The Toyota Hiace, a commercial vehicle with a consistent monthly sales volume of 6,000 units

Can the Toyota Hiace be used as a family car? I compared its maintenance cost and performance with that of the small minivan “Sienta!”Why is the large Hiace surprisingly easy to drive?The Hiace, Toyota’s popular commercial van, is generally thought to have a large body and high taxes. However, when you actually own one, you will find that this image is quite different, and the Hiace can also be used as a family car.

　
　Here is a comparison of the Sienta and the Hiace, both of which are favored as family cars by Toyota, in terms of maintenance costs and other factors.
The Modellista-specification “Hiace” is too cool! Toyota’s “”Hiace”” is a family car with low maintenance costsThe “”Hiace”” may give an image of large engine displacement and high automobile tax.The Hiace is equipped with 2-liter/2.7-liter gasoline and 2.8-liter diesel engines, which are certainly large in displacement, but the standard body is classified as a “”small cargo”” vehicle, which means that the automobile tax is low and the vehicle can accommodate four or more passengers, has a maximum load capacity of 1,000 kg or less, and has a displacement of 1.5 liters or more. The Hiace, which is classified as a “”small cargo,”” has a low automobile tax rate of only 16,000 yen per year.

　
　In contrast, the Sienta has a 1.5-liter engine, and its annual automobile tax is 34,500 yen, more than twice the amount of the Hiace, since it falls under the 1.5-liter category from the over 1-liter category of passenger cars.

　
　On the other hand, the frequency of vehicle inspections differs from that of passenger cars, with the first inspection required two years after the first year of registration, and annual inspections required from the second and subsequent years.There is no major difference between passenger cars and commercial vehicles in the maintenance and checking items performed during vehicle inspections, and the labor charges and agency fees are almost the same.In the case of commercial vehicles, the weight tax to be paid at the time of inspection is based on the vehicle weight, the weight of the passenger capacity (calculated as 55 kg per person), and the maximum loading capacity. Compared to passenger cars, commercial vehicles are cheaper, but the liability insurance is higher for commercial vehicles.

　
Although the cost of vehicle inspections is often higher for commercial vehicles when compared over a two-year period, this cost is offset by the lower automobile tax, so overall, commercial vehicles are cheaper to maintain.The Hiace’s overwhelming appearance may give the impression that it is large and cannot turn in small circles.The Sienta, on the other hand, is highly regarded by the child-rearing generation for its ability to turn in small circles, making it convenient for everyday shopping and transporting children, etc. The new model, fully remodeled in August 2022, has excellent maneuverability with a minimum turning radius of 5.0 m.

　
　The Hiace (standard body) may not look like a car that can turn in small circles due to its large, boxy body shape, but its minimum turning radius is 5.0 m, the same as that of the Sienta, and when compared only in terms of minimum turning radius, it is as easy to maneuver as the Sienta and as practical for everyday use as well. It is also very practical for daily use.Comparing the body sizes of the two vehicles, the Sienta measures 4260 mm (overall length) x 1695 mm (overall width) x 1695 mm (overall height), while the Hiace measures 4695 mm (overall length) x 1695 mm (overall width) x 1980 mm (overall height).

　
　Looking at the overall width, both the Sienta and the Hiace are 1695 mm, which is the “”number 5 size”” for passenger cars, and even the Hiace, which looks large and difficult to drive, can be driven with the same sense of width as a compact minivan.However, it should be noted that the overall length of the Hiace is 435 mm longer, the turning radius at the rear of the vehicle is slightly larger, and the driver and passenger seats are higher, making it difficult to get in and out of the vehicle.

　
　As easy to drive as the Sienta and with less than half the automobile tax, the Hiace has all the qualities to be used as a family car.For individual users who use the Hiace like a minivan, Toyota offers the “”Super GL”” (5-seater), a high-grade model with a rear seat that can accommodate three adults, and with enhanced equipment and interior decorations.
With the advantage of a spacious cargo area that can hold a large amount of luggage, it may be a good candidate for a family car.

In a surprising revelation, ROWEN INTERNATIONAL, the renowned automotive aftermarket parts brand, has declared a groundbreaking upgrade for the Toyota Hiace, aptly named the “Hiace God.” This announcement, made via their official social media account on December 12, 2023, unveiled plans for an exhilarating ECU tuning session at their Yokohama store, ROWEN YOKOHAMA.

The Toyota Hiace, a stalwart in the realm of commercial vans, has enjoyed enduring popularity as a versatile one-box commercial vehicle. Initially introduced in 1967, the fifth generation (200 series) has been a fixture on Japanese roads since its debut in 2004. Noteworthy is its recent surge in popularity among individual users who engage in outdoor activities and even find solace in sleeping within their cars.

The 200 series Hiace has been in continuous production for nearly two decades, with the current model, the “Type 7,” having undergone partial improvements in 2022. In contrast, the 300 series Hiace, its successor, has already hit international markets. ROWEN INTERNATIONAL’s recent announcement pertains specifically to the ECU tuning of the 200 series, promising an electrifying transformation for the 2.8-liter diesel engine.

Accompanying the announcement is an image captioned with the words “Hiace god descends, soar with tremendous torque,” hinting at the remarkable enhancements in store. The disclosed specifications include a staggering 20% increase in maximum horsepower, elevating it from 151 to over 180 horsepower. Additionally, the maximum torque is set to surge by an astounding 50%, soaring from 30.6 kgf to an impressive 45 kgf.

ROWEN INTERNATIONAL asserts that the process will involve deactivating the limiter and anticipates the entire installation to be completed within a mere 30 minutes. In a follow-up statement, the company assured enthusiasts, “We are currently making various preparations to enable Hiace owners nationwide to install these upgrades on their vehicles. We appreciate your patience during this period.”

Enthusiasts and owners alike can now anticipate the arrival of the “Hiace God” upgrade, promising an unprecedented surge in performance and power for this beloved commercial van. ROWEN INTERNATIONAL’s move signifies a commitment to delivering cutting-edge customization options for the Toyota Hiace, ensuring a thrilling driving experience for fans across the country.