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 2023 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 2023 Price Philippines starts at ₱833,000 for the entry-level J 1.3 MT, while the top-of-the-line Toyota Avanza G 1.5 CVT is priced at ₱1,059,000

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 to the 2023 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. 

₱ 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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