This time, we will introduce in detail the recommended grades of the current fourth-generation 40-series Alphard . We will provide information that will be useful for those who are confused by looking at the catalog, or those who are considering purchasing one. Since the author himself has actually purchased an Alphard, we believe that he will be able to provide more useful information based on his own experience than other articles.
About the new Toyota “Alphard”
Alphard
The front and rear bumper designs have been changed, and following on from the previous model, ” flowing turn signals (sequential turn lamps) ” have been adopted. The body size (length 4,995mm, width 1,850mm, height 1,935mm, wheelbase 3,000mm) fits within the size restrictions for general mechanical parking lots (length 5,000mm x width 1,850mm or less), and it uses a newly developed platform called ” TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture)” .
The hybrid model is equipped with a 2.5L inline 4-cylinder direct injection engine (Dynamic Force Engine) that achieves a maximum thermal efficiency of over 40%, and employs a smaller and lighter hybrid system, the High-Performance Multi-Stage THS II, to improve fuel economy. Fuel economy is 16.5-17.7km/L in WLTC mode. While the previous model only had a 4WD (E-Four) lineup, this time a 2WD (FF) model has been added for the first time. The 8-seater model has also been discontinued.
The electric parking brake and hold button is very easy to press, and the drink holder and drop-in charging station are conveniently located. The meter is a large 12.3-inch full LCD digital meter , 14-inch display audio, T-Connect SD navigation system, and a JBL premium sound system (15 speakers). The rear seat entertainment system has an optional 13.2-inch display. In addition, it is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a DCM in-car communication device is standard equipment.
What grade is the new Toyota Alphard?
The new Alphard will be available in two grades: the top-of-the-line Executive Lounge and the mid-range Z. (The previous model had eight grades: X, S, SC, SR, G, GF, SC, and Executive Lounge.)
- Z: Intermediate grade
- Executive Lounge: Premium grade
Alphard
Alphard
Z grade characteristics
Alphard Z
The Z grade is the cheapest entry-level model. Even so, if you choose the gasoline Z grade, you can purchase it for as little as 5,400,000 yen. The exterior is equipped with LED headlights and 18-inch aluminum wheels. The interior features synthetic leather seats in one color. The steering wheel is wrapped in genuine leather, and the door trim is also wrapped in synthetic leather, which is fantastic.
Disadvantages of Z grade
The above equipment is standard and great, but other equipment is basically optional. For example, the left and right independent moonroof is a manufacturer-specified option for 132,000 yen, the digital inner mirror is a manufacturer-specified option for 44,000 yen, the Advanced Park + Parking Support Brake (Stationary Object Surroundings) is a manufacturer-specified option for 139,700 yen, the Advanced Drive is a manufacturer-specified option for 139,700 yen, and the color head-up display is a manufacturer-specified option for 55,000 yen. There are many options to choose from, and if you forget, many of them will not be available after delivery, so be careful. I also had a hard time choosing.
Executive Lounge Features
Alphard Executive Lounge
The Executive Lounge grade is a premium model, and many may find it expensive. While gasoline-powered vehicles are not available, the hybrid Executive Lounge grade can be purchased for as little as 8,500,000 yen, which is in the 8 million yen range. However, the exterior design, featuring optional 19-inch aluminum wheels with a super chrome metallic finish exclusive to the Executive Lounge grade, makes it easy to tell it’s the Executive Lounge grade. It also comes standard with frequency-sensitive shock absorbers and high-sound-insulating glass, which improves ride comfort.
In the interior, executive lounge seats , a 14-inch rear seat entertainment system, and a JBL premium sound system with 15 speakers are standard equipment, and you can see the difference when you ride. And, many of the options described above are almost standard equipment.
Toyota New Alphard Vellfire: What options would you like to add to increase resale value?
Toyota Teammate Advanced Park + Parking Brake Support
The “Executive Lounge” is standard equipment. All new “Alphard” models come standard with the “Next Generation Toyota Safety Sense.” This alone is great as it has many features, but the Z grade, which is particularly well equipped with safety features, also has a manufacturer option. This is also definitely something you should add.
Advanced Park
Once you park your car next to the space you want to park in, first press the Advanced Park switch to confirm the parking position. Then, when you press the Start switch, the car will monitor its surroundings and assist with steering, acceleration, and braking to complete the parking position (shifting is still manual).
Advanced Park (with remote function) Hybrid vehicle
Hybrid cars are the only ones that can remotely park and exit the car using a special smartphone app. If you want to take advantage of this feature, you should definitely choose a hybrid car.
Parking Support Brake (Stationary Objects) [Intelligent Clearance Sonar]
When parking or driving at low speeds, if there is a risk of colliding with a wall or other stationary object, or if the vehicle accelerates suddenly due to accidentally or overly pressing the accelerator pedal, or if the vehicle starts moving due to accidentally putting the gear lever in the wrong position, the system will activate if the sensors detect stationary objects in front or behind the vehicle to help mitigate the collision and reduce the damage caused by the collision.
Digital inner mirror
The “Executive Lounge” is standard equipment. It is a manufacturer option for the “Z Premier,” “Z,” and “G.” If you have many passengers in the back seat or a lot of luggage in the trunk, we recommend installing the “Digital Inner Mirror.”
Universal step (both sides)
This is a manufacturer option for all grades of the “Executive Lounge,” “Z Premier,” “Z,” and “G.” We recommend adding this option if you have elderly people or small children in the back seat. However, the downside is that you will no longer be able to install a spare tire. From an export perspective, having a spare tire may be fine, but if you are considering using it domestically, it is better to add a universal step.
Universal Step
Twin dimming panoramic roof
The seats feature a “super long overhead console” and a “twin dimming panoramic roof.” These are optional for the “Alphard” and “Z” grades, so we highly recommend adding them.
What engine will the new Toyota Alphard and Vellfire use?
First of all, there are two types of engines that will be adopted in the full model change of the Alphard and Vellfire. The 2.5L inline 4-cylinder + Super CVT-i engine, which was well-received in the previous model, has been carried over and continues to be used in the Alphard. This engine achieves both powerful and smooth acceleration from a standing start and good fuel economy.
Furthermore, as a hybrid vehicle, the “2.5L inline 4-cylinder direct injection engine (Dynamic Force Engine) + Hybrid” will be adopted for both the “Alphard” and the “Vellfire.” Also, the newly developed “2.4L direct injection turbo engine D-4ST” will be adopted only for the “Vellfire,” differentiating the “Vellfire” as a sportier model.
| Predecessor | new model |
|---|---|
| 2.5 L inline 4-cylinder engine + Super CVT-i Drive system: 2WD / 4WD |
2.5 L inline 4-cylinder engine + Super CVT-i Drive system: 2WD / 4WD |
| 2.5 L inline 4-cylinder engine + motor THS II (hybrid) drive system: 4WD |
2.5 L inline 4-cylinder direct injection engine (Dynamic Force Engine) + Motor THS II (hybrid) Drive system: 2WD / 4WD |
| 3.5L V6 engine + Direct Shift-8AT Drive system: 2WD / 4WD |
2.4L direct injection turbo engine + Direct Shift-8AT Drive system: 2WD / 4WD |
New Alphard specs
| Specifications | Alphard Hybrid model |
Alphard |
|---|---|---|
| full length | 4,995mm | 4,995mm |
| Overall width | 1,850mm | 1,850mm |
| Overall height | 1,935mm | 1,935mm |
| Wheelbase | 3,000mm | 3,000mm |
| engine | Inline 4-cylinder 2.5L direct injection engine D-4S + motor (THS II) |
Inline 4-cylinder 2.5L engine |
| Maximum power | 140kW (190ps) / 6,000rpm |
134kW (182ps) / 6,000rpm |
| Maximum torque | 236Nm (24.1kgm) / 4,300-4,500rpm |
235Nm (24.0kgm) / 4,100rpm |
| Front motor maximum output |
134kw (182ps) | – |
| Front motor maximum torque |
270Nm (27.5kgm) | – |
| System maximum output | 184w (250ps) | – |
transmission |
Electric continuously variable transmission | Super CVT-i |
| Drive system | 2WD E-Four (4 wheel drive system) |
2WD 4WD |
| WLTC mode fuel economy | 17.5-17.7km/L (2WD) 16.5-16.7km/L (4WD) |
10.6km/L (2WD) 10.3km/L (4WD) |
| Passenger capacity | 7 people | 7 people |
How much does the new Toyota Alphard cost?
Alphard
| grade | engine | Drive system | Price (10%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Z | 2.5 L inline 4-cylinder engine + Super CVT-i |
2WD | 5,400,000 yen |
| Z | 2.5 L inline 4-cylinder engine + Super CVT-i |
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 |
Until the new Alphard Hybrid pays off
- Fuel economy for gasoline vehicles (2WD) is WLCT mode: 10.6km/L (8.0km/L)
- Fuel economy for hybrid vehicles (2WD) is calculated based on WLCT mode fuel economy: 17.5km/L (13.5km/L).
The gasoline Z 2WD costs 5,400,000 yen and the hybrid Z 2WD costs 6,200,000 yen, so the difference is 800,000 yen.
Calculation of driving 10,000 km when gasoline price is 170 yen per liter
- Gasoline model 10,000km = 212,500 yen
- Hybrid car 10,000km = 125,926 yen
After driving 10,000km, the difference is only 86,574 yen, so even if you drive 100,000km, the difference will be 865,740 yen, which will be enough to pay for the cost of the unit.
About comfort
So far we’ve talked about price, but next I’d like to talk about comfort. The gasoline-powered “inline 4-cylinder 2.5L direct injection engine” model is excellent in terms of price, but is slightly inferior in terms of comfort. In my experience, it felt slow to start. This is due to a lack of torque compared to the vehicle weight, and even if this is improved, the impression will remain the same.
On the other hand, the “inline 4-cylinder 2.5L direct injection engine + motor” uses Toyota’s hybrid system, and because starting is done solely by the motor, you can expect a smooth ride with excellent torque. Also, when using the “radar cruise control,” the electronic control and hybrid system work well together, making for a more comfortable drive. If comfort is a priority, we recommend a “hybrid car.”
What engine do you recommend?
Personally, I recommend the “2.5 L inline 4-cylinder direct injection engine (Dynamic Force Engine) + Motor THS II (hybrid)” model.
Reasons for recommending the 2.5 L inline 4-cylinder hybrid model
Its fuel economy and motor assistance compared to gasoline models means it can run with more ease.
It is an engine and hybrid system that is already well-established and is used in many vehicle models, including the RAV4, Harrier, Crown (crossover), and Camry .
The engine and motor output have been increased to match the Alphard specifications.
When considering it as a hybrid model , the drive system can be selected as 2WD.
I am currently driving the fourth-generation Harrier, a 2.5L inline 4-cylinder direct injection engine (Dynamic Force Engine) + motor THS II (hybrid) model, and it has an impressive fuel economy of 17.1km/L when driven without any worries, considering the weight and size of the car. Furthermore, the motor assist allows for a relaxed ride, and I’m sure that even if I were to drive it in an Alphard, which has a larger weight and size, I wouldn’t be dissatisfied with the fuel economy or driving performance.
Toyota’s new Alphard hybrid model is a good choice for resale value
The lowest grade “Z” hybrid model starts at 6,200,000 yen, which is by no means cheap. On the other hand, the gasoline grade “Z” starts at 5,400,000 yen, a difference of 800,000 yen. The gasoline grade continues to use the “2.5L inline 4-cylinder + Super CVT-i” engine, which is the reason for this price difference.
However, if you look at the specs, the hybrid car’s fuel economy is 17.5-17.7km/L, which is comparable to that of compact cars of the past. Also, the system’s maximum output of 184kW (250 horsepower) provides excellent driving performance. If you consider resale value, choosing a hybrid car is a sure bet.
Conclusion: What grade of the new Alphard is recommended considering resale value?
The recommended grade is the gasoline “Z”. Considering cost performance and comfort, if you can afford it, we recommend the hybrid “Z”.
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Vellfire
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