Toyota HiAce 2026 Variants Explained: Every Engine, Trim and Price in the UAE

Dubai: The Toyota HiAce 2026 isn't a one-size-fits-all van; it comes in six distinct configurations across two engine sizes and three body styles, built to match different UAE business and family needs. If you're trying to figure out which HiAce fits your use case, this breaks down every trim, engine, and feature set straight from Toyota's official specification sheets. For the bigger picture of Toyota's UAE lineup, our complete 2026 Toyota model and price guide is a useful companion read.

The Full Lineup at a Glance

Here's every HiAce 2026 variant sold in the UAE, from the entry-level 2.7L GL to the range-topping 3.5L Commuter automatic.

Variant	Engine	Body Type	Seats	Transmission	Price (AED)
2.7L GL	2.7L, 149 hp	Van	Not specified	Manual	99,900
2.7L GLS	2.7L, 149 hp	Van	Not specified	Manual	114,900
3.5L GL Standard Roof	3.5L V6, 277.6 hp	Panel Van	3	6-speed manual	110,900
3.5L GLS Hi Roof	3.5L V6, 277.6 hp	Panel Van	3	6-speed manual	131,900
3.5L GL Commuter	3.5L V6, 277.6 hp	Commuter	13	6-speed manual	144,900
3.5L GL Commuter AT	3.5L V6, 277.6 hp	Commuter	13	6-speed automatic	150,900

Engine and Performance: 2.7L vs 3.5L V6

The 2.7L engine produces 149 hp at 4,800 rpm from its 2,698cc block, positioned as the efficiency-focused option for lighter-duty city use. The 3.5L V6, fitted across all four panel van and commuter variants, is a 24-valve DOHC VVT-i unit producing 277.6 hp at 6,000 rpm and 35.8 kg-m of torque at 4,600 rpm, with fuel efficiency rated at 9.1L per 100km. 

Every 3.5L trim pairs with a 6-speed transmission, manual across the board except the top Commuter grade, which also offers an automatic. We went deeper into this powertrain in our earlier piece on what's under the HiAce's hood.

Spec	2.7L	3.5L V6
Power	149 hp @ 4,800 rpm	277.6 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Displacement	2,698 cc	Not specified
Torque	Not specified	35.8 kg-m @ 4,600 rpm
Fuel efficiency	Not specified	9.1L/100km
Transmission	Manual	6-speed manual (auto on top Commuter grade)

Panel Van vs Commuter: Exterior and Body Differences

This is where the HiAce range really splits in two. The 3.5L GL comes in a Standard Roof Panel Van body at 5,265mm long with a 3,210mm wheelbase, purely built for cargo. 

The Commuter grades share that same larger body but are built out as a full 13-seat passenger van instead. All 3.5L variants share halogen headlights, front fog lamps, 16-inch steel wheels, a high-mount stop lamp, and a lift-up rear door.

Feature	3.5L GL (Standard Roof)	3.5L GLS (Hi Roof)	3.5L Commuter
Length x Width x Height	5,265 x 1,950 x 1,990 mm	5,915 x 1,950 x 2,280 mm	5,915 x 1,950 x 2,280 mm
Wheelbase	3,210 mm	3,860 mm	3,860 mm
Body purpose	Cargo van	High-roof cargo van	13-seat passenger van
Fuel tank	70 litres	70 litres	65 litres

We covered how this body and cabin space actually plays out in daily use in our feature on what the HiAce's cabin and body actually give you.

Interior and Comfort Across Trims

The Panel Van trims (GL and GLS) keep things functional, with front-only air conditioning, fabric seats, a manual tilt and telescopic steering column, and front seats that split 40/60 to seat three people. 

The Commuter grades step up significantly, adding front and rear air conditioning, an 11-seat rear bench arranged across four rows in a 2+3+3+3 layout with semi-reclining seats in rows one to three, plus cruise control, which isn't available on the panel van trims.

Feature	Panel Van (GL/GLS)	Commuter (GL/GL AT)
Air conditioning	Front only	Front and rear
Seating	3 (40/60 split)	13 (4-row, 2+3+3+3)
Cruise control	Not available	Standard
Steering column	Manual tilt and telescopic	Manual tilt and telescopic

Infotainment and Technology

Every HiAce variant, regardless of engine or body, comes with the same 8-inch display audio system supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, paired with 2 speakers and steering wheel controls for audio and phone calls. It's a consistent, no-nonsense setup across the entire range, with a rear-view camera fitted standard on every trim.

Safety Features

The safety system is also shared across the 3.5L range: ABS, Brake Assist, dual airbags, Vehicle Stability Control, an Emergency Stop Signal, Traction Control, Hill-Start Assist Control, and a tyre pressure warning system are all standard. The rear-view camera adds extra confidence when reversing a van this size in tight UAE parking spaces.

Which HiAce Variant Should You Choose

If your business is purely cargo-focused and you want the lowest entry price, the 3.5L GL Standard Roof at AED 110,900 gets you the powerful V6 without paying for space you don't need. If you need maximum cargo height, the GLS Hi Roof at AED 131,900 is the better fit. And if you're transporting people rather than goods, the 13-seat Commuter, whether manual at AED 144,900 or automatic at AED 150,900, is genuinely the only sensible choice in the range. Whichever you pick, the 3.5L V6 delivers the same strong, dependable performance underneath.

Also Read: Toyota HiAce 2026 In The UAE: A Closer Look At What's Under The Hood