bumper, grille, and headlights. For 2026, Toyota has kept the changes subtle, limiting exterior updates to new Bi-Beam LED headlight graphics. The rest of the van’s familiar cabover silhouette and bodywork remains untouched.
What’s New Inside?
Inside, the HiAce LCV finally gets a more modern touch. All variants now come standard with an 8-inch touchscreen integrated into the center console, which handles navigation and supports the Panoramic View Monitor. This is paired with a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, also standard.
Higher trims get a bit more attention. The Super GL variant now includes heated front seats as standard, while the base model gains a new rear door stop function.
Arguably the most meaningful changes are in the safety department. The updated HiAce benefits from Toyota’s latest Safety Sense suite, which now incorporates more advanced driver assistance features.
Highlights include Radar Cruise Control with Curve Speed Control, Lane Change Assist, Road Sign Assist, and an enhanced Pre-Crash Safety system with expanded detection capabilities.
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Beneath the skin, things remain resolutely familiar. The HiAce continues to use a ladder-frame chassis paired with a mid-engine cabover layout.
Powertrain options are carried over as well, with a 2.0-liter gasoline engine producing 158 hp (118 kW / 160 PS) and 182 Nm (134 lb-ft) of torque, alongside a 2.8-liter diesel delivering 149 hp (111 kW / 151 PS) and 300 Nm (221 lb-ft). Both engines are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and offered in rear- and four-wheel-drive configurations.
HiAce Customization With GR Parts, Modellista, And Other Add-Ons
Buyers looking to personalize their HiAce have plenty of choices. Toyota continues to offer a wide selection of optional upgrades and accessories, including exterior styling kits and interior enhancements from Modellista and GR Parts. A range of genuine Toyota accessories is also available, covering both commercial and leisure use cases.
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The automaker has highlighted some of the options with a series of “custom styles” – the Overland is tailored for outdoor use, the Active Cruiser for surfing and marine sports, the Urban City for daily use, the Cool Luxury for the highway, and the Craft Man for construction workers.
Pricing and Availability
The updated HiAce will launch in Japan on February 2, and will continue to be offered in van, wagon, and commuter configurations. Pricing starts at 2,860,000 yen (around $18,000) for the gasoline-powered DX base model, rising to 4,683,800 yen (about $29,500) for the top-spec Super GL Dark Prime II diesel.
While the current generation of the HiAce will continue, Toyota has already offered a glimpse of the nameplate’s future with a fully electric concept. The LCV was shown at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show, though there’s still no word on when a production version might arrive.
