The fifth-generation HiAce appeared in 2005 as a wide long-wheelbase wagon, wide super-long-wheelbase high-roof “Grand Cabin”, long-wheelbase van, long-wheelbase high-roof van and a wide super-long-wheelbase high-roof van. In this generation the gear lever has been moved to the dashboard to enable easier movement in the cabin. Five-speed manual and four-speed automatic transmissions are available.
All of the models use a four-cylinder DOHC engine, in a variety of forms, a 1TR-FE 2,000 cc or 2TR-FE 2,700 cc petrol engine, or a 2KD-FTV 2,500 cc or 1KD-FTV 3,000 cc D-4D turbo diesel engine. Two of these engines are available in Malaysia, the 2.5 L turbo diesel, offered in a choice of panel van or window van; and the 2.7 L petrol, that comes only in the window van option.
In Japan, Toyota’s internet-enhanced GPS and vehicle telematics service called G-Book was made an option on all trim packages for both private and commercial uses.
The fifth-generation HiAce was launched in the Philippines on June 13, 2005, with D-4D variants, 2.5 diesel and GL Grandia, both with manual transmission. In 2006, the new top-of-the-line HiAce Super Grandia was launched, being the first ever HiAce in the Philippines with a standard automatic transmission.
The 2.5 and 3.0-litre turbodiesel engines have a maximum output of 75 kW at 3,600 rpm and 80 kW at 3,000 rpm respectively and maximum torque of 260 Nm at 1,600–2,400 rpm and 286 Nm at 1,200–1,600 rpm respectively. The 2.7 L petrol engine has a maximum output of 111 kW at 4,800 rpm and a maximum torque of 241 Nm at 3,800 rpm.
On Japan’s list of the most commonly stolen vehicles the HiAce currently resides in first place. Because of a lack of a theft immobilizer, it is fairly easy to steal a HiAce, as opposed to much more valuable SUVs and sports cars, which have more sophisticated theft deterrent systems.
HiAces are also popular forms of transportation used by members of the entertainment business in Hong Kong.
