2023 Toyota Alphard & Vellfire Debut – TNGA-based, New Turbo Powertrain

2023 Toyota Alphard (left) & Vellfire (right)

After several rumours and reports, the all-new 2023 Toyota Alphard and Vellfire have finally made their global debut today in Japan. While the Alphard is entering its fourth-gen iteration this year, this is only the third variation of the Vellfire, with the first one being shared with the second-gen Alphard.

Both models now underpin the GA-K version of Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA), which has been installed with straight rockers and V-shaped brace in the rear-lower part, resulting in over 50% improved rigidity compared to their previous iterations. Aside from that, both models also come with double-wishbone setup for their rear axles, while the front ones get MacPherson setup instead.

The baseline Alphard Z variant is the sole model to get the nat-asp 2.5-litre mill

Starting off with the Alphard, the fourth-gen model is offered in three variants with two powertrain options. The baseline Z spec is powered by a 2.5-litre 4-cyl 2AR-FE petrol mill that is mated to a CVT-i gearbox to deliver 180 HP and 235 NM to either the front wheels (FWD) or all its four wheels (AWD), depending on the variants.

As for the hybrids, both the Alphard Z Hybrid and Executive Lounge variants get a series-parallel hybrid (HEV) setup consisting of a 2.5-litre 4-cyl Dynamic Force engine rated at 188 HP and 236 NM, where the electrification comes in the form of a single electric motor rated at 180 HP and 270 NM. Mated to an electronic CVT (e-CVT) gearbox, this setup delivers a total system output of 247 HP. 

And just like the N/A version, the Alphard hybrids also offered with either a FWD or AWD setup, with the latter being Toyota’s proprietary E-Four hybrid all-wheel drive system that adds an extra motor rated at 54 HP and 121 NM at the rear axle. Said hybrid motors are juiced by a small 5-Ah nickel metal hydride (NiMH) battery.

The new Vellfire's turbocharged engine is the peppiest powertrain setup available

As for the Vellfire, both the Z Premier and Executive Lounge variants also get the same HEV powertrain as the Alphard. But more importantly, the new Vellfire is now offered with an extra turbocharged powertrain – first-time ever offered throughout the model’s history. This forced-induced setup is the same found on the new Lexus LM, comprises of a 2.4-litre 4-cyl T24A-FTS engine that pairs up with an 8-speed Direct Shift automatic transmission to produce 275 HP and 430 NM. And just like the Alphard, the turbocharged Vellfire also comes with either the FWD or AWD setups.

Visually, both the Alphard and Vellfire still rock the same boxy MPV silhouette, albeit with a whole-new front and rear look. For the Alphard, the front fascia now gets a new front grille design featuring chrome-finished plated inserts, flanked by new LED headlights with slimmer design and distinctive dashed-line DRL signature.

The Vellfire, on the other hand, gets a fancier grille design with multiple thick horizontal bars finished in chrome, flanked by the similar-looking LED headlights as the Alphard, each with DRL light bar instead of dashed-line one. Also present at the front is a pair of faux air vents on the lower part of the bumper, with a chromed-up front lip placed below them.

Both MPVs' side profiles look somewhat identical, featuring the traditional boxy MPV silhouette

From the side, both models look pretty much the same, with the exception of the wheels option both models are offered with. Naturally, the Vellfire gets the larger and sportier options, featuring multi-spoke design and finished in two-tone black and chrome. More importantly, all wheels are now shodded in low-noise tyres to improve the cabin’s NVH rating.

At the rear, the Alphard sports stunning LED taillights design, featuring the same dashed-line signature as the front lights. The two taillight units are connected to each other with a width-span slim chrome bar that sits just above the Toyota tailgate emblem, with the Alphard lettering placed below it. 

Meanwhile, the Vellfire swaps the chrome bar with a full-length LED light bar instead. While the Alphard’s lower rear bumper is kept clean and simple, the Vellfire one is donned with stylish chromed-up lower bumper garnish to match its chrome front lip.

On board, the next-gen Alphard and Vellfire get much-improved and slightly roomier cabin space. The front dash layout is now simpler, with many of the essential controls like the A/C control now being integrated into the central infotainment display. This, in turn, grants some extra space to house the new gear lever design, plus other driver-related controls like the electronic parking brake (EPB), and both drive and traction control selectors. Drivers also get a fully-digital driver’s display, as well as brand-new steering wheel design.

Passengers now get their own ‘Super-Long Overhead Console’ that runs across the second row’s headliner, featuring ambient lighting, climate control, as well as dedicated air vents for the rear passengers. With the new central overhead console getting in the way of the sunroof, they can now be independently-operated, where customers can pick to open up either the left or right side, or both at the same time. Furthermore, the side windows also get pull-down shades – first-time offered in the two models.

The retractable side-steps are thoughtful additions, indeed!

Getting in-and-out of the new Alphard and Vellfire are now made easier, thanks to the Universal Steps that emerge on both sides of the sliding doors when they are opened.

As mentioned above, the Alphard comes with either the Z or the range-topping Executive Lounge trim levels, while the Vellfire is offered in Z Premium and Executive Lounge variants. All variants of both models now come with a 2-2-2 six-seater layout, meaning that the second row gets two Captain-style seats with powered ottomans.

Opting for the range-topping Executive Lounge variants will grant the second row passengers with a retractable table, as well as heating and ventilation functions on the seats. On top of that, both seats also come with a detachable control panel with remote functions to adjust the car’s media playback, air conditioning system, as well as the sunshades.

The all-new 2023 Toyota Alphard and Vellfire is now available for booking in the Japanese market, with the former starting at JPY 5.4 million (RM176,694) for the baseline, non-hybrid Z variant, and the latter priced at JPY 6.55 million (RM214,323) for the turbocharged Z Premium variant.

Additionally, the Alphard is also available in the special Welcab assisted mobility vehicle version, which commands a price tag from JPY 4.72 million (RM139,719).

So folks, what do you think of the new Toyota Alphard and Vellfire? Keen to replace your old ones with these? With the new Alphard and Vellfire just making its Japanese debut today, it will take about at least a couple of years before we see any of the recond units being brought into our local market, as UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) is not officially selling them here in Malaysia. While waiting for that, you might as well take the new 7-seater model to be launched soon by UMWT instead…