2024 Toyota Alphard Review

In Malaysia's luxury MPV market, the Toyota Alphard has always been the top choice for many families and business users. With the 2024 model replacing its engine with a 2.4T powertrain, its product competitiveness has been further enhanced. The main purpose of this test drive is to verify the new Alphard’s actual performance in terms of power, features, and space, and to see if it can still maintain its position as the benchmark in its class.

From the exterior, the 2024 Alphard continues its bold and upright design style. The large trapezoidal front grille, paired with thick chrome trims, gives it a highly recognizable look. The side profile features clean lines, with the roofline extending from the A-pillar to the tail, maintaining a sleek MPV silhouette. The rear design is relatively understated, with horizontally laid LED tail lights and a rear bumper in matching body color integrating a dual exhaust layout on both sides. The overall style is business-like yet refined. The lighting system is fully equipped with LED light sources. Automatic headlights and front fog lights are standard, ensuring good nighttime lighting effects and practicality.

Stepping inside, the interior is wrapped in extensive soft-touch materials, complemented by wood grain panels and metallic trims, exuding a sense of luxury. The center console is clearly laid out, with a 14-inch touchscreen commanding visual attention. The system responds quickly and supports Bluetooth, CarPlay, and Android Auto. The fully digital instrument panel provides a wealth of information, and the HUD head-up display projects key details such as speed and navigation, enhancing driver convenience. In terms of features, the front seats offer 8-way electric adjustment with memory and heating functions, while the passenger seat has 4-way electric adjustment, also with memory and heating. These add convenience to everyday use. The second row features Ottoman captain's chairs, which support multi-angle adjustment and leg rests. The cushioning is soft, ensuring comfort for long periods of travel. The third-row seats can be split and folded 50:50 or 60:40, expanding trunk space to meet the needs of family outings or transporting large items. Additionally, the interior is equipped with a 220V power supply, keyless entry, and engine start, with thoughtful attention to detail.

The space performance aligns with the positioning of a mid-to-large MPV. The vehicle measures 5010mm in length, 1850mm in width, and 1950mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3000mm. After adjusting the front driver’s seat to a comfortable position, there’s about two fist-widths of headroom, ensuring no sense of confinement. When the second-row seats are fully pushed back, legroom exceeds three fist-widths. Together with adjustable leg rests, passengers can comfortably recline for rest. The third-row space is also sufficient for adults, with about one fist-width of legroom and nearly two fist-widths of headroom, without feeling cramped. In terms of storage, the front center armrest box has a large capacity, door panel storage spaces can hold two bottles of water, and the second-row seats feature independent cup holders and storage compartments on the sides. The trunk can accommodate several carry-on suitcases in its standard configuration, and the storage capacity is further enhanced by folding down the third row.

In terms of power, the 2024 Alphard is equipped with a 2.4T turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum power of 205kW (278PS) and a peak torque of 430N·m, paired with an 8AT transmission. During actual driving, the power response is lively during start-up, and pressing the accelerator by one-third provides substantial acceleration. The 8AT transmission shifts smoothly, with almost no perceptible jerks. Mid-to-high-range acceleration is equally robust. When overtaking, pressing the accelerator hard prompts the transmission to swiftly downshift, delivering direct power output. At highway speeds, the revs remain at around 2000rpm, offering a stable cruising experience. The driving modes include Economy, Standard, and Sport. In Sport mode, the throttle response becomes more sensitive, suited for scenarios requiring rapid acceleration.

The handling performance is decent, the steering wheel has a moderate turning effort, and the slack is not significant, making daily driving relatively easy. The chassis adopts a front MacPherson strut and rear double-wishbone independent suspension, with tuning leaning towards comfort. When passing over speed bumps or rough roads, the suspension filters out most of the vibrations, allowing passengers inside the car to not feel significant bumps. When cornering, the body roll is kept within a reasonable range, and it doesn't feel loose just because it's an MPV. The braking system performance is stable, the brake pedal stroke is moderate, and the braking force output is linear. In emergency braking situations, the vehicle maintains a stable posture.

In terms of fuel consumption, the official combined fuel consumption is 9L/100km. During the actual test drive, the urban fuel consumption is approximately 11-12L/100km, while on highways, it can drop to 8-9L/100km. For a 2.2-ton MPV, this level of fuel consumption is considered normal. Noise control is quite good; at high speeds, wind noise and tire noise are not prominent, and engine noise only enters the cabin during rapid acceleration. Overall, the sound insulation meets the standards of a luxury MPV.

The safety features are relatively comprehensive, equipped as standard with 6 airbags, ABS, vehicle stability control, lane change assist, lane departure warning, active braking, and more. Additionally, it offers a 360-degree panoramic view camera, front and rear parking sensors, and ACC adaptive cruise control. These features enhance daily driving safety and convenience.

Overall, the 2024 Toyota Alphard performs well in terms of space, features, and power. Compared to competitors in the same class like the Buick GL8 or Honda Odyssey, it excels in luxury and second-row comfort, with richer features. Although its price is relatively high, its overall product strength remains competitive. This vehicle suits families that value comfort and space or users who need it for business receptions. It can meet the requirements of daily family travel as well as business scenarios. If you have the budget and high demands for luxury and comfort, the 2024 Alphard is a choice worth considering.