The new Alphard and Vellfire are popular for their overwhelming presence and luxury . Before you buy your dream car, we’ll thoroughly explain 15 things you should know . Read on to make a smart decision you won’t regret.
1. Limited body color options
The Vellfire only comes in three body colors: black, white, and silver . The early models were dominated by white and black. On the other hand, the Alphard can be chosen in black , white, and Precious Leo Blonde (a color close to gold). When considering resale value, black and white are often more advantageous, so choose your body color carefully.
2. Are the power performance and fuel economy of gasoline vehicles disappointing?
The new Alphard gasoline-powered vehicle is equipped with the same 2.5L inline 4-cylinder engine as its predecessor. Some test drivers have commented that “it doesn’t feel like you’re driving a new car” and that “the acceleration is not as good as the Vellfire.” In particular, people’s opinions may differ on the ” soft acceleration ” when stepping on the accelerator.
Also, the fuel economy in city driving is about 7.8km/L , which may seem insufficient for a car of this class.
3. Getting in and out of the front seats is inconvenient
The roof is high, and the floor is about 400mm higher than the Noah and Voxy . When getting in, especially if you are short, you may feel like you are climbing an extra flight of stairs . The grip near the A-pillar that was present in the previous model is gone, so getting in and out may be a little inconvenient.
On the other hand, the rear seats are equipped with universal steps and long assist grips, making it easy to get in and out.
4. No hands-free function
Although it is a luxury minivan, it does not have a hands-free function on the power sliding doors or back door . The Sienta, Noah, and Voxy are equipped with a function that allows you to open the door with your foot even when your hands are full, so it’s unfortunate that the Alphard and Vellfire do not have one. This can lead to dirty hands and cold hands in the winter.
5. Are the plated parts in your field of vision too bright?
To improve visibility while driving, the bottom edge of the front side windows has been lowered by 30 mm. This has improved visibility at intersections, but some people have complained that the plating lines visible through the windows are bothersome. There are also some points to note, such as the fact that depending on the weather, sunlight can be reflected and be dazzling , and that water stains can make dirt more noticeable.
6. It’s hard to get a sense of the vehicle
Some people say that the rounded hood and large dashboard shape carried over from the previous model make it difficult to get a sense of the vehicle . Some people may have trouble turning around in parking lots or maneuvering into a garage. However, the car is equipped with a panoramic view monitor and corner sensors, so it has a wide range of driving support functions.
7. Folding up the third-row seats is a pain
The third-row seats are not electrically operated, but rather require manual operation. In addition to storing the headrests and operating a lever, you also need to secure them with something like a seat belt, which takes some getting used to . Also, depending on the position of the second-row seats, they may interfere, so you’ll need to move them forward beforehand. Since it’s not a one-touch operation like the Noah or Voxy, those who frequently load luggage should be careful.
8. When luggage is loaded, does it actually seat four people?
With the third-row seats folded up, the second-row seats cannot be slid all the way back, so if you’re carrying a lot of luggage, the car will effectively be a four-seater, potentially sacrificing the spaciousness of the second-row seats.
9. Poor rear seat tables
The popular Z grade does not have a proper table for the rear seats. The only thing provided in the center is a small retractable table that can only hold two pieces of bread and one drink. You may find that the tables in the Nissan Serena or the N-BOX minicar are more user-friendly. A proper table is only available in the high-end Executive Lounge model.
10. No sport mode
The interior of the Vellfire has an Eco mode and an EV mode, but no Sport mode . Since there is no function to change the driving feel, those who prioritize driving or who want to enjoy various modes may find it lacking.
11. X-grade display audio does not support offline playback
The display audio added to the X grade in the 2025 model does not have an in-car navigation function. Therefore, the navigation system cannot be used in places where there is no signal, such as in tunnels or mountainous areas . Also, please note that the navigation function will no longer be available after the free trial period ends, and a fee will be required for continued use.
12. Because it is such an expensive purchase, it is essential to discuss it with your family.
The Alphard and Vellfire are about 2 million yen more expensive than other minivans . If a family member, especially a spouse, feels uneasy about driving or prioritizes fuel economy, the decision to buy one could lead to discord within the family. Because it’s such a big purchase, it ‘s important to reach a decision that is agreed upon by the whole family .
13. Beware of expensive options and residual value loans
The Alphard and Vellfire are still popular, but only a limited number of people can order them, and dealers may strongly recommend expensive coatings and unnecessary options . Residual value credits , in particular , may seem like cheap monthly payments, but the total payment amount is likely to be higher than a bank loan , so be sure to carefully compare and consider the interest burden.
14. Delivery times may be extended
In recent years, new car production has become unstable, so depending on the model, you may have to wait a long time for delivery . The main causes are semiconductor shortages, delays in parts supply, and disruptions to global logistics. When signing a contract, we recommend that you carefully confirm the delivery date in advance.
15. Risk of fluctuation in resale value
The resale value of a car is constantly changing. It is influenced by a variety of factors, including market trends, new car releases, fuel prices, and social conditions. When considering selling or switching to a new car in the future, please take these fluctuation risks into consideration.
summary
The new Alphard and Vellfire are attractive cars, but there are many things you should be aware of before purchasing. In particular, carefully consider the price, functionality, and sales terms in relation to your lifestyle. Use this information to make a smart decision you won’t regret.
