What is the recommended grade for the new 40-series Alphard? We considered the resale value and other factors when purchasing.

This time, we will introduce in detail the recommended grades of the current 4th generation 40 series Alphard . We will provide information that will be useful for those who are having trouble understanding the catalog or those who are considering purchasing one. Since the author himself has actually purchased an Alphard, I think he can provide more useful information based on his own experience than other articles.

table of contents

About the new Toyota “Alphard”
What grades are available for the new Toyota Alphard?
Toyota’s new Alphard/Vellfire: What options should you add to improve resale value?
What engine will be used in the new Toyota Alphard and Vellfire?
New Alphard specs
What is the price of the new Toyota Alphard?
1. Alphard
Until the new Alphard Hybrid pays off
About comfort
What engine do you recommend?
1. Reasons for recommending the 2.5 L inline 4-cylinder hybrid model
Toyota’s new Alphard Hybrid model, even considering resale value
Conclusion: What grade of the new Alphard is recommended in terms of resale value?

About the new Toyota “Alphard”

The front and rear bumper designs have been changed, and the ” flowing turn signal (sequential turn lamp) ” has been adopted, following the previous model. The body size fits within the general mechanical parking lot limit size (length 5,000mm x width 1,850mm or less) (length 4,995mm, width 1,850mm, height 1,935mm, wheelbase 3,000mm), and adopts a newly developed platform called ” TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) “.

The hybrid model is equipped with a 2.5L inline 4-cylinder direct injection engine (Dynamic Force Engine) that achieves a maximum thermal efficiency of over 40%, and a smaller and lighter hybrid system, the High Performance Multi-Stage THS II, has been adopted to improve fuel efficiency. Fuel efficiency is 16.5 to 17.7km/L in WLTC mode. The previous model only had a 4WD (E-Four) lineup, but this time a 2WD (FF) model has been added for the first time. The 8-seater model has also been discontinued.

The electric parking brake and hold button is located in a position that makes it very easy to press, and the drink holder and the charger are conveniently located. The meter is a 12.3-inch large full LCD digital meter , 14-inch display audio, T-Connect SD navigation system, and a JBL premium sound system (15 speakers). The rear seat entertainment system has an optional 13.2-inch display. In addition, it is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and comes standard with a DCM in-car communication device.

What grades are available for the new Toyota Alphard?

The new Alphard will be available in two grades: the top-of-the-line Executive Lounge and the mid-range Z. (The previous model had eight grades: X, S, SC, SR, G, GF, SC, and Executive Lounge.)

Z: Intermediate grade
Executive Lounge: High-grade

Z grade features

The Z grade is the cheapest entry grade. However, if you choose the gasoline Z grade, you can purchase it from 5,400,000 yen. The exterior is equipped with LED headlights and 18-inch aluminum wheels. The interior is made of synthetic leather seats in one color. The steering wheel is wrapped in genuine leather, and the door trim is also wrapped in synthetic leather, which is amazing.

Disadvantages of Z grade

The above equipment is standard and great, but other equipment is basically optional. For example, the left and right independent moonroof is a manufacturer’s set option for 132,000 yen, the digital inner mirror is a manufacturer’s set option for 44,000 yen, the advanced park + parking support brake (surrounding stationary objects) is a manufacturer’s set option for 139,700 yen, the advanced drive is a manufacturer’s set option for 139,700 yen, and the color head-up display is a manufacturer’s set option for 55,000 yen. There are many items to choose from, and if you forget, most of them cannot be installed after delivery, so please be careful. I also had a hard time choosing.

Executive Lounge Features

The Executive Lounge grade is a high-end model, and many people may find the price high. Gasoline vehicles are not available, and if you choose the Executive Lounge grade hybrid model, you can purchase it from 8,500,000 yen. It is in the 8 million yen range. However, the exterior design features 19-inch aluminum wheels (optional) with a super chrome metallic paint exclusive to the Executive Lounge grade, so you can tell it is the Executive Lounge grade just by looking at it. It is equipped with frequency-sensitive shock absorbers and high-sound insulation glass as standard, and the ride comfort is also improved.

In the interior, executive lounge seats , 14-inch rear seat entertainment system, JBL premium sound system + 15 speakers are standard equipment, and you can see the difference when you ride. And, many of the options described above are almost standard equipment.

Toyota’s new Alphard/Vellfire: What options should you add to improve resale value?

Toyota Teammate Advanced Park + Parking Brake Support

The Executive Lounge is standard equipment. The new Alphard comes standard with the Next Generation Toyota Safety Sense. This alone is great as it has many features, but the Z grade has a manufacturer option, especially in the midst of the extensive safety equipment. This is definitely something you should get.

Advanced Park

When you park your car next to the space you want to park in, first press the Advanced Park switch to confirm the parking position. Then, when you press the Start switch, the car will monitor its surroundings and assist with steering, acceleration, and braking to complete the parking position (shifting is done manually).

Advanced Park (with remote function) Hybrid vehicle

Hybrid cars are limited to this feature, and by using a special smartphone app, you can park and exit the car remotely from outside the car. If you want to use this feature, you should definitely choose a hybrid car.

Parking Support Brake (Stationary Objects) [Intelligent Clearance Sonar]

When parking or driving at low speeds, if there is a risk of colliding with a wall or other stationary object, or when accelerating suddenly due to accidentally or overly depressing the accelerator pedal, or when starting off by accidentally putting the gear lever in the wrong position, the system will activate if the sensors detect stationary objects in front or behind the vehicle to help mitigate the collision and reduce the damage caused by the collision.

Digital inner mirror

The “Executive Lounge” is standard equipment. It is a manufacturer’s option for the “Z Premier”, “Z” and “G”. If you have many passengers in the back seat or a lot of luggage in the trunk, we recommend that you add the “Digital Inner Mirror”.

Universal step (both sides)

This is a manufacturer’s option for all grades: “Executive Lounge”, “Z Premier”, “Z” and “G”. We recommend this option for those who have elderly people or small children in the back seat. However, the downside is that you will not be able to install a spare tire. From an export perspective, having a spare tire may be fine, but if you are considering using it domestically, it is better to have a universal step.

Twin dimming panoramic roof

The seats are equipped with a “super long overhead console” and a “twin dimming panoramic roof.” These are optional for the “Alphard” and “Z” grades, so we highly recommend that you add them.

What engine will be used in the new Toyota Alphard and Vellfire?

First of all, there are two types of engines that will be adopted in the full model change of “Alphard” and “Vellfire”. The “2.5L inline 4-cylinder + Super CVT-i” that was well-received in the previous model has been carried over and continues to be adopted in “Alphard”. This engine realizes both powerful and smooth acceleration from a standing start and fuel efficiency.

In addition, the hybrid vehicle “2.5L inline 4-cylinder direct injection engine (Dynamic Force Engine) + Hybrid” will be adopted for both “Alphard” and “Vellfire”. Also, the newly developed “2.4L direct injection turbo engine D-4ST” will be adopted only for “Vellfire”, differentiating “Vellfire” as a sportier model.

Predecessor	New model
2.5 L inline 4-cylinder engine + Super CVT-i Drive system: 2WD / 4WD	2.5 L inline 4-cylinder engine + Super CVT-i Drive system: 2WD / 4WD
2.5 L inline 4-cylinder engine + motor THS II (hybrid) Drive system: 4WD	2.5 L inline 4-cylinder direct injection engine (Dynamic Force Engine) + Motor THS II (hybrid) Drive system: 2WD / 4WD
3.5L V6 engine + Direct Shift-8AT Drive system: 2WD / 4WD	2.4L direct injection turbo engine + Direct Shift-8AT Drive system: 2WD / 4WD

New Alphard specs

spec	Alphard Hybrid Model	Alphard
full length	4,995mm	4,995mm
Overall width	1,850mm	1,850mm
Height	1,935mm	1,935mm
Wheelbase	3,000mm	3,000mm
engine	In-line 4-cylinder 2.5L direct injection engine D-4S + motor (THS II)	In-line 4-cylinder 2.5L engine
Maximum power	140kW (190hp) / 6,000rpm	134kW (182hp) / 6,000rpm
Maximum torque	236Nm (24.1kgm) / 4,300-4,500rpm	235Nm (24.0kgm) / 4,100rpm
Front motor maximum output	134kw (182ps)	–
Front motor maximum torque	270Nm (27.5kgm)	–
System maximum output	184w (250ps)	–
transmission	Electric variable speed transmission	Super CVT-i
Drive system	2WD E-Four (four-wheel drive)	2WD 4WD
WLTC mode fuel economy	17.5-17.7km/L (2WD) 16.5-16.7km/L (4WD)	10.6km/L (2WD) 10.3km/L (4WD)
Passenger capacity	7 people	7 people

What is the price of the new Toyota Alphard?

Alphard

grade	engine	Drive system	Price (10%)
Z	2.5 L inline 4-cylinder engine + Super CVT-i	2WD	5,400,000 yen
Z	2.5 L inline 4-cylinder engine + Super CVT-i	4WD	5,598,000 yen
Z	2.5 L inline 4-cylinder direct injection engine + motor THS II (hybrid)	2WD	6,200,000 yen
Z	2.5 L inline 4-cylinder direct injection engine + motor THS II (hybrid)	4WD	6,420,000 yen
Executive Lounge	2.5 L inline 4-cylinder direct injection engine + motor THS II (hybrid)	2WD	8,500,000 yen
Executive Lounge	2.5 L inline 4-cylinder direct injection engine + motor THS II (hybrid)	4WD	8,720,000 yen

Until the new Alphard Hybrid pays off

Fuel economy for gasoline vehicles (2WD) is WLCT mode: 10.6km/L (8.0km/L)
Fuel economy for hybrid vehicles (2WD) is calculated based on WLCT mode fuel economy: 17.5km/L (13.5km/L).

The gasoline Z 2WD is 5,400,000 yen and the hybrid Z 2WD is 6,200,000 yen, so the difference is 800,000 yen.

Calculation of driving 10,000 km when gasoline price is 170 yen per liter

Gasoline model 10,000km = 212,500 yen
Hybrid car 10,000km = 125,926 yen

After driving 10,000km the difference is only 86,574 yen, so even if you drive 100,000km it will only be 865,740 yen, which is enough to pay for the cost of the unit itself.

About comfort

So far, I have been talking about the price, but next I would like to talk about comfort. The gasoline “inline 4-cylinder 2.5L direct injection engine” model is excellent in terms of price, but is slightly inferior in terms of comfort. In my experience, it felt slow to start. This is because the torque is insufficient for the weight of the car, and even if it is improved, the impression will remain the same.

On the other hand, the “inline 4-cylinder 2.5L direct injection engine + motor” uses Toyota’s hybrid system, and because starting is done only by the motor, you can expect a smooth ride with excellent torque. Also, when using “radar cruise control,” the electronic control and hybrid system work well together, making for a more comfortable drive. If you value comfort, we recommend a “hybrid car.”

What engine do you recommend?

Personally, I recommend the “2.5L inline 4-cylinder direct injection engine (Dynamic Force Engine) + Motor THS II (hybrid)” model.

Reasons for recommending the 2.5 L inline 4-cylinder hybrid model

Thanks to its fuel economy and the motor assist that is better than that of gasoline models, it offers a more relaxed ride.

It is an established engine and hybrid system that is already used in many vehicle models , including the RAV4, Harrier, Crown (crossover), and Camry .

The engine and motor output have been increased to match the Alphard specifications.

When considering it as a hybrid model, the drive system can be selected as 2WD.

I am currently driving the fourth-generation Harrier with a 2.5L inline 4-cylinder direct injection engine (Dynamic Force Engine) + motor THS II (hybrid) model, and even when driving without any worries, it achieves a fuel economy of 17.1km/L, which is impressive considering the weight and size of the car. Furthermore, the motor assist allows for a relaxed ride, and even if you imagine driving it in an Alphard, which has a larger weight and size, you will not be dissatisfied with the fuel economy or driving.

Toyota’s new Alphard Hybrid model, even considering resale value

The lowest grade “Z” of the hybrid car starts at 6,200,000 yen, which is by no means cheap. On the other hand, the gasoline grade “Z” starts at 5,400,000 yen, so the difference is 800,000 yen. The gasoline grade continues to use the “2.5L inline 4-cylinder + Super CVT-i”, which is the reason for this price difference.

However, looking at the specs, the fuel efficiency of hybrid cars is 17.5-17.7km/L, which is comparable to that of compact cars of the past. In addition, the system’s maximum output of 184kW (250 horsepower) provides impeccable driving performance. If you consider resale value, choosing a hybrid car is no doubt a good choice.

Conclusion: What grade of the new Alphard is recommended in terms of resale value?

The recommended grade is the gasoline “Z”. Considering cost performance and comfort, we recommend the hybrid “Z” if you can afford it.

Vellfire

https://toyota.jp/vellfire/

Alphard

https://toyota.jp/alphard/

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