Next-gen 2024 Toyota Alphard debuts with new hybrid powertrain

Toyota Motor Corporation has officially debuted the next-generation 2024 Alphard and it gets vast improvements to its exterior, plus a new set of powertrain options. 

The 2024 Toyota Alphard

Toyota also launched the Vellfire, the Alphard’s sister model. Both share the same platform, but the Vellfire is sold in select markets as a “sportier-looking” alternative. The Philippines historically did not get the Vellfire while the Alphard is a mainstay in Toyota PH’s local lineup. 

So what does the all-new 2024 Toyota Alphard offer? Let’s give it a closer look to learn more about the luxury three-row model’s model update. 

Exterior

The most striking detail on the new Alphard is its large grille. It is more prominent than the outgoing model and it now takes up most of the front fascia. Integrated neatly into the horizontal slats of the grille on each side are a pair of sharp-looking LED headlamps. The lower portions of the updated minivan then come with more aggressive foglamp housings.

The new Alphard from the side

Toyota says that it sought to differentiate the Alphard from the Vellfire, with the latter getting a sportier front end. Other than that, both of their sides get the same character lines and high-roof profiles. Both also get the new side step feature which integrates with the vehicle’s sliding doors. This makes it easier for children to enter the second row of the vehicle. 

A look at its rear end

The rear of the new Alphard model also ditched those chunky LED taillights found on the old model. The new one instead gets a sleeker pair LED taillight bar that still wraps around the sides. 

Interior

Inside the Alphard is a reworked interior that features a new, more modern-looking dashboard sporting plenty of soft-touch surfaces and eye-pleasing trim pieces. But the most interesting bit on this section of the Alphard is a long uninterrupted line from the front door cards to the dash. This provides the front cabin with an enclosed cockpit feel.  

Toyota improved the new Alphard's interior space

Like the previous version, the usual goodies are there. It gets a plush front elbow rest, power-adjustable front seats, leather-wrapped seats, a sunroof, an auto-chromic rearview mirror, etc. 

The interior of the new model is likewise touted to offer better space between its row of seats. Specifically, the second row now gets 5mm more legroom, while the third row has 10mm more. Furthermore, special measures were provided to ensure optimal comfort for the rear seats. Noise and vibration are prevented from entering the cabin via dampening adhesives. Meanwhile, wind noise is staved off thanks to the careful design of the vehicle’s pillars, door mirrors, and hood. 

There's plenty of eye candy inside this ride

The ceiling of the new Alphard also gets what Toyota calls the “Super-Long Overhead Console.” As per its name, it allows for better access to the vehicle’s air-conditioning controls regardless of one’s seating position inside the updated minivan. 

Tech & Safety

Dominating the dashboard of the all-new Alphard is a new widescreen infotainment system. The driver meanwhile, gets a large digital gauge cluster. The brand didn’t share the specifics for these screens though.  

Safety aboard this luxurious van is then provided by a bunch of driver-assistive features. Included is a lane steering assist system, and a park assist system which can be controlled via a smartphone app. 

The Alphard's cockpit

Also featured is the Toyota “Advanced Drive.” In a nutshell, this leverages the van’s radar cruise control and lane trace assists for slow-moving traffic. According to Toyota, this may help in reducing driver fatigue in congested roads. 

Another is the “deceleration assist.” This automatically slows down the vehicle when approaching intersections, allowing the driver to easily handle turns. 

Engine

The 2024 Alphard appears to have ditched the old V6 mill that was found on the previous model. Instead, it gets a 2.5-liter Series Parallel Hybrid or a 2.4-liter gasoline engine. 

Alphard's 2.5-liter hybrid mill

Toyota didn’t share any output figures for the combustion-only model. The hybrid, however, can make a combined total of 246 horsepower according to Toyota’s own research. 

The hybrid mills are then paired to an electronic continuously variable transmission (e-CVT). Meanwhile, the 2.4-liter gasoline-only version gets an eight-speed direct-shift automatic transmission. 

The 2.4-liter version may then come with front-wheel-drive (FWD), or all-wheel-drive (AWD). The hybrid Alphard in turn, also gets a FWD variant, though its AWD version is dubbed as the “E-Four” hinting towards an electronic rear axle. 

The 2.4-liter combustion-only engine

Handling ride comfort for the next-gen van is TNGA-specific suspension components. These are a front MacPherson Strut and a rear double wishbone suspension. Both use new shock absorbers that mechanically adjust damping to stave away vibrations from road surfaces. At the same time, Toyota says that it offers improved maneuverability and stability over the older model. 

Price

The 2024 Toyota Alphard is now available for reservation for the Japanese market with a price ranging from 5,400,000 Yen to 8,720,000 Yen. That’s roughly equivalent to Php 2.1 million to Php 3.4 million at current exchange rates.

Toyota PH is yet to say anything about releasing the all-new Alphard here. Do remember though, that it's a popular model in the brand’s local lineup so a local debut might be just around the corner, hopefully.

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