Production of Toyota’s flagship minivan, the GranAce, will end in April 2024. Positioned above the Alphard, the GranAce boasts a style and comfort worthy of the title “King of Minivans.” Its end will be mourned by many fans.
This time, we’ll look back at the GranAce’s history and rediscover its appeal. Why did the GranAce captivate so many people? And will its value continue to decline even after production has ended? We’ll tell you everything you need to know about the GranAce.
What is GranAce?
GRANACE
The GranAce is a full-size wagon released by Toyota in December 2019. With an imposing body measuring 5.3m in length and 1.97m in width, it exudes an overwhelming presence that surpasses even the Alphard.
The development concept was “to provide a high-quality and comfortable space for travel.” It features a spacious interior, luxurious interior, excellent driving performance and quietness. Aiming for the highest level in all aspects, it is a minivan worthy of being Toyota’s flagship.
Toyota will officially announce the new GranAce, a three-row, six-seater or four-row, eight-seater wagon, in Japan on November 25, 2019, with its release on December 16. Dealer orders will begin on November 1, 2019. The car features a new, dedicated platform based on the TNGA and a semi-bonnet design. The exterior features a large bumper, a large grille, and chrome-plated horizontal lines, LED bi-beam headlights, the sides and chrome-plated areas below them feature horizontal lines like the front, large 17-inch aluminum wheels, and double L-shaped LED taillights.
The body size is 5,300mm long, 1,970mm wide, 1,990mm high, and 3,210mm wheelbase. It has the smallest turning radius (5.5m) in its class . Furthermore , by eliminating the shark antenna and replacing it with an original antenna, the overall height was reduced to 1,990mm.
In addition to the three-row, six-seater version with high-quality leather trim and executive power seats (captain seats), a four-row, eight-seater version is also available, allowing customers to choose from a variety of options to meet their needs.
The interior length is 3,290mm x width 1,735mm x height 1,290mm (eight-seater). It has four USB ports, sunshades, and heated executive power seats. It is equipped with a 12-speaker car audio system. A digital inner mirror is standard equipment.
The eight-seater vehicle has a seating configuration of four rows in a 2:2:2:2 configuration, with executive power seats in the second row (rear seats), manual seats in the third row, and a tip-up bench seat in the fourth row.
The six-seater vehicle has a three-row 2:2:2 seating configuration, and the rear seats in the second and third rows are equipped with executive power seats, making it a luxurious model.
The engine is a 1GD-FTV 2.8L diesel turbo engine and the transmission is a 6AT (with manual mode). The suspension is a newly developed trailing link axle rear suspension.
Safety features include SRS airbags, a vehicle stability control system (VSC), and Toyota Safety Sense (pre-crash safety system (PCS), lane departure alert (LDA) (with steering control function), automatic high beam (AHB), and radar cruise control (with all-speed tracking function). Blind spot monitor (BSM), rear cross traffic alert (RCTA), and panoramic view monitor (PVM) are also included.
An 8-inch display audio is standard , and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are adopted. A DCM in-car communication device is also standard. The in-car navigation function, the T-Connect Navigation Kit, is also available as an option. Furthermore, the dedicated communication device DCM is standard on all vehicles, and the T-Connect service is provided free of charge for three years.
By connecting a smartphone with a USB cable, it becomes possible to link the device (compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (optional), SDL (Smart Device Link), TC Smartphone Navigation, LINE Car Navigation, LINE MUSIC, etc.), allowing you to operate and use map apps and music that you use every day on the display.
It can be linked as standard with apps that support SDL (Smart Device Link) (such as LINE Car Navigation and LINE MUSIC). If you want to use Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, you will need to apply for the TV (full-seg) + Apple CarPlay + Android Auto set option, which costs 33,000 yen (tax included) .
Toyota Display Audio compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
GranAce specs
The previous model “Hiace Grand Cabin” is even closer in size to the Alphard and Vellfire. There are big differences in the number of passengers and overall width. When comparing vehicles of the same size, the “Grandace” has a minimum turning radius of 5.5m, which makes it easy to see how maneuverable it is.
| size | Grand Ace |
|---|---|
| full length | 5,300mm |
| Overall width | 1,970mm |
| Overall height | 1,990mm |
| Wheelbase | 3,210mm |
| ground clearance | 175mm |
| Drive system | 2WD (FR) |
| Minimum turning radius | 5.5m |
| Passenger capacity | 6 people/8 people |
History of GranAce
The GranAce’s lineage can be traced back to the first-generation Granvia, which was released in 1990. At the time, the Granvia, which was developed based on the HiAce, was a popular luxury wagon. Then, in 2002, its successor, the Alphard, was released, and the Granvia name disappeared for a time.
Then, in 2019, the GranAce, bearing the Granvia name, was relaunched after a 17-year hiatus. Based on the HiAce, it was born as a new flagship minivan, pursuing luxury and comfort that surpasses that of the Alphard.
Grand Ace lineage
- 1990 – First Granvia launched
- 2002 – Alphard launched (successor to Granvia)
- 2019 – Grand Ace released
The appeal of GranAce
The appeal of GranAce is wide-ranging.
Overwhelming presence and spacious interior
With a total length of 5.3m and a width of 1.97m, it has a presence that overwhelms other minivans. And the interior space that makes the most of its vast body size is truly a “mobile living room.” The spacious interior is designed to ensure that all passengers can feel comfortable.
Luxurious interior
The interior of the GranAce boasts a quality comparable to that of a luxury sedan. With an abundance of high-quality materials and meticulous attention to detail, the space offers a special experience for all passengers.
Excellent driving performance and quietness
The GranAce is equipped with a 2.8L clean diesel engine, which combines powerful torque with excellent fuel economy. Furthermore, its high body rigidity and thorough attention to quietness make for a comfortable ride that feels like you’re in a luxury sedan.
Versatile seat arrangements
The GranAce is available in two seating layouts: a three-row, six-seater and a four-row, eight-seater. You can choose the optimal seating arrangement depending on the purpose and number of passengers. The three-row seating version features executive power seats in the second row, providing ample space for relaxation, just like a VIP.
End of GranAce production and the future
Regrettably, production of the GranAce will end in April 2024. However, its appeal never fades, and it remains highly sought after in the used car market.
The GranAce was a vehicle that truly embodied Toyota’s technology and passion, and deserved to be called the “King of Minivans.” Its existence will continue to shine brightly in the history of Japanese automobiles.
Tips for choosing a used GranAce car
With the end of production of the GranAce, demand is increasing in the used car market. For those who are considering purchasing a GranAce, here are some points to consider when choosing a used car.
grade
The GranAce comes in two grades: “Premium” and “G.” The “Premium” is a luxurious model with three rows of seats and six seats, featuring executive power seats in the second row. The “G” is a practical model with four rows of seats and eight seats, suitable for large passengers.
model year
The GranAce was released in December 2019. The newer the model year, the more likely it is to be in good condition.
Mileage
The lower the mileage, the better the condition of the vehicle. However, it’s important to consider not only mileage but also maintenance status.
Equipment
The GranAce is available with a variety of equipment, including manufacturer options and dealer options. Make sure you have all the necessary equipment.
price
Used car prices vary depending on the grade, model year, mileage, equipment, etc. Compare prices from multiple dealerships to find a price that you are happy with.
What is the replacement model for the GranAce?
After the production of the GranAce ended, the Alphard has been gaining attention as a replacement model. Although the Alphard is not as spacious as the GranAce, it still has a sufficient amount of space.
In addition to Toyota vehicles, other models that could be considered as alternatives to the GranAce include the Nissan Elgrand and Honda Odyssey.
A word from the editorial department
The GranAce was Toyota’s flagship minivan. Its overwhelming presence, spacious interior, luxurious interior, excellent driving performance and quietness were all things considered, making it truly worthy of being called the “King of Minivans.”
Although it is unfortunate that production has ended, its appeal will never fade. It remains highly popular in the used car market. The GranAce will continue to be loved by many people.
