Find out the latest price, specs, interior, exterior and pros & cons of the Toyota Hiace 2018 Philippines in our in-depth review by Philcarnews.com.

1. Toyota Hiace 2018 Philippines Review: Introduction

First appearing in the Philippines in 2005, the Toyota Hiace has come with its own great competence and long-standing reputation of the car manufacturer of Japan. During its victorious 12-year run, the Hiace has always topped the charts in commercial vehicles.

The Toyota Hiace has come with its own great competence and long-standing reputation of the car manufacturer of Japan

Some of its fans say that the van is so consistent and solid that changes seem redundant. Exclusive of the new engine given in 2015, we almost see nothing new in the Hiace. Now, it’s running its fifth generation, without enhancements, but it is still appealing to Pinoys. So, how has the Toyota Hiace earned its overwhelming success? Find out the answer in this Toyota Hiace 2018 Philippines review. We know that the entry-level Hiace Commuter has received too many flattering words, so this review will pivot on the mid-spec Hiace Super Grandia 3.0 AT which is priced reasonably and features essential functions.

Toyota Hiace GL Grandia 3.0 MT Full Review

2. Toyota Hiace 2018 Exterior

In terms of exterior, this “sheer wood” is 5,380 mm long. This is understandable since it’s a 11-seat van that can push your MPV and mivan far behind. In truth, some might feel that this wood is like a tour bus and monotonous, but taking a closer look, it’s quite sleek with an elegant stance and exquisite style.

Taking a closer look, the Toyota Hiace exterior is quite sleek with an elegant stance and exquisite style

Up front, the grille is beautified with chrome and robust headlamps, exuding a simple but solid appearance. Besides, the bumper is revised to look stronger.

Adorning the side are retweaked 16-inch alloys and distinguishable window outline. Meanwhile, the rear is covered by a dedicate design. Outstandingly, the taillights get some aerodynamic effects exposesd at mini fins.

Adorning the side are retweaked 16-inch alloys and distinguishable window outline

For the most part, this boxy and upright van is somewhat featureless and tedious. Still, come to think of it, its aim is just to carry people here and there. More than that, all the outer details are sacrificing for the inner, from the low ground clearance for easier access to the inside to wide sliding doors for a more airy space.

The rear of the 2018 Toyota Hiace exterior is covered by a dedicate design

3. Toyota Hiace 2018 Interior

Needless to say, the Toyota Hiace interior is surprisingly voluminous. On this variant, four seat rows are capable of accommodating your whole family of 11 members. We must to reaffirm that it’s the large exterior dimensions that give all occupants generous head and legroom. Particularly, it’s impossible not to mention the rear seats. The second row is furnished with soft captain seats while the third one is grated a bench seat for two people on the right side and a single seat on the left. Like seats of the second row, cushions at the third one are downy and can be elongated for more comfort. Legroom here is not sufficient as that of other rows; however, if your size is moderate, you’ll still feel good thanks to these cushions.

Needless to say, the Toyota Hiace interior is surprisingly voluminous

The Japanese company does not merely want to provide enough room for passengers, it also cares about their comfort, convenience and even, driving experience of the driver. Blow by blow, a coomanding view of the road is in front of the driver and a broad overview of the side. In addition,the gear knob is also equipped that holds the gearbox assembly on the dash to boost more space for front passengers while still allowing them to get out from either side. Plus, power switches are integrated in front windows, this is an upscale features in a people carrier like the Hiace. Powerful rear A/C system and a pair of monitors behind the front headrests are available to keep peoeple comfy and entertained.

Toyota cares about customers’ comfort, convenience and even, driving experience of the driver

Lastly, storage space are abundant with cup holders, bottle receptacles and a cavernous trunk of up to 6,000 L.

The Hiace has a cavernous trunk of up to 6,000 L

4. Toyota Hiace 2018 Philippines Review: Engine & Performance

Under the Super Grandia 3.0 AT bonnet is a 3.0L D4-D turbo diesel engine borrowing from the previous Hilux and Fortuner, paired with a 4-speed automatic gearbox. Nonetheless, in the current Hiace, this mill is nerfed, so it just generates 136 hp (27 hp less than the predecessor’s unit). Thankfully, making up for the loss of power is an additional torque of 40 Nm, pushing the peak torque to 300 Nm at 2,400 rpm. This power plant can help the van top out 60 kmph effortlessly.

Under the Super Grandia 3.0 AT bonnet is a 3.0L D4-D turbo diesel engine borrowing from the previous Hilux and Fortuner

On the move, road imperfections can be fed straight to the front passengers’ body, so moving rearwards will make you feel much better. Being a van, so we do not expect a striking performance in the Hiace. Moderate staging around cities is enough.

As for fuel economy, the van used up 7.2 km/l in city driving and 12.3 km/l on highways.

Moderate staging around cities is enough for the Hiace

5. Toyota Hiace 2018 Philippines Price

The Super Grandia 3.0 AT can be had from ₱1,849,000. This tag, frankly, is not cheap yet bear in mind that you are paying for your family’s comfort, convenience and versatility. If this trim is beyond your’s strength, opt for lower-end models and inversely, consider top models if you’re looking for more extra functions.

6. Toyota Hiace 2018 Specs

7. Toyota Hiace 2018 Philippines Review: Pros & Cons

8. Toyota Hiace 2018 Philippines: Verdict

To conclude, it’s crystal clear that the Toyota Hiace 2018 Philippines is an ideal van for all Pinoy families. The prove is that it obtains a lot of positive feedback from Filipinos for years, especially in terms of reliability and comfort. Though its outer is not glamorous and the inside is not as advanced as other players, the rest of its qualifies help it hold a firm position in local van segment.

It’s crystal clear that the Toyota Hiace 2018 Philippines is an ideal van for all Pinoy families