The Toyota Hiace has long been a staple in the commercial and passenger transport sectors, valued for its reliability, versatility, and utility. As one of Toyota’s most iconic light commercial vehicles, the Hiace has a presence in numerous markets across the globe. But for those looking to buy or export a Hiace, the question remains: Where exactly is the Hiace sold?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the global availability of the Toyota Hiace, breaking down the major markets by region, understanding the demand drivers, and highlighting where you can and cannot find this indispensable workhorse today.
A Global Overview of Toyota Hiace Sales
The Toyota Hiace has been in production since the 1960s and has undergone multiple generations. Initially introduced as a compact van, it has evolved into a global icon in the commercial vehicle industry. Today, the Hiace is offered in over 100 countries worldwide, with variations in engine options, body styles, and specifications tailored to fit local needs.
Toyota’s strategy has always been to localize production and design, ensuring that the Hiace caters to diverse applications such as urban delivery, passenger transport, ambulance services, and mobile businesses. This adaptability is a key reason for its extensive availability.
Major Hiace Markets by Region
Asia: The Heartland of Hiace Popularity
Asia remains the largest consumer of the Toyota Hiace. In particular, countries like Japan, China, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, India, South Korea, and Malaysia account for massive demand.
- Japan – The Hiace is manufactured domestically and available in all its variants, including the high-roof commuter version.
- Thailand and Indonesia – Toyota has major production facilities here. The Hiace is an integral part of daily life, from taxis to small businesses.
- India – Though sold in lower volumes, it is highly sought after for special applications such as ambulances and luxury mini-buses due to its durability.
Africa: A Strong Used Hiace Market
While new Hiace sales are limited in Africa, the used Hiace market is booming, particularly in East and Southern Africa. Nations like Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Nigeria, and South Africa import thousands of second-hand Hiaces from Japan and the Middle East each year.
The Hiace is favored for its ruggedness, reliability, and ease of repair – crucial factors in regions with challenging terrain and limited access to maintenance facilities.
Key African Markets:
| Country | New Hiace Availability | Used Hiace Popularity |
|---|---|---|
| Kenya | No | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Nigeria | No | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| South Africa | Limited | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Oceania: A Strong Demand in Australia and New Zealand
The Toyota Hiace is available new in both Australia and New Zealand, though its presence has diminished over time due to newer competitor vans like the Hiace’s platform-sharing cousin, the Toyota Granace.
In New Zealand, Hiaces (especially second-hand imports from Japan) are popular as camper vans and shuttle services. They are known for their ability to handle long distances and tough terrain, which suits the rugged landscape of the country.
Notable Oceania Markets:
- Australia – Available as a commercial van; camper conversion favorite.
- New Zealand – High demand for used models for leisure and transport purposes.
Europe: Limited Presence, Niche Demand
The Hiace is available in select European countries, particularly in the United Kingdom and parts of Southern Europe. While Toyota mainly competes with the Ford Transit and Mercedes Sprinter in this region, the Hiace is sought after by niche buyers for specific niche commercial uses.
In the UK, it’s mainly imported as a right-hand-drive used vehicle from Japan. This model fits well into small businesses and minicab services.
North America: Not Sold New, But Popular Used
Toyota Hiace is not officially sold new in the United States or Canada. The U.S. version of the Hiace platform eventually evolved into the Toyota Sienna minivan in the 1990s, and later, the Toyota Super Custom, aimed at niche private imports.
However, the used Hiace market is growing among enthusiasts for off-grid living, overlanding, and small business transportation. Most of these units are imported from Japan or the UK, and converted to comply with DOT and EPA regulations.
South America: Scattered Availability
In South America, the Hiace has a sporadic presence, with some countries like Brazil and Argentina occasionally offering it under import or used import schemes. However, local production is virtually nonexistent, and the market is largely dominated by other commercial vehicle brands.
Where is the Toyota Hiace Not Available?
Despite its global presence, there are still regions where the Hiace is either not available at all or extremely rare. These include:
- Some Middle Eastern Countries – Despite being available in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, other nations like Syria and Yemen are currently beyond the reach of official or grey imports.
- Some Eastern European Nations – Former Soviet states may have small private import communities, but official sales are absent.
- Parts of Central Asia – Countries like Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan may receive used Hiaces via Russian or Kazakh routes, but Toyota does not sell it through official dealerships.
What Factors Influence Hiace Availability?
Purchasing Policy and Brand Strategy
Toyota’s regional strategies influence whether a model like the Hiace is available new in a particular country. In many cases, Toyota offers a local alternative instead of the Hiace – like the Probox or the Granace series – depending on the country.
Regulatory and Emission Standards
In regions with strict emissions regulations (e.g., Europe, North America), the Hiace must comply with current standards to be officially sold. In places like the United States, meeting these requirements would make importing it expensive and logistically complex.
Production and Distribution Networks
Toyota maintains several regional manufacturing plants in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Depending on a country’s trade policies and infrastructure, it might receive direct shipments or rely heavily on used vehicle imports.
Where to Buy a Toyota Hiace Now
Toyota Official Dealerships
In countries where Toyota has a direct presence, you can purchase a new Hiace through:
- Toyota dealerships
- Dedicated commercial vehicle centers
- Fleet sales departments
This is especially relevant in Japan, Thailand, and the UK.
Used Hiace Importers
Since the Hiace is heavily traded globally, many businesses import second-hand Hiaces and sell them to new owners. Major used car exporters from Japan, the UAE, and the UK offer Toyota Hiaces with documentation and shipment services included.
These imports are often the main source of Hiace availability in:
- East Africa
- Parts of South America
- Remote Pacific Islands
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Export and Import: How the Hiace Reaches New Markets
The Japanese Used Hiace Export Market
Japan is the world’s largest exporter of used Toyota Hiaces, largely due to its strict domestic regulations and short average ownership period. This results in a constant stream of low-mileage, well-maintained Hiace vans that are then shipped around the globe.
Exporters such as Be FORWARD, Cars2Deals, and Tradecar offer certified used Hiaces with inspection reports and shipping options tailored for international buyers.
Hiace from the Middle East and Europe
The UAE, Saudi Arabia, and the UK also export used Hiaces. These units are often dual fuel (LPG and petrol) in construction and well-suited for countries that prefer combustion engine vehicles due to fuel availability.
Popular Export Markets:
| Country | Source Market | Popular Hiace Models |
|---|---|---|
| Kenya | Japan | Diesel (2L & 2.7L), 4WD variants |
| Peru | Japan | Diesel van and Hiace bus models |
| Costa Rica | Japan & USA (Private Imports) | LHD and RHD used Hiaces |
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Hiace Availability by Model Year
2020–2024: Modern Hiaces and Global Reach
Recent Hiace models (post-2020) feature updated engines, safety systems like ABS and SRS airbags, and better fuel efficiency. These are still mainly concentrated in known global markets such as Japan, Thailand, South Africa, and parts of Europe. However, supply chains and local distribution can impact individual availability.
Demand for Older Hiace Models (1990s–Early 2010s)
Despite their age, older Hiace models continue to see demand globally due to their proven durability and ease of modification. In particular, the late 1990s to early 2000s Hiace Super Custom models are popular in African and Latin American countries for their iconic styling and functionality.
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Toyota Hiace Commercial and Passenger Uses by Region
The Hiace’s adaptability has made it one of the most multifunctional commercial vehicles in the world. Here’s how it’s used differently across the globe:
- Europe – Taxi services, courier companies
- Africa – Local transport minibuses, ambulances
- Asia – Delivery trucks, school transports
- Australia & New Zealand – Camper conversions, farm vehicles
- South America – Rural transport and small delivery logistics
Body Types Available in Hiace Markets:
| Region | Panel Van | Commuter Bus | Minibus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Japan | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| UAE | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Americas | Limited | Used Imports Only | Private Imports |
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Legal Restrictions and Gray Markets: Why the Hiace Isn’t Everywhere
In many countries, especially those with strict vehicle import laws or economic instability, Toyota opts out of selling its vehicles due to the burden of compliance or financial return. This creates a gray or private import market for the Hiace.
For instance, in the United States, importing a Hiace requires the vehicle to be at least 25 years old (under DOT regulations), which explains why Gen 2 and 3 models are sought after by vintage van enthusiasts or companies doing niche builds.
Barriers to Entry:
- Import duties and taxes
- Emissions compliance (Euro 5, Euro 6, etc.)
- Right-hand-drive restrictions in LHD countries
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How to Buy a Hiace if It’s Not Sold in Your Country
Even if the Hiace isn’t officially available where you’re located, you *can* still obtain one through a variety of methods:
Private Imports through Local Customs
Many countries accept private vehicle imports with proper documentation, inspection, and adherence to environmental and safety standards. Ensure you contact local motor vehicle departments for full requirements.
Buying Through a Certified Export Company
Companies based in Japan or the UAE can arrange full export packages including delivery to your port, documentation, and certification. These services are especially popular in East African and Caribbean countries.
Camper Conversion Specialists
In countries like New Zealand and Australia, specialized businesses buy used Hiaces, retrofit them into recreational vehicles, and sell them within their market – or arrange overseas delivery upon request.
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Looking Ahead: The Future of Hiace Availability
Toyota continues to manufacture and update the Hiace series for markets that demand compact, reliable commercial transport. With advancements in electrification, we may soon see electric Hiace variants released in key regions like Japan and Europe, potentially increasing availability in eco-conscious areas.
At the same time, older models will remain popular in developing nations where affordability and reliability outweigh the concerns of emissions or comfort.
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Conclusion
So, where is the Toyota Hiace sold? In essence, it’s available just about everywhere – though not always in the same way. From official Toyota dealerships in Asia and Europe to bustling used vehicle markets in Africa and Latin America, the Hiace remains one of the most accessible and adaptable commercial vehicles in the world.
Whether you’re looking to buy one new from a dealership, import a used model, or retrofit a Hiace for life on the road, the opportunities for ownership are vast – as long as you know where to look and understand the local regulations.
The Toyota Hiace proves that, sometimes, simplicity and reliability are the most powerful selling points of all.
Where is the Toyota Hiace primarily sold?
The Toyota Hiace is primarily sold in the Asia-Pacific region, where it has become a dominant van in markets such as Japan, Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines. These countries have a strong demand for commercial vehicles due to the Hiace’s versatility, reliability, and ability to handle diverse road conditions. Additionally, it’s a popular choice for public transportation, delivery services, and private businesses that require a durable and cost-effective vehicle.
Beyond Asia, the Hiace is also widely available in the Middle East, parts of Africa, and Latin America. In these regions, the van is appreciated for its adaptability to rough terrain and extreme weather, making it essential for both urban and rural applications. While Toyota has withdrawn the Hiace from some Western markets, it continues to be distributed through grey import channels and used vehicle exports, maintaining a global presence.
Is the Toyota Hiace available in North America?
The Toyota Hiace is not officially sold in the United States or Canada due to regulatory and market-specific challenges. U.S. vehicle emission standards and crash safety requirements have made it difficult for Toyota to offer the Hiace as a mainstream commercial van in North America. As a result, Toyota’s commercial van lineup in this region includes alternatives like the Proace-based Sienna van or the larger Toyota TransPortal based on the Ford Transit chassis.
However, some Hiace models have been imported into North America through niche markets and right-hand drive specialty dealers. These vehicles are typically used models from Japan or other countries where the Hiace is standard. Many buyers use them for conversions into campervans, food trucks, or mobile workspaces, leveraging the Hiace’s large interior and durable mechanicals despite the lack of official support.
Can I buy a Toyota Hiace in Europe?
The Toyota Hiace is not currently sold as a new vehicle in most European markets. While it was once available in some parts of Europe, changing regulations, emissions standards, and the competition from established European commercial van brands like Mercedes-Benz, Ford, and Volkswagen have led Toyota to focus on other models such as the Toyota Proace, which is co-developed with PSA Group (now Stellantis).
Despite the lack of official sales, a number of Hiace vans can still be found in parts of Eastern Europe and are occasionally imported as used vehicles. Many Hiace owners in Western Europe are DIY enthusiasts, small business owners, or van converters who appreciate its space, mechanical simplicity, and ease of customization, which makes the vehicle appealing even without full manufacturer support.
Why is the Toyota Hiace so popular in Asia?
The Hiace’s longstanding popularity in Asia is due to its versatile design, reliability, and effectiveness as a commercial vehicle tailored to local conditions. In countries like Indonesia and Thailand, it serves as a backbone for transport businesses, from passenger shuttles to cargo delivery. Its ability to traverse busy city streets and poorly maintained rural roads makes it adaptable to a wide range of environments across the continent.
In addition, the Hiace offers a cost-efficient solution for small to mid-sized enterprises that require dependable transportation. The availability of multiple variants—including standard cargo vans, high-roof conversions, and seating configurations—caters to a broad customer base. Combined with Toyota’s reputation for after-sales service and part availability, the Hiace becomes a practical investment for both businesses and individuals throughout Asia.
Is the Hiace available in the Middle East and Africa?
Yes, the Toyota Hiace is widely available and commonly used in both the Middle East and Africa. In regions like Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Egypt, the Hiace is commonly employed for urban transport, shuttle services, and delivery operations. Toyota’s presence in these markets, alongside a strong dealer network and parts availability, supports the wide adoption of the Hiace across both commercial and private sectors.
In African countries such as Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa, the Hiace plays a vital role in transportation infrastructure. It is well-suited to challenging road conditions and variable climates, a crucial factor in many parts of the continent. Whether used as minibuses, taxis, or goods carriers, Hiace models are often used far beyond their intended service life, attesting to their toughness and adaptability in these emerging markets.
What regions have the highest demand for used Hiace models?
High demand for used Toyota Hiace models comes mostly from developing nations where cost-efficiency and durability are essential. Countries in sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and parts of Central America often rely on imported used Hiace vans from Japan and other source countries. These vehicles are prized for their proven long-term reliability and low operating costs, which are crucial for budget-conscious operators.
Additionally, the Hiace enjoys a loyal following among van converters, off-road enthusiasts, and small business owners in Europe and North America who acquire used imports. Despite legal and regulatory hurdles in those regions, importers often seek out the Hiace for niche applications such as adventure vans or specialized cargo carriers. This global demand attests to how valuable the Hiace remains both in its official markets and beyond.
What does the future hold for Hiace global availability?
While the Hiace remains a core vehicle for Toyota in certain regions, its future availability will likely be shaped by evolving emissions regulations and the automotive industry’s shift toward electrification. Toyota is developing electric and hybrid commercial van options, which could influence whether and how the Hiace platform continues in its current form globally. As such, future Hiace models may include new variants designed for cleaner energy performance while retaining the durability and functionality of earlier generations.
In addition, changing market preferences and vehicle trends may affect distribution strategies. Toyota might also explore joint ventures or localized production in specific markets to maintain the Hiace’s cost-effectiveness. Even as new versions evolve, the used Hiace will likely continue circulating in significant numbers globally, particularly in regions where accessibility and reliability outweigh the need for cutting-edge features.