Toyota is one of the biggest automakers in the world. The superbly made Toyota Alphard and Toyota Estima are the best-selling cars in the Tanzanian market, especially Toyota Alphard. These are also the progressive automobiles in the minivan group. Not only the Toyota Estima brand but the Toyota Alphard took the market by storm. Both models have some astonishing features. Be it the handling, appearance, performance or power, one cannot simply ignore the fuel efficiency feature when comparing the Toyota Alphard vs Estima.
Introduction
The Toyota Alphard, Toyota Estima, and Toyota Vellfire are three notable vehicles in Toyota’s lineup, each offering a unique blend of luxury, comfort, and functionality to drivers worldwide. The Toyota Alphard, introduced in 2002, epitomizes luxury and sophistication in the MPV segment. With its sleek design and spacious interior, the Alphard provides a premium driving experience for discerning individuals and families alike. Boasting advanced features such as plush leather seating, dual-zone climate control, and state-of-the-art entertainment systems, the Alphard offers passengers unparalleled comfort and convenience on every journey. Its powerful yet fuel-efficient engine ensures smooth performance, while a range of safety features provides peace of mind for both drivers and passengers.
The Toyota Estima, also known as the Toyota Previa in some markets, has been a popular choice among minivan enthusiasts since its debut in 1990. Renowned for its innovative design and versatility, the Estima combines practicality with style. With its spacious cabin, flexible seating configurations, and ample cargo space, the Estima is the ideal vehicle for families on the go. Advanced safety features, including Toyota’s Safety Sense suite, help protect occupants on the road, while a host of convenience features enhance the overall driving experience.
Introduced in 2008, the Toyota Vellfire represents the epitome of luxury in Toyota’s MPV lineup. With its bold exterior styling and opulent interior amenities, the Velfire exudes elegance and sophistication. From its premium leather upholstery to its advanced entertainment systems, every detail of the Vellfire is crafted with the utmost attention to luxury and comfort. Equipped with a powerful engine and advanced suspension system, the Velfire delivers a smooth and refined driving experience, making it the preferred choice for those who demand nothing but the best.
The Toyota Alphard, Toyota Estima, and Toyota Vellfire are three exemplary vehicles that cater to different preferences and needs within the MPV segment. Whether seeking luxury, versatility, or a combination of both, these vehicles offer drivers a perfect balance of style, comfort, and performance, reaffirming Toyota’s commitment to excellence in automotive design and engineering.
(*Prices are reflective of average BE FORWARD pricings as of April 2021.)
Toyota Alphard
Toyota Estima
Capacity/Doors 4 doors/7 – 8 seating 7 seats/4 doors
Torque 220Nm – 304Nm 190Nm – 344Nm
Top Speed 180 km/h 180 km/h
0-100 km/h 8.0sec – 11.9 sec 8.0sec – 11.2 sec
Max Power 113 – 220 Bhp 150 – 280 Bhp
Engine 2.4L – 3.5L 2.5L – 3.5L
Fuel Tank Capacity 65L 65L
Key Features 3 Point seat belts with ELR, ABS, EBD, SRS Airbags,
Steering Assisted Vehicle Stability(S-VCS)ABS, AFS, Curtain Airbags, EBD, EPS,
S-VSC, Side Airbags, SRS Airbags, TRC
Gearbox CVT CVT-I or CVT
Fuel Consumption 9.5km/L – 19.5km/L 9.7km/L – 18km/L
Length x Width x Height 4.86×1.83×1.93 m 4.79×1.82×1.73 m
BE FORWARD PRICE USD 990 – 91,150 USD 510 – 32,070
Toyota Alphard
Price
| 2014 | $5,830 – 14,010 |
| 2016 | $11,390 – 78,890 |
| 2020 | $23,620 – 69,100 |
| 2022 | $25,800 – 139,450 |
| 2024 | $61,600 – 105,910 |
Exterior and Interior Comparison
Toyota Alphard
The Toyota Alphard is a full-size luxury minivan. Production started from 2002 to the present with a 7 or 8-seating capacity and is available in 3 model lines: Alphard G, Alphard V, and Alphard Hybrid.
Interior
Cabin Storage
Undoubtedly, the Toyota Alphard stands out as one of the most luxuriously comfortable vans available in the market today. Its spacious and plush seats rival those found in business class on airplanes, offering passengers a level of relaxation rarely seen in vehicles of its kind. In fact, it’s not every day you come across lie-flat seats in a vehicle.
Moreover, the cabin of the Alphard is meticulously designed to insulate passengers from external noise, facilitating effortless conversations even while cruising down the highway without the need to raise one’s voice. With ample space across all three rows, occupants are treated to an exceptional level of comfort, leaving little to be desired.
Furthermore, the Alphard boasts an array of storage compartments strategically placed throughout the cabin, catering to various storage needs. What’s more, there are discreet slots cleverly integrated for safeguarding valuables, accessible only to those privies to the information contained within the user manual. This attention to detail underscores Toyota’s commitment to providing both comfort and security in the Alphard, making it a standout choice for discerning drivers.
The seats are roomy and relaxed and comparable only to business class seats on airlines. I mean, how many vehicles have you seen with lie-flat seats?
The cabin is well separated from external noise, and you can have a conversation while driving down a highway without having to increase your voice. The space for all the 3 rows is excellent and you really can’t ask for anything more.
There are plenty of storage sections doled all over the cabin to store all kinds of things. There are even secret slots for hiding valuables that can only be found with the help of the user manual.
Cargo Space
With all the 3 rows in use, there’s enough boot space to store about 3 medium-sized luggage. With the 3rd-row seats folded up, the boot space is really big and vast. Additionally, the 2nd-row seats can be slid forward to create an even bigger boot space.
Even when all three rows are occupied, the Toyota Alphard offers ample boot space capable of accommodating approximately three medium-sized luggage items. However, with the third-row seats folded up, the boot space expands significantly, providing a vast storage area. Moreover, for added flexibility, the second-row seats can be slid forward to further increase the available boot space, ensuring that drivers have the versatility they need to accommodate various cargo needs.
Engine
The Mark Alphard is equipped with 3 engine options, the 2AZ-FE I4 2.4L, 1MZ-FE V6 3.0L, and the 2GR-FSE 3.5L engine that is mated to a 6 or 7-speed automatic or Super CVT-i gearbox. The 2GR-FSE 3.5L V6 petrol produces 280 HP, the 2AZ-FE 2.4L inline 4-cylinder petrol produces 152 HP and the 1MZ-FE 3.0L V6 petrol produces 220 HP.
The Toyota Alphard offers drivers a choice of three engine options to suit their performance preferences. These include the 2AZ-FE I4 2.4L, the 1MZ-FE V6 3.0L, and the 2GR-FSE 3.5L engine, all paired with either a 6 or 7-speed automatic transmission or Super CVT-i gearbox for smooth and efficient power delivery.
The 2GR-FSE 3.5L V6 petrol engine boasts an impressive output of 280 horsepower, delivering robust performance on the road. Meanwhile, the 2AZ-FE 2.4L inline 4-cylinder petrol engine generates 152 horsepower, providing a balance of efficiency and power. Lastly, the 1MZ-FE 3.0L V6 petrol engine produces 220 horsepower, offering a blend of performance and fuel economy.
With these engine options, the Toyota Alphard ensures that drivers can select the powertrain that best suits their driving preferences and needs, while still enjoying the renowned reliability and performance associated with Toyota vehicles.
Fuel Consumption
The Toyota Alphard demonstrates varying fuel efficiencies across its engine options. For the 3.0L engine-equipped Alphard, fuel consumption averages at approximately 10.21 km/L. Meanwhile, the Alphard featuring a 2.4L engine achieves a higher fuel efficiency, averaging around 11.6 km/L. Conversely, the Alphard equipped with a 3.5L engine demonstrates slightly lower fuel efficiency, with consumption estimated at approximately 9.5 km/L. However, the Hybrid version of the Alphard surpasses them all in fuel economy, boasting an impressive average of around 19.5 km/L.
Pros
- Spacious interior
- Luxurious amenities
- Advanced technology
Cons
- High price
- Limited fuel efficiency
- Bulky size
Toyota Estima
Price
| 2007 | $1,760 – 3,890 |
| 2012 | $2,280 – 14,300 |
| 2015 | $2,910 – 14,590 |
| 2016 | $8,130 – 22,770 |
The Toyota Estima, also known as the Toyota Tarago in Australia and Toyota Previa in Asia, is one of Toyota’s largest MPVs. Production spanned from 1990 to 2019. It ranks as the second-largest minivan in Toyota’s lineup, positioned between the Toyota Alphard and Vellfire, and below the Toyota Noah and Voxy.
Interior
Cabin Storage
The Toyota Estima features a spacious and well-insulated cabin, offering ample room for passengers to enjoy a comfortable journey free from road noise. Toyota Estima typically offers seating for up to eight passengers. With excellent legroom across all three rows, even tall individuals can travel comfortably. The driver’s cabin is equipped with multiple storage compartments, ideal for stowing items like handbags, smartphones, and beverages. Additionally, there are four cup-holders, door panel storage, and a glovebox for added convenience. In the passenger row, two cup-holders are provided, while back row passengers benefit from storage pockets on the side panels.
There are several storage booths in the driver’s cabin; these are useful for storing items such as handbags, smartphones, goggles, beverages, etc.
At the driver’s cabin, there are 4 cup-holders, a door panel storage, and a glovebox. In the passenger row, there are 2 cup-holders. There is storage on the side pockets in the back row.
Cargo Space
When all three rows are occupied, the boot space is limited for large luggage. Folding up the 3rd-row seats enlarges cargo space. Furthermore, sliding the 2nd-row seats forward increases cargo capacity.
At the driver’s cabin, there are 4 cup-holders, a door panel storage, and a glovebox. In the passenger row, there are 2 cup-holders. There is storage on the side pockets in the back row.
Engine
The Toyota Estima offers three engine choices: the 2AZ-FE 2.4L, 2GR-FE 3.5L, and 2AZ-FXE 2.4L hybrid. These are paired with 6 or 7-speed automatic/Super CVT-I, or CVT automatic transmissions. Available in 2-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive configurations, the 2AZ-FE 2.4L I4 petrol engine delivers 152 HP, while the 2AZ-FXE 2.4L hybrid version provides the same output. The 2GR-FE 3.5L V6 petrol engine boasts 220 HP.
Fuel Consumption
Toyota Estima’s fuel consumption is approximately 11.6 km/L for the Estima powered by a 2.4L engine while the Estima with 2.4L hybrid version is around 18 km/L and the Estima with 3.5L is around 9.7 km/L.
Pros
- Spacious interior
- Versatile seating options
- Smooth ride
Cons
- Limited fuel efficiency
- Bulky size
- High maintenance costs
Toyota Vellfire
Price
| 2008 | $1500 – 13050 |
| 2010 | $1190 – 11670 |
| 2015 | $7440 – 31600 |
| 2023 | $37380 – 74100 |
| 2024 | $94240 – 94240 |
Exterior
The Toyota Velfire exudes a commanding presence on the road, boasting a sleek and aerodynamic exterior design that commands attention at every turn. Its bold and sculpted lines, coupled with striking LED headlights and a distinctive front grille, create an aura of sophistication and elegance. The Velfire’s muscular stance and wide wheel arches convey strength and stability, while chrome accents add a touch of luxury. With its attention to detail and premium craftsmanship, every curve and contour of the Velfire’s exterior is meticulously crafted to perfection. Whether navigating city streets or embarking on long journeys, the Toyota Vellfire stands out as a symbol of style and refinement, making a powerful statement wherever it goes.
Interior
Cabin Storage
The cabin of the Toyota Vellfire offers an abundance of storage solutions, ensuring convenience and organization for passengers on every journey. With strategically placed compartments and pockets throughout the interior, there is ample space to stow away personal belongings, gadgets, and essentials. The Vellfire’s thoughtfully designed storage features include door panel storage, center console compartments, cup holders, and hidden storage compartments, providing versatile options to keep items secure and easily accessible. Whether it’s long road trips or daily commutes, the Vellfire’s cabin storage system enhances comfort and functionality, allowing occupants to travel with ease and peace of mind.
Cargo Space
The Toyota Velfire offers generous cargo space, catering to diverse storage needs for both everyday use and extended journeys. With the flexibility to accommodate varying amounts of luggage and cargo, the Velfire’s cargo area is designed to maximize utility and convenience. Whether all seats are in use or folded down, the Velfire provides ample room to transport large items, groceries, sports equipment, and more. Additionally, the option to configure the seating arrangement further enhances versatility, ensuring that passengers can optimize the cargo space to suit their specific requirements. Overall, the Velfire’s cargo space combines practicality with functionality, making it a reliable choice for drivers with active lifestyles.
Engine
Fuel Consumption
The fuel consumption of the Toyota Velfire varies depending on factors such as engine size, driving conditions, and driving habits. Generally, the Velfire is equipped with efficient engines that balance power with fuel economy. For example, the 2.5L I4 engine typically offers good fuel efficiency for its class, the consumption reaches 11.6 Km/l. On the other hand, the larger 3.5L V6 engine may consume 7.1Km/l
Pros
- Spacious and luxurious interior
- Advanced technology and features
- Smooth and comfortable ride experience
Cons
- High price compared to competitors
- Limited availability in some markets
- Potentially higher maintenance costs
Final Verdict
BE FORWARD offers a wide selection of used Toyota Alphard, Toyota Estima, and Toyota Vellfire models, catering to various preferences and budgets. Customers can explore the inventory to find the model that best fits their needs, whether it’s the luxurious Alphard, the practical Estima, or the stylish Vellfire. With BE FORWARD’s reputation for quality and reliability, customers can trust that they’ll find a well-maintained vehicle that meets their expectations. It’s essential for buyers to consider factors such as budget, desired features, and vehicle condition when making a decision. Ultimately, BE FORWARD provides a convenient platform for customers to find their ideal Toyota MPV.
I am a car enthusiast and experienced freelance car writer with over 5 years in automotive journalism. Recognized for delivering engaging and informative content across diverse websites and blogs, prominently featured on platforms like BE FORWARD. A passion for cars, coupled with a proven track record of insightful articles, showcasing a deep understanding of the industry.
With over 5 years of writing expertise in the automotive domain, I specialize in comprehensive coverage of car-related topics. My portfolio spans engaging reviews, up-to-date news, and in-depth features, showcasing a versatile understanding of the automotive landscape. This experience reflects my commitment to delivering insightful content that captivates readers across a broad spectrum of car enthusiasts and general audiences.
My favorite car is the Range Rover Sport for its luxurious design, powerful performance, and unparalleled comfort on and off-road.
