Top 5 4×4 Vans You Should Consider in New Zealand

February 4, 2026

New Zealand’s compact roads, challenging back-country tracks and growing appetite for self-contained touring make 4×4 vans an increasingly compelling segment. Beyond mainstream 2WD folks movers, there’s a handful of vans that combine genuine traction, reasonable parts support and conversion potential — and many of them turn up as Japanese imports or locally owned ex-fleet machines. Here are five worth your attention.

1. Mitsubishi Delica Space Gear 4WD

If there’s a 4×4 van that defines the Japanese import scene in NZ, it’s the Mitsubishi Delica. Compact, narrow and light compared with larger vans, the 4WD Space Gear (and later versions sometimes badged “Super Exceed”) is a proven performer on gravel and modest 4×4 tracks. The torsion bar front/coil rear suspension gives a surprisingly compliant ride, and the locking centre diff found on many examples improves traction when you need it.

The most common Japanese imports are petrol variants and 2.8-litre turbo diesels; the diesels are preferred for torque and economy on long tours. Interiors are basic but adaptable, and New Zealand has a strong owner community, parts imports and conversion knowledge.

For Kiwi travellers who want a van that’s easy to park, easy to run and genuinely capable off-pavement, the Delica remains the go-to choice for this class.

2. Toyota HiAce Super Custom 4WD (Export Imports / Japan Domestic)

Toyota didn’t officially sell a 4WD HiAce in every market, but Japan did and many of these vans make their way to NZ as auction imports. Models based on the H200 body (mid-2000s onwards) with 4WD are increasingly common. The 2.7-litre petrol and 3.0-litre turbo diesel engines are robust and familiar across Toyota’s light commercial range.

The HiAce’s global ubiquity means parts are easy to source and because many of the best examples come directly from Japan, corrosion and mechanical wear are often modest. A 4WD HiAce is a solid blank canvas: enough room for a compact camper conversion, comfortable on tarmac, and reasonably sure-footed on gravel roads.

Expect to see both factory 4WD and simple part-time systems where front-drive engages only when needed. Either way, they’re significantly more capable than the equivalent 2WD HiAce you see every day.

3. Nissan Caravan / Urvan 4WD (Japanese Domestic Market Imports)

Nissan’s long-running Caravan (often branded Urvan) is another Japanese import that surfaces in NZ as a 4WD example. These vans share mechanical DNA with Nissan’s light truck lines and, like the HiAce, were built with practical durability in mind.

Commonly equipped with the 2.7-litre petrol or 2.7-litre diesel engines, Caravan 4WDs balance reasonable economy with enough grunt for loaded touring. Their commercial origins mean a simple, repair-friendly design: few electronics to worry about and plenty of metal where you need it.

Parts for the drivetrain and suspension tend to be well covered by the local import market, and with sensible servicing these vans make reliable platforms for DIY camper conversions.

4. Toyota TownAce / LiteAce 4WD (Japanese Import)

The Toyota TownAce and LiteAce occupy the compact end of the 4×4 van spectrum, and they’re a familiar sight in New Zealand thanks to steady Japanese imports over the years. Smaller than a HiAce and closer in footprint to a Delica, these vans were offered from the factory with selectable 4WD, making them far more capable than their size suggests.

Most examples in NZ are powered by simple petrol engines or small-capacity diesels, prioritising reliability and ease of maintenance over outright performance. The 4WD systems are typically part-time, well suited to gravel roads, muddy paddocks and back-country access tracks rather than technical off-road work.

What makes the TownAce and LiteAce appealing is their simplicity. They’re easy to drive, easy to park, and easy to adapt into lightweight camper or surf rigs. Parts availability is strong thanks to Toyota’s shared-component approach, and ownership costs remain relatively low compared with larger vans.

For buyers who want a genuine 4WD van without committing to the size, weight or running costs of a full-size platform, the TownAce and LiteAce make a lot of sense in a New Zealand context.

5. Mazda Bongo Friendee 4WD (Japanese Import)

The Mazda Bongo Friendee is one of the most commonly seen Japanese-import camper vans in New Zealand, and for good reason. Available from Japan with factory 4WD, the Friendee combines compact dimensions with a surprisingly practical interior layout, often featuring a pop-top roof and factory seating arrangements that lend themselves well to touring and light camper duties.

Most NZ examples are powered by either a 2.5-litre petrol V6 or a 2.5-litre turbo diesel, with the diesel generally favoured for touring thanks to its torque and fuel economy. The 4WD system is typically part-time, designed for gravel roads, muddy access tracks and wet grass rather than hardcore off-road work — but within those limits, it’s far more capable than a standard 2WD van.

Parts availability in New Zealand is generally okay, helped by shared components across Mazda’s wider commercial range and a steady stream of imports over the years. The Friendee’s low overall height (even with the pop-top) also makes it ferry-friendly and easy to store, which matters for many Kiwi owners.

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