Hmm, after all, is it the Hiace 200 series? Compared with the Town Ace KR42V.

Recently, I’ve been thinking the Town Ace Van KR42V situation is a bit of a drag due to height issues.

I had AI compare the Town Ace Van and the 200 series Hiace.

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Tell me the exterior dimensions and cargo room dimensions of the successive 200 series Hiace models.

The 200 series Hiace has significantly different exterior and cargo room dimensions depending on the grade and body type (standard body, wide body, super long, etc.), and roof height (standard roof, middle roof, high roof, etc.).

The 200 series Hiace has maintained its basic body structure since its debut in 2004 to the present, but has undergone continuous improvements. Here, we introduce approximate dimensions of representative body types based on the current model.

Exterior dimensions (overall length × overall width × overall height) guide

Body typeOverall length (mm)Overall width (mm)Overall height (mm)Notes
Standard body, standard roof4,6951,6951,980Van, standard size
Wide body, middle roof4,8401,8802,105Van, wagon common
Super long, wide body, high roof5,3801,8802,285Van, wagon, commuter common

Cargo room dimensions (cargo length × cargo width × cargo height) guide

Cargo room dimensions vary especially depending on grade (DX, Super GL, etc.) and seat arrangement.

Body type/gradeCargo length (mm)Cargo width (mm)Cargo height (mm)Notes
Standard body, standard roof (Super GL)approx. 1,855 / 3,0001,5201,3201,855 (with second seat in use) / 3,000 (with second seat stowed)
Standard body, standard roof (DX)approx. 3,0001,5451,335DX may have slightly larger cargo width and height
Standard body, high roof (DX)approx. 3,0001,5451,590
Wide body, middle roof (Super GL)approx. 3,0001,7051,390
Super long, wide body, high roofapprox. 3,5401,7301,635Maximum cargo space

Important points:

  • Cargo length: Varies greatly depending on second seat usage. The 1,855mm in the table above is the length with the second seat slid to the rearmost position, and 3,000mm or **3,540mm** is the maximum value when the second seat is stowed or folded.
  • Grade differences: Super GL has more luxurious interior, so cargo width may be slightly narrower compared to DX.
  • Just Low: The DX grade has a Just Lowoption with a lower cargo bed floor, in which case the cargo height is even lower (for example, approx. 1,170mm for standard body, standard roof).

Detailed dimensions vary depending on the model year, drive type (2WD/4WD), and special vehicles or camper van bases, so we recommend specifying the grade and model year of the vehicle you’re interested in and checking Toyota’s official information or catalogs.

I see. I carry large motorcycles for work on a 4-number plate. Since I also use it daily, what model year offers the best price and convenience?

When it comes to balancing large motorcycle loading with daily use, and achieving good price and convenience, the following points are key for the 200 series Hiace “4-number” model.

Optimal body type: Standard body, standard roof (4-number)

First, to enjoy the maintenance cost benefits of a 4-number (small commercial vehicle) while considering ease of handling for daily use, the **”Long, standard body, standard roof”** offers the best balance.

  • Exterior dimensions: Overall length 4,695mm – overall width 1,695mm – overall height 1,980mm
  • Advantage: The size is almost the same as a 5-number vehicle, making parking and driving on narrow roads easier.

Optimal grade: Super GL

If you prioritize comfort for daily use, the **”Super GL”** with its rich interior and equipment is highly recommended.

  • Difference from DX: The rear seat is a separate type with reclining and sliding capability, higher quality interior finish, privacy glass, power-folding door mirrors, and other car-like equipment is abundant.

Large motorcycle loading challenges and solutions

The biggest challenge when loading a large motorcycle in a standard body “Super GL” is **”cargo length”.**

ModelCargo length (with second seat in use)
Standard body, Super GLapprox. 1,855mm

Since typical large motorcycles exceed 2,000mm in overall length, they cannot be loaded as-is.

【Solutions】

  1. Second seat sliding and stowing: Super GL allows the second seat to slide forward (approx. 1,975mm) or fold and move forward, extending the cargo length to approx. 2,470mm.
  2. Front wheel adjustments: Angling the motorcycle’s front wheel slightly, or using commercially available **motorcycle cargo rails (tie-down rails)** to allow the bike’s front tire to fit between the driver and passenger seats is a common customization to secure length.

Convenience and price balance: recommended “model year”

Considering price and convenience (fuel economy, driving performance, safety features) comprehensively, the following model years are recommended.

1. Recommended model year: 4th generation late period and later (November 2017 onwards)

  • Greatest advantage: The adoption of the **”1GD-FTV 2.8L diesel engine” and “6-speed AT”** with significantly improved fuel economy and driving performance.
    • Compared to the previous diesel (2.5L/3.0L), it offers higher quietness, better fuel economy and power.
  • Safety features: **”Toyota Safety Sense P (collision mitigation braking)”** is standard equipment (except some grades), greatly improving peace of mind for daily use.
  • Price range: Since it’s a relatively recent model year, used car prices are on the higher side, but if you don’t trade in frequently, this model year and later will provide the highest satisfaction.

2. Budget-conscious option: 3rd generation late period to 4th generation early period (May 2012 to November 2017)

  • Advantage: High circulation in the used car market with relatively stable pricing, offering excellent value for money.
  • Engine: Primarily 3.0L diesel engines (1KD-FTV) or gasoline vehicles.
    • Diesel vehicles lag behind the 4th generation late period in fuel economy and quietness, but have sufficient power.

In conclusion, for your intended use,

Best solutionReason
4-number, standard body, Super GLThe strongest balance of daily handling, maintenance costs, and comfort.
Model year: 4th generation late period (November 2017 onwards)The 6-speed AT and latest diesel (2.8L), combined with safety features, dramatically enhance daily use convenience.

If budget is a priority, consider 4th generation early period or earlier, and use the savings for motorcycle loading customization—a smart choice.

Are there diesel turbos available?

Yes, all diesel engines in the 200 series Hiace come with turbochargers.

All generations of diesel engines in the 200 series Hiace are paired with turbochargers to deliver sufficient torque and power even when loading large motorcycles and other heavy cargo.

The main diesel turbo engines are divided into three types depending on model year.

Engine codeDisplacementModel year (approx.)TransmissionFeatures
2KD-FTV2.5L2004–August 20074-speed AT / 5-speed MTThe original engine at debut. Short production period due to regulatory impact.
1KD-FTV3.0LAugust 2007–November 20174-speed AT / 5-speed MTDisplacement increased from 2.5L. Plenty of torque with high circulation in the used car market.
1GD-FTV2.8LNovember 2017–current6-speed ATCurrent engine. Best balance of fuel economy, quietness, and power. Paired with latest safety features.

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Recommended for large motorcycle loading and daily use: “1GD-FTV”

For large motorcycle loading (carrying heavy cargo) and daily use with frequent highway driving, the **”1GD-FTV” (2.8L diesel turbo, November 2017 onwards)** is most highly recommended.

  1. Powerful and fuel-efficient: Although displacement is lower than 3.0L, the combination of latest technology and 6-speed AT improves driving performancewhile enhancing fuel economy.
  2. Improved quietness: Compared to the previous 1KD-FTV, diesel-specific noise and vibration are greatly reduced, bringing daily use comfort closer to a passenger car.
  3. 6-speed AT: Compared to the previous 4-speed AT, the increased number of gears reduces shift shock, and especially during highway driving, engine RPM is kept lower, enabling quiet and smooth driving.

Considering price, I recommend first looking at **4th generation late period (November 2017 onwards) or later Super GL (4-number)** vehicles.

And so the night deepens like this…

I created an Amazon recommended products page (*´ω`*)

  • Copied the URL !