Toyota ProAce Van Review
The Toyota ProAce at a glance
If the Toyota ProAce looks familiar to you, that’s probably because it was co-developed by Citroen and Peugeot and thus shares similarities with the Dispatch and Expert vans. In light of this, the ProAce has many attributes that will appeal to those in the market for a medium van with all-round capabilities. It’s cheap and efficient to run, a comfortable drive and can carry up to 1400kg.
On the road, the ProAce feels remarkably car-like for a van of its size – offering a smooth ride and a decent steering setup. It only comes in one height, which means that drivers should have no issue manoeuvring through shallow spots around town. The cabin could be better, however, due to its slightly offset driving position and the limited slide back range, which could pose a problem for taller drivers. Despite the fact that it doesn’t feel quite as put together as some of its rivals – the VW Transporter and Ford Transit Custom – but it nonetheless has some really strong features that will mean many will be happy to overlook its flaws.
Engines and Spec
In 2019, the ProAce’s engine range was updated to meet the latest Euro emissions requirements. This update not only saw the introduction of a new 1.5-litre diesel engine, but also some tweaks being made to the existing 2.0-litre diesels. There are four options altogether, with 100PS and 120PS versions of the 1.5-litre and 120PS and 180PS versions of the 2.0-litre. If you’ve decided diesel isn’t for you, however, the ProAce range also includes an EV model in the form of the e-ProAce, featuring a 1.0-litre electric engine and a choice of 50kWh or 75kWh battery pack sizes.
Of the diesel engine range, the powerful 1.5-litre is by far the most efficient, with a fuel economy of up to 44.8 mpg, though all versions can manage up to and over 38 mpg. The 1.5-litre stands out from the rest with a handy amount of torque for carrying around heavy loads. It’s also far quieter than the 1.6-litre engines it replaced.
There are three trim levels in the ProAce range, which mirror many of Toyota’s other models: Active, Icon and Design. All versions come with a DAB radio, Bluetooth, a full steel bulkhead, cruise control and a three-seater bench. You have to spec up in order to get air conditioning and an alarm.
Loading & Storage
The ProAce comes in three sizes, based on two different lengths, and crew van and people carrier versions are also available with seating for up to nine. Alongside an impressive payload of 1400kg, all variants can carry between 1 and 1.4 tonnes.
Accessing the loading bay is simple thanks to the sliding doors on both sides which come as standard and are wide enough to slot a Euro pallet through. You also get a pair of doors on the rear that open out to a maximum of 250 degrees to fold flat against the sides of the van.
Up to three Euro pallets can fit in the back of the ProAce on the medium and long models, whereas the Compact will hold too. All models have a strong 163 mm cargo width. Much like other vans upon which the ProAce is based, there is an opening bulkhead that increases the load length. This takes up to 4026 mm – an increase of 1.16 m – on the long version.
Interior
The ProAce’s interior isn’t its strongest area for a number of reasons. Much like the Dispatch and Expert, its driving position is slightly offset. Whilst this doesn’t pose a big problem on days where you’re zipping about from job to job, it might feel uncomfortable on long journeys.
That being said, there is plenty of wheel adjustment, and the seat can be moved up and down along with the conventional directions (so long as you go for the mid level trim or higher). Taller drivers might find themselves wishing they could shift the seat back further, but for the most part there is enough room that they should be able to find a good position. The gear lever is also placed in a natural, high level that your hand can reach without much effort, while the buttons on the steering wheel mean that you can adjust several key functions without much movement either.
The inclusion of an arm rest as standard is a plus, while the middle seat folds forward to create a handy surface to work on. This does mean that the middle seat is less comfortable than the other two, but this is hardly out of the ordinary in a panel van.
A seven-inch touchscreen comes as standard on the Design model and an option on the mid-range Icon. Though it isn’t the most modern of systems, it is nonetheless clear and easy to use. It also comes with Apple Carplay and Android Auto.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Solid load capacity for its size
- Strong range of engine specs, including electric
- Super short Compact model
Cons
- Not the best interior in its class
- Limited body shapes available
- Offset driving position
The Verdict
To find out more about what the Toyota ProAce has to offer, get in touch with Van Sales UK. All versions of the ProAce, including the e-ProAce, are available for outright purchase, as well as hire purchase, finance lease and contract hire. All of our new Toyotas come with a 5-year manufacturer’s warranty and manufacturer’s breakdown cover, and free UK mainland delivery is available with every purchase. Give us a call today on 0117 205 0242 or email us at sales@vansalesuk.co.uk.
