7-seater showdown: Toyota Avanza vs. Toyota Rush

Daihatsu is one of the oldest carmakers in the world. Founded way back in 1951, Daihatsu has been instrumental in creating some of the most essential machines and vehicles up until Toyota acquired it in the mid-1960s. It wasn’t until the late-1990s when the former released the Terios compact SUV, which later morphed into the Rush in 2017.

Meanwhile, the ‘Avanza’ nameplate had its debut in 2003. This was a project where Daihatsu and Toyota both collaborated on a product that would become one of the most popular MPVs in its segment in multiple markets for decades to come. However, if you are trying to figure out which of these MPVs you should be buying if you are in the UAE, read on.

Toyota Avanza

The Toyota Avanza was first launched by Al Futtaim Motors in the UAE back in 2014 as an entry-level MPV for those that wanted a flexible and reliable family vehicle that could carry 7 occupants. While the second-generation model has been around for over a decade, the Avanza (if you get your hands on one) has received a few makeovers over the years to keep it relatively relevant in a busy market like the United Arab Emirates.

Design & Features

The Toyota Avanza has a friendly fascia with a wide chrome bar joining the headlamps, which looks quite good for this kind of car. The high-set ground clearance is clearly visible, a design feature that makes this MPV look pretty strong. The side profile is highlighted by flared fenders and perhaps even multi-spoke alloy wheels. However, the rest of the styling is fairly forgettable.

Some of the features that the Avanza possesses include power windows, a touchscreen infotainment system, a manual HVAC system, powered door mirrors, quick-folding rear seats, an easy-to-read trip computer, cruise control, dual front airbags, ABS with EBD and rear parking sensors.

Engine & Performance

The Toyota Avanza is powered by a 1.5-liter naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine that produces 103hp and 136Nm of torque — equipped with an old-school automatic torque-converter gearbox that sends the motor’s might to the rear wheels. If pushed really hard, the Avanza can go from 0-100 km/h in around 13.5 seconds and hit a top speed of about 180 km/h. As for fuel economy, the Toyota Avanza can achieve around 6.3 L/100 km or 15.8 kpl.

Price & Variants

The 2022 Toyota Avanza was priced from around AED 63,500 for the passenger version, with the commercial model starting from about AED 67,500 in the UAE.

Toyota Rush

The Toyota Rush that’s currently on sale in the UAE, represents the third generation of this well-liked and affordable family MPV. While it is technically based on the third-gen Avanza/latest-gen Daihatsu Xenia, the new Rush is marketed as a relatively affordable but well-equipped MPV. If you want a family vehicle that will serve the purpose of being a dependable vehicle whilst also being reasonably comfortable, the Toyota Rush should be on your list.

Design & Features

The new Rush sports a pretty muscular front end that comes with a four-slatted grille, sleek LED headlights with a smoked effect, and a modern-looking front apron with a faux skid plate. Around the sides, the 2023 Toyota Rush gets 17-inch alloy wheels, flared wheel arches with black plastic cladding, and a faux roof rail.

When it comes to its convenience features, the 2023 Rush can be had with niceties like keyless entry with push-button start, automatic climate control, auto-retractable wing mirrors, a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto attached to an 8-speaker audio rig, 6 airbags, rear parking sensors, Hill-Start Assist, and a rearview camera.

Engine & Performance

Power for the 2023 Toyota Rush comes from a 1.5-liter four-cylinder petrol engine that’s exactly the same as that found in the Toyota Avanza. Therefore, when you push the accelerator, expect this four-pot to crank out about 103hp and 135Nm of peak torque. Similarly, the gearbox responsible for transmitting the engine’s might is a 4-speed automatic transmission – the same as that on the Avanza.

While it shares almost the same powerplant underneath the hood, the newer Toyota Rush scores a fuel economy of 6.1 L/100 km or 16.6 km/l. Of course, just like the Avanza, the Rush is a rear-wheel-drive vehicle.

Price & Variants

In the UAE, the 2023 Toyota Rush comes in two variants. The new Rush EX costs from AED 71,900, while the top-end Rush GX starts from AED 76,900.

Conclusion

If you want the cheapest family MPV that you can get your hands on, then a Toyota Avanza wouldn’t really hurt. However, you’d rather spend a little bit more and get the Toyota Rush. It is a far more accomplished family hauler than its cheaper cousin. Not only does it look and feel more premium, the Rush has better features and equipment.