2026 Toyota Alphard 40-Series Partial Improvement: Disappointing Points to Consider for a Satisfying Car Life

The 2026 Toyota Alphard 40-series has undergone partial improvements, including the addition of new grades and enhanced equipment. However, there are some points that may be disappointing for owners who have purchased or are considering purchasing the vehicle.

One of the disappointing points is the gap between the actual fuel efficiency and the catalog value. The 2026 model’s HEV fuel efficiency is 17.7km/L for 2WD and 17.5km/L for E-Four, but the actual fuel efficiency is around 11.1km/L. This means that the fuel efficiency is about 60-70% of the catalog value, and it may be lower in city driving.

Another point is the limited color variation. The body color is available in only three colors, and the popular white and black colors are still the most popular. The lack of dramatic color changes or special new colors may be disappointing for some owners.

The 2.5L gasoline model’s engine and CVT are unchanged, and the WLTC fuel efficiency is still 10.6km/L for 2WD. This may be disappointing for owners who were expecting improvements in power and fuel efficiency.

The design of the 40-series Alphard is different from the previous 30-series, and some owners may prefer the older design. The new design may not be to everyone’s taste, and this could be a point of regret for some owners.

The second-row seats’ comfort varies depending on the grade, and some owners may find that the standard seats are not comfortable enough. The relax captain seats available in the Executive Lounge grade are more comfortable, but they are also more expensive.

The assistant seat is not an ottoman, which may be a disappointment for some owners. The interior color “Sunset Brown” is not available for the Alphard, and the “Z” grade does not come with premium nappa leather executive power seats.

The price of the Alphard has increased over the years, and the 2026 model’s price is around 6,399,800 yen for the 2.5L HEV Z grade. The price difference between the “Z” grade and the “Executive Lounge” grade is significant, and some owners may feel that the “Z” grade is not worth the price.

The delivery time for the Alphard is still long, and some owners may have to wait for over a year for their vehicle to be delivered. The after-sales service may also be a point of dissatisfaction for some owners.

However, there are also some positive points to the 2026 model, such as the new HEV G grade, which is available from around 559,000 yen. The 14-inch display audio and the blind spot monitor are also welcome improvements.

In conclusion, while there are some disappointing points to consider, the 2026 Toyota Alphard 40-series is still a high-quality vehicle that offers a satisfying car life. It is essential to check the points mentioned above before purchasing to ensure a satisfactory ownership experience.