2021 Toyota Avanza: Expectations and what we know so far

Updated Jan 08, 2021 | Same topic: Car Sneak Peeks, Teasers, & Rumors

The tried and tested Avanza will remain unchanged for 2021.

2021 Toyota Avanza: What we know so far

Back in 2019, Toyota Philippines introduced the facelifted version of the Avanza. It looks a bit more modern especially the top-spec Avanza Veloz variant. As for 2021, we’re predicting that the current version will remain unchanged. However, we do have some expectations for the Toyota-branded MPV that we would like to see next year.

  A picture of the Toyota Avanza Veloz variant

The top-spec Toyota Avanza Veloz variant

2021 Toyota Avanza: Exterior   

As we’ve pointed out, the current Philippine-spec Toyota Avanza is already a sporty-looking vehicle as far as MPVs are concerned. The top-spec Avanza Veloz and the Avanza G variants already come with a roof-mounted spoiler, a set of 15-inch alloy wheels, and split-type LED headlamps. The Avanza G however has halogen headlamps as well as a set of smaller 14-inch alloy wheels. The entry-level Avanza J is the simplest looking of the bunch with its set of 14-inch steel wheels.   

A picture of the TOyota Avanza G

The current PH-spec Toyota Avanza G

One thing that we’d like to see on the Avanza though are roof rails as this will improve the vehicle’s practicality. Also, the Avanza is built on a half monocoque/half ladder frame which is tougher than most MPVs in the market. As such, the addition of roof rails will only serve to improve its utilitarian appeal, and it can take the added weight of roof cargo too.

2021 Toyota Avanza: Interior   

For the 2021 PH-spec version, the Avanza will still come with the same interior arrangement. Note however that Toyota has recently updated the Rush’s entry-level variant to come with seven-seats so that might also prove to be an attractive upgrade for the five-seater Avanza J variant as well. These two after all, uses the same platform.   

A picture of the interior of the Toyota Avanza from the rear

The interior of the Avanza with the third-row folded

While we wouldn’t want to change anything on the well-arranged dashboard, we would like to see the touchscreen available on the Avanza G and Veloz to get an upgrade. Currently, the said headunit can only connect to smartphones via USB, Bluetooth, aux, and Toyota’s T-Link app. The app works, but adding in Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will only serve to increase the Avanza’s usability.

To further hone in on this point, the top-spec Avanza variants in Malaysia already come with a feature-packed 6.75-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also has more safety equipment but more on that later.   

A picture of the dashboard and steering-wheel of the Toyota Avanza

Everything is well-arranged and easy to reach

>>> Related: Toyota Rush vs Avanza - 2 MPVs from the same manufacturer: Which is better?

2021 Toyota Avanza: Engine and Performance   

Just like the interior, nothing much will change when it comes to the Avanza’s engine options. The 1.3 and 1.5 inline-4 NR series gasoline engines that the said model uses however have been around since its second-gen versions. As far as track records go, these two powerplants have more than proven themselves in terms of reliability, fuel efficiency, and ease of maintenance.   

A picture of the Avanza's engine

Even the 1.3-liter mill is enough for a trip to Baguio

The smaller 1.3-liter found on the Avanza J and Avanza E can make up to 95 horsepower and 121 Nm of torque. The larger 1.5-liter propelling the Avanza G and Veloz variants makes more at 103 horsepower and 136 Nm of torque. Power is sent to the wheels through a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic depending on the variant.

>>> Related: List of the most popular MPVs available in the Philippines

2021 Toyota Avanza: Safety

For its price, the Avanza is already well-equipped when it comes to safety. It comes standard with two airbags, anti-lock braking with electronic brake-force distribution, and a security alarm. The top-spec Veloz as well as the Avanza G also gets an engine immobilizer.  

That said though, the Malaysian-spec Avanza is miles ahead when safety is concerned. Not only does it come with the aforementioned features, but it also comes equipped with a reverse camera, blind-spot monitor, and rear-cross traffic alert.   

A picture of the rear of the Toyota Avanza

The Avanza is a maneuverable MPV as it is, but some will still want/need a reverse camera

While the Avanza is indeed a small vehicle with decent driving visibility, adding these drivers assist features will do wonders when it comes to ease of use. This is especially true considering the usual bumper to bumper traffic and tight buy roads here in the Philippines.

2021 Toyota Avanza: Final Thoughts

Regardless of being carried over for 2021, we’re convinced that the PH-spec Avanza as it is right now is still a very attractive model. It's more compact than most competing crossovers and MPVs, all the while providing seating for seven people.   

There’s also the fact that mechanically, the Avanza is far more robust than other vehicles of its size and class. And yes, it's also one of the most affordable cars in the Philippines right now that has a combination of rear-wheel-drive and a manual tranny.  

However, we do wish that Toyota does update the said MPV in terms of safety, as well as on-board tech. There’s already a precedent for it in the form of the Malaysian-spec Avanza, and doing so will only ensure that it will stand strong against its growing number of well-equipped seven-seater competitors.

>>> Related: Check our hottest Toyota Avanza promos

2021 Toyota Avanza: Expected Price

Regardless of upgrades or not, we’re sure that the Avanza might be getting a price increase soon. This is due to inflation and many other reasons. If Toyota is indeed considering the upgrades we’ve talked about, then we can expect the pricing to get bumped up more. Currently, the Avanza’s price ranges from Php 743,000 to Php 1,077,000.   

For more up-to-date car related news, keep reading here on Philkotse.com.  

Know more about Toyota Avanza 2024

Toyota Avanza

The 2024 Toyota Avanza is a seven-seater MPV, which is now in its third-generation model. Locally, there are four trims for this MPV. These include the Avanza J 1.3 MT, the Avanza E 1.3 MT, Avanza E 1.3 CVT, and the Avanza G 1.5 CVT. Toyota Avanza 2024 Price Philippines starts at ₱838,000 for the entry-level J 1.3 MT, while the top-of-the-line Toyota Avanza G 1.5 CVT is priced at ₱1,065,000

Under the hood, the new Avanza either gets a 1.3-liter inline-4 gasoline, or a larger 1.5-liter inline-4 gasoline engine. At max, the 1.3-liter mill can make up to 97 horsepower and 122Nm of torque. Meanwhile, the 1.5-liter can produce up to 105 horsepower and 138 Nm of torque.  

There are two transmissions available for the 202 Toyota Avanza. Depending on the variant, it either gets a five-speed manual gearbox, or a continuously variable transmission with a gear lever manual mode. As of this new third-gen version, the Avanza is now a front-wheel-drive vehicle. 

Size-wise, the new Avanza has a length of 4,395mm, and a width of 1,730mm. The Avanza G comes with the tallest height at 1,700mm. The E meanwhile comes next with its height of 1,690mm, while the J is the shortest at 1,665mm. All comes with a wheelbase length of 2,750mm. 

Locally, the Avanza rivals the likes of the Suzuki Ertiga, Mitsubishi Xpander, Honda BR-V, among others. 

 

Toyota Avanza Launch

Initially, the 2024 Toyota Avanza was initially introduced on November 10, 2021, in Indonesia. Later in March 2022, it made its way to the Philippine market, where it has four different variants. 

These variants are the J, the E, and the top-spec G, and their price ranges from Php 813,000 to Php 1,039,000. 

Toyota Avanza Exterior

On the outside, the new Avanza comes standard with a pair of LED headlamps, front foglamps, LED taillights, and a rear spoiler. All come with a length of 4,395mm, and a width of 1,730mm. The J is the shortest from the ground with a height of 1,665mm. The E comes next with a height of 1,690mm, while the top-spec G is the tallest at 1,700mm. 

All come with a wheelbase length of 2,750mm. The lightest trim is the J with a 1,090kg curb weight, whereas the heaviest is the G with a 1,140kg curb weight. 

The G then rides on a set of 16-inch alloy wheels. The mid-spec E gets 15-inch alloy wheels, while the entry-level J has 15-inch steel wheels. 

Toyota Avanza Interior

Inside, all Avanza trims can seat up to seven occupants. All are also equipped with two-tone fabric-clad seats, a 60:40 tumble slide first row, and a 50:50 tumble down second row with a sofa mode. 

Only the top-spec G has a tilt and telescopic steering column, a push-to-start button, a 4.2-inch TFT multi-information display, and steering wheel-mounted audio controls. 

Tech and Safety

For on-board entertainment, the E and G trims come standard with an eight-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and USB connectivity. The J meanwhile, has a smaller 6.45-inch display audio that only comes with Bluetooth, Aux-in, and USB connectivity. Both headunits are linked to a four-piece speaker system. 

For safety, the top-spec G has six airbags, while the rest get dual front airbags. Standard on all trims is stability control, hill-start assist, ISOFIX child seat tethers, and speed-sensing door locks, among others. Only the E and the G trims get a parking camera, rear parking sensors, a car alarm, and an engine immobilizer. 

In addition to those, the top-of-the-line Avanza G is also equipped with blind spot monitoring, as well as rear-cross traffic alerts. 

Platform & Chassis

The 2024 Toyota Avanza uses the new DNGA-B platform. It shares this with the Toyota Raize. That said, the latest version of the Avanza now uses a front-wheel-drive layout.  

Suspension-wise, the said model gets a Macpherson strut for the front, and a torsion beam for the rear. Braking is then managed by front disc brakes and rear drum brakes. 

Toyota Avanza Engine & Drivetrain

The two engine options for the 2024 Toyota Avanza include a 1.3-liter and 1.5-liter engine. Both are gasoline-powered, and both are inline-4s.  

At maximum, the 1.3-liter engine can make up to 97 horsepower and 122 Nm of torque. The 1.5-liter engine meanwhile, can churn out 105 horsepower and 138Nm of torque.  

The J and the E are then available with a five-speed manual gearbox. In turn, only the E and the G may come with a CVT. 

The Philippine-spec 2024 Toyota Avanza has five different color options. These include Greenish Gun Metal Mica Metallic, Silver Metallic 4, Black Metallic 1, Dark Red Mica Metallic, and White. 

The new 2024 Toyota Avanza now shares the same layout as its local rivals. It is now front-wheel-drive, and it is now a true-blue unibody vehicle. Power-wise, its 1.5-liter version is still on-par with the likes of the Suzuki Ertiga and the Mitsubishi Xpander. It has also gained a larger overall size, so it is now a match against its competitors when it comes to providing usable interior space. As of the update, the new Avanza has also become one of the few models in its class with blind spot monitoring and rear-cross traffic alert. 

Toyota Avanza Pros & Cons

 Pros Cons
 
  • Roomy interior

  • Attractive styling

  • Plenty of safety features

  •  No manual option for the 1.5-liter variant

 

Toyota Avanza FAQs

1. Is Toyota Avanza Philippines a good car?

Yes, it is. Because Avanza provides a comfortable driving experience. In 2021, it is four out of the top 10 best-selling cars in the Philippines come with seven seats.

2. Is Avanza 2024 a 7-seater?

Yes, it is true.

3. How much does a Toyota Avanza 2024 cost?

The cheapest is Toyota Avanza J 1.3 MT 838,000 PHP and the highest is Toyota Avanza G 1.5 CVT 1,065,000 PHP.

4. Is Avanza Philippines a SUV?

No, it isn’t. Avanza 2024 is a seven-seater MPV.

5. What is the length of Toyota Avanza Philippines?

The wheelbase length is 2,750mm.

₱ 833,000 - ₱ 1,059,000

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Cesar G.B. Miguel

Cesar G.B. Miguel

Author

Cesar Guiderone B. Miguel was born and raised in Iligan City, Lanao Del Norte. He graduated in 2010 with a Bachelor of Arts in English degree from Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology. He previously worked as a freelance writer for various websites, as a member of the Iligan City Disaster Risk Reduction Management's training staff, and as a medical sales representative.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/goridus.goridus

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