Unveiling the Toyota Proace: What You Need to Know

Summary

The Toyota Proace is a versatile range of medium-sized commercial and passenger vans developed through a strategic collaboration between Toyota and the PSA Group (now part of Stellantis) to serve the European market. Launched in 2016, the Proace replaced Toyota’s HiAce van in Europe and shares its platform and core engineering with PSA models such as the Citroën Dispatch, Peugeot Expert, and Vauxhall Vivaro, while featuring distinct Toyota design elements and branding. The Proace lineup includes multiple configurations, from panel vans and crew cabs to passenger-focused variants like the Proace Verso, catering to diverse professional and personal transport needs.
Notable for its adaptability, the Proace offers several body lengths, flexible cargo and seating arrangements, and powertrain options including diesel engines and fully electric variants. The electric versions feature competitive range and payload capacities aligned with commercial demands, supported by modern infotainment and safety technologies such as Toyota Safety Sense. The Proace Verso has earned a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating, highlighting the model’s commitment to passenger protection. In 2024, Toyota refreshed the Proace with updated styling, improved digital interfaces, and expanded its offerings with the introduction of the PROACE MAX, a larger commercial van available in multiple configurations and powertrains.
The Proace has gained a solid foothold in the competitive European medium-duty van segment, securing an estimated five percent market share by 2019 and demonstrating strong sales growth since. Toyota’s targeted marketing and the vehicle’s blend of efficiency, versatility, and modern features have made it a popular choice among professional fleets, small businesses, and personal users. Its positioning alongside established rivals like the Volkswagen Transporter and Mercedes Vito reflects Toyota’s commitment to expanding its presence in the light commercial vehicle market.
Looking ahead, Toyota plans to continue enhancing the Proace range with technological advancements, expanded electric options, and increased customization capabilities. These developments align with broader industry trends toward electrification, digitalization, and operational efficiency, ensuring the Proace remains competitive and relevant to evolving customer demands across Europe.

History and Development

The Toyota Proace is a result of a strategic collaboration between Toyota and the PSA Group (now part of Stellantis), initiated to develop a range of small to medium-sized commercial vehicles tailored for the European market. This partnership began in earnest in July 2012, following Fiat’s announcement that it would end its prior partnership with PSA by mid-2016. Consequently, Toyota sought to replace its HiAce van with a model more suited to European demands, leading to the development of the Proace alongside PSA’s existing commercial vehicle platforms.
The first generation of the Proace was launched in 2016, based heavily on the PSA Group’s designs, sharing engineering and styling with models like the Citroën Dispatch, Peugeot Expert, and Vauxhall Vivaro, albeit with Toyota’s own design touches and branding. This initial generation was produced until 2024 and included multiple versions such as the Van L1 and L2 configurations, which were actively spotted in markets like Switzerland. A notable update during this period included minor facelifts and trim changes to maintain competitiveness within the highly contested medium-sized van segment in Europe.
The Proace was developed to address the diverse needs of European professional fleets, offering a range of configurations that cater to delivery services, professional trades, and executive transport, allowing Toyota to carve out approximately a five percent market share in the medium-duty van market with projected sales of around 30,000 units in Europe by 2019. In 2024, Toyota introduced the Proace City Van L2 Gen 1.1, continuing to build on the model’s established presence with further enhancements.
Moreover, the Proace Verso, a passenger-oriented variant, also emerged from the same collaboration, emphasizing the versatility of the platform for both cargo and people transport. The Proace’s development has been managed under Toyota’s new Toyota Professional division in Europe, highlighting the brand’s commitment to its light commercial vehicle (LCV) lineup and its tailored marketing efforts across the region.

Design and Features

The Toyota Proace showcases a modern and distinctive design that emphasizes both functionality and style. The PROACE MAX variant features a striking exterior with a new frontal treatment that establishes a refreshed family identity. This design includes a stylish upper element in the body color, which wraps around the matte black grille and flows seamlessly into a color-matched front bumper, lending the van a cohesive and contemporary appearance. The vehicle is available in three body lengths—Compact (4.6 m), Medium (4.9 m), and Long (5.3 m)—with no high roof option, allowing for versatile configurations tailored to different needs.
In terms of dimensions, all three Proace van bodies measure approximately 1.9 m in width and height, providing a generous cargo space complemented by practical access features. The cargo area is accessible via 50:50 split 180-degree rear doors and twin sliding side doors, both sides equipped as standard, which open wide enough to accommodate a Euro pallet in all but the Compact version. The Smart Cargo system further enhances load capacity by increasing the maximum cargo length to 4.0 m and total volume up to 6.6 cubic meters, with a maximum payload capacity of 1,400 kg and towing capability up to 2,500 kg.
Inside, the Proace offers an SUV-like driving position with excellent all-round visibility and a short-throw gear lever positioned close to the steering wheel, promoting driver comfort and control. Three interior trim grades are available, ranging from durable entry-level seat fabrics to high-quality inserts and metallic trims, with premium upholstery and a full-color multimedia touchscreen featured in top-tier models. The PROACE MAX BEV models come standard with a 10-inch high-definition touchscreen multimedia system, which includes an embedded SIM card for cloud-based navigation featuring 3D mapping and real-time traffic updates; this system is optional on diesel versions. A seven-inch color TFT instrument display is also standard on high-grade electric models and optional on higher-grade diesel trims.
Safety and driver assistance technologies form an integral part of the Proace’s feature set. Though official NHTSA ratings for the Proace Verso L1 75 kWh are not yet available, the model is expected to include Toyota Safety Sense packages, encompassing pre-collision systems with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Additionally, the Traction Select system offers driving modes tailored to conditions such as snow, mud, and sand, enhancing vehicle stability and control.
Customization and versatility remain key strengths of the Proace lineup. Beyond the standard van and combi versions—capable of seating up to nine people—Toyota provides factory-delivered conversions such as crew cabs, tippers, dropsides, platform cabs, and chassis cabs, as well as bespoke adaptations through authorized specialists. A wide array of accessories, including roof racks, ladders, soundproofing, insulation reinforcements, and custom toolboxes, support the varied requirements of commercial and personal users.
The Proace’s 2024 facelift brought further refinement, including updated styling details on Sport versions that add body-colored door handles, bumpers, side moldings, and 16-inch alloy wheels, blending practicality with enhanced aesthetics. The vehicle’s relatively compact size compared to larger competitors like the Volkswagen Transporter or Mercedes Vito contributes to its agility and ease of handling, while maintaining stability even at motorway speeds and offering commendable engine refinement, especially with the more powerful diesel options.

Variants and Models

The Toyota Proace range is designed to cater to a broad spectrum of professional and personal needs, offering multiple configurations and trim levels that enhance its versatility within the competitive European medium-sized van segment. The lineup includes commercial vans, passenger carriers, and specialized models to suit various applications.

Commercial Vans

The Proace commercial vans are available in multiple lengths—commonly designated as Medium and Long—to accommodate different cargo volumes and operational requirements. Customers can choose between panel van versions for cargo transport or Crew Cab models that include a second row of seats, increasing seating capacity for up to seven occupants in certain configurations. Payload capacity is competitive within the segment, with a maximum of 1,487 kg for 3.1-tonne vans and up to 1,100 kg for lighter 2.6-tonne variants.
The powertrain options encompass both diesel and all-electric versions. Diesel engines include a range of Euro 6E-compliant 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesels producing from 120 DIN hp up to 180 DIN hp, paired with six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmissions. The electric variants feature battery packs of 50 kWh (42 kWh usable) and 75 kWh (69 kWh usable), providing respective ranges of approximately 148 miles and 213 miles per charge, with a maximum output of 136 DIN hp.
Trim levels for the commercial vans range from the basic Active grade through the mid-range Icon, with the Medium-length vans offering a top-spec Sport trim that includes enhanced styling elements such as body-coloured door handles, bumpers, and 16-inch alloy wheels. Long vans further include an Icon Premium trim.

PROACE MAX

The PROACE MAX expands the Proace family with heavier-duty capabilities, offering six different height and length configurations to maximize storage capacity, load carrying, and towing capabilities. It supports extensive factory-delivered conversions, including crew cab, tipper, dropside, platform cab, and chassis cab versions. Diesel-powered PROACE MAX models range from 3,300 kg to 3,500 kg gross vehicle weight, while electric variants support up to 4,250 kg, ensuring adaptability for diverse commercial needs.

Passenger Models – PROACE VERSO

Tailored for passenger transport, the PROACE VERSO is a people carrier variant available in three body lengths and multiple seating configurations accommodating up to nine passengers comfortably. It is offered in three grades—Base, Comfort, and Combi—with the Combi grade emphasizing practicality and low total cost of ownership for commuter use.
The VERSO models employ a selection of diesel powertrains ranging from 95 to 180 DIN hp and offer manual, robotised manual, and automatic transmission options. High specification levels include advanced features such as rail-mounted sliding seats, foot-operated automatic sliding side doors, panoramic roofs, and opening rear tailgate glass. Safety is a priority, with the PROACE VERSO achieving a five-star rating in Euro NCAP crash tests, reflecting Toyota’s commitment to passenger protection.

PROACE CITY

Introduced to strengthen Toyota’s presence in the compact van market segment, the PROACE CITY was launched at the 2019 Commercial Vehicle Show. It targets the growing European light commercial vehicle sector with compact dimensions and efficiency. The PROACE CITY offers diesel and electric powertrain options, with the electric variant sharing technology updates from larger PROACE models, including a 100 kW (136 DIN hp) motor.

2024 and 2025 Updates

The 2024 model year brought a refreshed PROACE range with new styling details and updated technology, such as sharper headlight designs and revised grilles on passenger variants like the Proace Verso L1 75 kWh. Inside, upgrades include a digital instrument cluster and an enhanced 10-inch central infotainment touchscreen, reflecting a focus on modernizing driver experience.
Deliveries for the 2024 Proace models began in the spring, with a broad range of grades and configurations available to meet diverse professional and personal transport needs across Europe.

Performance and Specifications

The Toyota Proace is offered with a versatile range of powertrains, designed to balance efficiency, performance, and operating costs. It is based on Stellantis’ EMP2 architecture, sharing much of its technology with related models such as the Citroën Jumpy and Peugeot Expert, but Toyota differentiates its offering through unique calibration and after-sales service.

Engine Options and Powertrains

The Proace lineup includes multiple diesel engine options and a fully electric variant. Diesel engines feature four-cylinder architecture with variable geometry turbochargers and high-pressure common-rail injection, complying with Euro 6E emissions standards. The diesel powertrains range from 120 DIN hp (88 kW) to 180 DIN hp (132 kW), available with either six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmissions, depending on the model. The most powerful 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine delivers up to 180 DIN hp and 380 Nm of torque with the automatic gearbox, making it suitable for heavy-duty conversions and demanding tasks.
The Proace City and Proace City Verso offer smaller diesel engines, including a 1.5-litre unit producing 102 DIN hp and a 2.0-litre engine delivering 145 DIN hp, with manual transmissions as standard. The Sport trim features a 174 DIN hp variant paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Battery Electric Variant

Toyota’s fully electric Proace MAX is engineered to meet commercial vehicle demands without compromising on payload or towing capacity. It features a high-performance battery electric powertrain aligned with Toyota Professional’s electrification plan. The electric MAX version matches the best in its class, offering a payload capacity of up to 1,500 kg and a towing capability of 2,400 kg. It boasts a WLTP-rated driving range increased by 50 km to approximately 330 km and supports fast charging, allowing the 50 kWh battery to recharge up to 80% in about 30 minutes using a 100 kW DC charger. Optional features include a heat pump to optimize cabin heating without significantly impacting driving range.

Payload, Towing, and Vehicle Configurations

The Proace series accommodates a broad spectrum of vehicle lengths and heights, providing six different configurations for the MAX model that maximize storage capacity and versatility. Diesel variants offer a maximum payload of up to 1,500 kg and towing capacity of up to 3,000 kg, depending on vehicle dimensions, while battery electric models maintain similar payloads with slightly reduced towing capacity.
Gross vehicle weights vary from 3,300 kg to 3,500 kg for diesel versions and 3,500 kg to 4,250 kg for electric variants. All Proace MAX models feature front-wheel drive, which is typical within the large van market segment.
The Proace also supports extensive factory-delivered and bespoke conversions, including crew cab, tipper, dropside, platform cab, and chassis cab variants. These options, combined with a wide range of accessories, enable tailored solutions for diverse commercial needs.

Braking and Efficiency Features

The Proace incorporates a regenerative braking system with three levels of deceleration—light, medium, and strong—adjustable to maximize energy recovery when the accelerator is released. This system helps enhance efficiency and extend driving range, especially in the electric models.
CO2 emissions for the diesel variants are competitive, starting as low as 198 g/km under WLTP standards, reflecting best-in-class environmental performance for vehicles in this segment.

Interior and Technology

Higher-spec Proace models come equipped with modern multimedia systems, including a 10-inch touchscreen and a seven-inch color TFT instrument display, standard on high-grade electric versions and optional on diesel models. These features complement the vehicle’s dynamic styling and contemporary equipment, supporting both driver comfort and operational efficiency.

Safety Features

The Toyota Proace is equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced safety and driver-assistance systems designed to meet high standards typical of Toyota passenger vehicles. While official NHTSA safety ratings for the Proace Verso L1 75 kWh are not yet available for the US market, the vehicle is expected to include essential features such as a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control as part of its standard equipment.
In Europe, the Proace Verso has achieved a 5-star rating in the Euro NCAP crash test programme, underscoring its robust safety credentials. The safety package has been

Market Availability and Sales

Toyota has actively positioned the Proace within the competitive European medium-sized van market through tailored marketing strategies and participation in major automotive events such as the National Ploughing Championships and the Goodwood Festival of Speed. These efforts have facilitated opportunities for automotive accessories, promotional merchandise, and experiential marketing collaborations aimed at European consumers.
Since its launch in 2016, the Proace has established a solid market presence, approaching a five per cent share of the medium-duty van segment in Europe and targeting around 30,000 sales by 2019. The van’s design aligns well with the needs of smaller enterprises, supported by Toyota’s relatively modest dealer network which is better geared towards serving smaller businesses rather than large corporate users. The Proace is recognized as a reliable performer offering efficient engines and reasonable load space, making it a well-rounded option among medium-sized vans in the European professional market.
Sales momentum has continued to grow, with the Proace family experiencing a 60 per cent increase in sales compared to 2022 figures. This growth highlights Toyota’s strong foothold in the commercial vehicle sector alongside other successful models like the Hilux pick-up and the Yaris Cross passenger car.
The Proace’s availability includes multiple configurations, with choices between diesel and all-electric powertrains, two body lengths (Medium and Long), and panel van or Crew Cab versions. Trim levels range from the entry-level Active to the higher-spec Icon and Design trims, catering to diverse professional and commercial needs. Features such as the Smart Cargo loadspace extension, advanced infotainment systems, and Toyota Safety Sense technology contribute to its appeal in the marketplace.

Competitors and Market Positioning

The Toyota Proace occupies a strategic position within the highly competitive medium-sized van segment in Europe, a market characterized by long-established models and a wide array of configurations. It is designed to cater to diverse professional needs, ranging from intensive delivery and service activities to executive transport, making it a versatile choice for various fleet operators and professionals. This adaptability, combined with its well-rounded feature set, allows the Proace to integrate seamlessly alongside competitors while offering unique advantages that distinguish it within the segment.
Toyota has also leveraged targeted marketing strategies to bolster the Proace’s presence, engaging actively in prominent events such as the National Ploughing Championships and the Goodwood Festival of Speed. These initiatives enhance brand visibility and create opportunities for automotive accessories, promotional merchandise, and experiential marketing collaborations tailored to European consumers.
In addition to its conventional powertrains, the Proace lineup has seen significant updates, including the introduction of battery electric models that appeal to evolving customer preferences and regulatory demands. This broad powertrain offering enhances its competitiveness by addressing a wider range of operational requirements and sustainability goals. Furthermore, the Proace’s charging capabilities are designed to accommodate the varying electrical infrastructure across European countries, supporting both single-phase and three-phase grid connections to maximize usability in diverse markets.

Future Developments

Toyota is set to continue evolving the Proace range with significant updates and expansions planned for 2024 and beyond. The upcoming 2025 Proace Verso L1 75 kWh model will carry forward the substantial enhancements introduced in the 2024 refresh. These updates include a more modern front-end design featuring sharper headlights and a redesigned grille, alongside an upgraded interior with a digital instrument cluster and an improved 10-inch central infotainment touchscreen, emphasizing enhanced driver experience and connectivity.
Looking ahead, Toyota will introduce the new PROACE MAX in 2024, marking its entry into the large-size commercial van segment in Europe. This model will offer both fully electric powertrains, delivering zero tailpipe emissions, and efficient conventional engines, catering to diverse operational needs. The PROACE MAX will also feature six different configurations designed to optimize storage capacity, load carrying, and towing capabilities. Its dynamic and modern design will be complemented by the latest onboard technology and equipment, ensuring competitiveness in the commercial vehicle market.
These future developments align with Toyota’s broader strategy to integrate advanced technological ecosystems, including CRM and IoT solutions, to improve operational efficiencies and digital transformation within its commercial vehicle operations. This focus on innovation and adaptability ensures that the Proace lineup remains practical and technologically up-to-date to meet evolving customer demands.

The content is provided by Harper Eastwood, Scopewires