[7] Introduced in 1967, the HiAce was offered as a cab over pick-up, delivery van, and a stretched commuter vehicle.

With this goal in consideration, the HiAce exterior dimensions and engine displacement were in compliance with Japanese government regulations so as to encourage sales, and accommodate the most passengers by utilizing a cabover body style, with the engine installed underneath and between the front passengers.

It was a smaller alternative to the larger Toyota Coaster minibus, and was introduced to Japan after the 1950 Volkswagen Transporter, and the 1961 Chevrolet Greenbrier cabover vans.

HiAce vans originally sold on the European market have largely been exported to Africa and to Southeast Asia where they are used as public transport vehicles.

New for the "20–40 series" HiAce was a double-cab pick-up, super-long-wheelbase van, and a super long, high-roof Commuter.

A majority of the second generation models were exported from Europe and Japan to African and Asian countries after production ended and are used as public transport vehicles.

The Toyota Mobile Lounge, displayed at the 1987 Tokyo Motor Show, is based on the HiAce high-roof Commuter.

At this time, the new 3-litre 1KZ-TE turbodiesel replaced the 2L-TE and 3L diesels in HiAce Wagons (passenger car registration) in Japan.

[18] Export models were available with a range of different engines to suit local importers, uses, and tax structures.

[20] A short wheelbase variant called the Hiace Compact was introduced in 1994 as a replacement for the Liteace van.

[21] A special model intended to be used as an emergency medical vehicle known as the Toyota HiMedic, was launched in May 1992[22] with sales commencing from June of the same year.

These are exported to several markets, including Chile, and are also assembled in both Egypt (by Bavarian Auto Group) and Sri Lanka (as the Micro MPV J).

[26] Since its introduction, the Jinbei HiAce has spanned over six generations in which five of those were facelifts with the first occurring in 1999, two separate ones in 2002, the third in 2006, and the fourth and most recent in 2008.

Because of tighter safety regulations, this model replaced the mid-engined HiAce in Europe and several other markets.

In Europe, the Granvia-based HiAce sold from 1995 was usually equipped with the 2.5L 2KD-FTV diesel engine in a variety of versions.

The HiAce underwent a facelift in 2006, with bigger "jewel-style" headlights, and continued to be built in this form until 2012, replaced by the Toyota ProAce.

The 3.0-litre turbocharged diesel is especially favoured as its enormous torque but not so impressive power output are ideally suited to the hilly conditions in a country with an overall 100 km/h speed limit.

The semi-bonneted HiAce was sold in Norway and was the best selling van for many years until 1 January 2012, when it was withdrawn the European market as it could not be made to pass the Euro 5 emissions rules.

In this generation of the HiAce, the gear lever has been moved to the dashboard to enable easier movement in the cabin.

In Japan, Toyota's internet-enhanced GPS and vehicle telematics service called G-Book was made available as an option on all trim packages for both private and commercial uses.

The fifth generation HiAce was launched in the Philippines on 13 June 2005, with 2.5-litre 2KD engines;[47] The 15-seater Commuter and the 13-seater GL Grandia, both with manual transmission.

In 2015, the 10-seater Super Grandia LXV was added in the HiAce lineup,[48] based on the GL Grandia trim, the LXV was only offered with an automatic transmission and receives 15-inch alloy wheels, updated rear seats, higher roof (campervan) and a high end audio system.

In November 2017, the Japanese market HiAce Van and RegiusAce came fitted with the 2.8 L 1GD-FTV engine mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission generating a power output of 111 kW (151 PS; 149 hp) at 3600 rpm and 300 N⋅m (221 lb⋅ft) of torque from 1000 to 3400 rpm.

[52] With the same 2.8-litre engine and 6 speed automatic transmission, Toyota introduced the HiAce to India in February 2021 as a CBU import in the GL trim.

[54] On Japan's list of the most commonly stolen vehicles, as of November 2008[update], the HiAce resides in the first place.

[55] Following the launch of the H300 series, the H200 series continues to be sold in certain markets as of April 2020[update], including in Japan, Philippines, Pakistan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Africa, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Egypt and Kuwait.

All trim levels are powered by the 2.8-litre turbodiesel engine mated to either a 6-speed manual or automatic transmissions.

[77][85] In March 2021, Toyota Motor Philippines introduced the HiAce as a premium taxi service in Cebu on H300 series models.

The standard roof HiAce for Thai market is available in Eco (Panel Van) and GL grades, both with 6-speed manual transmission.

[93] A more luxurious passenger version of the HiAce, called Granvia, was released on 21 May 2019 and is sold in Taiwan and Australia (replacing the Tarago).