Why I chose Toyota HiAce for a small van conversion in Australia.

I compare the Toyota HiAce with rivals like the Hyundai iLoad and Ford Transit and explain why HiAce is Australia's *small* van of choice. While the HiAce is much more expensive than it's counterparts, you really get what you pay for. They have an incredible reputation for durability and reliability. Phrases like "Bullet proof" and "tough as nails" come thick and fast as HiAce owners affectionately talk about their van. There are other options that are cheaper like a Hyundai iLoad and bigger like a Ford Transit. Depending on someone's budget or skill set, those vans might be the perfect fit for them. And of course there's every chance that those vans run smoothly until the day they're retired. However for me, having a reliable base to start from is most important factor in a conversion. You'll be investing so much more time and money into this van and getting hit with nasty surprises like mechanical bills is the last thing you want to be worrying about. Plus having mechanical issues while you're out on the road is so stressful it can feel like a life or death situation sometimes, and your best insurance against that is investing in the right van to start with.

Added 28 Jun 2026