Toyota sells These premium minivans in select markets, such as Japan and Taiwan, but not in the US. They offer spacious and comfortable seating for up to six passengers, advanced technology and safety features, and a choice of powerful and efficient powertrains, including a plug-in hybrid option.
The Toyota Alphard and Toyota Vellfire are based on the same platform and share most of their mechanical components but have different exterior and interior designs. The Alphard has a more elegant and refined look, while the Vellfire has a more sporty and aggressive appearance. Both have massive grilles that dominate the front fascia, but the Alphard's is more rounded and chrome-accented, while the Vellfire's is more angular and blacked out.
The 2024 model year marks the fourth generation of these minivans, which debuted in June 2023. Toyota has made several improvements and enhancements to both models, such as increasing the rigidity of the body structure by 50 percent, adding more sound-deadening material and noise-reducing tires, and installing a new overhead console that stretches from front to rear. The console incorporates ventilation, side lighting, and various controls for the passengers' convenience.
Powertrain Options
The Toyota Alphard and Toyota Vellfire are available with three different powertrain options: a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, and a hybrid system based on the same 2.5-liter engine. A plug-in hybrid system will be added later.
The turbocharged engine is exclusive to the Vellfire and produces 275 horsepower and 316 pound-feet of torque. It is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Toyota claims this engine delivers a sporty sound and performance.
The naturally aspirated engine is offered in the lower trim levels of the Alphard and produces 180 horsepower and 173 pound-feet of torque. It is mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
The hybrid system combines the 2.5-liter engine with two electric motors for a total output of 250 horsepower. It uses an electronically controlled CVT (e-CVT) and comes standard with all-wheel drive. Toyota says this system provides smooth acceleration and excellent fuel economy.
Interior Features
The interior of the Toyota Alphard and Toyota Vellfire is designed to provide occupants a luxurious and comfortable experience. Both models can seat up to six people in a 2+2+2 configuration, with second-row captain's chairs that can recline, slide, swivel, and fold. There is also an option for a three-person bench seat in the second row for those who need seven seats.
The cabin is spacious and airy, with increased legroom between the rows and large windows that let in natural light. The seats are upholstered in high-quality leather or fabric, depending on the trim level, and feature new vibration-dampening technology that reduces fatigue. The highest trim level, called Executive Lounge, offers even more luxury features, such as heated and ventilated seats, massage functions, ottomans, tables, cup holders, wireless charging pads, and rear-seat entertainment systems.
The dashboard is modern and sleek, with a large touchscreen infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The instrument cluster is digital and customizable, showing various information such as speed, fuel level, navigation directions, driver assistance alerts, and hybrid system status. The steering wheel has buttons for audio, cruise control, phone, voice recognition, and lane-keeping assist.
Safety Features
The Alphard and Vellfire are equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 (TSS 2.0), a suite of advanced driver assistance systems that help prevent or mitigate collisions. TSS 2.0 includes:
- Lane Tracing Assist (LTA): This system works with adaptive cruise control to keep the vehicle centered in its lane, even on curves. It uses the camera and radar to detect the lane markings and the preceding vehicle and adjusts the steering accordingly.
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC): This system maintains a preset speed and following distance from the vehicle ahead. It uses the radar to detect the speed and distance of the preceding vehicle and automatically accelerates or decelerates as needed. It can also stop and resume the vehicle in traffic situations.
- Road Sign Assist (RSA): This system recognizes certain road signs such as speed limits, stop signs, and yield signs, and does not enter signs using the camera. It displays the information on the instrument cluster and warns the driver if they are violating any of the signs.
- Automatic High Beams (AHB): This system automatically switches between high and low beams depending on the surrounding lighting conditions and traffic. It uses the camera to detect the headlights and taillights of other vehicles and adjusts the beam level accordingly.
- Blind Spot Monitor (BSM): This system detects vehicles in the blind spots of the side mirrors using radar sensors. It illuminates a warning indicator on the mirror when a vehicle is detected and sounds an alert if the driver signals a lane change.
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA): This system detects vehicles approaching from either side when backing out of a parking space or driveway using radar sensors. It warns the driver with audible and visual alerts and can apply brake pressure if necessary.
In addition to TSS 2.0, the Alphard and Vellfire also have other safety features such as:
- Parking Support Brake (PKSB): This system helps prevent or reduce damage from collisions with stationary objects or moving vehicles when parking or reversing. It uses sensors to detect obstacles around the vehicle and applies brake pressure if necessary.
- Panoramic View Monitor (PVM): This system provides a 360-degree view of the vehicle's surroundings using four cameras. It helps the driver check for blind spots and obstacles when parking or maneuvering in tight spaces.
- Digital Rearview Mirror (DRM): This system uses a camera mounted on the rear window to display a clear and wide view of what's behind the vehicle on a screen that replaces the conventional rearview mirror. It helps improve visibility in low-light or bad weather conditions or when passengers or cargo are blocking the rear window.
Pricing and Availability
The Toyota Alphard and Toyota Vellfire are not sold in the US, but they are available in other markets such as Japan, Taiwan, China, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia, Brunei, Myanmar, Laos, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives, Pakistan, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt, Morocco, South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia.
The pricing varies depending on the market and the trim level. In Japan, where both models are manufactured at Toyota's Inabe plant, the Alphard starts from 4.1 million yen ($37,000) for the base 2.5-liter model with front-wheel drive, while the Vellfire starts from 4.3 million yen ($38,800) for the turbocharged model with front-wheel drive. The hybrid models start from 5.6 million yen ($50,500) for both models. The plug-in hybrid models will be announced later.
The Alphard and Vellfire are among Toyota's best-selling minivans in Asia, where they are popular among affluent families and business executives who value comfort and luxury over practicality and affordability. They are also often used as limousines or chauffeured vehicles for VIPs.
However, be prepared to pay a hefty price for shipping, taxes, fees, and possible modifications to meet the US safety and emission standards. You might also need help finding parts and services for these models, as they are not officially supported by Toyota in the US.
Alternatively, you can wait and hope that Toyota will eventually bring these models to the US market or offer some of their features and technologies in the existing Sienna or other models. Toyota has not announced any plans to do so, but it has hinted that it is open to expanding its minivan lineup.
The Toyota Alphard and Toyota Vellfire are the ultimate luxury minivans you can't buy in the US but can admire from afar. They showcase Toyota's ability to create vehicles that cater to different tastes and preferences around the world and offer a level of comfort and convenience that is hard to match. If you ever get a chance to ride in one of these minivans, you might never want to go back to your regular car. @via Panorica and Toyota.
