Which 2022 Toyota Avanza variant should you buy? [Comparison Guide]

The all-new 2022 Toyota Avanza is finally here in the Philippines. And understandably, many folks are looking to buy this spacious seven-seater compact MPV, mostly as a family chariot. 

2022 Toyota Avanza: Better Than Ever (w/ Driving Impressions) - Philkotse Quick Look

The 2022 Avanza has four different variants. These are the entry-level Avanza J MT, the mid-spec Avanza E MT, and E CVT, and the top-spec Avanza G CVT. So, which one’s the right one for you? How do they differ from each other? Let’s help you answer those questions. 

Toyota Avanza Variants: Exterior 

When it comes to size, all four variants of the all-new Avanza have a length of 4,395mm and a width of 1,730mm. The top-spec G is the tallest with a height of 1,700mm, followed by the E CVT and E MT at 1,690mm. The least tall, meanwhile, is the Avanza J at 1,665mm. 

The 2022 Toyota Avanza G 1.5 CVT

The Avanza G also has the most ground clearance at 190mm. The rest of the variant in turn has a ground clearance of 180mm. 

For exterior equipment, all four trims are kitted out with split-type LED headlamps, LED clearance lamps, LED rear combination lamps, a rear spoiler, a rear windshield wiper, and a rear window defogger. 

The entry-level J though comes with a pole-type antenna and a manual side mirror. It also lacks front fog lamps.  

The 2022 Toyota Avanza J 1.3 MT

Compare that to the G CVT, E CVT, and E MT, which are all equipped with front fog lamps, auto-adjust and auto-folding side mirrors with integrated turn signals and a fin-type antenna. 

For wheels, the J uses a set of 15-inch steelies. The mid-spec E trims in turn come with 15-inch alloy wheels. Lastly, the top-spec Avanza G gets a set of 16-inch alloy wheels. 

Toyota Avanza Variants: Interior 

Inside, all the trims of the 2022 Avanza can comfortably seat up to seven occupants. All also come standard with two-tone fabric seats, manually adjustable front seats, a 60:40 split-folding second row, and a 50:50 split-folding third row. 

All the 2022 Avanza trims also have what Toyota calls the “Sofa mode”. In this configuration, the second-row seats, and even the front seats can be folded flat. This results in a relaxing “sofa” where one can relax, or even sleep on. 

All 2022 Avanza trims come with the identical seating arrangements

All trims also get an Optitron tachometer and speedometer. Then again, only the top-spec Avanza G gets a 4.2-inch TFT multi-information display, while the rest come with a segment LCD display.  

Other features that are only found on the top-spec G include steering wheel-mounted audio and multi-information display (MID) controls, and a tilt and telescopic steering column.  

The Avanza E trims do have audio controls on the steering wheel though it lacks MID controls. The entry-level J in turn does not have a sun visor mirror, back pockets for the driver and front passenger seat, and a trunk lamp. All of these are available on both the G and the E trims. 

The 2022 Avanza's cockpit. (G variant pictured)

For on-board entertainment, both the Avanza G and E variants are provided with an eight-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and USB connectivity. Meanwhile, the Avanza J gets a smaller 6.75-inch display audio system with Bluetooth, AUX-in, and USB connectivity. 

All trims though come standard with four speakers, four USB charging ports, and two 12-volt charging ports. 

Toyota Avanza Variants: Engine & Performance 

There are two engine options for the 2022 Toyota Avanza. Exclusive to the top-spec G variant is a 1.5-liter inline-4 gasoline engine capable of making up to 105 horsepower and 138 Nm of torque. It then uses a continuously variable transmission (CVT). 

The E and the J trims meanwhile utilize a 1.3-liter inline-4 gasoline engine capable of producing 97 horsepower and 122 Nm of torque. 

Only the top-spec G comes with a 1.5-liter engine

For the E, both a CVT and a five-speed manual gearbox are available. Meanwhile, the J is only available with a five-speed manual gearbox.  

Of note, the new Avanza for the model year 2022 is a front-wheel-drive vehicle. It also uses a monocoque frame, as well as a MacPherson strut suspension for the front, and a torsion beam suspension for the rear. 

Braking is then handled by front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, and a hand-operated manual parking brake. 

Toyota Avanza Variants: Safety 

Safety-wise, all 2022 Toyota Avanza variants are equipped with anti-lock braking with electronic brake-force distribution, stability control, hill-start assist, ISOFIX child seat anchors, seat belt reminders, and child-proof locks.  

All also have dual-front airbags, though the Avanza G reinforces those with side airbags, as well as a curtain shield airbag. In other words, only the top-spec G has six airbags, whereas the rest only have two. 

Furthermore, the Avanza J does not come with the high-mount stop lamp, engine immobilizer, car alarm, rear parking camera, and rear parking sensor that are available in the Avanza G and E trims. 

Toyota Avanza Variants: Price 

>>> See more list of Toyota Avanza 2021 for sale

Toyota Avanza Variants: Conclusion 

While the new Avanza differs considerably from the previous model, you still get what you pay for. The J is affordable and simple, while the G has the most features. The E meanwhile sits somewhere in between the two. 

If you do not want to compromise on power, the only Avanza variant for you is the G. It also has the most safety features.  

The E trims, while not as powerful as the G, still have the eight-inch headunit. They might not have the same level of safety features as the G, but for some, being able to drive stick makes this trim a viable option. 

It can also function as a roomy road trip vehicle

Then there’s the J. This only comes with a manual gearbox, and it has fewer features than the E. You might want to go for this if what you’re going for is a no-nonsense daily driver.  

For those who are seriously considering the Avanza though, you might want to give each trim a good test drive. 

For more variant guides and other car buying guides, keep it here on Philkotse.