What makes the Toyota Rush 1.5 G a good deal for an SUV?

Since its launch two years ago, I’ve always been asked about the Rush. How does it drive? Is it any good? What does it offer the SUV segment?

Clearly, the Rush has struck a chord among Filipino motorists looking at the market from the perspective of price, styling, performance and practicality without any brand or model bias.

Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) calls it an SUV and it comes in either five- or seven-seater, but best of all, it’s sexier than its Avanza sibling. In fact, the Toyota Rush comes with a “junior” Fortuner vibe but with more versatility and a workman’s attitude.

Grooves on the hood add flair to the smoked chrome grille flanked by slim cat eyes-like automatic LED (light-emitting diode) headlamps with line guide. Along the sides, even with a more contoured beltline, is where its Avanza roots show but if you go around back, the combination LED taillights with line guide and the overall design of the rear takes after the Fortuner.

It prides itself in having higher ground clearance compared to the competition at 220mm, plus SUV-level approach (front) and departure (rear) angles at 31 and 26 degrees, respectively.

Even as a seven-seater, it measures just the same as the two E trims at 4,435mm long, 1,695mm wide, 1,705mm tall, and a wheelbase of 2,685mm. Trunk space with all three rows of seats us is 213 liters.

Under the hood is Toyota’s 2NR-VE engine gasoline engine with dual VVT-i (variable valve timing with intelligence) that allows it to operate in the Otto cycle as well as a modified-Atkinson cycle to improve thermal efficiency. Output is 102hp and 134Nm of torque. It uses an electric fuel injection system and is mated to a four-speed automatic transmission (AT) that sends drive to the rear wheels.

The exterior has front fog lamps, fin type antenna, rear window defogger, rear reflector, LED rear combination lamps with line guide, a rear spoiler, a roof rail, an LED-type high mount stop lamp, power-adjustable and retractable side mirrors, sporty resin protectors, and an under garnish.

It comes with 17-inch alloy wheels paired to 215/60 R17 tires but with extra space available in the wheel well, a set of 18s will really make the entire package look a lot better.

The chassis has MacPherson Strut front suspension with stabilizers, five-link axle-type rear suspension, ventilated front disc brakes, and leading-trailing rear drum brakes.

As slim as it is compared to its SUV siblings, it’s roomy enough for seven, even with personal bags in tow. Luggage and larger gear have quite the ample space in the rear cargo area.

The cabin comes with just plain plastic, although it gets chrome accents to give it a more sophisticated finish.

Seats are covered with fabric. The driver’s is three-way adjustable (sliding, reclining, and height adjust) while the front passenger seat is only two-way adjustable (sliding and reclining). Second- row seats come with a 60:40 split with one-touch tumble and slide feature, while the third row folds 50:50 and has a split and tumble system.

It comes with push-start system, a colored eco bar indicator, an LED multi-information display with average fuel consumption, a two-tone instrument panel center cluster with chrome accents, an exterior temperature display, a three-spoke leather steering wheel with audio and mobile phone controls, three accessory outlets, a leather shift lever and knob, automatic climate control, and second-row aircon vents.

The entertainment system is handled by a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system with tilt function. It has a CD/MP3 player, Aux-in, USB capability, Bluetooth connectivity, and Weblink for iOS and Android operating systems. Audio is sent to eight speakers.

It comes with a driver, front and rear passenger seatbelt warning lamp and buzzer, door ajar warning, key reminder, rear sonar, and reverse monitor with guide lines.

Standard safety features include driver + passenger + front side + curtain shield airbags, anti-lock braking system with electronic brakeforce distribution, vehicle stability control (with traction control, hill start assist, and emergency stop signal), two three-point emergency locking retractor (ELR) front seatbelts with pretensioner and force limiter, three three-point ELR seatbelts in the second row, two three-point ELR seatbelts in the second row, child lock protection on the rear doors, an Isofix and tether anchor child restraint system, an alarm with immobilizer, and a smart entry system.

The Toyota Avanza 1.5 G comes exclusively in Bordeaux Mica, and also in Dark Red Mica Metallic, Bronze Mica Metallic, Black Metallic, Silver Mica Metallic, and White. It is priced at P1.1 million.

To spruce up the Avanza, Toyota gave it an array of TRD (Toyota Racing Development) equipment to choose from. There is the front and rear bumper garnish, a fog lamp cover, a TRD emblem, side body molding, side garnish, and a backdoor garnish.

The Toyota Avanza 1.5 E MT is priced at P968,000 while the Toyota Avanza 1.5 E AT (photo of cabin is above) comes in at P1.008 million.

Photos from Toyota Motor Philippines, E Grade photo by Eric Tipan