Ten Second Review

Toyota brings us its very first large van, the Proace Max - with a little help from the Stellantis Group. It comes in both diesel and EV forms and completes Toyota's LCV portfolio.

Background

It's taken Toyota a very long time to get around to bringing us a large van. Until the arrival of this model, the Proace Max, in 2024, the largest LCV Toyota would sell you was a Transit Custom or Vivaro-sized model, the Proace. Which is surprising as for a long time now, this Japanese brand has had access to the design sold under various marque badges by what is these days known as the Stellantis Group. The design is question is variously marketed as the Vauxhall Movano, the Peugeot Boxer, the Citroen Relay and (in a mildly different form) as the Fiat Ducato.

All these models have also been on sale in full-electric form since 2020 - but in guises that featured rather embarrassingly short battery range figures. Perhaps that explains Toyota's initial reluctance to take up this design, which lasted until Stellantis announced a far-reaching update of this van design for the 2024 model year, including a vastly superior 110kWh battery drivetrain. This sells alongside the more conventional 2.2-litre diesel powerplants that operators still want. Now that this Proace Max has finally arrived, let's take a closer look.

Design and Build

Toyota has applied the revised front end treatment it's rolling out to all its vans to this Proace Max. But if you didn't happen to spot that or the badge work, you'd probably dismiss it as just another Boxer, Relay, Ducato or Movano. The EV version's visual changes are minimal. Apart from the badging and the charging flap, there are no exterior giveaways to the Proace Max model's electric status.

Climb inside and you'll be greeted by decent quality cab trim and a reasonably modern dashboard layout. There's a configurable 7-inch driver's display that can show a sat nav. And a 10-inch central infotainment screen incorporating wireless 'Apple CarPlay' and 'Android Auto' smartphone-mirroring. Up to ten in-cab storage areas are available, including the glovebox, a dash-mounted document clip and various open or lidded compartments on the dashboard. In addition, there are large door pockets, storage space beneath the passenger seat and a sizeable 22-litre overhead storage compartment.

The optional more versatile version of the cab's bench-seat turns the cockpit into an ergonomic control centre. In just a few simple steps, the seat next to the driver can be transformed into a movable, practical work surface, for example for a laptop, turning the Proace Max into a mobile office. Alternatively, the seat can be converted into a small table with a cup holder - ideal when the time comes for a short break.

Driving Experience

Diesel versions of this Proace Max come with the same Stellantis Group-derived 2.2-litre unit you'll find in this model's Vauxhall, Peugeot, Citroen and Fiat Stellantis Group cousins. This is available here with a single 140bhp output and can be combined with 8-speed automatic transmission. Mechanically, the Proace Max is based around a front-wheel drive configuration with a McPherson front suspension and a rigid-axle rear suspension with leaf springs. Refinement is aided by considerable under-body and upper body strengthening also aimed at producing greater durability.

The alternative Proace Max Electric uses a big Stellantis-derived 110kWh battery which takes this LCV 260 miles between charges. It powers an electric motor putting out 270bhp and 400Nm of torque - though you only get that with the fastest of the three available drive settings ('Power'). The default 'Normal' mode restricts this Toyota to 217bhp, while the 'Eco' setting you'll need to get anywhere near the quoted driving range figure restricts you to just 163bhp.

There are four selectable levels of brake regeneration, which are operated by paddles behind the steering wheel. Bear in mind that as usual with EV vans, the range figure will drop off quite a bit if you've a full load out back. This EV model's under-floor battery positioning results in a low centre of gravity, improving cornering and stability even when fully loaded. The electric power steering now automatically adjusts the assistance to the speed of the vehicle. This increases driving comfort at higher speeds and makes manoeuvring in the city more comfortable. There's an electric parking brake, activated via a switch on the instrument panel to the left of the steering wheel.

Market and Model

Expect prices broadly similar to those being charged for the Vauxhall Movano, Citroen Relay, Peugeot Boxer and Fiat Ducato models that share this Toyota's engineering. Which would see an entry-level diesel Proace Max (L2H2 Panel Van) starting from just over under £44,000 (inc. VAT), while the Proace Max Electric (L3H2 Panel Van) is likely to cost from just over £62,000 (inc. VAT) before deduction of the £5,000 government grant.

Like its close Stellantis and Fiat cousins, this Toyota comes with a wide range of body styles. Three vehicle lengths and two roof heights, plus as well as the panel van, the L3 length offers chassis cab, platform cab, Dropside and 1-way tipper options which will allow countless configuration options to suit the respective user-profile.

Across the range, there is a single equipment grade, 'Icon', offering key items like a multimedia system with 10-inch touchscreen and navigation. You also get a digital instrument cluster, automatic air conditioning, automatic headlights with automatic high beam, a reversing camera and rear parking sensors. All Proace Max panel vans are ply-lined as standard but this can be deleted on request, with a commensurate reduction in the vehicle's on-the-road price.

Drive assist tech is a strongpoint. In addition to traffic sign recognition, forward collision alert with emergency braking and side blind-spot alert, there are systems such as drowsiness alert, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control (with a Stop & Go function), 360-degree parking sensors, parking assist and a digital rear view mirror that further improves all-round visibility. A total of 22 possible assistance systems and electronic helpers make driving and manoeuvring easier.

The combination of adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist and traffic jam assist enables the Proace Max to steer, brake and accelerate itself at speeds up to 18mph - for example in slow traffic - provided that the driver's hands remain on the steering wheel. This means that automated driving at level two is possible.

Summary

Why it took Toyota so long to bring us a really large van is difficult to understand, but at least what we now have in the form of this Proace Max is a very competitive proposition indeed. Yes, you can get much the same confection with a Peugeot, a Vauxhall or a Citroen badge but Toyota offers it with a much longer 10 year warranty. And promises superior dealer service too.

Assuming the deal you're offered is comparable to what you might get from your local Vauxhall, Peugeot or Citroen franchise, then the provision of that extra warranty cover could be crucial; it'll help prop up all-important residual values too. In short, this Toyota seems to tick a lot of boxes.