Toyota gives 5th gen Hiace fresh new updates for 2024

The sixth-generation Toyota Hiace has been with us for quite some time and has essentially succeeded the previous cab-over model. But don't expect the fifth-generation Hiace to go out just yet as Toyota Motor Philippines still offers it in Cargo, Commuter, and Ambulance versions.

Over in Japan, Toyota also continues to offer the previous generation Hiace alongside the latest model. The automaker even upgraded it with Safety Sense back in 2020 for added peace of mind despite its age. With that, we can expect the cab-over Hiace to be with us for several more years.

Fast forward to 2024 and Toyota has just given the two-decade-old Hiace another refresh. But don't expect any major changes on the vehicle as Toyota decided to give it a more subtle update. For starters, there's a new Earth Color Package for the top-of-the-line model that gives the Hiace a nice shade of beige. It is then accompanied by a blacked-out grille that complements the unpainted bumpers and the chrome-finished door handles & side mirrors.

Toyota also made some key changes in the Hiace Welcab, a dedicated variant to help disabled passengers load up their wheelchairs. For 2024, the automaker installed a new wheelchair mount that they claim will hasten securing the wheelchair in the back.

Just like before, the 2024 Hiace is available with three engine options. The range starts with the 2.0-liter 1TR-FE gasoline inline-four that makes 136 PS with 182 Nm of torque and is followed by the more powerful 2.7-liter 2TR-FE which puts out 160 PS and 243 Nm of torque. Serving as the most powerful engine is the 2.8-liter 1GD-FTV turbo-diesel that cranks out 151 PS with 300 Nm of torque.

While we cannot expect the updates to make their way here in the Philippines, it's nice to see that Toyota still updates the previous generation Hiace from time to time.