The Toyota HiAce has been somewhat of an automotive icon in various parts of the world. Originally launched in 1967, this archetypal Japanese light commercial vehicle (LCV) has been available in a wide range of body configurations over the span of six generations. 

Originally, the Toyota HiAce was mainly a commuter vehicle, with its spacious seating accommodating up to eight people. Over the past five decades, this absolute workhorse of a vehicle has been used for public transportation, ambulance services, delivery vans, and even a family car. 

But what about off-the-grid adventures? 

Admittedly, the earlier cab-forward models of the Toyota HiAce aren’t appropriate for out-of-city driving. But could the newer models show greater potential? Let’s find out.  

The Different Variations And Designs Of Toyota HiAce

As mentioned earlier, the Toyota HiAce comes in multiple body configurations and variations. Each variation offers its own unique utility, and some are more suited for off-the-grid camping adventures than others. 

Here is the list of some of the most popular HiAce variations: 

1. HiAce Panel Van — the panel van is well-suited for urban spaces. Its common uses include public service vehicles, ambulances, cargo vans, refrigerated vans, and moving vans. 
2. HiAce Super GL — the fourth-generation HiAce Super GL is appropriate for urban driving. Its common uses include public transport, delivery van, ambulances, funeral home hearse, and tour vans. 
3. Minibus — the minibus is the ultimate people carrier with a seating capacity of up to 14 passengers. As such, its common uses include hospital vans, school vans, and company staff buses. 
4. HiAce Deluxe — this sixth-generation variation is appropriate for both urban and off-grid driving. Its common uses include tour vans, hospice vans, company staff vans, and hotel vans. 

As a camping vehicle, the HiAce Deluxe wins by a landslide in terms of space optimization, amenities, and, most importantly, safety features. In fact, the sixth-generation models pride themselves on their improved safety standards— a direct consequence of a front design change from the iconic cab-forward design to a semi-bonnet. 

Moreover, you’ll find that the low-roof variations fare better than their high-roof counterparts for long family trips, especially camping. This is because it’s easier to attach a roof tent and make other modifications to a low roof. 

However, you can even purchase modified HiAce vans that have already been transformed into a camper build. Travelers Autobarn and Frontline offer some of the best modifications for long roadtrips. 

Toyota HiAce General Specs 

Endurance, ground clearance, and impressive cabin space are the defining qualities of all Toyota HiAce models. 

Here are some more specs you can expect: 

• Engines — the most popular engines include 2.0L 1RZ, 3.0L turbocharged 1KZ-TE, turbocharged 2.8 L 1GD-FTV, and the 7GR-FKS V6. 
• Transmission — all Toyota Hiace models have either manual or automatic transmissions. Manual transmissions are better-suited for harsher, cross-country terrains. 
• Mileage — Toyota HiAces are notorious for their high mileage, usable even above 150,000 miles. 
• Seats and Space — the number of seats depends on the variation (cargo, delivery, commuter), although eight seats are standard. 
• Fuel — Toyota HiAce offers either a diesel or petrol engine. The fuel economy differs with each model but can be as low as 7.08 miles per liter, depending on usage. 
• Drivetrain — most models offer a rear-wheel drive, and only some selected models are four-wheel drives. 
• Safety — sixth-generation models are the safest, with a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Safety features include forward collision alerts, AEB, pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, reversing camera, and much more. 

Toyota HiAce Pros And Cons 

As a camper, the Toyota HiAce has more positives than negatives. Furthermore, many of the safety complaints that people seemed to have with earlier models have been resolved in the sixth-generation models. 

Pros

• All Toyota HiAces are automotive benchmarks in terms of roomy and commodious cabin space. 
• The after-sale service support and maintenance are budget-friendly. Spare parts are readily available and easy to acquire. 
• Toyota HiAce offers a high-quality powertrain, driven mostly by a strong and reliable engine. 
• The sixth-generation models are the pinnacle of safety. 

Cons

• Earlier models (before 6th gen) do not offer much in terms of safety features. As such, they are not well-suited for spirited driving (but this shouldn’t be a problem if you’re using it as a recreational vehicle). 
• The design is unapologetically boxy and unsightly. 
• Toyota HiAce isn’t easily available in the US. 

The Toyota HiAce And The US Market 

As of 2022, the Toyota HiAce sells to more than 150 markets, but the US market is not one of them. Why? 

The most salient reason for this is that all models up until 2019 (5th gen and below) do not meet the US automotive safety standards. In fact, Toyota actually did attempt to bring the HiAce to US markets from 1984 to 1989, but it sold very poorly because of low safety standards. 

However, the newest 6th generation models mark a major shift in course. 

Debuted in 2019, the 6th-gen Toyota HiAce was a huge departure from previous designs. Furthermore, increased safety features in these newer models accompanied these design changes. So, the seemingly biggest issue with successfully introducing these campers in the US market has been resolved. 

Interestingly, there is already a huge market for big vans, with Nissan, Ford, and even Mercedes-Benz successfully selling their cargo and passenger vans. Hence, the new HiAce models are now more welcome than ever in US markets. 

Now, it’s only a question of whether Toyota actually decides to seize the opportunity or not.  

The Verdict — Is The Toyota HiAce Camper Worth Buying?

The Toyota HiAce is very popular for road trips with a stellar performance on rigged, uneven, cross-country roads. At the end of the day, however, the reliability, comfort, and performance of these campervans for long road trips boils down to their fit out. 

The newest models (2019 onwards) of the Toyota HiAce campers fall between a price range of $28,000 to $72,000. 

For a camper van, these prices are a steal.