OJ reviews: 5th Generation Toyota HiAce! I've driven a lot of different vehicles over my 48 years on this planet. Some good, some bad, some outstanding. And then there is the 5th Generation Toyota HiAce.

Disclaimer: I'm 6'6". Just shy of 2M for you metric folks. The average Japanese man is 5'7". Maybe that has something to do with it

The 5th Generation Toyota HiAce is quite possibly the worst driving experience I've had in my life. And not because the lane signal and wiper controller are switched (which amuses the children endlessly). No, this nearly US sized van has a driver's compartment built for Hobbits. Seriously, I'm guessing it gets at most 20% of the width of the front. Zero room to move around, head nearly touches the ceiling, T-Rex arms hitting the controls…it is a cramped nightmare.

And for grins, the position of the frame beam creates a blind spot on right turns/curves. I have to lean way over the expansive plastic console to see. It's fun.

Does the HiAce make up for this in looks? Sadly, no. How about fuel economy? Alas, no as well.

0.5/5 Stars




Ain't she a beaut!



Medieval Stocks level comfort



You know what this van needs? A blind spot maker!!!

Trip recap thread if you're interested:

https://texags.com/forums/34/topics/3544296

Looks like a great trip.

I'm 6'3" and just had a 3 cyl Toyota Corolla for a week in Saudi Arabia so I did laugh at the middle ages stocks level of comfort.

In NZ, I'm surprised you didn't get a Wicked Camper Van.
https://www.wickedcampers.com/nz/campervan/nz-wicked-van-2

Should have rented a Toyota Coaster…

I'm always a little jealous when I see the HiAces from Mexico driving in Houston. Surprised to hear that the interior is cramped as I've driven a Chevy Express, and while it's obvious that they haven't upgraded anything since the turn of the century, the drivers seat had plenty of room.

I rode in some probably Chinese vans in Turks recently and the infotainment looked kinda baller but didn't look like it would last. Kind of a PepBoys feel and I don't think the drivers know how to change the language. Or maybe they can read Mandarin.

3rd Platoon said:

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