Toyota Avanza 2022 Review

The Malaysia B-segment MPV market has always been a hotly contested area among family users, requiring both economic efficiency for daily commuting and adequate space for multi-person travel. The 2022 Toyota Avanza Upcoming Version, as a popular candidate in this segment, returns this time with a more youthful design and upgraded features. Many consumers are curious whether it can continue its previous high cost-performance advantage. The primary goal of our test drive this time is to verify whether it has made substantial improvements in static experience, dynamic performance, and daily practicality, providing potential buyers with a clear reference.

From the exterior, the overall style of the new car is sharper than the old model. The front features a large trapezoidal grille, filled with black honeycomb trim strips. The LED headlight clusters on either side are connected to the grille by a chrome trim strip, enhancing the visual width and significantly increasing its recognition compared to the old model. The side profile of the vehicle features smooth lines, with a waistline extending from the front fender to the rear that adds a sense of layering. The design of the 16-inch alloy wheels also appears more refined than the previous model. At the rear, the horizontally arranged LED taillight clusters echo the front fascia, while a silver skid plate is added to the lower part of the rear bumper, making the rear look more solid. Overall, the exterior design has shed the rounded feel of the old model, aligning more with the aesthetics of today's youth.

Stepping inside, the changes to the interior are equally notable. The dashboard features a floating 10-inch touchscreen with a simple interface layout, supporting both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, with smooth operation. Below the central screen, some physical buttons are retained for easier blind operation while driving. The seats are wrapped in leather material, with the front seats offering manual adjustments. The cushions and backrests are relatively soft, providing decent seating comfort. As for materials, the upper section of the dashboard and the inner sides of the door panels are covered with soft-touch materials, which feel significantly improved compared to the old model, though there is still room for improvement in the texture of certain plastic components.

Space performance has always been a traditional advantage of the Avanza, and this time the new car features a wheelbase of 2750mm, which is 50mm longer than the previous model. The front-row seating space is ample; after a passenger with a height of 175cm adjusts the seat, there is still one fist of headroom left. The rear seating space is even more noteworthy; a passenger of the same height can enjoy two-fists worth of legroom and one fist of headroom when seated, and it does not feel cramped even with three adults sitting in the back. The rear is equipped with independent air conditioning vents and USB charging ports for added practicality. The trunk offers a standard capacity of 380L, which can be expanded to 830L by folding down the second-row seats, making it sufficient for family shopping or short trips.

In terms of power, the new car is equipped with a 1.5L naturally aspirated engine, delivering a maximum power of 77kW (105PS) and a peak torque of 138N·m, paired with a CVT gearbox. From the actual driving experience, the power response during initial acceleration is smooth, suitable for urban commutes. During low to medium-speed acceleration, the power output is linear, and the CVT transmission provides good smoothness with virtually no sense of jerking. When the accelerator is pressed hard, the engine noise becomes more pronounced, but the power improvement is limited, requiring sufficient distance for overtaking at high speeds. The driving modes include economic and sport options; in sport mode, throttle response is slightly more sensitive, but overall, the power performance remains focused on comfort.

In terms of handling, the steering wheel is light, with relatively precise directionality, making it suitable for female drivers or congested urban traffic conditions. The chassis adopts a front MacPherson independent suspension and rear torsion beam non-independent suspension, tuned for comfort. When passing speed bumps or bumpy roads, the suspension filters out most minor vibrations, but when encountering larger potholes, rear-seat passengers will feel noticeable bumps. When driving on curves, the body roll control is average, and the suspension lacks support. Confidence during fast cornering is not very strong.

Fuel efficiency is a major concern for family users. We drove 50km each in congested urban traffic and highway conditions, resulting in a combined fuel consumption of 6.8L/100km. This performance is considered average among models in the same class. Regarding noise control, the cabin is relatively quiet at low speeds, but at high speeds, wind and tire noise become obvious inside, affecting the riding experience.

Overall, the core advantages of the 2022 Toyota Avanza Upcoming Version are its spaciousness, practical features, and affordable pricing. Compared to its peer, the Honda BR-V, it has a longer wheelbase and more spacious rear seating; compared to the Perodua Alza, it has superior brand influence and interior quality. However, its shortcomings lie in its mediocre performance and average noise control.

This car is suitable for family users who prioritize practical space, especially those who frequently travel with multiple passengers. Its cost-effectiveness stands out in the B-segment MPV market, offering configurations that meet daily usage needs and spaciousness that is among the best in its class. If you are after performance or luxury, this may not be the best choice, but if your core needs are spaciousness and practicality, then the Avanza Upcoming Version is worth considering.

In summary, the 2022 Toyota Avanza Upcoming Version is a pragmatic family MPV. Its upgrades in space and features make it more competitive. While there is room for improvement in terms of performance and quality, given its positioning and price, it remains a popular choice in this segment of the market.