Off road or rough terrain conditions, how do HiAce vans perform?

Although the Toyota HiAce was primarily intended for urban and highway use, a number of owners have taken their vans off road or driven them on rough terrain. That has raised questions about how suitable the HiAce is for such conditions. Ground clearance, drivetrain configuration (2WD vs 4WD in some markets) and suspension design are all factors that determine off road performance. A few enthusiasts will lift their HiAces and fit all terrain tires and other modifications to increase off road capabilities. But there's some debate about how these modifications affect the van's on road behavior and longevity. The performance of the HiAce in challenging terrain can also be affected by its realised weight distribution, particularly when full of camping or work kit. Furthermore, 4WD versions are available in some markets, which have led to comparisons with more conventional off road vehicles. This is of particular interest to owners who want to explore beyond paved roads, wondering how well a HiAce can handle off road adventures, stock or modified.