We’ve been waiting a while, but the new Toyota HiAce campervan from Frontline was worth it.
Toyota knows how to keep a crowd waiting. When the latest HiLux was launched in 2015, it had been 11 years since the last new one. The Land-Cruiser 200 Series has been on sale since 2008. But the previous HiAce takes the cake it was on sale for 15 years before being updated late in 2019. It had been around so long that only a few campervan manufacturers were still working with the platform. The rest had moved to more modern vehicles like the Hyundai iLoad, Renault Traffic campervan, or tried-and-tested ford transit campervan and VW Transporter.
But not Frontline. Until the very end, its HiAce camper conversions had found a dedicated market of travelers who didn’t need flash. They just wanted comfortable, dependable, and unassuming recreational vehicles that didn’t cost the earth. Now that there is a new Toyota HiAce campervan, Frontline Campers has spent the last eight months developing a new range of Frontline campervans to suit. Over two days exploring the south coast, I checked out the first version, a two-seater with a semi-permanent bed.
Toyota had 15 years of technology and consumer sentiment on safety to consider. The Toyota HiAce H30 6 Gen campervan is significantly better than the outgoing model. No more do you sit over the engine and rely on the slimmest of vehicle crumple zones for safety. With the engine out front and a slew of other upgrades, the HiAce camper attained a five-star ANCAP safety rating (the current VW Transporter the T6 hasn’t been tested, but the T5 was rated four stars). But it’s more than just a bit of extra cushioning. Each Toyota HiAce campervan comes with seven airbags for the two front passengers, a pre-collision safety system, blind-spot monitoring, and even road sign recognition. Above that, the model I tested has an active lane-keeping function that turns the vehicle back into its lane if I let it drift out. It feels like getting hit by a gust of wind, but it works.
There are two engine options: a 3.5-litre V6 with 207kW and 360Nm, or the 2.8-litre from the HiLux, with 130kW and 450Nm.
The latter is expected to be the more popular option, and that’s what I’m testing. It used just under 11L/100km while I had it.
To drive, the Toyota HiAce campervan Australia spec is pretty impressive. Quiet and smooth in the cabin, with a modern dash and intuitive controls. VW still edges out slightly in seat comfort, but the difference is minimal now. And for those who are considering alternatives, Ford Transit campervan Australia models also offer a competitive ride and space, while Renault Traffic camper van designs continue to gain attention.
But let’s talk about camping. Frontline campers have made many layout changes to adapt to the new van, which is broader inside but slightly shorter overall. It also has a walk-through cabin, and the front passenger seat swivels. This small addition drastically improves the van’s usability.
To drive, the Toyota HiAce campervan Australia spec is pretty impressive. Quiet and smooth in the cabin, with a modern dash and intuitive controls. VW still edges out slightly in seat comfort, but the difference is minimal now. And for those who are considering alternatives, Ford Transit campervan Australia models also offer a competitive ride and space, while Renault Traffic camper van designs
continue to gain attention while Renault Traffic camper van designs continue to gain attention. But let’s talk about camping. Frontline campers have made many layout changes to adapt to the new van, which is broader inside but slightly shorter overall. It also has a walk-through cabin, and the front passenger seat swivels. This small addition drastically improves the van’s usability.
The kitchen is a significant change for Frontline.
The kitchen is a standout. For years, Frontline camper conversions relied on methylated spirit stoves, but with the shift to a Truma two-burner gas hob built into the benchtop, it’s now a more efficient and elegant space. The fridge has also been upgraded to a Domestic 80-litre upright a quiet and high-quality unit, better than the older Engel options. Storage is a strength across all Frontline campervans, and this HiAce is no exception. Every bit of space has been utilized, with cabinetry that doesn’t rattle or squeak a mark of Frontline’s renowned craftsmanship. The bed setup, evolved from the Avalon layout, converts to a club-style lounge with a central table, and there’s ample space underneath for larger items like awning walls and camp chairs.
Typically for Frontline, the storage around the kitchen is excellent, with just about every available space used for drawers, cabinets, or hidey-holes.
It’s here you get to appreciate Frontline’s cabinetry work as it’s just behind the driver’s seat, but there was no squeak, rattle or annoying noise from it when I drove. The only noise from the back was the occasional slap of a curtain on the driver’s side sliding door, which I could have fixed if it was an issue. I did like that there’s a sliding door on each side, as opening it up behind the kitchen helped get a breeze through, not to mention the view.
The camper’s bed is an evolution of Frontline’s ‘Avalon’ layout, where the bed converts to a club-style lounge with a table that can sit in the middle. Given that the van is so much more expansive, it’s allowed the fitment of an extra cabinet down the side, seen in former Vacationer and Adventurer models. Keeping it all very simple, the table and an extra timber square are all needed to fill the gap to make a bed. And the ample, flat space is much longer than I’ve managed to make it seem in the pictures (it’s at least 6’4″ because that’s how long my surfboard cover is.
There’s plenty of storage under the rear bed. Two drawers slide out neatly into the main entryway while various cushions lift to reveal more cabinets underneath. The back half of the bed sits over a boot, the largest dedicated storage area in the van. It’s big enough for camp chairs, extra awning walls or other bulky gear.
Although simplicity is evident throughout the camper, it’s still fitted with all modern needs.
The electrical system is straightforward yet capable. A 100Ah AGM battery sits under the bed, charged while driving, and expandable with solar. There’s a 50L water tank, LED lighting throughout, and multiple USB and 240V outlets. A cold-water rear shower is included, ideal for rinsing off after a beach stop.
Although simple in design, the Toyota Frontline campervan for sale today offers everything modern travelers want. Starting at $72,000 drive-away (as tested: $78,000 for the diesel auto), it represents strong value. Compared to a Frontline campervan for sale based on the VW Transporter, the Toyota HiAce camper for sale stands out in terms of safety and layout. And unless you specifically need AWD, the HiAce now leads the range.
Those considering alternatives will also find Ford Transit camper vans for sale or Renault Traffic camper conversion models worth looking into. Both brands offer great value and build quality – Ford campervans for sale especially stand out in the Australian market. Meanwhile, the Renault campervan’s new entries are proving themselves as versatile and comfortable contenders.
If you’re in the market, you’ll find various Frontline campers for sale, including Toyota HiAce campervans for sale, Renault campervans for sale, and Ford Transit Custom camper vans for sale, giving Australian travelers more options than ever before.
Overall, this is a great new camper. Too good, almost. For a few thousand dollars less, you can get a Frontline converted Volkswagen Transporter with the little 103kW engine. Unless you wanted a specific layout that’s not yet available in the HiAce, there’s no way you’d bother. Even the more expensive 132kW VW doesn’t look quite the value this new model does. The safety, comfort, drive, and layout of the new Toyota are just so good now that it’s a close game. For me, unless I needed AWD, I think the van from Japan is the best value camper in the range.
THE BASIC FEATURES
Frontline Toyota Hiace 6th Gen
CHASSIS
Vehicle — Toyota HiAce
Engine — 2.8-litre, turbo diesel
Transmission — 6-speed automated
Power — 130kW
Torque— 450Nm
Fuel Economy — Around 11L/100km
DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHTS
Length — 5265mm
Width — 1950mm
Height — 2065mm
Headroom — 1970mm
GVM — 3300kg
Towing — 1900kg
CAPACITIES
Water — 50L
Grey Water — Optional
Fridge — Dometic, 80 litres, compressor
Battery — 1 x 100Ah AGM
Fuel — 70L
WARRANTY
Toyota —5 years, 160,000km
Frontline conversion — 2 years
From $72,000 drive-away. As tested
(diesel, auto) from $78,000 drive away.
Credit: Time to Roam