Is the Toyota HiAce sold in the United States?
As of 2025, Toyota does not offer the HiAce for sale in the United States through its official dealer network. The US lineup does not include a current-generation HiAce, and Toyota has not announced plans to bring a HiAce-based van to the market. Some older HiAce models can appear in the U.S. via private imports, but these are not official Toyota products and come with regulatory and compliance hurdles.
Overview: what the HiAce is and where it’s sold
The Toyota HiAce is a long-running light commercial and passenger van that has been widely sold outside the United States. Depending on the market, it appears under names such as HiAce, Granvia, or as part of a related van family. In many regions, it competes in the same space as other large vans and MPVs, while the United States relies on the Toyota Sienna for similar duties.
Variants and branding
Across markets, the HiAce lineage has produced several variants. The passenger-focused Granvia is used in some regions as a higher-end version, while other markets use the HiAce nameplate for cargo and bus configurations. In Europe and parts of Asia, related platforms like the Proace (a collaboration with Stellantis) also occupy this segment. Branding can differ by country, which can cause confusion for cross-border buyers.
Official status in the United States
The United States currently does not receive a U.S.-spec HiAce or its Granvia counterpart through official Toyota channels. The American market’s primary Toyota van option is the Sienna minivan, along with other brands’ cargo and passenger vans for commercial use. Toyota has not indicated any plan to introduce a current-generation HiAce to the U.S. market in the near term.
Reasons it isn’t offered here
Several factors influence this situation: the U.S. market’s demand dynamics for full-size vans, the regulatory burden of U.S. safety and emissions standards, and the cost of adapting the vehicle to meet American requirements. Toyota’s product strategy in the U.S. has focused on models that align with U.S. consumer preferences and regulatory frameworks, rather than importing a regional van like the HiAce.
Import options: gray-market and the 25-year rule
For buyers interested in a HiAce in the United States, there are two broad pathways worth understanding. The following list outlines the main options and their caveats, since these vehicles are not sold officially by Toyota in the U.S.
- 25-year rule: Vehicles manufactured before a certain date (generally 25 years or older) can be imported without meeting U.S. FMVSS safety standards, though they may still need EPA emissions approvals and state-level registration. This rule governs many private-import scenarios for older vans like the HiAce.
- Right-hand-drive imports and compliance: HiAce vans are typically right-hand-drive in markets outside the U.S. Importing them can require significant modifications and inspections to meet U.S. road-legal standards, including lighting, speedometer calibration, and safety equipment requirements.
- Documentation and costs: Shipping, duties, inspection, registration, and potential aftermarket modifications add up. Private importers and specialist brokers can help navigate paperwork, but total ownership costs are often high compared with buying a new or used vehicle built for the U.S. market.
In sum, while a brand-new Toyota HiAce is not sold in the United States, older HiAce vans can be imported under the 25-year rule, subject to regulatory compliance and higher overall costs. Prospective buyers should consult experienced auto-importers and verify state registration requirements before pursuing this route.
Summary
The Toyota HiAce is not part of the U.S. market lineup as a new vehicle, and there are no official plans announced to bring it to the United States. For U.S. customers needing a Toyota van, the Sienna remains the official option. Private imports of older HiAce models can occur under the 25-year rule, but they involve complex compliance, higher costs, and ongoing maintenance considerations. The HiAce remains prevalent globally outside the U.S., with variants like the Granvia in some markets and the Proace lineage in others.
As always, buyers should verify current information with official Toyota statements and consult knowledgeable import specialists before pursuing any cross-border purchase.
