Toyota HiAce Set for First Redesign in 22 Years: Bold New Look, Front-Engine Layout, Hybrid Option

Toyota’s HiAce is set to undergo its first full model change since the launch of the H200 generation in 2004, with an official debut expected by late 2026 or early 2027. The current H200 has been on sale in Japan for 22 years, receiving only minor updates during this period, and its aging platform has become increasingly apparent. The new HiAce will abandon the long-standing cab-over (flat-nose) design in favor of a shorter engine hood—better suited to Japan’s narrow roads—and will adopt styling cues from the 2023 Toyota Kayoibako concept, featuring modern LED lighting and clean body lines. Built on the TNGA platform, the next-generation HiAce will be offered in high-roof and long-wheelbase variants, equipped with black steel wheels. The narrow side windows seen in prototypes may be reserved for passenger-oriented derivatives, while production versions could feature simplified lighting units to help control costs. Powertrain-wise, the new HiAce will shift from a mid-engine to a front-engine layout and will introduce a hybrid-electric system for the first time, enhancing both performance and fuel efficiency. Although Toyota unveiled the Global HiAce BEV all-electric concept in 2023, the pure EV variant has been temporarily shelved. Additionally, Toyota plans to launch a smaller van based on the Daihatsu Kayoibako-K concept, targeting urban delivery and short-distance camping scenarios. The new HiAce is also expected to share certain components with the H300-generation models already sold in markets such as the Philippines, Thailand, and Australia.