2022 Toyota Avanza G Review | Philkotse Philippines

Updated Nov 22, 2022

Editor's: 3.9/5
Up for the challenge.
2022 Toyota Avanza G Review | Philkotse Philippines

In this review...

  1. Introduction
  2. Exterior
  3. Interior
  4. Tech & Safety
  5. Engine & Performance
  6. Fuel Efficiency
  7. Verdict
  8. Variants & Price
  9. Color Options
  10. Specs

2022 Toyota Avanza G Review: Introduction

The seven-seater MPV segment in the Philippines is once again gaining traction as car brands are launching their new challengers. Toyota Motor Philippines drew first blood when it launched the all-new Avanza last March, and then Mitsubishi Philippines responded by introducing the refreshed Xpander.

Other car brands in the local market are preparing to join the so-called MPV wars. The Nissan Livina is confirmed to make its Philippine debut on September 6. Hyundai Motor Philippines, on the other hand, is not wasting its time as it has already announced that the Stargazer MPV is coming into the country this year.

The series of MPV launches is an indication that the said segment is a tightly contested one. The reason for that is a no-brainer since Filipinos love to travel in groups, and having a vehicle that can seat seven is a huge factor. That said, what can the top-spec all-new Toyota Avanza G offer? Can it maintain its supremacy over its segment rivals in the Philippines? Find out in Philkotse’s 2022 Toyota Avanza full review.

3.9/5

Toyota Avanza 2022 Review

How we do our reviews
  • aesthetics
    4.0/5

    Overall exterior & Interior design, build quality, form vs function

  • Safety & Technology
    3.5/5

    Number of safety & tech features, consistency during usage

  • Performance
    3.5/5

    Power delivery, acceleration, transmission, suspension, handling

  • Comfort & Practicality
    4.5/5

    Overall Ride Comfort, Space, Storage Areas

  • Value for Money
    4.0/5

    Sticker price vs overall package

2022 Toyota Avanza Exterior Review: Out of the puberty stage

The all-new Avanza’s exterior is better than ever, and it is poised to better challenge the modern-looking design of the Xpander as well as the other upcoming MPV rivals. It is fitted with split-type LED headlights integrated with LED daytime running lights, a large grille, halogen fog lights, and an angular bumper.

2022 Toyota Avanza front shto2022 Toyota Avanza

The Avanza’s front end now has a more assertive, and more appealing design as compared to the old model. It also somehow reminds me of how the Toyota Raize looks like when viewed up front but I find the Avanza’s fascia to be more imposing. Thanks to its massive grille, Toyota’s all-new MPV has a bold and confident demeanor. The headlight design complements the grille, creating an illusion that the 2023 Toyota Avanza has a determined gaze.

2022 Toyota Avanza side shotIt has crisp character lines on its side profile

Crisp character lines dominate its side profile. A straight character line runs through from the front fender all the way to the back, which I find nice as it gives the vehicle a simple yet distinctive appeal. I also like the design execution on the lines above the wheel arches since it gives the MPV added muscle. The all-new Toyota Avanza comes with 16-inch alloy wheels as well as power-folding side mirrors.

2022 Toyota Avanza rear shotThe all-new Avanza has a more streamlined look

The rear now has a more streamlined look while the angular design detail continues to be seen. The all-new Avanza’s rear is not as loud as before design-wise, which is something I appreciate. If you can recall, the model it replaces has an over-the-top rear due to the taillight layout. That is not the case anymore with the all-new model as it now has a cleaner LED taillight cluster design. The new exterior design shows that the Avanza has already moved out of its puberty stage as it now gives a more streamlined yet assertive look.

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2022 Toyota Avanza Interior Review: Stepping up its game

The Avanza’s cabin has been heavily revamped, resulting in a more modern-looking interior. The overall dashboard layout now has more texture, which is lightyears away compared to the bare design of the old Avanza. Despite that, one can still notice the abundant use of hard plastic materials, which is already expected to keep the price tag as competitive as possible.

2022 Toyota Avanza interior dashboardBetter dashboard layout as compared to the old model

One of the things that stood out for me is the Avanza’s new steering wheel design. It now looks more stylish, and has more flair to it especially when comparing it to the old design. Its size is now sleeker, giving a more premium-like finish. Of note, the top-spec Toyota Avanza G comes with a tilt & telescopic adjustment.

The aircon vents on the front interior are another design detail that I appreciate in the all-new Avanza. The vents are now seamlessly integrated into the dashboard, which adds to the cabin’s modern look. The dashboard also comes with cupholders as well as a textured storage compartment placed on top of the glove box.

The all-new Avanza also has a restyled gear lever, ditching the zigzag pattern for an up-and-down or straight layout. To add, Toyota’s MPV has fabric seats with black and brown two-tone accents.

2022 Toyota Avanza second row seatsSecond row passengers get decent legroom

Second-row seats offer enough leg- and head-room for up to three average Filipino passengers. It comes with a slide function that can give extra legroom for passengers seated in the third row. While space is not a problem, one might get a bit confused as to how the Avanza’s rear aircon works. The reason for this is that the vents for rear passengers come with a different and not the usual design.

Instead of the traditional and familiar vent design, Toyota gave it a design twist by integrating flaps that adjust how the air flows from the vent. It looks new and out of the usual but adjusting it to reach the third-row passengers is a bit challenging.

2022 Toyota Avanza third rowThe Avanza can accommodate up to seven individuals

Speaking of which, the third-row seats can accommodate two passengers. It has decent leg- and head-room but the third row is not the best place for tall individuals. Meanwhile, the all-new Toyota Avanza has a versatile seating configuration.

The front seats of the Avanza can be folded back to link with the second-row seats. Also, the second-row seats can be folded to the front to provide a long sofa-like space for the third-row seats.

The said seat configuration is what Toyota calls a long-sofa mode. You can turn the Avanza’s cabin into a mobile room where you can relax or chill. It can also serve as a mobile playground for the kids. Whichever suits you.

2022 Toyota Avanza: Tech & Safety Review

The top-spec 2022 Toyota Avanza G is equipped with tech and safety features you can expect from modern cars. It might be lacking some features when compared straight up with the current Mitsubishi Xpander. But, the Avanza is not lagging behind.

2022 Toyota Avanza infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlayIt comes with Apple CarPlay

Placed right at the center of the dashboard is a floating type 8-inch infotainment touchscreen that has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It looks better than the one fitted on the old model but, I find the Avanza’s new infotainment system a bit too thick, and plasticky.

Another issue I have is that the USB port for the Apple CarPlay is integrated into the infotainment touchscreen itself. While it does the job and serves its purpose, the charger cable dangles from the touchscreen, creating clutter in the cabin.

2022 Toyota Avanza rear cameraThe Avanza's rear camera display

Good thing though, the Avanza’s infotainment transforms into a rear camera that can help you reverse safer and easier. However, I do wish that it already comes with dynamic guidelines to further assist the driver when reversing.

The all-new Avanza G also has an engine push start, speed-sensing door locks, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. It also has six airbags, stability control, hill start assist, rear sensors, among others.

2022 Toyota Avanza: Engine & Performance

The Toyota Avanza still uses the same 1.5-liter gasoline engine from the outgoing model that delivers 105 hp and 138 Nm of torque. But, the all-new Avanza now has a continuously variable transmission (CVT) instead of a four-speed automatic.

2022 Toyota Avanza enginePowered by a 1.5-liter gasoline engine

The new Avanza now also comes with monocoque or unibody construction as compared to the old ladder-frame design. Aside from that, Toyota’s MPV now features a front-wheel-drive setup.

I can say that the mechanical changes integrated into the all-new Avanza is a good move. The CVT offers a more pleasant drive as compared to the old four-speed automatic. It relatively shifts smoothly but it is a bit hesitant in delivering power, especially when the road suddenly goes uphill.

Good thing though the Avanza’s gear ratio adjusts quickly enough for you to gain confidence when driving through uphill roads. It’s also wise to plan your overtakes well for good measure. In case you want more control over the gears, the Avanza has a manual mode.

2022 Toyota Avanza steering wheel

The steering wheel now looks sleeker

The steering wheel is also light, giving you a relaxed drive especially when you’re tackling urban streets. But, I notice that the Avanza’s steering wheel tends to be heavy when the vehicle is stationary or when you’re parking. Another thing I noticed is that the Avanza tends to have shift shocks at low speeds.

2022 Toyota Avanza cargo areaIt has enough cargo space even with the third-row seats up

When it comes to ride comfort, the all-new Avanza is way better than its predecessor due to its unibody platform. The driver’s seat also has a good cushion as well as a decent side bolster, keeping you in place when you drive through wide turns.

2022 Toyota Avanza: Fuel Efficiency

The all-new Toyota Avanza G returned 9.7 km/l when I drove it around the city at an average speed of 20 km/h. On the open highway, it registered 19.4 km/l while driving at an average speed of 90 km/h.

The Avanza showed better fuel economy numbers when compared to one of its segment rivals, the Mitsubishi Xpander. During our drive onboard the Xpander, Mitsubishi’s MPV posted 8.3 km/l in the city while 17.5 km/l on the highway.

2022 Toyota Avanza: Verdict

The Toyota Avanza has enough arsenal to go head-to-head with its current and upcoming MPV segment rivals. Equipped with revamped styling, more pleasant driving characteristics, and a notable fuel economy, the Avanza is ready to pick a fight with the Mitsubishi Xpander as well as the upcoming Hyundai Stargazer, and Nissan Livina. Another thing notable about Toyota’s all-new MPV is that it retails at Php 1,059,000, a price tag that seems tough to beat.

2022 Toyota Avanza: Variants & Price

Toyota Avanza Variants & Price in the Philippines

Toyota Avanza G CVT

Php 1,059,000

Toyota Avanza E CVT

Php 1,004,000

Toyota Avanza E MT

Php 948,000

Toyota Avanza J MT

Php 833,000

2022 Toyota Avanza: Color Options

Toyota Avanza Color Options

Greenish Gun Metal Mica Metallic, Silver Metallic 4, Black Metalic 1, Dark Red Mica Metalic

2022 Toyota Avanza: Specs

Overall

Make

Toyota

Name

Avanza G

Body Type

MPV

Dimensions & Weight

Lenght

4,395 mm

Width

1,730 mm

Height

1,700 mm

Wheelbase

2,750 mm

Ground Clearance

190 mm

Seating Capacity

7

Engine & Transmission

Type

1.5-liter Dual VVT-i

Fuel Type

Gasoline

Displacement

1,496 cc

Transmission

CVT

Horsepower

105 hp

Torque

138 Nm

Exterior

LED headlights

LED daytime running lights

Halogen fog lamps

Power folding, adjust side mirrors

LED taillights

Rear spoiler

Manual tailgate

16-inch alloy wheels

Interior

Two-tone Fabric Seats

Tilt and telescopic adjust for the steering wheel

Long Sofa Mode

Lever type Parking Brake

8-inch touchscreen infotainment (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto)

Urethane Steering Wheel

Engine Push Start

60:40 Folding Second Rear Seats

50:50 Folding Third Rear Seats

Wireless mobile phone charging

4 speakers + 2 tweeters

Safety & Tech

Six airbags

Isofix

ABS with Traction Control

Stability Control

Hill-start Assist Control

Rear Sensors

Rear Camera

Speed Sensing Door Locks

Blind Spot Monitor

Rear Cross Traffic Alert

Suspension

Front

McPherson Strut

Rear

Torsion Beam

Brake

Front

Ventilated Disc

Rear

Drum

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