The fifth-generation Toyota HiAce soldiers on in Japan, with the new 2026 update bringing in some key equipment changes.
It has been more than two decades since the fifth-gen (H200) Toyota HiAce debuted globally, and this evergreen van is soldiering on in its native Japanese market for the 22nd consecutive year, thanks to this latest 2026 model year (2026 MY) update.
Chief amongst which is the inclusion of new LED ‘Bi-Beam’ headlights that not only make the two-decade-old van look more modern but also help drivers to see better in dark driving conditions. The rest of the exterior, however, remains unchanged from the previous model, with the latest heavy facelift being given back in 2013, which saw the van gaining redesigned bumpers, a new front grille, and more.
In case the new HiAce is still too vanilla for your taste buds, Toyota Japan offers the option to further jazz up your van with official accessories and bodykits from both Modelista and GR Parts.
More modern touches can also be seen inside the 2026 HiAce, with all variants in Japan now comes standard with an 8-inch central infotainment screen, plus an equally modern 7-inch digital metre cluster. The new main head unit not only comes with built-in navigation and the Panoramic View Monitor but also supports both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, plus optional in-car WiFi.
Rounding off the interior changes are the new rear door stop functions for all variants, while the top-spec Super GL spec now comes with heated front seats as standard.
But perhaps the most important changes for the updated HiAce are in the safety department, as Toyota has equipped it with its own Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) ADAS suite that incorporates more advanced driver assistance features than before.
Some key features include Radar Cruise Control with Curve Speed Control, Lane Change Assist, Road Sign Assist, and an enhanced Pre-Crash Safety system with expanded detection capabilities.
Beneath its mildly-refreshed skin, however, the 2026 HiAce still underpins the same ladder-frame bones and powertrain options as the original model two decades ago. The petrol version comes in the form of a 2.0-litre 4-cyl 1TR-FE naturally-aspirated engine producing 158 hp and 182 Nm, while the diesel version gets the larger 2.8-litre 4-cyl 1GD-FTV lump that outputs 149 hp and 300 Nm.
Both engines are mated to the same six-speed automatic transmission and can be opted in both rear- (RWD) and all-wheel-drive (AWD) configurations.
The updated 2026 Toyota HiAce is slated to make its official market entry later in Feb 2 this year, with prices starting at JPY 2.86 million (RM73,525) for the base-spec DX petrol variant and topping out at JPY 4.683 million (RM120,341) for the range-topping Super GL Dark Prime II diesel.
For reference, UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) is currently selling the fifth-gen HiAce for RM123,000 in Malaysia for the sole 3.0L turbo diesel variant, although it is only available in the commercial-style panel van configuration.