Toyota Hiace Van Gains Sporty GR Parts in Japan

Toyota gives the ageing Hiace van a new makeover in Japan, featuring sporty bits from GR Parts and Modellista.

Toyota’s Gazoo Racing performance arm might be preparing for the revival of the Celica nameplate, but the Japanese automaker has silently given its ‘milder’ model a sporty makeover. This time around it's the ageing Hiace van, where it is now offered with sporty bits and pieces courtesy of the GR Parts division.

For better or for worse, this update is somewhat long overdue, considering the current H200-gen Hiace has been around since 2004, thus making this 2025 model year (2025 MY) update its 21st year being in production.

Focusing on the GR Parts trim, this optional package comes in two versions, where the first one is “inspired by off-road design” and aims to stand out “not only in outdoor scenes but also on the street.” Being the more rugged of the two, the GR Parts Version I features a rugged bolt-on bumper insert with integrated LEDs and a metal skid plate, which are joined by side skirts that look like side steps and GR-badged mudflaps finished in red and black.

Meanwhile, the GR Parts Version II gets a sleeker and sportier makeover with a front splitter and more discreet side skirt extensions. On top of that, owners can also opt for a deeper rear bumper with a faux diffuser, a new set of 15-inch alloy wheels, and a license plate frame with GR bolts.

Unlike the GR Sport add-ons, the GR Parts makeover does not offer any performance or mechanical upgrades to the Hiace van. For reference, most GR Sport models do benefit from some mild performance upgrades, in the form of either beefier suspensions and slightly uprated powertrains, while GR Parts is only limited to aesthetic and visual upgrades.

The cost for these GR Parts packages starts from JPY 231,000 (RM6,714) for the Version I bodykit, while Version II is priced cheaper at JPY 143,000 (RM4,156). Mind you, these prices are excluding the additional bits such as the rugged wheels and tyres, the GR-badged mudflaps, and the GR license plate frame.

If you fancy something flashier than these sporty GR Parts trims, Toyota is also offering the 2025 MY Hiace van with a variety of Modellista upgrades. Included are a sporty bodykit featuring more pronounced aero parts, a special Modellista decal set, metal trim pieces for the grille, new wheel designs, and beefier tailpipes. The Modellista continues on the inside, as the Hiace will get several wooden trims, LED lighting, leather seats, and several useful accessories like a portable air sleep mat and roof racks, to name a few.

Interestingly, Modellista also offers the 2025 MY Hiace some chassis upgrades, including tweaked shocks for better comfort, as well as rear bracings for extra rigidity, albeit their powertrain setups remain stock.