Toyota Rush

Overview

If you know about Toyota models, then you will know that the Toyota Rush is essentially a rebadged Daihatsu Terios. The Terios was a small compact SUV before small compact SUVs were a thing. The latest facelift wraps the same formula in an almost unrecognizable form from the old model.

The new model has taken many design cues from the Fortuner, depicting confusing MPV meets SUV shape, much like the Avanza. This 7 seater can be better described as a baby Fortuner.

Competing against the Mitsubishi Expander, it has certainly created a lot of hype in the market before its launch. Toyota is essentially positioning it as an entry-level SUV, like a baby Fortuner. Currently, it is on sale in the Philippines in three variants: 1.5E M/T, 1.5E M/T with five seats each and 1.5G A/T with seven seats.

Interior & Features

Toyota has many 7 seaters in its stable and does not need to look far for interior inspiration. Likewise, the interior in the 2018 Rush is inspired from the Fortuner and the Innova. The materials on the dash have a soft feel. The biggest draw has to be the 7” touchscreen. It is connected to 6 or 8 speakers depending on the variant. Other than the usual connectivity options, it also comes with Weblink for iOS and Android. There are three accessory outlets to allow for charging of devices. The three-spoke steering wheel has controls for audio and is adjustable for tilt but isn’t telescopic. Otherwise, the driving position is commanding and offers a good view outside. The E variant is meant to seat 5 while the G variant comes with an additional row of seats. Naturally, the boot in the seater suffers at 213-litre compared to 514-litre in the 5-seater. Perhaps to compensate for this, the 7-seater gets roof rails. There is dual air conditioner with automatic air conditioning in the 7-seater.

Exterior

Did we say it looks like a baby Fortuner? Well, it does. It is larger than other SUVs in its segment at 4435 (L) x 1695 (W) x 1705 (H) mm. It is also much larger than the SUV it replaces. The wheelbase at 2685 mm creates ample room for passengers inside. The ground clearance is also an SUV like 220 mm. This allows Toyota to market it as an entry-level SUV instead of an MPV like the other cars in its segment. The exterior design follows suit and incorporates many sporty elements. There is a dark grille surrounding the fascia and the sweeping LED headlights are integrated with LED DRLs. These elements ride high above the huge and bulging bumper which incorporates tiny fog lights in the intakes. The rear door is now a more conventional top hinged design. There are LED taillights that flank the rear door. Other sporty touches include the tailgate-mounted spoiler and a shark fin antenna. There are 16” swanky alloys which are 17” on the G variant shod with 215/65 or 215/60 tires respectively.  On the whole, it is a more compact and handsome package than the Fortuner.

Engine & Fuel Consumption

Doing the hard work is a 1.5-litre inline 4-cylinder 2NR-VE engine with Dual VVT-i. This same engine features in the Sienta, but here it is in a different tune, thanks to which it produces 104 PS at 6,000 rpm along with peak torque of 136 Nm at 4,200 rpm. It is a big improvement over its predecessor while being smaller than it. The fuel economy figure has apparently gone up by 10%. Mileage in the early 20s won’t be difficult to achieve. Transmission options include a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic. In either case, power goes to the back. This configuration sets the Toyota apart from all its rivals. This configuration allows the wheels to deliver power to the road in a better way. Especially on hills. The suspension is set up for comfort and is at the most in its element when it is fully loaded. Power steering allows for easy maneuverability. The Rush also enjoys a tight turning radius of just 5.2 m, giving it a smooth handling.

Braking & Safety

Toyota has recently taken a new approach to distributing safety equipment across its variants. This has allowed them to produce some of the safest cars on the roads today. The Rush is no different. All three variants get parking sensors, reversing camera, vehicle stability control with hill start assist, traction control and emergency stop signal as standard. ABS with EBD also comes as standard as does Toyota vehicle security system including immobilizer with alarm. Best of all, you get 6 airbags – front, side, and curtain - irrespective of the variant you buy. Such high levels of safety equipment are on top of the already safe construction of the car which has allowed it to get a 5-star safety rating in crash tests conducted by the ASEAN NCAP. The SUV scored a whopping 84 out of 100 overall. This not only beats its old score but also that of the Mitsubishi Expander, its closest rival. The Expander has only a 4-star rating with a score of 71.6 points. For an entry-level SUV starting at Php 948000, this level of safety is very encouraging.