The new 40-series Alphard is synonymous with luxury minivans that everyone aspires to. However, it’s also true that there are some things that you only notice after actually purchasing and owning the car that make you wonder, “What’s that?” This time, we’ll take a deep dive into 10 disappointing aspects of the new Alphard that only owners can understand and the reasons why.
Toyota’s new Alphard: disappointing and disappointing points
1. Disappointing fuel economy
Although the catalog fuel economy has improved, the actual fuel economy is currently below expectations. The difference is particularly noticeable when driving around town or on short trips. While this is unavoidable when considering the vehicle weight and engine displacement, it is unfortunate that even hybrid models sometimes struggle with fuel economy.
During the 500km drive, approximately 30% was on highways and 70% on regular roads. Hybrid vehicles can improve fuel economy by paying careful attention to starting and accelerating, and by being mindful of hybrid-specific driving techniques. However, this time I didn’t make any special efforts and just drove normally. As a result , my actual fuel economy was 11.1km/L. The listed fuel economy in the WLTC mode is 17.5km/L (2WD), so there’s a difference of 6.4km/L. However, considering that I was using the air conditioner in midsummer temperatures of over 35°C, this result may be unavoidable. I’m hoping that fuel economy will improve as winter approaches.
2. The size is slightly too large
This is a true story, but there is a multi-storey parking lot that the old third generation Alphard can fit into but the new one cannot. When comparing the actual body size of the new and old models, the overall length is 50mm longer.
| Specifications | Third generation Alphard late model |
4th generation Alphard early model |
difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| full length | 4,945mm | 4,995mm | +50mm |
| Overall width | 1,850mm | 1,850mm | +0mm |
| Overall height | 1,935mm | 1,935mm | +0mm |
| Wheelbase | 3,000mm | 3,000mm | +0mm |
In fact, when I asked several parking lot staff why the old Alphard could fit in but the new Alphard couldn’t, they all said it was because of the width. However, when I explained that the overall width is the same according to the specifications, they said that the width is wider when the mirrors are closed, which is why it gets caught in the sensor.
Well…about the mirrors…I’m honestly surprised. Ever since the previous Alphard, I’ve thought that Toyota had made the car just the right size to fit into Japanese multi-story parking garages…but it seems that the new model is just too small. Seeing this, I hope Toyota will improve…(Maybe not all multi-story parking garages). It’s a real shame that they made the overall width the same as the previous model.
#日本橋コレド室町、#室町テラス の立体駐車場に #新型アルファード #駐車 しようとしたらミラー含んだ幅の問題で入らないと言われました😱旧アルファードは問題なさそうなので、これは色々な所で #駐車場問題 出てくるのかな…
アルファードサイズ
全長 4,995mmx全幅1,850mmx全高1,935 mm… pic.twitter.com/p67CcfF7gp— 最新自動車情報 (@car_repo_jp) July 26, 2024
3. There are few body colors to choose from. In particular, the only black color available is 202 Black. Is this really acceptable for a luxury car?
The new Alphard only has a lineup of three body colors. What I found most disappointing was that the only black color available was the most difficult to handle, “Black (202).” It’s an old color that really shows scratches and dirt easily, making it a difficult color to handle. I would have liked to see the latest colors, such as Precious Black Pearl (219).
- Platinum White Pearl Mica <089>
- Black <202>
- Prejus Leo Blonde <4Y7>
It is used on the current Harrier and other models, and I actually chose Precious Black Pearl <219> . It uses a ” self-restoring coat ,” which makes scratches less noticeable and is very strong, which was very helpful.
4. The engines used in gasoline vehicles are old.
The 2.5L inline 4-cylinder engine with Super CVT-i, which was well-received in the previous generation Alphard and Vellfire, has been carried over and continues to be used. It combines powerful, smooth acceleration from a standing start with good fuel economy. It’s a shame, as I would have liked to see a new engine adopted at the time of the full model change. If possible, I would have liked to see the latest Dynamic Force engine and Direct Shift-CVT installed even in the revised model.
| Specifications | 2.5L inline 4-cylinder engine |
|---|---|
| Maximum power | 134kW (182ps) / 6,000rpm |
| Maximum torque | 235Nm (24.0kgm) / 4,100rpm |
| transmission | Super CVT-i |
| Drive system | 2WD/4WD |
| WLTC mode fuel economy | 10.6km/L (2WD) 10.3km/L (4WD) |
5. The new Alphard does not have an ottoman on the passenger seat
The new Alphard does not have an ottoman on the passenger seat. This was previously installed in the 30 series SC package, so those whose wives ride in the passenger seat should be careful .
40 series early model new Alphard
Late 30 series previous generation Alphard
6. The new Alphard doesn’t come with the Sunset Brown interior color option.
There are two basic interior colors, and the Vellfire is available in a special “Sunset Brown” color. If you select the “Sunset Brown” interior color, you will be selecting the “Vellfire.”
Alphard
interior color black
Vellfire
interior color “Sunset Brown”
7. The new Alphard’s “Z” grade does not offer premium nappa leather executive power seats.
The new Vellfire, which will be released at the same time, will have a Z Premium trim level, but the new Alphard does not. This means that if you want to choose premium nappa leather executive power seats, in other words, genuine leather seats, you will have to choose the top-of-the-line Executive Lounge trim level.
8. The shape of the shift knob on the new Alphard varies depending on the grade. To solve this, select an option.
It wasn’t until I saw the actual car that I noticed that the shape of the shift knob on the “Z” grade and the “Executive Lounge” grade was different. I purchased a “Z” hybrid car, and I’m a little disappointed because the new shift knob used on the “Prius” and “Crown” is more stylish.
It’s understandable for a base-grade model, but the “Z” grade hybrid model costs 6.2 million yen, and the Vellfire “Z Premium” costs 6.9 million yen, and with a variety of standard features and a shift knob with this latest design, I even felt a little angry, wondering if the “Z” should also have this shift knob. However, I selected the optional “Toyota Teammate Advanced Park + Parking Brake Support (with remote function),” so the Electro Shiftmatic was installed . Personally, it’s an option I would definitely recommend.
40 series early model new Alphard
stress shift lever
40 series early model new Alphard
electroshiftmatic
New Prius
New Crown Crossover
9. There are only two grades of the Alphard
When I bought the Alphard, there were only two grades to choose from. Apparently , a cheaper grade would be added in the next improved model , but I personally wanted the intermediate grade (let’s call it Z Premium) between the Z grade and the fully equipped Executive Lounge. I remember struggling to choose options while glaring at the catalog with the sales person when I actually purchased it.
| grade | engine | Drive system | Price (10%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Z | 2.5 L inline 4-cylinder direct injection engine + Direct Shift-CVT |
2WD | 5,400,000 yen |
| Z | 2.5 L inline 4-cylinder direct injection engine + Direct Shift-CVT |
4WD | 5,598,000 yen |
| Z | 2.5 L inline 4-cylinder direct injection engine + motor THS II (hybrid) |
2WD | 6,200,000 yen |
| Z | 2.5 L inline 4-cylinder direct injection engine + motor THS II (hybrid) |
4WD | 6,420,000 yen |
| Executive Lounge |
2.5 L inline 4-cylinder direct injection engine + motor THS II (hybrid) |
2WD | 8,500,000 yen |
| Executive Lounge |
2.5 L inline 4-cylinder direct injection engine + motor THS II (hybrid) |
4WD | 8,720,000 yen |
10.Long delivery times
I signed the contract at around 2 p.m. on June 21, 2023, the day the new Alphard was released . It wasn’t actually delivered until the end of July 2024, so I ended up waiting a year and a month. Of course , I was told at the time of purchase that I might have to wait a year. However, every time I saw new Alphards being delivered one after another, I wondered why that person got theirs early, while I, who ordered on the day of release, still had to wait a while for my delivery.
Of course, there are probably various reasons on the part of the manufacturer’s dealership, but this is the car I’ve waited the longest for out of all the new models I’ve purchased in the past, almost on the day of release. Delivery times seem to be settling down in the future, but this is a car model that may be subject to delivery delays for various reasons. Please make sure you understand the situation well before purchasing.
A word from the editorial department
The new 40-series Alphard is a wonderful car with the appeal of a luxury minivan. However, there are some disappointing aspects that only owners can understand. If you are considering purchasing one, it is important to take these points into consideration and make a comprehensive decision.
This article is based solely on my personal impressions as an owner. Since opinions vary from person to person, we encourage you to take a test drive and experience the appeal of the Alphard for yourself.
Alphard
