Toyota Hiace LXV

If the typical notion for the Hiace is based on the Commuter which is for mass transport, the Super Grandia LXV is the exact opposite. The Toyota Hiace Super Grandia LXV is created with individual comfort in mind. With a 2-2-2-4 configuration, this Hiace model focuses on passenger comfort. The four captain chairs with ottoman on the second and third-row will allow passengers to relax and put their feet up when the ride gets too long or tiring. For ultimate comfort or additional cargo space, the last row can even be removed to make more room for storage. The interior of the cabins is fitted with a dual-zone AC system with rear vents and plush carpet so you can feel as if you are relaxing in your own living room. There are also cupholders and cubbies peppered throughout the van to keep your drinks and clutter organized. And with the campervan high roof, there is ample headspace that allows small children to stand up when inside and adults would not have to bend as much to enter or exit the vehicle. 

The Super Grandia LXV sports the one-box design that has been the tradition of the Hiace blueprint. It measures 4,840 mm long, 1,880 mm wide, and 2,105 mm tall, which means the LXV is even taller than the current Super Grandia that stands at 1,990 mm. The front façade is pretty basic with a muted front grille and massive halogen headlights. On the side are the sliding doors and at the rear is the typical flat back with a wide rear windshield. The van rides on a set of 15-inch alloy wheels. 

With its larger engine, the Super Grandia LXV can go faster and provide a more cushioned ride compared to the rest of the Hiace fleet. Though this is not a speed racer, the LXV can cruise decently on highway and city roads with ease while providing passengers with a smooth riding experience. There is enough engine power in this Toyota luxury hauler to speed through the high-altitude roads of Baguio and Tagaytay with minimal body rolls and relative poise. Driving can be a different story. Though there is comfort on the captain-like driver chair, the minimal driver-assist systems in the LXV can add to the stress and strain during long drives or when you get stuck in traffic. The robust size of the van, for instance, can make it more difficult to park without a parking-assist system and 360-degree camera. But with this type of vehicle, it is often assumed that you would have a designated driver to do the driving for you so you can just relax on one of the plush leather seats at the back.

Unlike the usual 2.8-liter direct injection diesel engine of the Hiace, the Toyota Hiace Super Grandia LXV is fitted with a 3.0 L 4 cylinder, 16-valve in-line type DOHC engine. The 2,982cc engine delivers 136 hp of output at 3,400 rpm and 300 Nm of torque at 2,400 rpm and is partnered to a 4-speed dash-mounted automatic transmission where the power is transported to the two rear wheels. In contrast, the 1GD-FTV 2.8 L engine of the newer Super Grandia fleet is not only more fuel-efficient compared to the LXV, it can also churn up more power, up to 174 hp of output and 450 nm of torque. But with a larger engine, the LXV is burning more fuel to produce power without overworking its system and able to endure heavier loads and accelerate much faster without compromise for a smoother performance. 

When it comes to safety and security system, the Toyota Hiace Super Grandia LXV comes adequately equipped. It has the typical SRS airbags sans the side and curtain airbags, anti-lock brake system (ABS), security alarm, engine immobilizer, and electronic door locks with speed sensing. Compared to other vans in the market, these specs are at par with the competition but will not differentiate the Hiace when it comes to luxury haulers. And in contrast to the current Super Grandia, these safety features are a bit lacking. Driver-assist technology is virtually non-existent save for the GPS navigation system.

The Super Grandia LXV is a plush and luxurious ride that everyone in the family could enjoy. And if it did something right, it would have to be giving space and breathing room for its passengers as opposed to the usual cramped feeling when riding on a loaded commuter van. However, the newer version of its sibling, the Super Grandia Elite overshadows and even surpasses the LXV in almost all aspects— size, security, engine performance, and yes, even riding comfort. Production for the LXV was discontinued late last year. Let’s just say that the LXV paved the way for Toyota to tap a new niche market for the popular nameplate.