Toyota Alphard 2024 Review

In recent years, competition in Malaysia's luxury MPV market has become increasingly intense, with consumers demanding more in terms of space, comfort, and technological features. As one of the benchmark models in this market segment, the 2024 Toyota Alphard's updates have naturally garnered a lot of attention. This facelift not only upgrades its powertrain but also enhances its intelligent features and seating experience. My core purpose in this test drive is to verify whether it can continue to maintain its leading position in the luxury MPV segment and whether these upgrades truly align with the actual needs of local users.

The first impression of the 2024 Alphard is that its presence has become even more commanding. The vehicle's body measures 5010mm in length, 1850mm in width, and 1950mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3000mm. While its overall silhouette maintains the sturdy aesthetic of an MPV, the finer details make it more refined. The front features a large trapezoidal grille adorned with chrome elements and LED headlights, boasting high recognition; the side profile has smooth lines, and the combination of 19-inch wheels and 225/55R19 tires not only ensures a strong road stance but also adds visual sophistication. At the rear, the LED taillights are connected by a chrome strip, and the dual exhaust pipes on both sides hint at its turbocharged engine. As for the lighting system, the full-LED headlights support an automatic lighting function, providing clear illumination at night, and the daytime running light design adds a touch of modernity to the vehicle.

Entering the cabin, luxury and technology coexist harmoniously within the interior. The dashboard adopts a symmetrical design, with extensive usage of soft-touch materials, and almost all surfaces within hand's reach are covered in leather or soft plastics, delivering excellent tactile quality. A 14-inch central touchscreen is positioned prominently, offering smooth operation and supporting Bluetooth, CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity; below, some physical buttons are retained for easier blind operation. The instrument panel features a fully digital display with high resolution, clearly showing speed, fuel consumption, navigation, and other information; the HUD (head-up display) projects key information onto the windshield, improving driving safety. In terms of features, the front seats support 8-way power adjustment, with memory and heating functions; the second row consists of Ottoman captain's chairs, which also support power adjustment and heating. The legroom is ample, ensuring comfort even on long journeys. The third-row seats can be split 50:50 and folded down to expand trunk space, meeting the storage needs for family outings. Additionally, the cabin is equipped with 220V/230V power outlets, keyless entry and start, a 360-degree panoramic camera, and other practical features.

Space is one of Alphard's core advantages. The headroom for the front driver and passenger seats exceeds a fist's height, and the legroom is generous, allowing even passengers taller than 180cm to find a comfortable seating position. When the second-row seats are adjusted all the way back, the legroom can provide over two fists of space, and the seats can recline with adjustable leg supports, allowing passengers to almost fully recline for rest. The third-row seats also perform relatively well in terms of space; the headroom is about one fist, while the legroom offers about a fist's width when the second-row seats are in a normal position, making it suitable for short trips for adults. In terms of storage, the door pockets, center armrest box, and glove compartment provide ample space, and there are cup holders and storage boxes on both sides of the second-row seats, adding practicality. The trunk can accommodate several carry-on suitcases in its 7-seater configuration, and folding down the third-row seats expands the space to hold larger items.

In terms of power, the 2024 Alphard is equipped with a 2.4T turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum horsepower of 278PS, a maximum power of 205kW, and a maximum torque of 430N·m, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and a front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout. During actual driving, the engine can output maximum torque as early as 1700 rpm, providing quick throttle response during startup with no turbo lag. The acceleration process is smooth, with the 8-speed automatic transmission exhibiting clear shift logic and fast gear changes. Even during high-speed overtaking, the transmission downshifts promptly when the accelerator is pressed deeply, delivering power directly and making overtaking effortless. There are three driving modes: Eco, Normal, and Sport. In Eco mode, power output is relatively gentle, making it suitable for daily commuting. In Sport mode, the throttle response is more sensitive, the transmission delays shifting, and the power becomes more aggressive, ideal for scenarios requiring rapid acceleration.

In terms of handling, although the Alphard weighs 2235kg, the steering wheel provides high precision with minimal play. It feels light when driving at low speeds and becomes stable at high speeds, offering a balanced handling experience. The suspension system features a MacPherson independent front suspension and a double-wishbone independent rear suspension, tuned for comfort. When passing over bumpy roads, the suspension effectively absorbs most of the vibrations, maintaining the stability of the vehicle's posture. During cornering, body roll is kept within a reasonable range, and it does not give a sense of instability. The braking system performs excellently, with a combination of front ventilated disc brakes and rear ventilated disc brakes, offering short braking distances and linear feedback from the pedal, instilling driving confidence.

In terms of fuel consumption, the official combined fuel consumption is 9L/100km. Actual tests show an approximate consumption of 10.5L/100km during urban driving and about 8L/100km on highways, meeting the typical standards for a 2.4T MPV. As for noise control, the vehicle performs well in suppressing wind and tire noise during high-speed driving. While engine noise may slightly penetrate during rapid acceleration, it does not interfere with conversations among passengers in the cabin.

Regarding safety features, the 2024 Alphard comes standard with six airbags, ABS, vehicle stability control, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and ACC adaptive cruise control, offering comprehensive safety performance. The combination of a 360-degree panoramic camera and front and rear parking sensors makes parking easier, allowing even novice drivers to easily handle this large vehicle.

In conclusion, the core strengths of the 2024 Toyota Alphard lie in its spaciousness, luxurious features, and powerful performance. Compared to other MPVs in its class, its second-row seat comfort is superior, its technology features are more abundant, and its power delivery is stronger. It is well-suited for consumers who prioritize family travel comfort and demand high-end configurations, especially for those who frequently need to transport family members or use the vehicle for business purposes. If you're looking for an MPV that balances luxury and practicality, the 2024 Alphard is worth considering.