Having purchased Toyota’s fourth-generation new Alphard Z grade (2WD) hybrid model, this author has compiled his impressions after driving 500km. The Alphard has firmly established itself as a luxury minivan, but this review will explore what has changed with this full model change from an owner’s perspective. What many people want from a hybrid model is actual fuel economy, right? So, after driving 500km, I will provide a detailed report on actual fuel economy.
What is the actual fuel economy of the new 4th generation Alphard hybrid model?
Alphard
During the actual 500km drive, about 30% was on highways and about 70% on regular roads. Hybrid vehicles can improve fuel efficiency by paying 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 as I normally would.
Actual fuel consumption when driving 500km is 11.1km/L
As a result, the actual fuel economy was 11.1km/L. The listed fuel economy is 17.5km/L (2WD) in WLTC mode, so there is 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 hope that fuel economy will improve as we head into winter.
By the way, I previously drove an early model of the fourth-generation Prius 2WD. The actual fuel economy was 23.0 km/L, while the catalog value for JC08 mode fuel economy was 37.2 km/L, so I remember being a little disappointed by the difference. (It’s true that fuel economy also varies depending on driving style.)
Comparison of gasoline costs between hybrid and gasoline cars
- 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).
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
How much does the new Toyota Alphard cost?
The gasoline Z 2WD is 5,400,000 yen and the hybrid Z 2WD is 6,200,000 yen, so the difference is 800,000 yen. The difference is only 86,574 yen after 10,000 km, so even if you drive 100,000 km, it will be 865,740 yen, which will pay for the cost of the car itself. If you’re only considering cost, I recommend the gasoline Z.
| 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 |
Toyota New Alphard 40 Series Post-Purchase Impressions and Reviews
First, to be frank, my impressions of driving the fourth-generation Alphard are that, thanks to the second-generation TNGA platform, straight-line stability and handling have been significantly improved compared to the previous model. The improvements in the lower center of gravity and body rigidity are particularly clear, and the difference is immediately noticeable when driving. What surprised me most was the high accuracy of the radar cruise control. It boasts even higher accuracy than the current Harrier. In particular, its lane recognition ability, detection of cutting-in vehicles, and automatic deceleration function in curves are extremely excellent. The previous 30-series late model was already quite advanced for its time, but the evolution of this latest model is remarkable.
My impression of the 2.5L hybrid vehicle was that the motor-driven vehicle runs quietly, with almost no noise transmitted to the cabin. Furthermore, the excellent visibility, interior design, and high quality feel, made possible by the extensive use of soft padding, were also major attractions.
Sophisticated exterior
The design of the new Alphard is more sophisticated than its predecessor. The front mask in particular, with its large grille and sharp headlights, gives it a more striking presence.
When I actually saw the new Alphard, I thought, “It has a distinctly luxurious feel and is definitely good.” In particular, while successfully inheriting the design of the previous 30-series late-model Alphard, the front headlights and grille have been further refined and detailed, making the actual car even more impressive than in photos.
However, there were some things that I found disappointing. The “Z” grade I purchased was equipped with 225/60R 18-inch tires and aluminum wheels, but the wheel design was very simple and did not feel luxurious enough for a car that costs over 7 million yen. This was very disappointing, and in the future I am considering changing to the 19-inch aluminum wheels that are an option for the higher-end “Executive Lounge” grade.
Alphard
LED sequential turn signals (flowing turn signals)
The “LED sequential turn lamps (flowing turn signals)” that were used in the third-generation Alphard continue to be used in the fourth-generation model. This feature, which is also used in many other luxury cars such as the Lexus “LS”, “NX”, and “RX” and the Toyota “Harrier” and “Crown”, has also been incorporated into the new “Alphard” and “Vellfire”, and brighter LEDs are used. The new models are particularly distinctive in their design, with the lower part of both sides of the front bumper shining yellow, functioning as turn signals.
This design may be controversial, but I personally think it has a very luxurious feel. I expect to see more and more of these LED turn signals being used in Toyota’s future luxury cars.
On the other hand, some models have discontinued the “LED sequential turn lamps (flowing turn signals).” This feature has been discontinued in the “Harrier” and “Crown,” but it has been newly adopted in the “Land Cruiser 300” and the “Alphard” and “Vellfire,” and it is expected that this technology will continue to be used in future Toyota flagship models.
The interior is packed with the latest Toyota features, including a 14-inch display audio system and a 12.3-inch large full LCD digital meter.
The new Alphard features a new steering wheel that is the same as the new Prius and Crown. It also features a shift knob with a state-of-the-art design, providing the driver with a refined feel. The electric parking brake and hold button are positioned for easy pressing, allowing for comfortable operation while driving. Furthermore, the locations of the drink holder and the simply place-to-charge charging station have been carefully considered for ease of use, improving convenience.
The interior is also packed with the latest technology. The large 12.3-inch full-LCD digital meter offers excellent visibility and allows passengers to intuitively check the information they need. The 14-inch display audio, previously only available on the Lexus RX and NX, enhances the entertainment experience. The top-of-the-line Executive Lounge model comes equipped with a T-Connect SD navigation system and a JBL Premium Sound System (15 speakers), ensuring a first-class in-car audio experience. An optional rear-seat entertainment system with a 13.2-inch display is also available, creating a comfortable environment for rear-seat passengers.
The second row in particular is much quieter and more comfortable, with engine and road noise significantly reduced, making the interior surprisingly quiet.
In addition, the improved suspension effectively absorbs shocks from the road surface, providing a smooth ride and a comfortable space for travel that won’t tire you out even on long drives.
The interior is more spacious than the previous model and features a super long overhead console.
The rear seats of the new Alphard are equipped with a “super long overhead console” and a “twin dimming panoramic roof,” further enhancing the sense of openness and luxury. Also, like the previous model, it is equipped with “LED roof color illumination,” which creates an even more glamorous atmosphere inside the car.
The rear seats of the top-grade “Executive Lounge” are even more luxurious, with “seat reclining” and “relaxation” functions, as well as “heated seats” on the ottoman and armrests. This allows rear seat occupants to spend their time in comfort as if they were in a luxury hotel lounge. Furthermore, two “central control touch panels” are provided for intuitive operation of amenities such as the TV, further enhancing convenience.
The second and third rows were great
The second-row seats in the new Alphard are also very comfortable. The aisle width in the second row has been widened, making it easier to move to the third row. Furthermore, the third-row seats can slide further back than in the previous model, creating a feeling of spaciousness. In particular, the fact that the third-row seats appear to slide back significantly when the back door is opened improves convenience when loading luggage and getting in.
40 series early model new Alphard
Interior: Impressions of the front seats
The interior of the new Alphard, like the previous 30 series late model, has a sense of quality that makes it a luxury car. In particular, the front seats are equipped with a large 12.3-inch full LCD digital meter , a 14-inch display audio, and a T-Connect SD navigation system , giving the impression of being as sophisticated as or even more sophisticated than a Lexus.
40 series early model new Alphard
Late 30 series previous generation Alphard
However, there is one thing to be aware of. The new Alphard does not have an ottoman on the passenger seat. The 30 series SC package and other models had an ottoman, so if you sit in the passenger seat, especially if your wife uses it often, you need to be aware of this difference. In fact, I overlooked this point when I bought the car, and I’m hoping my wife doesn’t notice.
Interior Rear seat impressions
The rear seats of the “Z” grade of the new Alphard (early 40 series) have almost the same seat shape as the “SC package” of the previous Alphard (late 30 series), and the impression of sitting in them is similar in a good way and very comfortable. This consistency reflects the mature design while maintaining the luxury and comfort of the Alphard.
40 series early model new Alphard
Late 30 series previous generation Alphard
The rear seats feature a “super long overhead console” and a “twin dimming panoramic roof,” creating a spacious and luxurious feel. The “LED roof color illumination” is also used, just like the previous model, but the new model has a more subdued impression. The illumination design has a more subdued tone, giving the car an overall more mature feel.
40 series early model new Alphard
40 series early model new Alphard
40 series early model new Alphard
Late 30 series previous generation Alphard
Some of the latest safety technologies for the new Alphard are optional, so be careful not to miss out on them.
The new Alphard’s “Z” grade is a particularly popular model, but since it comes with many options that are not standard equipment, we recommend paying attention to the following points when selecting options.
Toyota Teammate Advanced Park + Parking Brake Support
It’s standard on the Executive Lounge and Z Premier models. The new Alphard also comes standard with the next-generation Toyota Safety Sense . It’s great that it’s packed with features, but even though the car already has a full complement of safety equipment (it’s a manufacturer option on the Z), it’s definitely worth adding.
Advanced Park
After stopping next to the desired parking space, press the Advanced Park switch to confirm the parking position. Then, when you press the Start switch, the system will monitor the surroundings and assist with steering, acceleration, and braking to complete the parking operation (shift operation is manual).
Advanced Park (with remote function) Hybrid vehicle
Hybrid vehicles are limited to remote parking and exiting the vehicle by operating a dedicated smartphone app from outside the vehicle. If you want to do this, you should definitely choose a hybrid vehicle. Furthermore, if you do not select this option, you will have a stress-type shift lever. If you select the option, an electroshiftmatic system will be used. It makes a difference in appearance.
40 series early model new Alphard stress shift lever
40 series early model new Alphard Electro Shiftmatic
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)
The Executive Lounge, Z Premier, Z, and G are all available as manufacturer options . We recommend installing them if you have elderly passengers or small children in the back seat.
Universal Step
Children as young as two can also board the ride by themselves using the low handrails and universal steps.
Power side sunshades for rear seats
The moonroof shade is a separate type that allows customers to simultaneously enjoy the sky or block out the sunlight. The side sunshades are also a descending type, a first for Toyota.
A word from the editorial department
The new Alphard has evolved in every aspect, including interior and exterior design, comfort, safety, and driving performance. It can be said that it has further elevated its position as a luxury minivan and established a new standard.
After driving 500km since purchasing, I was very pleased with the “Z” grade. I was torn between getting the “Executive Lounge” and the ” Z ” grade until the very end, but I have come to the conclusion that the “Z” grade is sufficient. There are many things you won’t be dissatisfied with if you choose the “Executive Lounge,” but there are probably many people who just can’t afford it due to the price . However, there are many options, so I would recommend doing your research before negotiating so you don’t accidentally miss a choice at the time of purchase and end up regretting it later. I personally have installed almost all the options on the new “Alphard” grade “Z” so that I won’t have any regrets.
It’s perfect for a variety of situations, such as traveling with family and friends, traveling for business, etc. If you can handle the size and price, this is a great choice!
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