Toyota Rush 2020: Sub-Compact Crossover Contender for Car of the Year

In a sea of crossovers, Toyota Rush proves that you can get a legit SUV and a comfortable 7-seater vehicle without having to break the bank

Toyota Rush 2020: Sub-Compact Crossover Contender for Car of the Year

Seats 7, No, Really!
Body-on-Frame Construction
High Ground Clearance
Is actually an SUV

Toyota Rush 2020: Don’t Call it an Avanza

People have come to see that the 2020 Toyota Rush is exactly just a dressed up Avanza, that can’t be further from the truth. If that were true you can call your Chrysler Caliber crossover “pretty much” a Lancer Evolution because they too share the same platforms.

The Toyota Rush is an answer to the ongoing trend of the market leaning towards SUVs. People want bigger cars, something more substantial and rugged than your average sedan or MPV and with the Toyota Rush, the Japanese brand gives clients a more affordable gateway into the SUV life.

2020-toyota-rush-on-display

The Toyota Rush is the answer to the question: what is the SUV version of a Vios?

Toyota Rush 2020: It’s Got the Look

Unlike most sub-compact SUV wannabes in the Philippine Market, the 2020 Toyota Rush not only runs on an actual SUV Body-on-frame platform, it actually looks the part. The Rush is actually more SUV than its stablemate the Toyota RAV4 which is a monocoque bodied vehicle like a sedan but with a raised suspension.

This gives the Toyota Rush 2020 actual cred in calling itself an SUV than the current crop of raised MPVs and wagons. When standing toe to toe with its rivals in the market this one stands head and shoulders above the rest. It is still mighty narrow when compared to mid-sized SUVs but powerful body lines and fender arches give it the look of a proper SUV.

The Toyota Rush even has plastic cladding around its fender flares and a front fascia that makes it resemble the Fortuner. You cannot go wrong with the way the Toyota Rush looks and no one can tell you otherwise.

2020-toyota-rush-in-the-sand

While its rivals make do with soft crossovers, Toyota gives us a legit SUV

>>> How does the Toyota Rush stack up with the rest?

Toyota Rush 2020: Performance is up-to Par just don’t rush it

Speed is overrated really. In the Philippines, especially in our congested urban city streets what matters most is that you have a vehicle that can get you to where you’re going reliably and in absolute comfort.

I cannot talk enough about the fact that this runs on a body-on-frame construction because thanks to that fact you get a floaty suspension setting that gives both the driver and the passengers a plush and relaxed drive.

Toyota Rush 2018/2019 Philippines Review & Road Test || Price, Specs, Buying advice & More

>>> Find in-depth Toyota Rush Philippines Review by Philkotse car experts

You won’t and should not carve canyons or attack the highway at high speed in this one but what you can do is haul yourself and your loved ones wherever you need to go. Turn the key and it starts first time, every time.

You can get a much faster SUV and out-run the Toyota Rush but make sure to say hi to the exact same vehicle when they come across you at the next traffic jam and envy at how good they look riding the Toyota Rush and how comfortable they are inside.

2020-toyota-rush-on-the-road

Baby Fortuner thanks to that front fascia

Toyota has been on a roll this year, offering amazing vehicles at every price point and category. The Toyota Rush is the perfect family car for those who want to drive an SUV but not break the bank for the purchase, at the pump and when the time comes for a PMS. The Value proposition offered by Rush is in my opinion, unmatched.

For more car of the year articles like this one, keep reading here on Philktose.com.

Know more about Toyota Rush 2024

Toyota Rush 2024

The Toyota Rush 2024 is Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP)’s entry into the local competitive multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) segment. Considering its relatively large size and affordable pricing, the MPV is regarded by some as an entry-level SUV for the Japanese car brand. Toyota Rush Price in the Philippines is P1,202,000 with only one 1.5 G-RS variant. Under the hood, it is powered by a 1.5-liter 2NR-VE inline-4 DOHC gasoline engine that makes 102 hp and 134 Nm of torque. This engine can be connected to a 4-speed automatic transmission. Dimensions-wise, the Rush spans 4,435 mm in length, 1,695 mm in width, and 1,705 mm in height. In the local market, this vehicle from Toyota Philippines competes against the likes of the Mitsubishi Xpander and Honda BR-V.

There are many SUV-like features that the Toyota Rush offers such as a relatively high ground clearance rated at 220 mm and its new seating configuration that makes seven as standard across all variants. It is considered one of the best value for money, especially for those who wish for a relatively affordable family car. In other markets, the Toyota Rush is called the Daihatsu Terios due to the Japanese automaker's partnership with Daihatsu Motor.

Toyota Rush Launch

The updated Toyota Rush was introduced by TMP last November 2020 which now offers a 7-seating configuration as standard. The Japanese carmaker shared that a 7-seater MPV is a favorite family vehicle among Filipinos so it wanted to add a third row of seating for all variants.

In 2022, TMP replaced the top-spec Rush G with the sportier GR-S variant. The updated 7-seater MPV is currently competing against the likes of the Mitsubishi Xpander, Honda BR-V, and Maxus G50.

Toyota Rush Exterior

The Toyota Rush is currently riding on the exterior design of the third-generation Daihatsu Terios. It comes with an SUV-like and more aggressive road presence as it is inspired by the design of its 7-seater midsize SUV sibling, the Toyota Fortuner.

The exterior design of the Toyota Rush is inspired by the Toyota Fortuner

All variants of the Toyota MPV are installed with LED headlights and taillights (with LED guidelines), a rear spoiler, a shark-fin antenna, and more. E variants get chrome radiator grille and 16-inch alloy wheels, while the top-ranging GR-S variant comes with GR-S treatment and 17-inch alloy wheels.

Toyota offers the Rush six color options: White, Bronze Mica Metallic, Dark Red Mica Metallic, Bordeaux Mica, Silver Mica Metallic, and Black Metallic.

Toyota Rush Interior

As said earlier, all variants now come with a 7-seating configuration which should be practical for those who want to own a relatively large car but don’t want to spend a hefty amount of cash. The 50:50 third-row seats can be folded to offer more cargo space.

Another notable feature inside the Toyota Rush is the white accents on the doors and dashboard decorated with faux stitches

The interior for the lower E variants is installed with a urethane 3-spoke steering wheel, shift lever, and knob. Meanwhile, the top-ranging GR-S variant benefits from leather materials on the said interior parts and three accessory outlets as compared to just one for E variants.

>>> Get best deals of the Toyota Rush for sale in the Philippines at amazing prices

Technology & Safety Features

The Toyota Rush is installed with a 7-inch infotainment screen across all variants which supports CD/MP3, AUX, USB, Bluetooth, and Weblink Connectivity for iOS/Android. Sounds are sent off to six speakers for E variants, while the top-of-the-line variant gets eight.

Toyota Rush's airbags

As for safety, the updated model still offers the same features such as six airbags, an anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), traction control, hill start assist, emergency stop signal, and ISOFIX tethers. Keyless entry is used for E variants and smart entry is the go-to for the GR-S variant.

Platform & Chassis

The Toyota Rush is designed with a ladder-frame chassis similar to the Toyota Avanza. It is built on the Daihatsu F800, the platform of the current Daihatsu Terios. This platform configuration, including the 220 mm ground clearance, solidifies the model’s reputation as a small yet rugged SUV.

To further improve stiffness, the front suspension is handled by a McPherson Strut, and a four-link suspension for the rear setup. As for the brakes, the 7-seater MPV is installed with disc brakes on the front wheels and drum brakes for the rear wheels.

Engine & Drivetrain

Under the hood, the Toyota Rush is powered by a 1.5-liter 2NR-VE Dual VVT-i gasoline engine that can put up 102 hp and 134 Nm of torque. This is the same engine that the Toyota Avanza and Veloz use.

Powering the Toyota Rush is a 1.5-liter 2NR-VE Dual VVT-I gasoline engine

For the base E variant, it pairs the engine with a 5-speed manual transmission. Meanwhile, the rest of the two variants of the model use a 4-speed automatic transmission. The power is sent to the rear wheels thanks to its rear-wheel-drive (RWD) drivetrain.

>>> Also check out:

Toyota Rush Q&A

1. Does Toyota Rush Philippines have cruise control?

No, it doesn't. No variants of the Rush come with cruise control.

2. How much will the Toyota Rush 2024?

The Toyota Rush 2024 is priced at P1,202,000.

3. What engine will the Toyota Rush 2024 use?

Toyota Rush 2024 is operated by a gasoline engine (1.5L) with a maximum output of 102 horsepower and 134 Nm.

4. What is the length of the Toyota Rush Philippines?

The length of the Toyota Rush is 4335mm, while the width is 1695mm.

5. Is the Toyota Rush a reliable car?

Yes, it absolutely is. The Toyota Rush is one of the best-selling SUVs in the Philippines market because it offers a perfect combination of performance, style, and comfort.

₱ 1,012,000 - ₱ 1,176,000

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Roy Robles

Author

Sleek, Sexy, Athletic and Fast. These are words that were never used to describe our resident claustrophobe Roy Robles. After spending 10 years counting other people's cash in banks, he is just happy to be at Philkotse.com. Catch his articles everyday and make sure to honk if you see him.