Toyota Alphard is a minivan manufactured by the Japanese automaker Toyota. It is available in seven or eight-seat configurations. It appeals to Kenyans due to its luxurious cabin, smooth drive, and substantial interior primarily for those with large families. The name Alphard depicts the brightest star in the constellation Hydra. Despite its high rating, it competes with the Volkswagen Transporter, Mercedes-Benz V-class, Nissan Elgrand, Peugeot Traveller, and Honda Odyssey.
The Alphard’s first version, designated AH10, began production in 2002 and continued until 2008. It was developed with a curvaceous style that gave the impression of a smaller car to target younger buyers aged 30-40. Toyota reduced the necessity for a space-consuming drive shaft in its predecessor by choosing a front-wheel-drive arrangement. In 2003, a hybrid variant was added to the lineup.
The Alphard’s second generation, designated AH20, debuted in 2008 and was manufactured until 2015. During this time, a twin model known as the Vellfire was introduced. According to Toyota, the Alphard features an “elegant and sophisticated” design, but the Vellfire emphasizes “strength and strong individuality.”
The Alphard’s third generation, codenamed AH30, began production in 2015 and continued until 2023. It had an entirely revised look as well as two new engines. Both the Alphard and Vellfire now have a new top-tier Executive Lounge grade. It has a new double-wishbone rear suspension that replaces the previous torsion beam system. The new suspension was designed to keep the body quiet and stiff. The new platform’s floor has been substantially flattened, allowing the second-row seats to glide forward and backward.
The Lexus LM, a Lexus-badged version of the third-generation Alphard, was debuted in 2019. The LM abbreviation stands for “Luxury Mover.” The LM is slightly longer than the Alphard.
The fourth generation Toyota Alphard, designated AH40, was conceptualized in 2023 and is now under production. The 2017 Toyota Alphard has three engine options: a 2.5 L 2AR-FE (Petrol), a 3.5 L 2GR-FKS V6 (Petrol), and a 2.5 L 2AR-FXE (Hybrid), both of which are mated to a 7-speed super CVT-I and a 6-speed automatic transmission.
2017 Toyota Alphard Grades
- Toyota Alphard 2.5 SA- This grade comes with an anti-lock braking system, traction control, power windows, power mirrors, a 12-volt power outlet, and Bluetooth connectivity.
- Toyota Alphard 2.5 S- This grade is fitted with a sunroof, body-colored bumpers, smartphone connectivity, power windows, privacy glass, and electric-powered sliding doors.
- Toyota Alphard 2.5 SC- This grade is equipped with privacy glass, a rear spoiler, a centralized door lock, an intelligent parking system, an electronic brake-force distribution, and a collision mitigation system.
- Toyota Alphard 3.5 SAC- This grade has an air conditioner, gesture control, GPS navigation system, AUX/USB compatibility, a lip spoiler, traction control, hill descent control, and an internal hard drive.
Interior
Legroom & Space
The interior of Alphard automobiles is their most appealing feature. When you look at the car from the outside, you may disregard it, but once you look inside, you change your perspective. The interior is classic and opulent. The 2017 Toyota Alphard’s first row has lots of legroom and headroom, and the seats may recline to meet a desired configuration. The second and third rows are outstanding because there is ample room for the legs and the head.
Cabin Storage
The 2017 Toyota Alphard features several compartment storages that enhance comfort for passengers in the cabin.
The first row has two cupholders, a glovebox, door pockets, and a center console. The second row is fitted with cupholders, tray storage, and door pockets.
Boot Space
The 2017 Toyota Alphard has a sizeable cargo area that can carry small and medium-sized luggage. If more space is required, the second and third-row seats can be retracted.
Exterior
The exterior of the 2017 Toyota Alphard is distinctively designed, with a powerful and imposing appearance that seeks to exceed expectations in terms of luxury, durability, and exhilarating experiences. This dynamic design combines the shoulder area, which begins at the headlights and extends in radial patterns to the back. The underbody is contoured and heavy, emphasizing the area encircling the wheels, while the cabin features prominent wide glass windows.
The Alphard has a huge front grille with thick mesh trim attached to the lower grille, producing a fantastic front appearance that exudes the vehicle’s personal luxury and unique assertiveness.
The U-shaped structure merges the rear combination lights with the license plate garnish, providing a rear view that emphasizes the wide-body sensation and muscular underbody.
2017 Toyota Alphard Safety Features
The 2017 Toyota Alphard is fitted with Overspeed warning, lane departure warning, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot detection, rear-cross traffic assist, multiple airbags, traction control, hill-descent control, anti-lock braking system, and electronic brakeforce distribution.
2017 Alphard Fuel Consumption
2017 Toyota Alphard 2.5 L petrol engine consumption- 12.2 km/l on average
2017 Toyota Alphard 2.5 L hybrid engine consumption- 18.4 km/l on average
2017 Toyota Alphard 3.5 L petrol engine consumption- 11.4 km/l on average
2017 Toyota Alphard Acceleration
2017 Toyota Alphard 2.5 L petrol engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 11.3 secs
2017 Toyota Alphard 2.5 L hybrid engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 11.0 secs
2017 Toyota Alphard 3.5 L petrol engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 8.3 secs
The 2017 Toyota Alphard Fuel Tank Capacity: 75 liters
Ground Clearance
The 2017 Toyota Alphard has a ground clearance of 6.2 inches which is below the required standard on Kenyan roads.
Service Intervals
Minor Service: At 5,000 km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, and Engine Oil.
Major Service: At 10,000km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, Fuel Filter, ATF Filter, Cabin Filter, Plugs, Front Brake Pads, Rear Brake Pads, ATF Oil, and Engine Oil.
Spare Parts and Availability
The benefit of having a Toyota is that spare parts and other body components are easy to come by because they share multiple parts. The Alphard is no exception.
Stability And Handling
The 2017 Toyota Alphard’s CVT transmission provides a very smooth drive. However, the automatic transmission provides more driving thrill than the CVT.
The ground clearance is slightly low, which may cause issues while driving over large speed bumps. When driving, you will note that the vehicle is rather hefty and has a lot of body roll.
The steering wheel is not only responsive to road curvature but also lightweight and easy to operate. Because its suspension system is finely tuned and gets the job done perfectly, you will not experience any wobbly motions or noise picked up from uneven road conditions while traveling in this van. It’s no surprise that it bears the label “luxurious.”
Reliability
The 2017 Toyota Alphard is a reliable vehicle. However, driving off-road in this car is not advised for you to risk damaging body components because of its low ground clearance. Regular service and maintenance are required to maximize the full potential of this vehicle.
Refer to the Toyota Alphard buyer guide for a thorough dependability report. We also urge that you always follow the instructions in the owner’s manual.
Resale Value: Good
Toyota Alphard Competitors: Volkswagen Transporter, Mercedes Benz V-class, Nissan Elgrand, Peugeot Traveller, and Honda Odyssey.
What we like about the 2017 Toyota Alphard
Luxurious interior
Smooth ride
Spacious and quiet cabin
What we don’t like
Low ground clearance
Conclusion
The 2017 Toyota Alphard is a high-end multipurpose van that can be used for family outings or executive escorted services. Consider the Alphard if you want a truly spectacular people mover. However, as much as it is a darling to many, folks on a tight budget may not be in a position to purchase this vehicle.
