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Launched in Malaysia side-by-side in October 2023, the Toyota Alphard and Vellfire MPV duo continue to offer MPV-shaped luxury vehicles at two distinct price points, with RM100k between them. The 2024 Alphard is priced at RM538,000, while the 2024 Vellfire is priced at RM438,000, both prices being on-the-road without insurance.
The latest generation for each MPV model sees the use of Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform in GA-K form, and the Alphard replaces the 3.5 litre NA V6 with a 278 PS/430 Nm 2.4 litre turbocharged petrol V6 with an eight-speed Direct Shift conventional automatic. Meanwhile, the Vellfire carries over the 2AR-FE 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with the Super CVT-i transmission with seven virtual ratios.
As our man Danny Tan explains in the launch reports, the Alphard and Vellfire for the Malaysian market are given a unique powertrain specification compared to Japan, where the Alphard gets a 2.5 litre NA and hybrid powertrains, while the outwardly sportier Vellfire gets the hybrid and the turbo mill. The selection is somewhat flipped for Malaysia, likely due to the Alphard being given higher positioning.
Visual differences between the two MPVs are found in their respective front fascia designs as well as in their headlamp and tail lamp designs, though their frontal styling is arguably more alike now than before. Both get 19-inch two-tone alloy wheels, shod in 225/55R19 tyres.
Externally, the Alphard is the marginally longer of the two models at 5,010 mm long compared to the Vellfire at 5,005 mm long. They are identical in other key exterior dimensions, of 1,850 mm in width, 1,950 mm in height and 3,000 mm in wheelbase length.
These have not grown by much on the outside, though the cabin gets an added 5 mm between the first and second row seats, and 10 mm more between the second and third row seats. Unseen from the outside are structural updates that bring a claimed 50% in body rigidity, with the added use of rubber bushings and memory foam in seats for around 30% less vibration, says Toyota.
Inside, commonalities extend to the dashboard architecture, which brings a 12.3-inch digital instrument display and a 14-inch infotainment touchscreen unit in both models. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto feature in both, as do a 15-speak JBL sound system and wireless device charging. What the Alphard gets over the Vellfire are electrostatic switches and paddle shifters.
Common to both the Alphard and Vellfire are the eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat and four-way power adjustable front passenger seat, and both front seats get heating and ventilation. Standard kit as specified by UMW Toyota include front and rear dashcams.
The second row is the central attraction for both the Alphard and Vellfire, even if they are both seven-seaters. Here, the Alphard in this Executive Lounge specification is distinguished by a pair of VIP chairs which are wider that the units in the Vellfire, which require the use of electronic sliders to make room for access to the third row whereas the Vellfire allows space between the second-row seats.
Those on the Vellfire are nonetheless generously equipped, getting powered adjustment, ottoman, ventilation and heating, a USB charger and a shared flip-up tray between the seats. Those in the Alphard go further with detachable phone-like controls for audio, climate, 64-colour roof lighting, seats, plus a table with vanity mirror and a relax-recline with massage function.
Both the Alphard and Vellfire get a pair of glass roof panels over the second row, with one over each seat. The roof of the the Alphard also gets a 14-inch flip-down screen which the Vellfire doesn’t get, though both models receive sunglass compartments, lights, controls and air-conditioning vents.
For augmenting safety on the move, the Alphard gets the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite that packs Pre-collision System (PCS), Lane Departure Alert (LDA), Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) with Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), Road Sign Assist (RSA) and Adaptive High-beam System (AHS).
These are joined by Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), six airbags, a tyre pressure monitoring system and Isofix child seat mounts. Added by UMWT as standard kit are the aforementioned front and rear dashcams, vehicle telematics system and solar/security window film; the safety kit also applies to the Vellfire.
2024 Toyota Alphard and Vellfire in Malaysia
2024 Toyota Alphard Executive Lounge in Malaysia
2024 Toyota Vellfire in Malaysia
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