The Toyota Hiace Van and Nissan Caravan (NV350) have been competing fiercely for many years as the two giants of commercial vans . Both are excellent commercial vehicles and are popular with many business users, but many people may be unsure which one to choose.
In this article, we’ll compare the features, performance, and prices of both cars in detail based on the latest information on the 2025 model, helping you find the one that best suits your needs.
1. Basic spec comparison
Hiace Van
caravan
Exterior and vehicle dimensions
| item | Hiace Van (Super GL) | Caravan (Premium GX) |
|---|---|---|
| full length | 4,695mm | 4,695mm |
| Overall width | 1,695mm | 1,695mm |
| Overall height | 1,980mm | 1,990mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,570mm | 2,555mm |
| Vehicle weight | 1,930 kg | 2,000kg |
| Minimum turning radius | 5.0m | 5.2m |
Key point : Although the exterior dimensions are almost the same, the Hiace has better maneuverability . If you prioritize maneuverability on narrow roads, the Hiace wins.
Luggage space and loading capacity
| item | Hiace Van | caravan |
|---|---|---|
| Luggage length (full) | 3,000mm | 3,050mm |
| Luggage length (when second row seats are in use) | 1,855mm | 1,860mm |
| Cargo compartment width | 1,520mm | 1,520mm |
| Cargo height | 1,320mm | 1,325mm |
Point : Although it is a slight difference, the Caravan has better loading capacity . In particular, there is a 50mm (5cm) difference in the luggage compartment length, which allows for loading of long items of about 3m (10 shaku).
2. Engine performance and fuel economy comparison
Engine lineup
Hiace Van (2025 model)
- 2.0L gasoline engine: 100kW (136PS) / 182N・m
- 2.7L gasoline engine: 118kW (160PS) / 243N・m
- 2.8L Diesel Turbo: 111kW (151PS) / 300N・m
Caravan (2025 model)
- 2.0L gasoline engine: 96kW (130PS) / 178N・m
- 2.5L gasoline engine: 108kW (147PS) / 213N・m
- 2.5L Diesel: 97kW (132PS) / 370N・m
Fuel economy (WLTC mode)
| Engine type | Hiace Van | caravan |
|---|---|---|
| gasoline | 8.8-9.2km/L | 8.5-8.9km/L |
| diesel | 11.7-12.4km/L | 11.3km/L |
point :
- Maximum output : Hiace’s 2.8L diesel is the most powerful
- Maximum torque : Caravan’s 2.5L diesel is torqueful (370N・m)
- Fuel economy : Hiace wins by a narrow margin
3. Price Comparison (2025 Model)
New car price range
Hiace Van
- DX grade: from 2,449,500 yen
- GL grade: from 3.11 million yen
- Super GL: 3,155,700 yen to 3,765,500 yen
- DARK PRIME II: From 3,306,000 yen
caravan
- DX grade: from 2,586,000 yen
- GX grade: from 2,950,000 yen
- Premium GX: From 3.5 million yen
- GRAND Premium GX: From 3,879,700 yen
Key point : When comparing vehicles of the same grade, the Hiace is priced around 50,000 to 150,000 yen cheaper.
4. Safety equipment and comfort
Safety equipment comparison
Hiace
- Toyota Safety Sense standard equipment
- Pre-crash Safety
- Lane Departure Alert
- Automatic high beam
- Panoramic View Monitor (optional)
caravan
- ProPilot (Intelligent Cruise Control)
- Intelligent Emergency Braking
- Intelligent LI (Lane Departure Warning)
- Sign detection function
- Intelligent Around View Monitor (optional)
Key point : The Caravan is one step ahead in terms of advanced safety features. The 2025 model’s ProPilot (intelligent cruise control) is particularly noteworthy.
5. Usability and practicality
Seat arrangement
Hiace Super GL
- Front and second-row seats can be folded flat
- Ideal for a nap or rest when two people are riding
- Second seat 6:4 split folding
Caravan Premium GX
- Second-row seat, 50:50 split folding
- Flexible use for 3-seater + luggage capacity
- Fatigue-reducing seats
Ride comfort and quietness
- 2WD model : Caravan is more comfortable and quieter
- 4WD model : The gap between the two vehicles narrows
- Long-distance driving : Caravan’s fatigue-reducing seats are advantageous
6. Custom and aftermarket parts
A wide range of custom parts
Hiace
- An overwhelming number of aftermarket parts
- A wide range of aero parts, suspension, and interior custom parts available
- We have a lot of experience in installing camper vans.
caravan
- The number of parts is less than that of the Hiace
- In recent years, the number of custom parts has been increasing.
- A wide range of special edition vehicles, including Autech
7. Resale value/market value
Used car market evaluation
Hiace
- Overwhelming resale value
- Overseas demand is high, and the value is unlikely to decrease.
- Sales volume is about three times that of the Caravan
caravan
- Used car prices are cheaper than the Hiace
- Excellent cost performance
- Newer models are the best to aim for
8. Which one should you choose? Recommendations by purpose
Those who recommend the Hiace
- Emphasis on maneuverability : Mostly driving in urban areas
- Customization : Want to customize to your liking
- Resale focus : Emphasis on future resale value
- Emphasis on performance : Seeking long-standing sales record and durability
- Budget-conscious : Want to keep the price of a new car down?
Caravan recommended for
- Emphasis on load capacity : Want to carry more luggage
- Comfort-oriented : Many opportunities to drive long distances
- Emphasis on advanced equipment : Seeking the latest safety equipment
- Buying a used car : Emphasis on cost performance
- Differentiation orientation : Wanting to make different choices from others
9. Latest Trends in 2025
Highlights of the 2025 Hiace model
- DARK PRIME II Continuation Settings
- The evolution of Toyota Safety Sense
- Enhanced equipment in some grades
- Strengthening competitiveness through price revisions
Highlights of the 2025 Caravan model
- Equipped with ProPilot (intelligent cruise control)
- New color “Earth Color” added
- Expanding the rollout of My Room specifications
- Further enhancement of safety equipment
10. Important points to note and checkpoints when purchasing
When purchasing a new car
- Grade selection : Select the appropriate grade for your application
- Option : Consider the usefulness of a panoramic view monitor, etc.
- Drive system : 2WD/4WD selection
- Engine selection : Consider frequency of use of gasoline/diesel
When purchasing a used car
- Mileage : Many commercial vehicles have high mileage.
- Maintenance history : Check regular inspection and repair history
- Accident history : Check the body condition and repair history
- Model year : Check the level of safety equipment
summary
The Hiace Van and Caravan are excellent commercial vehicles, each with their own unique appeal.
Overall selection guidelines :
- Emphasis on practicality and performance → Hiace
- Emphasis on comfort and innovation → Caravan
Either option will provide ample performance and practicality for commercial use, but ultimately it comes down to your needs, budget, and preferences.
If possible, we recommend that you actually test drive both cars and compare them. You will be able to experience the differences in ease of driving and ride comfort that cannot be determined by catalog specifications alone.
*Prices and specifications are current as of July 2025. Please check each manufacturer’s official website for the latest information.
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