2024 Toyota HiAce SLWB Van: Quick review

The Toyota HiAce has consistently been the commercial van of choice in Australia, celebrated for its steadfast reliability.

It has served as the preferred mode of transport for couriers, electricians, movers, and those ferrying larger groups for more than five decades.

Next time you receive a package, there's a good chance it will be delivered from the back of a battle-tested HiAce parked in your driveway. Much like the HiLux, its nearly indestructible counterpart, the HiAce is considered a wise purchase.

With its sixth generation debuting in 2019, marking the first significant refresh in 15 years, the HiAce unveiled a new semi-bonneted, more streamlined design, moving away from its iconic boxy look.

Now, let's delve into what makes the HiAce a leader in its class in Australia.

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Pricing and features

The HiAce lineup kicks off at $48,886 before on-road expenses for the liftback version equipped with a manual gearbox. The Super Long Wheel Base (SLWB) version comes in at $59,446 as the third variant offering in the line-up.

Opting for a barn door –the latest addition to the HiAce range– you'll pay an extra $750.

Available in a single 2.8L Turbo Diesel automatic offering, the SLWB takes space to the next level boasting 9.3 cubic meters of loadspace volume, while the total cargo space in a standard LWB model is 6.2 cubic meters.

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The SLWB Van offers the following standard features: 16-inch steel wheels with a full size spare, an 8-inch colour touchscreen, six speakers, leather-accented steering wheel and overhead console storage.

White is the only exterior colour available across the range.

The SLWB model has dimensions of 5915mm in length, 1950mm in width, and 2280mm in height, with a wheelbase measuring 3860mm.

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The front compartment, designed for two occupants, features rubber floor mats, fabric seats and a steering wheel accented with leather that includes multiple functions. Following the most recent update, the driver's seat now comes equipped with electric lumbar support.

While the HiAce's metal floors, wooden wall linings, and the absence of a cargo divider might lend it a somewhat basic appearance, it's important to note that owners typically like the opportunity to customise the van to their specific needs.

Safety

The Toyota HiAce was stamped with a five-star ANCAP safety rating in 2019.

In crash safety evaluations, the HiAce received an impressive 94 percent in adult occupant protection and 88 percent in child occupant protection.

The HiAce LWB comes packed with standard safety features via the Toyota Safety Sense suite of features including pre-collision safety system, lane departure alert, auto high beam and road sign assist.

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Furthermore you'll get necessities such as a reverse camera, front and rear parking sensors and blind spot monitors.

Your new HiAce also comes with a year complimentary access to Toyota Connected Services which includes SOS Emergency Call, Automatic Collision Notification and Stolen Vehicle Tracking.

Key rivals

In the commercial van landscape, there are a few super long/extra long van examples on Australia's roads.

Others competing for market share are:

• Volkswagen Transporter
• Ford Transit
• Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
• Renault Master

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Should I put it on my shortlist?

With the 2024 Toyota HiAce SLWB Toyota has demonstrated its capability to outshine the European van market and has achieved success in doing so.

The HiAce is backed by its strong resale value, a robust five-year warranty, and fixed price servicing for the warranty timeframe. Essentially, the HiAce SLWB offers considerable value for the investment.