2016 Totoya HiAce Review

The Toyota HiAce has been in production from 1967 to present and there have been six generations in that period. Similar to the Land Cruiser pickup, the HiAce has undergone fewer iterations and has stuck to its winning formula. The current generation known as the H200 has been in production from 2004 and is radically different from previous generations. It features changes such as a bigger body, larger windows and a gear knob on the dashboard.

The 2016 Toyota HiAce is offered with 3 engine options. These are; the 2.0L 1TR-FE petrol engine, the 2.7L 2TR-FE Petrol engine and the 3.0L 1KD-FTV turbo diesel engine. These are linked to either a 4-speed automatic transmission or a 5-speed manual transmission and available in both 2WD and 4WD

2016 Toyota HiAce Grades

1. 2016 Toyota HiAce DX- This is the base grade that comes with 15-inch steel wheels, power steering, halogen headlamps, front fog lamps, power windows, a fabric upholstery, central locking, a manual air conditioning system, a 2-speaker audio system with a CD player, USB port, and AUX jack.
2. 2016 Toyota HiAce GL- This is a mid range grade that comes with additional features such as a touchscreen infotainment system, Power sliding rear door, power windows, central locking, rearview camera, and automatic air conditioning.
3.  2016 Toyota HiAce Super GL- This is the higher-end trim that comes with more features such as 16-inch alloy wheels, power door locks, keyless entry, a 6-speaker audio system, cruise control, fog lamps, automatic headlights, power-retractable side mirrors, and a rear spoiler.

Interior, Legroom & Space

The 2016 Toyota HiAce has a spacious and comfortable interior with enough room to seat up to 15 passengers. In the first row, the seats are well placed and offer plenty of legroom and headroom for the driver and the front passenger. The second row and third row are also comfortable and have ample legroom and legroom for passengers.

Cabin Storage

There are several storage compartments at the front that are useful for storing items such as smartphones, beverages, goggles, handbags etc. There are 4 cup-holders, door panel storage, a 2 compartment glovebox and a center-box.

Safety Features: SRS Airbags, vehicle stability control (VSC),ABS, Retractable steering on impact, WIL(Whiplash Injury Lessening), hill-start assist system Rearview Camera

Exterior

The 2016 Toyota HiAce has a boxy design that reflects its commercial nature.  It has a high roofline and a flat front fascia with a wide grille and large headlights. The side profile is dominated by sliding doors on both sides, which provide easy access to the cargo area or passenger compartment. Its rear end features vertical taillights and a large Toyota logo in the center.

2016 Toyota HiAce Fuel Consumption

2016 Toyota HiAce 3.0L Diesel Fuel Consumption 12.0 Km/L

2016 Toyota HiAce 2.7L Petrol Consumes 9.6 Km/L

2016 Toyota HiAce 2.0L Petrol Consumes 10.7 Km/L

2016 Toyota HiAce Acceleration

2016 Toyota HiAce 3.0L Diesel accelerates from 0-100km/h in 13.0 sec

2016 Toyota HiAce 2.7L Petrol accelerates from 0-100km/h in 12.0 sec

2016 Toyota HiAce 2.0L Petrol accelerates from 0-100km/h in 16.5 sec

2016 Toyota HiAce Fuel Tank Capacity: 70 Litres

2016 Toyota Hiace Ground Clearance

The 2013 Toyota HiAce has a ground clearance of 7.7 Inches(195mm). This is above the minimum recommended clearance of 6.5 Inches for Kenyan roads and it will clear speed bumps without a problem. However, observe the proper loading capacity as the per Owner’s Manual.

2016 Toyota HiAce Stability and Handling

The Toyota HiAce is primarily designed for commercial purposes and is not considered to have sporty handling but is built to provide stability and safety, particularly when carrying heavy goods.

Its wide track and long wheelbase contribute to stability by providing a   solid foundation for the vehicle. The suspension is also designed to handle heavy loads, and the van’s body structure is reinforced to minimize flex and provide a stable platform.

The 2016 Toyota HiAce steering wheel is hydraulically assisted and provides a decent level of feedback and responsiveness. Its turning radius is also relatively tight making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces.

The HiAce’s braking system is another strong point and provides reliable stopping power even when carrying to capacity.

Additionally, it’s fitted with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) as standard, which helps prevent wheel lock-up and maintains steering control during emergency braking.

Service Intervals

Minor Service: At 10,000 km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, and Engine Oil

Major Service: At 15,000km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, Fuel Filter, ATF Filter, Cabin Filter, Plugs, Front Brake Pads, Rear Brake Pads, ATF Oil, and Engine Oil

Spare Parts Availability, Cost & Where to buy

Spare parts for the Toyota HiAce are widely available in Kenya and at reasonable prices. Most spare shops in Industrial Area and Kirinyaga Road stock these parts. You can get listings for these shops in this link

2016 Toyota HiAce Reliability

The 2016 Toyota HiAce is considered to have a an exemplary reliability thanks to its  sturdy and reliable components, such as a proven engine, a robust suspension system, and a well-built body structure. It reportedly can withstand a lot of damage before requiring repairs thus making it a desirable commercial vehicle.

Some owners have however reported minor issues such as problems with the air conditioning system and electrical components, but these are relatively rare and easily addressed through routine maintenance and repairs.  We recommend you to follow the car’s guidelines as per the Owner’s manual.

Resale Value: Good

Toyota HiAce Competitors: Nissan Caravan

What we like about the 2016 Toyota HiAce

• Reliability
• Available in many configurations
• Cheap to maintain
• Spacious interior

What we don’t

• Limited safety features
• Noisy cabin

Conclusion

The 2016 Toyota HiAce is a dependable commuter van that can is capable of serving you for years if well-maintained.  It is available in various grades, with different features and specifications, to cater to different needs and preferences.