Toyota Rush

The cabin design of the Toyota Rush is more on the practical side. Surrounding the interior are hard, durable plastics along with white accents as well as faux stitches on the dashboard and doors.

On the other hand, the top variant is decked with a leather steering and gear shift knob, while the lower variants come with only polyurethane steering and gear shift knob.

It also comes with a plethora of cubby holes as well as storage spaces, specifically, it has 13 bottles and cup holders.

Comfort & Entertainment

Inside the Toyota Rush, you would notice a lot of practical functionalities. All of the variants come with a plethora of features such as a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment display that also has USB, Bluetooth, and iOS, and Android Weblink connectivity; a push-start ignition, reverse sensors, and reverse camera display with guidelines, Eco indicator, LED multi-information display, and built-in audio controls on the steering wheel.

Users would enjoy the best music experience upon picking the high G variant, decked with eight speakers, while the E variants have six speakers. Overall the high G trim is packed with extra features, namely automatic air conditioning and power-retractable side mirrors.

The Toyota Rush was developed by Daihatsu, and thus, is a rebranded variant of the second-generation Daihatsu Terios. The exterior design of the Rush is styled conservatively, unlike its rival, the Mitsubishi Xpander.

Similarly, it can be compared to how the Toyota Fortuner looks, but the size is akin in-between the size of the Innova and the Avanza. This mini-SUV dons a sporty yet refined look. The higher-end 1.5 G AT variant has a smoked-chrome grille along with roof rails as well as a sleek set of 17-inch tires, while the lower-end, conversely, has polished chromes and a set of 16-inch wheels. All of the variants measure 4435 mm in length, 1695 mm in width, and 1705 mm in length, with a ground clearance of 220 mm.

The Toyota Rush comes in six colors in Philippines : Black Metallic, Bordeaux Mica, Bronze Mica, Dark Red Mica Metallic, Silver Mica Metallic, and White.

Passenger & Boot Space

The seating capacity depends on the variant. The E trim can hold up to five passengers, while the higher trim level can accommodate seven passengers at max. It offers an ample amount of both head and legroom space but not quite in the third row. Those to occupy the rear seats are preferably children and average-sized individuals. To boot, the interior cabin is spacious and is surrounded by heavy-duty plastics and cushioned seats. A leather steering wheel and gear shift knob are offered at the top trim level, while the lower trims have polyurethane, respectively.

This mini-SUV renders smooth driving feel around urban areas as well as produces decent power and acceleration. However, knowing that the Rush is built on the same engine, gearbox, and chassis as the Avanza, it’s unlikely for the SUV to render speed more than what the Avanza can do. With a 4-speed automatic transmission that does not respond as fast, you need to hit 3,500 to 4,000 rpm before noticing the acceleration.

This model is built with a MacPherson front strut suspension and a Live Axle with coil springs at the rear. One thing to take note of is that the Rush is rather not-so-great on the highway, including its aerodynamic capacity.

Similar to the Avanza, the Toyota Rush is powered by a 1.5-liter, inline-4-Cylinder-4 gasoline engine that can generate a maximum of 102 bhp at 6,000 rpm with a peak torque of 134 Nm, producing 4,200 rpm. The lower trim is equipped with a 5-speed manual gearbox, while the higher trim has a 4-speed automatic unit.

Designed by Mark Widjaja and developed by chief engineer Eiji Fujibayashi, the latest model is the first of its class to be launched to the Philippine market. The Rush was built on the third-generation Daihatsu Terios platform, specifically the Daihatsu F800. On top of that, it also shares the same ladder-frame chassis as the Avanza.

The Toyota Rush is available in three trim levels in the market as of 2021. The lower trims include 1.5 E MT and 1.5 E AT while the range-topper includes the 1.5 G AT.

Fuel Consumption

The Toyota Rush houses a 1.5-liter inline-4-cylinder-4 gasoline engine that produces 102 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 134 Nm of torque at 4,200 rpm. The top trim is mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission, it can have a fuel consumption of 14.1 km/L per 90 km/h on the highway while 7 to 8 km/L in traffic with passengers—nothing out of the ordinary in terms of fuel consumption.

Toyota is known for manufacturing one of the most reliable autos out in the market, and thus, the Rush dons the same safety features. This model scored a 5-start safety rating in crash tests led by ASEAN NCAP with an 84 out of 100, surpassing its rival, Mitsubishi Xpander. All of the variants are equipped with seven airbags, seatbelt reminder for all passengers, ISOFIX child tethers, a child-lock system for the rear doors, parking sensors, a reversing camera, vehicle stability, hill start assist, traction control, as well as an emergency stop signal. It also includes an anti-lock braking system (ABS) along with electronic break-force distribution (EBD).

Overall it scored a 21.33 for Child Occupant Safety, along with a score of 16 for front impact, and an 8 for side impact. A sweeping score of 43.25 for the Adult Occupant safety with a front impact score of 12.50, a side-impact score of 14.64, and a head protection score of 4. Last but not least, it scored 20.83 for the Safety Assist Technology. In the ASEAN NCAP, all in all, it scored a whopping 85.42.

Is Toyota Rush a Good Car?

The Rush competes with the Mitsubishi Xpander, however, the Rush wins in terms of affordability, interior cabin and functionalities, and safety. For a starting price of PHP 983,000, you can already have first-rate features that are unlikely to find in other SUVs. The only elevation the Xpander has is its dynamic shield exterior design and its power output of 105 horsepower, and a torque of 141 Nm.

The price starts at PHP 968,000 for the base model, while the range-topper costs PHP 1,100,000. The majority opt for this label because of its easy access to service centers, cheap maintenance cost, durability, and economic value. If we compare the price value of both the Toyota Rush and Mitsubishi Xpander, the price difference would be PHP 250,000 for the standard variants and PHP 75,000 for the range-topping variants.

Final Words

Toyota has always been one of the best-selling automotive marques in the Philippines. For the brand to be the utmost choice of Filipinos, users can attest to how the automaker prioritizes safety and practicality. With the attractive price tag, this mini-SUV offers great deals unparalleled to its value compared to its rival, the Mitsubishi Xpander. Despite its shortcomings in some areas, the Toyota Rush can most certainly provide and deliver as the automaker never fails to produce durable and reliable vehicles. Comparing to what the Rush delivers, the Xpander produces 3 horsepower and 8 Nm more. Although appealing to entry-level buyers, the Rush, like all other Toyota SUVs, seems solidly put together with a durable fit and finish. Not to mention this vehicle has a knack for bearing with the country’s harsh climate and environment.

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