2019 Toyota Avanza 1.5E Review

In Malaysia's B-Segment MPV market, household needs remain the core driving factor—consumers look for 7-seater practicality to cater to large families while valuing brand reliability and daily operating costs. The 2019 Toyota Avanza 1.5E, as a popular choice in this segment, attracts many family users with Toyota's reputable foundation, its unique rear-wheel-drive layout, and a well-balanced set of features. In this test drive, we will focus on whether its space utilization truly suits daily scenarios, if its power output can meet family commuting needs, and whether its driving and riding experience aligns with its positioning, providing intuitive reference for potential buyers.

From the appearance, the 2019 Avanza 1.5E continues Toyota's practical design style. The overall shape is more boxy to maximize interior space. The front fascia features a trapezoidal chrome grille, paired with halogen main headlights and LED daytime running lights on both sides, presenting a simple yet recognizable look. The fog lamp area below is wrapped in black plastic, adding some dimensionality without excessive decorations. The vehicle's side maintains a typical MPV high beltline design, with 15-inch wheels and 185/65 R15 tires, a size just right for its family-oriented positioning. At the rear, the vertically arranged taillights blend in well with the trunk lid, and the reflectors on the bottom of the rear bumper enhance nighttime visibility. The overall design avoids overly flashy elements, prioritizing practicality.

Entering the cabin, the interior style is dominated by dark-colored hard plastics, with materials aligning with the conventional level for this price-range MPV. Although the texture feels hard, the seams are fairly neat. The center console layout is clear, with the manual air conditioning controls on the upper part and a multimedia system integrated below, supporting basic audio playback functions and paired with four speakers, which meet everyday audio needs. In terms of features, the 1.5E version comes standard with a keyless entry system, adding ease to daily usage. The instrument panel adopts a backlit pointer design, making information display clear and easy to read. The front seats are manually adjustable—though there's no electronic adjustment, the range of adjustment is sufficient to cover most driving postures. Notably, the independent rear air conditioning unit is particularly useful for Malaysia's hot climate, helping to quickly cool down the rear seats and improve passenger comfort.

Spatial performance is one of Avanza’s key advantages. The vehicle dimensions—4190mm×1660mm×1695mm, with a wheelbase of 2655mm—place it at the mainstream level among similar MPVs. The second-row seats support 50:50 sliding and split folding, providing about two fists' worth of legroom when unloaded. Even when fully loaded with seven passengers, the second-row occupants can maintain a relatively comfortable seating posture. The third-row seats feature a 50:50 split design; though the space is more suited for children or adults on short trips, folding down both the second and third rows allows the trunk space to enlarge significantly, accommodating scenarios like moving or hauling large items with ease. In terms of storage capability, the front and rear door panels are equipped with cup holders and small storage slots. The area below the center console also provides open storage space, which is convenient for placing items like phones or wallets during daily use.

Power section: The 1.5E is equipped with a 1.5L naturally aspirated engine, delivering a maximum horsepower of 105PS and peak torque output at 4200rpm, paired with a 4AT gearbox with rear-wheel drive. In actual driving, the power output during initial acceleration is relatively smooth, requiring a deeper throttle press to achieve noticeable acceleration, making it more suitable for stable family commuting scenarios. During mid-speed driving, the gearbox's shifting logic is leaning towards smoothness. Although the 4AT’s engine speed is slightly high during highway cruising (around 2800rpm at 100km/h), there is no significant shift jolt. Only a standard driving mode is available, with no distinction between sport or eco modes. The overall tuning is primarily comfort-oriented. Regarding fuel efficiency, after testing in a combination of urban congested roads and highways, the fuel consumption is approximately 7.8L per 100km. This places it in the mid-range among similar fuel MPVs. Its 45L fuel tank can provide a range of about 570 kilometers, meeting daily commuting and short weekend trip needs.

In terms of handling and chassis performance, the front suspension is a MacPherson independent suspension, while the rear features a non-independent suspension design (a typical rear-drive MPV structure). When tackling common bumpy roads in Malaysia, the suspension can filter most of the fine jolts, but passengers in the rear row will feel noticeable bouncing when encountering larger speed bumps. The steering system adopts hydraulic assistance, with a relatively heavy steering feel. It provides good stability at high speeds but requires more effort when driving at low speeds or parking. Regarding braking, the front ventilated disc brakes deliver linear braking force, offering adequate confidence during daily driving. Noise control performance is moderate; while driving in urban areas, engine noise and tire noise are well managed. However, wind noise becomes more apparent at high speeds, though still within an acceptable range.

Overall, the main advantages of the 2019 Toyota Avanza 1.5E are its practical 7-seater space, reliable Toyota brand endorsement, and practical features such as rear air conditioning and keyless entry. Compared to similar models such as the Perodua Alza, its rear-wheel drive layout provides a different driving experience, and its space extendability offers a slight advantage. However, its shortcomings include hard interior materials, relatively bland power output, and the lack of a rearview camera, which may not be very user-friendly for novice drivers.

This car is more suitable for families who prioritize space practicality and brand reliability — for example, those with 2–3 children who frequently travel with family members, or small business owners who occasionally need to load goods. It may not be ideal for young users seeking performance or luxurious interiors, but its balance in meeting daily family needs is commendable.

In conclusion, the 2019 Toyota Avanza 1.5E is a family MPV with "no significant shortcomings." It focuses on practicality and strikes a good balance between space, reliability, and basic configurations, making it a reliable choice for family users in the Malaysian market.