The Toyota Roomy is a popular model that combines a compact body size with a spacious interior. However, there are also some voices on the Internet saying, “The Roomy is terrible” and “Don’t buy it.” What is the reality?
The Toyota Roomy is a tall wagon-type compact car that was released in November 2016. It was developed based on the Daihatsu Thor and is sold through Toyota’s sales network. The Roomy is characterized by its spacious interior and high loading capacity despite its compact body size. The spaciousness of the back seat is particularly noteworthy, allowing four adults to ride comfortably. In addition, various seat arrangements are possible, making it suitable for a variety of uses. In this article, we will explain in detail the disadvantages and points to note about the Roomy. If you are considering purchasing one, please refer to this article.
Negative opinions about the new Roomy and their reasons
Some of the negative opinions about Roomie include:
- Slow acceleration and lack of power: Many people are dissatisfied with the 1.0L naturally aspirated engine model in particular, as it is difficult to accelerate when starting or going uphill. Some also say that it is difficult to merge or overtake on the highway.
- Handling is too light and lacks stability: Some people say that due to the light body and suspension settings, the car feels unstable when going around curves or driving at high speeds.
- Stiff ride: Some people say that the car easily picks up bumps in the road, and that passengers in the back seats feel like they are being pushed up.
Opinions on fuel economy
Large discrepancy with catalog fuel economy: Many people say that the actual fuel economy is significantly worse than the catalog fuel economy, and there are many people who are dissatisfied with the fuel economy, especially when driving around town.
“I drive a Roomy, but it only gets 6 to 7 per liter…” – carview!
Price Opinion
High price: Many people feel that the price is high for the equipment included. In particular, there are opinions that the price increases even more if you improve safety equipment, making it feel overpriced.
Disadvantages of Roomy
1. Driving performance
The Roomy is equipped with a 1.0L naturally aspirated engine or a 1.0L turbo engine. It has enough power for city driving, but you may feel a little underpowered on the highway or on hills. Also, the suspension is set on the softer side, so it may not be enough for those looking for a sporty ride.
2. Quietness
The Roomy has a standard level of quietness for a compact car. However, some people complain that the engine noise and road noise are bothersome. Wind noise tends to be louder, especially on the highway.
3. Safety performance
The Roomy comes standard with the latest safety equipment, Smart Assist. However, it is important to note that some advanced safety features are only available on higher grades. For example, adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist are only available on the G and Custom G grades.
Roomy fuel economy and engine performance
Engine type and performance
The Roomy is available with two engines: a 1.0L naturally aspirated engine and a 1.0L turbocharged engine. The naturally aspirated engine has excellent fuel efficiency but is less powerful. The turbocharged engine has power but is less fuel efficient than the naturally aspirated engine.
| Specifications | New Roomy | New Roomy |
|---|---|---|
| full length | 3,700–3,705mm | 3,700–3,705mm |
| Overall width | 1,670mm | 1,670mm |
| Height | 1,735mm | 1,735mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,490mm | 2,490mm |
| engine | 1.0L inline 3-cylinder engine |
1.0L inline 3-cylinder turbo engine |
| Maximum power | 51kW (69hp) / 6,000rpm |
72kW (98hp) / 6,000rpm |
| Maximum torque | 92Nm (9.4kgfm) / 4,400rpm |
140Nm (14.3kgm) / 2,400-4,000rpm |
transmission |
CVT | CVT |
| Drive system | 2WD 4WD |
2WD |
| WLCT mode fuel consumption |
18.4km/L (2WD) 16.8km/L (4WD) |
16.8km/L (2WD) |
Actual fuel economy and its evaluation
The actual fuel economy of the Roomy is 16.8km/L to 18.4km/L in WLTC mode. However, according to user reviews, most people say that the actual fuel economy is around 10km/L to 14km/L.
Driving methods for improved fuel economy
To improve your car’s fuel economy, please pay attention to the following points:
- Drive eco-friendly: Avoid sudden starts and braking, and try to drive smoothly.
- Use your air conditioner sparingly: Air conditioning can reduce fuel economy, so turn it off when you don’t need it.
- Maintain proper tire pressure: Low tire pressure can reduce fuel economy, so be sure to check it regularly.
Features as a compact car
Differences from light vehicles
The Roomy is larger than a minicar, has excellent interior space and cargo capacity, and has a large engine displacement, making it powerful.
Luggage capacity and storage space
The Roomy has a large luggage space that can be secured by folding down the rear seats. There is also plenty of storage space under the seats and in the door pockets.
Pros and cons for everyday use
The benefits of using the roomy in daily life include:
- Maneuverable: The compact body size makes it easy to drive even on narrow roads.
- Easy to park: Visibility from the driver’s seat is excellent, making parking easy.
- Low maintenance costs: Good fuel economy and low taxes and insurance fees keep maintenance costs down.
On the other hand, the disadvantages include the following:
- Highway Driving Performance: The engine power is modest, so you may feel underpowered on the highway.
- Quietness: Road noise and wind noise may be a concern.
Popular colors and custom selection
Popular color ranking
The most popular colors for Roomy are as follows:
- Black Mica Metallic
- Bright Silver Metallic
- Laser Blue Crystal Shine
Custom Option Types
There are various custom options available for the Roomy, such as aero parts, aluminum wheels, interior panels, etc.
How to customize your roomy
Here are some ways to customize your Roomy to your liking.
- Dealer options: Choose your preferred genuine options from the options available at the dealer.
- Aftermarket products: Choose your preferred aftermarket products from those sold at car accessory stores or online.
- DIY: You can make it original by attaching and painting the parts yourself.
Roomy’s Note
1. Grade Selection
The Roomy comes in three grades: the standard “X”, the high-end “G”, and the “Custom G” equipped with aerodynamic parts. Prices and equipment vary, so choose carefully based on your budget and purpose.
| Model | engine | Drive system |
Price (10%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Custom GT |
1.0L inline 3-cylinder DOHC turbo |
2WD | 2,046,000 yen |
| Custom G |
1.0L inline 3-cylinder DOHC engine |
2WD | 1,914,000 yen |
| 4WD | 2,090,000 yen | ||
| GT | 1.0L inline 3-cylinder DOHC turbo |
2WD | 1,864,500 yen |
| G | 1.0L inline 3-cylinder DOHC engine |
2WD | 1,743,500 yen |
| 4WD | 1,919,500 yen | ||
| X | 2WD | 1,556,500 yen | |
| 4WD | 1,732,500 yen |
2. Choose your options
There are various options available for the Roomy, such as a navigation system, ETC in-vehicle device, drive recorder, etc. Check the options you need in advance and choose one that fits your budget.
3. Test drive
Before purchasing the Roomy, we recommend that you take a test drive. By actually driving the car, you can check the driving performance, ride comfort, quietness, etc. You can also ask the dealer’s staff any questions you may have.
Things to note to avoid regrets
Before you buy a roomie, here are some things to keep in mind:
- Test drive: By actually driving the car, you can check the driving performance, ride comfort, and ease of driving.
- Check the size: Don’t just look at a catalog or website, see the actual car to make sure it fits your lifestyle.
- Compare with other cars: By comparing the Roomy with other compact cars, you can objectively understand the advantages and disadvantages of the Roomy.
User ratings and reviews
The Roomy has been highly praised by families due to its spaciousness and ease of use. Families with children in particular praise the ease of installing a child seat and the ease of loading luggage.
On the other hand, there are mixed opinions about the driving performance and fuel efficiency. The 1.0L engine provides enough power for city driving, but some people say that it feels underpowered on the highway or on hills. There are also opinions that the fuel efficiency is not as good as the catalog value.
Roomy Q&A
Why does the Roomy have poor fuel economy?
-
Vehicle weight: The vehicle is relatively heavy for its displacement, and its weight affects fuel efficiency.
Engine: With a 1.0L naturally aspirated engine, you often have to step on the accelerator deeply to compensate for the lack of power, which tends to result in poor fuel economy.
Aerodynamics: The tall, boxy design is prone to air resistance, which impacts fuel economy at high speeds.
Due to the combined effect of these factors, the Roomy’s actual fuel economy tends to be worse than what is listed in the catalogue.
However, depending on your driving style and driving environment, it may be possible to achieve figures close to the catalog fuel economy. If you drive eco-friendly or frequently drive on highways, your fuel economy may improve.
Who is Roomy recommended for?
-
Families with children: The spacious interior and sliding doors make it easy to get child seats in and out and to load and unload luggage. People who are not used to driving: The compact body size makes it easy to handle and drive. Elderly people: The height makes it easy to get in and out, and visibility is good. People who want to carry a lot of luggage: You can secure a large luggage space by folding down the rear seats. People who often do shopping or drop off passengers nearby: Although the fuel economy is not that good, this car is easy to use around town.
The Roomy has a compact body size but a spacious interior, making it a convenient car for everyday use. If you are considering buying one, we recommend that you take a test drive and actually drive it.
What are Roomy’s strengths?
-
Spacious interior: Despite its compact body size, it has a larger interior space than a minicar, with the legroom in the rear seats being best in its class. The interior dimensions are 2,180mm long, 1,480mm wide, and 1,355mm high, and the distance between the front and rear passengers is wide, providing ample space in the rear seats. Another feature is that there is ample headroom, so there is no feeling of cramping. Easy-to-use sliding doors: Sliding doors on both sides make it easy to get in and out even in tight parking lots, and it is also easy to use child seats and load and unload luggage. Ample storage space: There is storage space throughout the car, including the glove box and door pockets, making it easy to keep small items organized.
A word from the editorial department
The appeal of the Roomy is its spacious interior and ease of use for a compact car. However, you should be careful about its driving performance, quietness, and safety performance. It is important to fully understand the disadvantages and points to note before purchasing, take a test drive, and choose the grade and options that suit you.
I hope this article will be helpful to those who are considering purchasing a Roomy.
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