Toyota has revealed two innovative van concepts at the 2025 Tokyo Motor Show, showcasing designs that could signal the future direction of the popular vehicle segment. The concepts, named Kayoibako and HiAce, represent Toyota’s thinking on the next generation of practical and versatile vehicles.
The HiAce Concept, presented as the largest of the two models, was highlighted as the most relevant for Australian markets. This production-focused concept demonstrates features that could soon become standard in the van lineup. Toyota cleverly repositioned the HiAce Concept as the largest variant within the Kayoibako family, a strategic shift that may reflect production plans or design philosophy.
The versatile HiAce Concept
Toyota displayed multiple HiAce Concept variants, each tailored for specific purposes. One iteration was designed as a mobile medical center, featuring comfortable seating, medical equipment storage, and digital health assistance displays. This configuration showcases Toyota’s thinking on vehicle versatility, transforming a standard van into a functional clinical space.
Another variant was configured as a work vehicle with practical features like dual sliding rear doors for easy cargo access, efficient shelving, and a compact driver’s compartment. The van’s design prioritizes functionality with front doors opening to 90 degrees and large sliding rear doors, making loading bulky items significantly easier.
The cabin features a forward-mounted dashboard with physical controls including climate buttons, a transmission shifter, and a flat-bottom steering wheel. The design uses fabric materials on dashboard components and seats, suggesting a focus on comfort and modern aesthetics.
Smaller autonomous concepts
Alongside the full-size HiAce Concept, Toyota revealed the Kayoibako van, a smaller concept designed for autonomous taxi services. This model features a distinctive roof-mounted sensor pod for self-driving capabilities, with a minimalist cabin stripped of traditional driving controls. The spacious interior includes comfortable, sofa-like rear seating.
A kei-class compliant version, the Daihatsu Kayoibako-K, offers an even smaller footprint while maintaining the signature sliding door design. This model keeps the dashboard pod concept but simplifies the infotainment approach with a focus on smartphone integration rather than a full-width display.
Technical implications
While Toyota hasn’t confirmed drivetrain details, the cab-forward design, short hood, and flat floor suggest an electric powertrain is likely. If the HiAce Concept’s features make it to production, Australian customers could soon see all-electric options joining the current petrol and diesel models.
With the current sixth-generation HiAce introduced in 2019, industry analysts suggest the market could see a new generation within the next few years. The longevity of previous generations, which lasted at least 15 years, indicates Toyota’s confidence in the current design while hinting at upcoming changes.
Toyota’s van concepts demonstrate a clear vision for the future of practical vehicles – focusing on flexibility, ease of use, and potential electrification. These concepts balance innovative technology with the practical needs that have made Toyota vans perennially popular
