Exploring the All-New Toyota Alphard: A Blend of Luxury and Innovation

The exterior unmistakably resembles a minivan, but that’s just the beginning. With advanced driving dynamics, an exceptional infotainment system, and convenience features, the ride comfort and utility reach the level of a large luxury sedan. Not quite a minivan and not quite a sedan, the advanced mobility of the Toyota Alphard makes its grand entrance.

I had the opportunity to test drive the Alphard on September 21, covering a distance of 72 kilometers from Ananti in Gapyeong to Wonju in Gangwon Province. The Alphard has been globally acclaimed as a top-notch minivan since its launch in 2002 and is now making its debut in its fourth generation on domestic soil.

The sharp-eyed headlight design at the front and the black glossy mesh grille that envelops the entire face give a strong impression from the very first encounter.

With dimensions of 5,005 x 1,850 x 1,955 mm, this is a traditional one-box car in a 2+2+3 seating configuration for seven passengers. The second row features amenities rivaling first-class airplane seating, and passengers can watch a variety of videos through dedicated entertainment monitors, including YouTube and Netflix. Long road trips will never be dull for those sitting in the second row.

The second-row seats feature long sliding capability, moving up to 48 cm. Additionally, they are equipped with a massage function and can recline up to 125 degrees.

As you travel beneath the glass roof on either side, it creates a mysterious sensation, much like flying in the sky. The ceiling between the glass roofs houses the second-row air conditioning controls and the shade button for the glass roofs, both aligned for easy access. However, due to the width of the second-row seats, transitioning to the third row may require folding the second-row seats, which could be somewhat inconvenient.

A 12.3-inch driver’s instrument panel and a wide 14-inch touch monitor have been installed, providing easy access to driving-related information through the touchscreen interface.

The vehicle comes equipped with a head-up display. Previously, head-up displays in Toyota Lexus vehicles weren’t integrated with the navigation system, often leading to confusion for first-time drivers. However, this iteration has improved usability by linking navigation instructions to the head-up display. For those who struggle to gauge distances when making turns, clear Korean explanations are now included indicating the proximity of upcoming turns at 100m and 50m. Additionally, an integrated high-pass system has been added for expediting passage through highway toll gates. This level of convenience enhances overall refinement, down to the smallest details.

The lock-to-lock steering ratio is 2.7 turns. The steering response is incredibly light. The hybrid system features a 2.5-liter Atkinson cycle engine combined with an electric motor and nickel-hydrogen battery. The total output of the system is a smooth 250 horsepower.

In urban settings, the feeling is comfortable and smooth, as if floating above the clouds. While the outward appearance of a bulky minivan may be deceiving, the ride quality is superior, providing an experience beyond that of a luxury sedan. On highways, the Alphard maintains a quiet demeanor, thanks to the TNG-A (Toyota New Global Architecture) platform, which improves driving feel with its high-rigidity body frame and integrated design.

Equipped with frequency-responsive shock absorbers, the vehicle blocks road noise effectively. Additionally, it absorbs vibrations from the road, resulting in a smooth and quiet ride. Although the high body profile makes it somewhat susceptible to wind noise, the sound of the wind is surprisingly calm, exceeding expectations.

The Toyota Safety Sense advanced driving assist system has been integrated into the vehicle. The adaptive cruise control adjusts speed without maintaining a rigid pace, keeping pace with the vehicle in front. Whether traffic is congested or clear, the vehicle adjusts its speed accordingly.

Lane tracking assist is also featured. Even on winding roads, the Alphard maintains a straight posture, gliding gracefully along the curves as if a model strutting down a fashion show runway.

The Alphard has landed in the domestic market under the slogan of a premium minivan. It is expected to create new demand in the domestic market with cutting-edge conveniences and safety features that Toyota has not previously showcased.