Toyota is expanding its Toyota Professional range with the introduction of the all-new Toyota Proace MAX, marking the brand’s first foray into the European heavy-duty van (HDV) segment. This comprehensive addition completes Toyota’s light commercial vehicle (LCV) line-up, offering a robust and versatile solution for businesses of all sizes. The PROACE MAX stands out with its available battery electric powertrain, offering a driving range of up to 420 km (WLTP cycle), alongside efficient turbodiesel options. With a wide array of configurations, advanced technology, and Toyota’s renowned reliability, the PROACE MAX is poised to become a key player in the HDV market.
The Toyota PROACE MAX is engineered to deliver exceptional load-carrying capability and class-leading capacity while maintaining efficient performance and a powerful design. It joins the updated PROACE, PROACE CITY, and Hilux to form a complete Toyota Professional portfolio, ensuring customers can find the perfect vehicle for their commercial needs. Similar to its siblings in the PROACE family, including the PROACE medium-duty van, compact PROACE CITY, and PROACE VERSO people carrier models, the PROACE MAX offers a battery electric powertrain option. This commitment to electrification underscores Toyota’s multi-path approach to achieving carbon neutrality, providing customers with practical and affordable options to reduce CO2 emissions and transition towards zero-emission mobility.
Beyond its eco-conscious powertrain and impressive performance, the PROACE MAX boasts a striking exterior design that establishes a unified PROACE family identity. The front of the vehicle features a body-colored upper element that seamlessly flows into a matt black grille and color-matched front bumper. Full LED headlights and front fog lights with a cornering function enhance visibility and safety. High-grade models are further distinguished by new 16-inch alloy wheels.
Inside the cabin, the PROACE MAX is equipped with modern technology to enhance the driver experience. A new 10-inch touchscreen multimedia system and a 7-inch color TFT instrument display are standard on high-grade electric versions and optional on high-grade diesel models. These features provide seamless infotainment and connectivity, ensuring drivers stay connected and informed on the road. Toyota also recognizes the diverse needs of its commercial customers, offering extensive conversion options for the PROACE MAX. These include factory-delivered crew cab, tipper, and dropside versions, as well as platform cab and chassis cab configurations for bespoke adaptations by Toyota-authorized specialists. A wide range of accessories is also available to further customize the vehicle to specific business requirements.
Unmatched Versatility and Exceptional Cargo Capacity
The Toyota PROACE MAX is designed for versatility, offering a wide range of dimensions and configurations to meet diverse business needs. Customers can choose from six different full van sizes, based on two wheelbase options (3,450 mm and 4,035 mm), three lengths (5,413 mm, 5,998 mm, and 6,363 mm), and three heights (2,254 mm, 2,524 mm, and 2,764 mm). This extensive range provides cargo area volumes from 10 m3 to a cavernous 17 m3, easily accommodating up to five Euro pallets.
Image alt text: Toyota PROACE MAX dimensions table showcasing varying lengths, heights, and corresponding load volumes for L2H2, L3H2, L3H3, L4H2, and L4H3 configurations, highlighting the range of cargo space.
To illustrate the PROACE MAX’s impressive cargo capacity, the L4 H3 variant offers three times the load volume of the largest PROACE medium-duty van. The panel van is just one aspect of the PROACE MAX’s versatility. It is also available in factory-built one or three-way tipper and dropside configurations, as well as a Crew Cab version with a second row of four seats, increasing seating capacity to seven.
Gross vehicle weight for diesel models ranges from 3,300 kg to 3,500 kg, while battery electric variants range from 3,500 kg to 4,250 kg, depending on configuration. The battery electric PROACE MAX boasts a class-leading payload capacity of up to 1,500 kg and a towing capability of 2,400 kg. Diesel-powered models offer a maximum payload of up to 1,500 kg and a towing capacity of up to 3,000 kg, depending on the specific vehicle length and height combination.
Powerful and Efficient Powertrains: Electric and Diesel Options
The Toyota PROACE MAX offers a choice of powertrains to suit various operational needs, including a high-performance battery electric option and efficient diesel engines. The battery electric powertrain delivers 200 kW (270 DIN hp) of power and 410 Nm of torque, providing robust performance for demanding tasks. With a driving range of up to 420 km (WLTP standard), the electric PROACE MAX is well-suited for daily commercial operations. Drivers can optimize performance and range using three selectable drive modes:
- ECO mode: Maximizes driving range by limiting power output to 120 kW (163 DIN hp).
- NORMAL mode: Balances power and efficiency, restricting output to 160 kW (218 DIN hp).
- POWER mode: Unleashes the full 200 kW (270 DIN hp) potential for maximum performance.
Image alt text: Close-up of the Toyota PROACE MAX drive mode selector button on the center console, illustrating the ECO, NORMAL, and POWER driving mode options for optimizing performance and efficiency.
The regenerative braking system further enhances efficiency by capturing kinetic energy during deceleration and braking, converting it back into electrical energy to recharge the battery. Drivers can adjust the level of regenerative braking using paddle shifters behind the steering wheel, with four levels available to control deceleration and energy recovery. Charging the 110 kWh lithium-ion battery is quick and convenient, reaching 80% charge in as little as 55 minutes using a 150 kW fast-charging system. An 11 kW AC onboard charger is standard for overnight or longer duration charging, with a 22 kW AC charger becoming available in 2025.
For customers who prefer diesel power, the PROACE MAX offers three efficient 2.2-liter turbodiesel engines. The entry-level option delivers 120 DIN hp (88 kW) and 320 Nm of torque with a six-speed manual transmission, ideal for fleet operations. A mid-power version produces 140 DIN hp (103 kW) and offers 350 Nm of torque with a six-speed manual or 380 Nm with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The high-power diesel engine produces 180 DIN hp (132 kW) and is well-suited for heavy-duty conversions, available with both manual and automatic transmissions. CO2 emissions for diesel models start from 198 g/km, achieving best-in-class performance. All PROACE MAX models are front-wheel drive, aligning with the majority of the large van market.
Extensive Conversion and Customization Options
Recognizing that customization is crucial for commercial vehicle users, Toyota offers a comprehensive range of conversion options and accessories for the PROACE MAX. Approximately 90% of HDVs sold in Europe undergo some form of customization, and Toyota is committed to meeting this demand.
In addition to standard panel van and crew cab configurations, the PROACE MAX is available as chassis cab and platform cab models direct from the factory. These incomplete vehicle formats provide a foundation for extensive bespoke conversions. The chassis cab, a first for the PROACE range, allows for a wide variety of body types and conversions, while the platform cab, without a bulkhead, is ideal for minibus or motorhome conversions. Factory-produced dropside and tipper conversions are also available, alongside the crew cab, with both electric and diesel powertrain options. All factory conversions benefit from Toyota’s manufacturer warranty, providing added peace of mind.
Image alt text: Toyota PROACE MAX tipper conversion model in action, showcasing the vehicle’s functionality for construction and landscaping applications with its raised tipper bed and robust design.
Toyota is also implementing a conversion framework to ensure customers receive vehicles perfectly tailored to their business needs. This involves authorized local converters who adhere to Toyota’s quality standards, ensuring high-quality and reliable conversions. A wide array of accessories is available from launch, designed to enhance load carrying, security, load space protection, and overall practicality. These include roof platforms, rear ladders, interior racking and shelving systems, wood and polypropylene linings, cargo straps, enhanced security locks, and tow hitch options. For electric PROACE MAX models, cables, cable bags, and wallbox chargers are also available.
Advanced Safety and Driver Assistance Technologies
The Toyota PROACE MAX is equipped with an extensive suite of Toyota Safety Technologies as standard, prioritizing the safety of drivers and occupants. New features enhance safety and reduce driver stress. The Moving Off Information System (MIOS) and Blind Spot Information System (BSIS), available on BEV models with 4,250 kg GVW, enhance awareness of potential hazards in blind spots. These systems use sensors and cameras to detect pedestrians, cyclists, or motorcyclists, alerting the driver with dashboard warnings and door mirror indicators.
Crosswind Assist helps maintain vehicle stability in strong crosswinds by applying gentle, course-correcting braking to prevent lane drifting. In the event of an accident, the Event Data Recorder captures and stores vehicle operation data before, during, and after impact. Traffic Jam Assist, to be introduced later, will further enhance safety and convenience in heavy traffic. This system, an extension of adaptive cruise control, will manage lane centering and automatically stop and restart the vehicle in traffic, easing driver workload. Parking and maneuvering are simplified with rear parking sensors, a reversing camera, and an optional 360-degree warning system using up to 16 sensors on the L4 model. A digital, center-mounted rear-view mirror is also available for enhanced visibility.
Modern Multimedia and Instrumentation
The Toyota PROACE MAX features a modern and user-friendly multimedia system. A 10-inch high-definition touchscreen multimedia system is standard on BEV models and optional on diesel versions. This system includes embedded cloud-based navigation with 3D mapping and real-time traffic information, voice recognition, Bluetooth, and DAB radio. The driver is provided with a 7-inch color digital instrument display for clear and concise vehicle information. Diesel-powered models come standard with a 5-inch color display and a monochrome digital instrument cluster. Wireless smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard across the range.
European Production and Launch Timing
The Toyota PROACE MAX represents a deepened collaboration between Toyota Motor Europe and Stellantis, building upon a partnership that began in 2012. This collaboration optimizes development and production costs for both companies. Battery electric PROACE MAX vans are produced at the Stellantis plant in Gliwice, Poland, while diesel and other BEV versions are manufactured in Atessa, Italy. The PROACE MAX will be launched across European markets in a staggered rollout, with initial customer deliveries expected from September 2024. Panel van models will be released first, followed by chassis cab and platform cab models in September, dropside conversions in October, panel van crew cabs in November, and tipper versions in December. Right-hand drive BEV panel vans will also be available from September. With its combination of versatility, performance, electrification, and Toyota’s trusted quality, the PROACE MAX is set to make a significant impact on the European heavy-duty van market, providing businesses with a reliable and capable partner for their transportation needs.
