The new 40-series Alphard is synonymous with luxury minivans that everyone aspires to. However, it is also true that there are some things that you only notice after actually purchasing and owning it. This time, we will take a deep look at 10 disappointing points about the new Alphard and the reasons why, as an owner, we will know.
Toyota’s new Alphard: disappointing and disappointing points
1. Disappointing fuel economy
Although the catalog fuel economy has improved, the actual fuel economy is currently below expectations. The difference is particularly noticeable when driving around town or on short trips. There are some parts that can’t be helped considering the weight and displacement of the vehicle, but it is unfortunate that fuel economy is sluggish even in hybrid models.
During the actual 500km drive, about 30% of the time was on highways and about 70% on regular roads. Hybrid vehicles can improve fuel efficiency by paying attention to starting and accelerating, and by being aware of hybrid-specific driving methods. However, this time I did not make any special efforts and drove as I normally do. As a result, the actual fuel efficiency was 11.1km/L. The catalog fuel efficiency is 17.5km/L (2WD) in WLTC mode, so there is a difference of 6.4km/L. However, considering that the air conditioner was used in midsummer temperatures of over 35 degrees, this result may be unavoidable. I hope that the fuel efficiency will improve as winter approaches.
2. The size is slightly too large
This is an actual experience, but there is a multi-storey parking lot that the old 3rd generation model can enter but the new Alphard cannot. When comparing the actual body size of the new and old models, the overall length is 50mm longer.
| Specifications | Third generation Alphard late model |
4th generation Alphard early model |
difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| full length | 4,945mm | 4,995mm | +50mm |
| Width | 1,850mm | 1,850mm | +0mm |
| Height | 1,935mm | 1,935mm | +0mm |
| Wheelbase | 3,000mm | 3,000mm | +0mm |
In fact, when I asked several parking lot attendants why the old Alphard could not fit in the new Alphard, they all said it was because of the width. However, when I explained that the overall width was the same according to the listed specifications, they said that the width was wider when the mirrors were closed, and that it was getting caught by the sensor.
Well… about the mirror… I’m honestly surprised. I’ve always thought that Toyota made the car just the right size to fit into Japanese multi-storey parking garages, since the previous Alphard model… but it seems that the new model is just too small to fit in. I hope Toyota will improve this (although this may not be the case for all multi-storey parking garages). It’s a real shame that they made the overall width the same as the previous model.
3. There are few body colors to choose from. Especially the black color, 202 Black, is it okay for a luxury car?
The new Alphard only has three body colors available. What I found very disappointing was that the only black color available was the most difficult to handle, Black (202). It’s an old color that really shows scratches and dirt easily, making it a difficult color to handle. I would have liked to see the latest colors, such as Precious Black Pearl (219).
- Platinum White Pearl Mica <089>
- Black <202>
- Pleasure Leo Blonde <4Y7>
It is used on the current Harrier and other models, and I actually chose Precious Black Pearl <219> . It uses a ” self-restoring coat ” which makes scratches less noticeable and is very strong, which was very helpful.
4. The engines used in gasoline vehicles are old.
The 2.5L inline 4-cylinder + Super CVT-i engine, which was well-received in the previous Alphard and Vellfire models, has been carried over and continues to be used. It combines powerful and smooth acceleration with good fuel economy. It’s a shame that a new engine was adopted at the time of the full model change. If possible, I would like to see the latest Dynamic Force engine and Direct Shift-CVT installed even when the model is improved.
| Specifications | 2.5L inline 4-cylinder engine |
|---|---|
| Maximum power | 134kW (182hp) / 6,000rpm |
| Maximum torque | 235Nm (24.0kgm) / 4,100rpm |
| transmission | Super CVT-i |
| Drive system | 2WD/4WD |
| WLTC mode fuel economy | 10.6km/L (2WD) 10.3km/L (4WD) |
5. The passenger seat of the new Alphard is not an ottoman
The new Alphard does not have an ottoman on the passenger seat. This was installed on the 30 series SC package, so if your wife is riding in the passenger seat, you should be careful .
40 series early model new Alphard
30 series late model previous generation Alphard
6. The new “Alphard” cannot be chosen as an interior color “Sunset Brown”
There are two basic interior colors, and the Vellfire is available in a special “Sunset Brown” color. If you choose the “Sunset Brown” interior color, you will be choosing the “Vellfire.”
Alphard
interior color black
Vellfire
interior color “Sunset Brown”
7. The new Alphard’s “Z” grade does not offer the Premium Nappa Leather Executive Power Seat option
The new “Vellfire” to be released at the same time has the “Z Premium”, but the new “Alphard” does not have it. This means that if you want to choose the premium nappa leather executive power seats, that is, genuine leather seats, in the “Alphard”, you have no choice but to choose the top grade “Executive Lounge”.
8. The new “Alphard” has different shift knob shapes depending on the grade. To solve this, select an option.
It wasn’t until I saw the actual car that I noticed that the shape of the shift knob on the “Z” grade and the “Executive Lounge” grade was different. I bought a “Z” hybrid car, and I’m a little disappointed. The new shift knob used on the “Prius” and “Crown” is more stylish.
If it were a base grade model, it wouldn’t be a big deal, but the “Z” grade hybrid model is priced at 6.2 million yen, and the Vellfire’s “Z Premium” is priced at 6.9 million yen, and the shift knob is this latest shape along with various standard features, so I even felt a little angry and wondered, “Does the “Z” also have this shift knob?” However, I selected the optional “Toyota Teammate Advanced Park + Parking Brake Support (with remote function),” so the electroshiftmatic was adopted. Personally, it’s an option that I would definitely recommend.
40 series early model Alphard
stress shift lever
40 series early model Alphard
electro shiftmatic
New Prius
New Crown Crossover
9. There are only two grades of the Alphard
When I bought the Alphard, there were only two grades to choose from. I heard that a cheaper grade would be added in the next improved model , but personally I wanted the intermediate grade (let’s call it Z Premium) between the Z grade and the fully equipped Executive Lounge. I remember having a hard time choosing options while staring at the catalog with the salesman when I actually bought it.
| grade | engine | Drive system | Price (10%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Z | 2.5 L inline 4-cylinder direct injection engine + Direct Shift-CVT |
2WD | 5,400,000 yen |
| Z | 2.5 L inline 4-cylinder direct injection engine + Direct Shift-CVT |
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 |
10.Long delivery times
I signed the contract at around 2 p.m. on June 21, 2023, the day the new Alphard was released . The car was actually delivered at the end of July 2024, so I ended up waiting a year and a month. At the time of purchase, I was told that I might have to wait a year. However, every time I saw the new Alphards being delivered one after another, I wondered why that person was delivered early and why I, who ordered on the day of release, still had a long way to go before my delivery.
Of course, there are probably various reasons on the part of the manufacturer’s dealer, but this is the car I’ve waited the longest for out of all the new models I’ve purchased almost on the day of their release. It seems like the delivery times will calm down in the future, but this is a car model that may be subject to delivery delays for various reasons. Please make sure you understand the situation well before purchasing.
A word from the editorial department
The new 40-series Alphard is a wonderful car with the appeal of being a luxury minivan. However, there are also some disappointing points that only an owner can understand. If you are considering purchasing one, it is important to take these points into consideration and make a comprehensive decision.
This article is based solely on my personal impressions as an owner. Since opinions vary from person to person, we encourage you to take the Alphard for a test drive and experience its charm for yourself.
Alphard