The Toyota Roomy is a popular model that combines a compact body size with a spacious interior. However, there are also some voices online saying things like, “The Roomy is terrible” and “Don’t buy it.” What is the reality?
The Toyota Roomy is a tall wagon-style compact car released in November 2016. It was developed based on the Daihatsu Thor and is sold through Toyota’s dealership network. The Roomy’s distinctive features include a spacious interior and high cargo capacity despite its compact body size. The spaciousness of the rear seats is particularly noteworthy, allowing for comfortable seating for four adults. A variety of seating arrangements are also possible, making it suitable for a variety of uses. This article provides a detailed explanation of the Roomy’s disadvantages and points to note. If you’re considering purchasing one, be sure to read this article.
Negative opinions about the new Roomy and their reasons
Negative opinions about Roomie include:
- Slow acceleration and lack of power: Many people complain about the 1.0L naturally aspirated engine model’s slow acceleration when starting or accelerating uphill. Some also complain about difficulty merging onto the highway or overtaking.
- Handling is too light and lacks stability: Some people say that due to the light body and suspension settings, the car feels unstable when going around curves or driving at high speeds.
- Stiff ride: Some people say that the car easily picks up bumps in the road, and that passengers in the back seats feel a particularly jolting sensation.
Opinions about fuel economy
Large discrepancy with catalog fuel economy: Many people say that the actual fuel economy is significantly worse than the catalog fuel economy, and many people are dissatisfied with the fuel economy, especially when driving around town.
“I drive a Roomy, but it only gets 6-7 liters…” – carview!
Price Opinion
High price: Many people feel that the price is high for the equipment included. In particular, there are opinions that it feels overpriced because the price increases even more when safety equipment is added.
Disadvantages of Roomy
1. Driving performance
The Roomy is equipped with a 1.0L naturally aspirated engine or a 1.0L turbo engine. It provides sufficient power for city driving, but may feel a little underpowered on the highway or up hills. Also, the suspension is set on the softer side, so those looking for a sporty ride may not be satisfied.
2. Quietness
The Roomy is quiet enough for a compact car, but some people complain about engine and road noise. Wind noise tends to be louder, especially on the highway.
3. Safety performance
The Roomy comes standard with the latest safety equipment, “Smart Assist.” However, please note that some advanced safety features are only available on higher grades. For example, adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist are only available on the G and Custom G grades.
Roomy fuel economy and engine performance
Engine type and performance
The Roomy is available with two engines: a 1.0L naturally aspirated engine and a 1.0L turbocharged engine. The naturally aspirated engine has excellent fuel economy but is less powerful. The turbocharged engine has more power but is less fuel efficient than the naturally aspirated engine.
| Specifications | New Roomy | New Roomy |
|---|---|---|
| full length | 3,700 to 3,705 mm | 3,700 to 3,705 mm |
| Overall width | 1,670mm | 1,670mm |
| Overall height | 1,735mm | 1,735mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,490mm | 2,490mm |
| engine | 1.0L inline 3-cylinder engine |
1.0L inline 3-cylinder turbo engine |
| Maximum power | 51kW (69ps) / 6,000rpm |
72kW (98ps) / 6,000rpm |
| Maximum torque | 92Nm (9.4kgfm) / 4,400rpm |
140Nm (14.3kgm) / 2,400-4,000rpm |
transmission |
CVT | CVT |
| Drive system | 2WD 4WD |
2WD |
| WLCT mode fuel economy |
18.4km/L (2WD) 16.8km/L (4WD) |
16.8km/L (2WD) |
Actual fuel economy and its evaluation
The Roomy’s actual fuel economy is 16.8km/L to 18.4km/L in WLTC mode. However, according to user reviews, most people say that the actual fuel economy is around 10km/L to 14km/L.
https://twitter.com/Kuona_GTO666/status/1695087908263526548
Driving methods for improved fuel economy
To improve your car’s fuel economy, keep the following points in mind:
- Drive eco-friendly: Avoid sudden starts and braking, and drive smoothly.
- Use your air conditioning sparingly: Air conditioning can reduce fuel economy, so turn it off when you don’t need it.
- Maintain proper tire pressure: Low tire pressure can reduce fuel economy, so check it regularly.
Features as a compact car
Differences from light vehicles
The Roomy is larger than a minicar, offering excellent interior space and cargo capacity. It also has a larger engine displacement, making it powerful.
Luggage capacity and storage space
The Roomy has a large luggage space that can be secured by folding down the rear seats. There is also plenty of storage space under the seats and in the door pockets.
Pros and cons for everyday use
The benefits of using the roomy in everyday life include:
- Maneuverability: The compact body size makes it easy to drive even on narrow roads.
- Easy to park: Visibility from the driver’s seat is excellent, making parking easy.
- Low maintenance costs: Good fuel economy and low taxes and insurance rates keep maintenance costs down.
On the other hand, the disadvantages include the following:
- Highway performance: The engine power is modest, so you may feel underpowered on the highway.
- Quietness: Road noise and wind noise may be a concern.
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Popular colors and custom selection
Popular color rankings
The most popular colors for Roomy are as follows:
- Black Mica Metallic
- Bright Silver Metallic
- Laser Blue Crystal Shine
Custom Option Types
There are various customization options available for the Roomy, such as aero parts, aluminum wheels, and interior panels.
How to customize your Roomy
Here are some ways to customize your Roomy to your liking.
- Dealer options: Choose your preferred genuine options from the options available at the dealer.
- Aftermarket products: Choose your preferred aftermarket products from those sold at car accessory stores or online.
- DIY: You can add originality by attaching and painting parts yourself.
Roomy’s points of caution
1. Grade selection
The Roomy comes in three grades: the standard “X,” the premium “G,” and the “Custom G” model, which is fitted with aero parts. Each grade has different prices and features, so choose carefully based on your budget and intended use.
| Model | engine | Drive system |
Price (10%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Custom GT |
1.0L inline 3-cylinder DOHC turbo |
2WD | 2,046,000 yen |
| Custom G |
1.0L inline 3-cylinder DOHC engine |
2WD | 1,914,000 yen |
| 4WD | 2,090,000 yen | ||
| GT | 1.0L inline 3-cylinder DOHC turbo |
2WD | 1,864,500 yen |
| G | 1.0L inline 3-cylinder DOHC engine |
2WD | 1,743,500 yen |
| 4WD | 1,919,500 yen | ||
| X | 2WD | 1,556,500 yen | |
| 4WD | 1,732,500 yen |
2. Selecting options
There are a variety of options available for the Roomy, such as a navigation system, ETC in-vehicle unit, and dashcam. Check the options you need in advance and choose one that fits your budget.
3. Test drive
Before purchasing a Roomy, we recommend that you take a test drive. By actually driving the car, you can check its driving performance, ride comfort, quietness, etc. You can also ask the dealership staff any questions you may have.
Things to note to avoid regrets
Before you buy a roomie, be sure to keep the following in mind:
- Test drive: By actually driving the car, you can check its performance, ride comfort, and ease of driving.
- Check the size: Don’t just look at the catalog or website, see the actual car to make sure it fits your lifestyle.
- Compare with other cars: By comparing the Roomy with other compact cars, you can objectively understand the advantages and disadvantages of the Roomy.
User ratings and reviews
The Roomy has been highly praised, especially by families, for its spaciousness and ease of use. Families with children especially appreciate the ease of installing a child seat and the ease of loading luggage.
On the other hand, there are mixed opinions about the car’s driving performance and fuel economy. The 1.0L engine provides sufficient power for city driving, but some say it lacks power on the highway or on hills. Some also say the fuel economy isn’t as good as the catalog figures suggest.
Roomy Q&A
Why does the Roomy have poor fuel economy?
-
Vehicle weight: The vehicle is relatively heavy for its displacement, which affects fuel efficiency.
Engine: The 1.0L naturally aspirated engine often requires deep throttle to compensate for the lack of power, which tends to result in poor fuel economy.
Aerodynamics: The tall, boxy design creates more air resistance, which impacts fuel economy at high speeds.
Due to the combined effect of these factors, the Roomy’s actual fuel economy tends to be worse than its catalog fuel economy.
However, depending on your driving style and driving environment, it may be possible to achieve figures close to the catalog fuel economy figures. If you drive eco-friendly and often drive on highways, your fuel economy may improve.
Who is Roomy recommended for?
-
Families with children: The spacious interior and sliding doors make it easy to get child seats in and out and to load and unload luggage. For those new to driving: The compact body size makes it easy to handle and drive. For the elderly: The height makes it easy to get in and out, and visibility is good. For those who want to carry a lot of luggage: You can secure a large luggage space by folding down the rear seats. For those who often do local shopping or drive to and from places: Although the fuel economy is not that great, this car is easy to use around town.
The Roomy has a compact body size but a spacious interior, making it a convenient car for everyday use. If you are considering purchasing one, we recommend taking a test drive to actually drive it.
What are Roomy’s strengths?
-
Spacious Interior: Despite its compact body size, the interior space is larger than that of a minicar, with rear legroom being among the best in its class. The interior dimensions are 2,180mm long, 1,480mm wide, and 1,355mm high, providing ample space between front and rear passengers and ample rear seat space. Ample headroom also means no feeling of being cramped. Convenient Sliding Doors: Sliding doors on both sides make it easy to get in and out, even in tight parking spaces, and make it easy to use child seats and load and unload luggage. Ample Storage Space: Storage spaces are provided throughout the vehicle, including the glove box and door pockets, making it easy to keep small items organized.
A word from the editorial department
The appeal of the Roomy is its spacious interior and ease of use for a compact car. However, you should be careful about its driving performance, quietness, and safety features. It’s important to fully understand the drawbacks and points to note before purchasing, take a test drive, and choose the grade and options that suit you best.
I hope this article will be helpful to those who are considering purchasing a Roomy.
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