Toyota Alphard vs. Vellfire: An MPV Showdown!

Looking for an affordable used people mover? Toyota offer a number of MPV vehicles perfect for bigger families, including its Alphard and Vellfire series. What sets these two cars apart from each other? Read on to learn more about them!

Avg. Used Price:

$950 to $3,000

Fuel Capacity:

~65L

Fuel Economy

12km per liter 

Avg. Used Price:

$5,000 to $7,000

Fuel Capacity:

~75L

Fuel Economy:

11.6km per liter

 

Toyota Alphard Introduction

Used Toyota Alphard First Generation
Above: Used Toyota Alphard First Generation

The Alphard is a full-size luxury MPV minivan from the Japanese automaker Toyota. It was first produced in 2002 with a seven or eight seater capacity, and is available in three model lines; Alphard V, Alphard G, and Alphard Hybrid. Facts show that the car was named after a very bright star in the constellation hydra known as Alphard.

The car model was initially only designed for the Japanese market, but has since been diffused to other global markets such as Belarus, Oman, and Russia.

The Alphard Hybrid’s MPV makes it an Ultra-Low Emissions Vehicle (ULEV) with an emission level of 75%, suiting it to the standards of emission levels from the Japanese market. The first model was in production from 2002 to 2007 as the ANH10, with the second generation from 2008 to 2015 as the ANH20.

The third generation was designed in 2015, and exists until today as the AGH30. It has an elegant and sophisticated design, and some of the technical specs of the car model are; width of 1850mm, height of about 1895mm, wheel base of 3000mm, and front tread of 1575 mm.

Toyota Vellfire Introduction

Toyota Vellfire 2008
Above: Toyota Vellfire 2008

The model first came into production from May 2008, which evolved into its second generation which was redesigned to be more comfortable, with a luxurious interior and a classy exterior.

When the Alphard series was expanded into two design models, the Toyota Vellfire was developed to produce an auto with more strength and individuality.

In Japan, the car model is widely sold by a distribution channel known as Toyota’s youth oriented Netz dealership chain.

The auto is best suited for drivers and other individuals who prefer strength and durability, and who often access rugged terrain, as the car is able to withstand harsh roads.

Pricing and Features Comparison

Toyota Alphard Interior
Above: Toyota Alphard Interior

Used Toyota Alphard models are very cheap on used car sites such as BE FORWARD. The costs range between around $950 to $3000, and the car is offered with lots of features in all of its variants that make it competent in MPV segment. This auto is extremely efficient and superb in cities, offering an impressive fuel efficiency ranging between 8.6 kmpl and 12.2 kpml on highways.

To ensure comfort, Toyota Alphard is fitted with air conditioners, power windows and power steering, rear A/C vents, glove box cooling, adjustable seats, an on-board computer, and other attractive features.

The safety of passengers is guaranteed through several features, including driver and passenger airbags, child safety locks, and an anti-lock braking system among others. Entertainment is also enhanced through the fitting of a radio system, touch screen, Bluetooth connectivity, CD and DVD Player, rear and front speakers, and an integrated 2DIN Audio system.

Toyota Vellfire Interior
Above: Toyota Vellfire Interior

A used Toyota Vellfire costs up to around $7000 on used car sites online, due to its complex features and amount of strong materials. The 7-seater auto is fitted with a Variable Speed CVT transmission, with a number of models having Smart Access Card Entry that promote the security of the car.

Just like the Alphard, this auto is fitted with an air conditioner, power windows, power steering, adjustable seats, an on-board computer, and other comfort features.

Safety is enhanced through the fitted driver and passenger airbags, seat-belt warnings, child safety locks and other safety devices. It has an engine immobilizer, and also an anti-theft alarm which ensures its overall security. Entertainment features are similar to those of the Alphard.

Nonetheless, the Toyota Vellfire is best suited to drivers who prefer strength and individuality at the cost of a higher price tag in comparison to the Alphard.

Interior and Exterior Comparison

Toyota Alphard Exterior Doors
Above: Toyota Alphard Exterior Rear

The Toyota Alphard’s interior is fitted with attractive features, with many models sporting leather seats alongside high-quality trimmings. It has seven to eight passenger seats, and offers a large space for optimum comfort. Adding to the interior’s elegance, the car is also fitted with mood lighting, with selectable colors and a sunroof to allow for natural light.

The car’s exterior is fitted with LED front lamps, power sliding doors, smart preset lock function, and front and rear sensors.

The Toyota Vellfire has a clear interior instrument panel and ceiling illumination in addition to a flexible seat arrangement, and is also fitted with an automatic air conditioning system. It has a fearless, bold, and prestigious exterior body stying, featuring LED headlights, front chrome grill, and rear combination lamps.

Like the Alphard it can seat up to 7 passengers comfortably, however in comparison the Toyota Vellfire has a more attractive interior and exterior design due to its better and improved features and higher cost.

Engine and Fuel Efficiency Comparison

Toyota Vellfire Interior - Drivers Console
Above: Toyota Vellfire Interior – Drivers Console

The Toyota Alphard has an engine capacity of 2494cc with four cylinders and an EFI fuel supply system for most of its models. It yields a torque of about 178hp, with a main fuel type of gasoline and a fuel consumption rate of around 12l/100km.

The Toyota Vellfire has an engine displacement of about 2494cc and produces a power of up to 178hp. It has a CVT transmission type, and an engine fitted with four cylinders, 4 valves per cylinder, and an EFI fuel supply system. It has a fuel economy of roughly 7 liters per kilometer, with a gasoline fuel tank capacity of 75l.

Toyota Vellfire Rear
Above: Toyota Vellfire Rear

The Toyota Alphard has a lower fuel consumption rate than the Vellfire, hence making it a better choice for middle income earners and those conscious of their vehicle’s fuel consumption.

Drivability and Handling Comparison

The Alphard is perfectly designed to provide supreme comfort to its passengers. With a competent driver, the car’s brakes are excellent and the suspension is tuned to absorb road imperfections as well. In general, the car is easy to handle for most drivers.

A used Toyota Vellfire is an excellent model for competent and experienced drivers. The car’s strength and durability make it suitable to navigate harsh terrain, however a certain amount of driving skill is required to operate the model in tougher conditions.

Toyota Alphard vs. Toyota: Verdict

The Toyota Alphard seems to be the best car model for middle income earners with a preference for lower fuel consumption and maintenance costs, as well as the cost of the vehicle itself.

For drivers who require strength and versatility a used Toyota Vellfire may be the better choice, as it can handle rough and off-road terrain better than the Alphard and is produced with slightly higher-end materials and features.

In either case both vehicles are offered as spacious, easy to drive people movers that are exceptionally affordable within the used car market.

Made up your mind? Click the buttons below to browse through the listings of each vehicle—all at their lowest prices— thanks to our used car partners BE FORWARD!

 

Browse Alphard  Browse Vellfire

Ngugi Karani

Ngugi Karani

Ngugi Karani, from Nairobi Kenya, has been writing for JapanCarReviews since its inception. He believes that Africa needs better road transport for transformation. He writes on technology, development and cars. He is inspired by the spirit and passion of the African people to rise above all odds.

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7 Responses

  1. Dear dealer I will like to start a business with u company but I need to be sure u sight is a honest and trustworthy site. So I will appreciate if u could give me some honest information​ about u company or u sight.

    • Hi Felix!

      Thanks for your comment. We’re actually not a dealer, but aim to provide information about different Japanese cars to the world! If you’re interested, you can check out a site such as BE FORWARD to get car dealer and export information.

      – JCR Team

    • Hi Juuko!

      Thanks for the question. Unfortunately at the moment our partner BE FORWARD doesn’t have the diesel Toyota Alphard or Vellfire in stock.

      – JCR Team

  2. I wish you can send them direct to my email and my capacity is 3000 usd and our roads are rough, please suggest for me as which car I can get between the two

    • Hi Mary!
      Both the Alphard and Vellfire have quite low ground-clearance, so its best to avoid any very rough roads with these vehicles. Have you considered a 4WD SUV?

      – JCR Team

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