Toyota’s commercial van, the “Hiace,” can be registered as a “passenger car” through a “structural change.” This modification allows for a more versatile use of the vehicle as a mini-van. The Hiace is known for its spacious interior and is used for a variety of purposes from work to outdoor leisure activities. While typically registered as a “commercial” vehicle, some dealerships offer the option to register it as a “passenger” vehicle through a structural change procedure. The higher-end “Super GL” model features a sturdy three-seater second row and improved interior design while maintaining high cargo capacity. This model is popular among families looking for a mini-van alternative. The official catalog lists the seating capacity for the 2-liter/2.7-liter gasoline and 2.8-liter diesel models as “2/5 people,” allowing for two front seat passengers and three back seat passengers in a two-row seating configuration.
Toyota’s commercial vehicle “Hiace” can be registered as a “passenger car”?! What are the benefits of using it as a minivan through “structural changes”? When a Hiace is registered as a passenger car, including those that have undergone structural changes during purchase, the frequency of vehicle inspections is changed to every 3 years for new cars and every 2 years for follow-up inspections, which is the same as for regular passenger cars. However, there is a big difference in the annual “automobile tax” that must be paid, with commercial vehicles being cheaper. For example, the annual automobile tax for a standard body 4-number 2-liter gasoline Hiace is 16,000 yen, while the same Hiace registered as a passenger car will be taxed based on its total displacement, resulting in an annual tax of 36,000 yen, which is 20,000 yen more expensive. Therefore, it is important to remember that while the frequency of vehicle inspections may decrease with structural changes to increase passenger capacity, the automobile tax will become more expensive.
