Toyota Rush 2018 Philippines: Full review & Comparison with the Xpander

In defiance of an extremely firm position in auto world, Toyota still wants to renew its ranks of cars in global market. The clearest and most recent evidence is what the Japanese marque has done with its noted Toyota Rush. Now, we see a completely different Toyota Rush after a plethora of updates on both exterior and interior.

Yes, the second-generation Toyota Rush is far sportier, more luxurious and certainly, more powerful than its predecessor.

The second-generation Toyota Rush is far sportier, more luxurious and more powerful

In May 2018, the much-awaited Toyota Rush 2018 Philippines finally made its first appearance to the local car enthusiast community. According to Toyota Philippines, the new Rush is a 'perfect match' of practicality and roominess of an MPV and the ruggedness and functionality of a high-end SUV.

With the price range announced from P948,000 to P1,070,000, what this 7-seater has to offer? What to expect from this Xpander's rival? Look into our Toyota Rush 2018 review by Philkotse.com team to get the answers.

For starters, the Toyota Rush 2018 exterior is seemingly inspired by its big brother Toyota Fortuner. On the whole, it’s more sporty and appealing than the first-generation model. In truth, Toyota has made a revolutionary alteration on the outside, from the overall size to styling tweaks.

Point by point, the Rush is stretched out by 230 mm, so it now measures 4,435 mm x 1,695 mm x 1,705 mm (W x L x H). Besides, the wheelbase is also extended to 2,685 mm while the front-rear spacing is worth 1,450 mm. With the aim of remaining characteristics of a real SUV, the lowest ground clearance is as high as 220 mm.

All in all, these figures make the new Toyota Rush ready to hit the roads comfortably and safely as well as boosting more space for the inside.

The front fascia currently comes decked with a dark chrome four-slat front grille

Second-generation Toyota Rush vs. First-generation Toyota Rush

Going into each facet, the front fascia currently comes decked with a dark chrome four-slat front grille flanked by revised LED headlights with integrated LED daytime running lights and new round fog lamps.

Moving rearwards, you will not find a spare tire which used to be previously attached to the back door anymore. Instead, it’s hidden under the car body or under the trunk. Plus, if you have got used to opening the back door to the side with the last Rush, now your habit should be changed as it is opened to the top.

Other refinements at the back include LED quarter-flanking taillights, a tailgate-mounted spoiler, a shark-fin antenna, and a rear spoiler. The outer side is beautified with directional-style 16-inch alloy wheels and roof rails.

For the top-of-the-line TRD Sportivo variant, it will be more spoiled with a Tough Front TRD Underguard at the front end, Side Molding Striking on the side and Sturdy Rear TRD Underguard at the rear.

>>> Read more: 7 reasons why the Toyota Rush is a good buy in 2019

Refinements at the back include LED taillights, a tailgate-mounted spoiler, a shark-fin antenna, and a rear spoiler

The outer side is beautified with directional-style 16-inch alloy wheels

The 2018 Toyota Rush interior is more lavish and spacious than that of the old model although it recalls the cabin of the Fortuner and Innova.

The most conspicuous is soft-coated front panel with refreshed dashboard design. There places a head unit 7-inch touchscreen which is able to connect to your smartphone and is optimized by a set of eight speakers. Nearby, driver’s sitting position is lifted so as to provide a wider and commanding view for the driver while behind the wheel.

The Toyota Rush interior is more lavish and spacious than that of the old model

The most conspicuous is soft-coated front panel with refreshed dashboard design

It comes with new analog gauges

Not only that, to make the driver control the SUV with ease, tilt steering feature is added to move up the steering wheel position. If only it came with support telescopic, your steering job would be more effortlessly. Moreover, smart start/stop button, air conditioning double blower and parking cameras linked with the head unit are fully offered in both trims.

Being a 7-seater, the Rush boasts an airy cabin for your entire family and also, for cargo. In the TRD Sportivo, every row seat is also loaded with a power slot for phone charging and many other convenient gadgets. Particularly, the cockpit is look more exclusive with the presence of automatic air conditioning system accompanied with a digital screen displaying the temperature.

Tilt steering feature is added to move up the steering wheel position

Being a 7-seater, the Rush boasts an airy cabin for your entire family and also, for cargo

>>> Recommended car comparison reviews:

• Toyota Rush vs Avanza
• Toyota Rush vs Ford Ecosport
• Toyota Rush vs Honda BR-V

Under the bonnet, the Toyota Rush 2018 model packs a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder 2NR-VE engine with Dual VVT-i tuned up from the previous Veloz and Sienta. Owing to this new engine, considerable power of 104 PS can be made at 6,000 rpm together with a peak torque of 136 Nm at 4,200 rpm.

Outwardly, this new engine is smaller than the former. That said, its performance is adequate and its fuel consumption even becomes more decent. By way of illustration, this 16-valve engine has a fuel economy 10% better than the predecessor’s.

All-new Toyota Rush packs a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder 2NR-VE engine with Dual VVT-i

Working in tandem with the new engine is either a 4-speed automatic transmission or a 5-speed manual. Further, the Rush SUV features a rear-wheel drive system so uphill task would be easier than front-wheel drive. Electronic power steering technology is likewise at your fingertips. Being pampered with Hill-Start Assist technology, the car’s stability is well maintained during your trip.

Suspension system is also reworked using MacPherson Strut front suspension combined with Stabilizer and Coil Spring. After refinement, it is softer and ready to overcome any kind of roads smoothly and comfortably. Other than that, the strong and solid 215/65 R16 and 215/60 R17 alloy wheels with

Machining tires for the G and TRD Sportivo respectively also give a great assistance in the performance of the new Rush.

It’s always the same story when it comes to safety of Toyota vehicles. To commence with, the braking system is enhanced with disc front- and rear brakes. Seatbelt indicator is also fully equipped in every seat. In addition to that, all variants will come completely with:

• 6 SRS Airbags
• Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)
• Emergency Brake Signal (EBS)
• Solid Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and more.

>>> Read more: Toyota Rush 2018 receives a five-star safety rating from ASEAN NCAP

Despite being a hot MPV, the Rush is definitely a vehicle that is worth paying. In our shores, the Toyota Rush 2018 price has also been unveiled, if you really want to drive home this 7-seater, you might want to check out the full updated price information in the Philippine market below:

The Toyota Rush price, straight from the shoulder, cannot be said cheap

Note: Specs and prices information about the all-new Rush that we submit may change at any time. Kindly contact the nearest Toyota Philippines dealerships for the latest specs details as well as available promotions.

>>> Click to view all cars for sale listed by reliable sellers in the Philippines

Initially launched in the Indonesian Market in November last year, the Toyota Rush has now come available in the Philippines since May and is set to compete with the Mitsubishi Xpander which was rolled out earlier in March. Look through our reviews to gain deeper understanding of these two players:

• Mitsubishi Xpander 2018 review
• Toyota Rush vs Mitsubishi Xpander comparison review

​With a wide array of advanced features pinned on the workhorse, it is certain the all-new Rush can confidently take the fight to other SUVs. To cite an instance for its quick sale, the Rush SUV has sold out more than 250,000 units since its first 2006 debut in Indonesia. In the local motoring market, it was said that 1,000 units of the Rush would be produced per month so as to meet the overwhelming need of Filipino car buyers.

Is this review convincing enough to prompt you to drive home this handsome 7-seater? Check out our list of Toyota Rush 2018 for sale by cerified dealers in the Philippines. Your next car may be just a few clicks away!

The all-new Rush offers 6 color options for local car buyers