2023 Toyota Alphard and Vellfire debut – roomier, more luxurious interior; TNGA; 2.5L NA, 2.4T, 2.5L hybrid

Toyota has finally revealed the all-new Alphard and Vellfire, with both MPVs available for purchase in Japan beginning today. Prices for the Alphard range from 5.4 million to 8.72 million yen (RM177,170 to RM286,096), while the Vellfire is between 6.55 million (RM214,900) and 8.92 million yen (RM292,658). The Japanese carmaker also offers the former as a Welcab assisted mobility vehicle, which goes for between 4.72 million and 5.648 million yen (RM154,865 and RM185,313).

Now built on the GA-K version of the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA), the Alphard and Vellfire feature straight rockers and a V-shaped brace in the rear-lower part of the vehicle for a 50% improvement in rigidity compared to their predecessors. Toyota also optimised the use of structural adhesives to limit deformation of the body and achieve “outstanding manoeuvrability and stability.

Both models use MacPherson struts at the front and an updated double wishbone rear suspension, with specific variants sporting dampers that mechanically adjust damping force based on the frequency of vibrations transmitted from the road surface. Along with the other measures like the use of rubber bushings in the attachment portions of the cushion frames and memory foam in the seats, the duo sees an approximately 30% reduction in vibrations.

In terms of dimensions, both MPVs are longer than before at 4,995 mm but maintain the same width (1,850 mm) and wheelbase (3,000 mm). The vehicles’ height sees little change, varying between 1,935 mm and 1,945 mm depending on the chosen model and variant.

Toyota says these figures are necessary to ensure the MPVs conform with the size constraints of standard automated parking systems in Japan (5,000 mm length and 1,850 mm width limit). Even so, the development team succeeded in increasing the space between front and second-row seats, and between second- and third-row seats by 5 mm and 10 mm respectively.

To get a little nerdy, the Japanese carmaker says it achieved this by implementing modifications to both the driving position and to the construction of the second-row seats, making both the side quarter trim on the third row of seats and the backdoor trim thinner, and trying multiple sizes at intervals of 0.1 mm.

As for styling, the Alphard and Vellfire continue to be boxy vehicles as before. Designed following the concept of ‘Forceful x Impact Luxury’, Toyota says it “sought to establish a sense of solidity for the vehicles, akin to a fighting bull in full charge.

It’s always known the Alphard has a different look compared to the Vellfire, and you can identify the former by its large grille with “plated” inserts and chrome accents. The Alphard’s headlamps also appear slightly slimmer, accompanied by a distinctive LED daytime running light signature consisting of dashed lines that integrate neatly into the grille.

Meanwhile, the Vellfire has a sportier appearance headlined by thick horizontal bars on its grille and large faux corner intakes. The DRLs below the headlamps are more conventional as they are just a light bar.

At the rear, the taillight clusters on the Alphard feature the same dashed lines as the headlamps, with a downturned chrome strip linking them. The Vellfire’s taillights have U-shaped elements and a straight trim bar across the tailgate instead. The side profiles of both MPVs are identical, with a prominent beltline that forms a ‘Z’ between the doors before progressing to the rear.

The shape of the MPVs poses challenges when it comes to reducing wind noise, but Toyota says it has implemented several measures to aid in this. These include optimising the shapes of the sections of the engine hood, door mirrors, and A pillars that are exposed to the wind. Additionally, low-noise tyres and the addition of sound-absorbing materials in the cowls combat road noise.

“By suppressing the amount of noise generated, and by establishing a balanced soundwave frequency, the interior promises a pleasing quietness, akin to being in the middle of a forest,” it claims. On that mention, the shared interior of the Alphard and Vellfire has been significantly improved for the new generation.

The dashboard is now cleaner and carries a lot less buttons than before, with many vehicle functions, including climate control, now integrated into a touchscreen that sits just above the central air vents. Other changes include a more modern gear lever that occupies the centre console along with controls for the electronic parking brake (with auto brake hold), drive modes and traction control, while the driver gets a digital instrument cluster and new steering wheel design.

Of course, the main draw of these models is to ensure rear passengers are well taken care of, and as a start, the Alphard and Vellfire are the first Toyota vehicles to feature Universal Steps on both the right and left sliding doors.

As the doors open, a step emerges approximately 220 mm above ground, lowering the height of the first step for customers entering or exiting the vehicle. Long assist grips are also positioned on the C pillars and on both sides of the ceiling to ensure comfortable entry and exit.

Once inside, passengers can enjoy the Super-Long Overhead Console that brings the interior ambient lighting elements, assorted switches and air-conditioning vents to the centre of the ceiling rather than both sides of the ceiling in the past.

That’s not all, as the sunroof uses independently operable right- and left-side shades so that some occupants can choose to see the sky while others choose to block out the sunlight. As for the side windows, they feature pull-down sunshades (a first for the duo according to Toyota).

The Alphard comes in two variants, namely the Z and Executive Lounge, while the Vellfire is offered in Z Premier and Executive Lounge options. All variants shown are six-seaters with a 2-2-2 layout, where the second row has two captain chairs with powered ottomans.

The Executive Lounge is what most bosses, VIPs, CEOs and taukes will want because the captain chairs in this variant also comes with a retractable table as well as heating and ventilation functions. If that isn’t enough, the seats also come with a detachable control panel that allows passengers to adjust media playback, climate settings and sunshades.

Powertrains available for the Alphard include a 2AR-FE 2.5 litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine rated at 182 PS (180 hp) at 6,000 rpm and 235 Nm of torque at 4,100 rpm. The mill is paired with a Super CVT-i transmission and a choice of front- and all-wheel drive.

The second option for the Alphard is a series-parallel hybrid (HEV) with a Dynamic Force engine, specifically the A25A-FXS 2.5 litre NA four-cylinder with 190 PS (188 hp or 140 kW) at 6,000 rpm and 236 Nm from 4,300 to 4,500 rpm.

The engine is augmented by a 5NM electric motor with 182 PS (180 hp) and 270 Nm for a total system output of 250 PS (247 hp or 184 kW). An electronic CVT (E-CVT) is used for the hybrid system, which can be with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The latter is known as the E-Four layout and adds a 4NM electric motor at the rear, rated at 54 PS (54 hp or 40 kW) and 121 Nm – the hybrid’s electric motor(s) are linked to a 5 Ah nickel metal hydride (NiMH) battery.

As for the Vellfire, it too is offered with the same hybrid powertrain as the Alphard, but its alternative is one with turbocharged power. The T24A-FTS is also used by the fancier Lexus LM 500h and is a 2.4 litre four-cylinder unit with outputs of 279 PS (275 hp or 205 kW) and 430 Nm. All-wheel drive system is also offered with this engine if you can’t stand front-wheel drive, but the transmission is Toyota’s eight-speed Direct Shift-8AT.

The Lexus LM has a range-topping 500h self-charging hybrid variant with the T24A-FTS and six-speed Direct Shift-6AT, which is joined by a rear electric motor (eAxle) for Direct4 all-wheel drive, but this setup doesn’t seem to be offered for the Alphard and Vellfire at the time of launch. As such, the Vellfire with the turbo engine uses a mechanical all-wheel drive system. Toyota says the range will expand to include plug-in hybrid powertrains (PHEVs) in the future.

The Vellfire has always been referred to as the “sportier Alphard,” and this is reinforced not just by the availability of a turbocharged engine, but also by the Front Performance Brace exclusive to the model. This connects the radiator support and side members, providing added body rigidity and delivering outstanding responsiveness even when accelerating from a standing start.

On the driver assistance front, the Toyota Safety Sense suite includes things like autonomous emergency braking and some features highlighted by the carmaker. These are Proactive Driving Assist that predicts driver inputs and adjusts the steering counterforce to provide support for smoother driving (Intra-Lane Steering Assist) as well as providing assistance for early vehicle deceleration, enabling the driver to turn left or right with greater ease (Deceleration Assist when Turning at Intersections).

Another helpful system comes with Toyota Teammate that includes Advanced Park, which allows owners to remotely park the vehicle or exit parking space from the outside through a smartphone app (useful when dealing with tight parking bays). Meanwhile, Advanced Drive provides support during traffic congestion, reducing driver fatigue (it’s adaptive cruise control with low-speed support).

In Japan, Toyota expects sales of the Alphard and Vellfire to number 8,500 units per month, of which the Alphard accounts for approximately 70% and the Vellfire for approximately 30%.

The previous generations of both MPVs were sold in Malaysia by UMW Toyota Motor, so there is a possibility we might get the new ones through an official channel as well. What do you think of the latest Alphard and Vellfire?

GALLERY: 2023 Toyota Alphard and Vellfire design sketches

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Learn more: Toyota Alphard and Vellfire 2023 AH40