On Malaysian streets, the most common cars you’ll see are likely the cheaper, entry-level models. But you’ll also notice a number of large MPVs, usually in black or white, cruising around. These are Toyota’s luxury MPVs, which have taken the Malaysian MPV market by storm. However, the majority of these vehicles initially entered Malaysia through the grey import market. At the time, Toyota Malaysia considered them too expensive and risky to bring in officially. After witnessing the grey market’s success, Toyota eventually took the initiative to officially introduce the previous generation of the Toyota Vellfire and Alphard.

Not too long ago, Toyota Japan introduced brand-new versions of these two models. In a strategic move, Toyota Malaysia decided to beat the grey importers at their own game by launching the new models just months after their debut in Japan. This allowed Toyota to capture a significant share of the market. At the end of last year, I requested a review unit of the Vellfire from Toyota. In this review, I set out to discover why Malaysians love these large vehicles—and to see if I, too, would be swayed by their appeal.

For the latest generation of the Vellfire, it still maintains the previous model’s imposing road presence. This is especially evident when viewed from the front, thanks to the massive grille that dominates the fascia. The grille now features a more subdued dark chrome finish, which blends nicely with the black exterior. The headlights merge seamlessly into the front grille, giving the MPV a cohesive and bold look. Following the same design philosophy as the older model, these are full LED units, ensuring good nighttime illumination. However, to my surprise, Matrix LED headlights are not available, which would have added an extra touch of sophistication. Then again, this omission isn’t a major issue for this type of vehicle.

Moving to the side, the Vellfire retains its distinctive and largely flat side profile. The rear design also doesn’t stray far from the previous generation. The most noticeable update is in the taillights, which now feature entirely new graphics that look much more elegant. In contrast, the previous generation’s taillights looked somewhat aftermarket. Additionally, the latest Vellfire now comes with larger 19-inch rims wrapped in 225/55 R19 tires, which enhance the vehicle’s overall stance and appearance.

Stepping inside, the Vellfire’s interior immediately feels premium and elegant. Toyota has used plenty of soft-touch materials throughout the cabin, complemented by dark bronze trim that adds a timeless, upscale feel. The bronze detailing pairs well with the brown stitching and black panels, exuding a luxurious vibe. The first thing you’ll notice is the large dashboard, which makes the cabin feel spacious and gives the impression of a substantial vehicle. This is complemented by a large windscreen that lets in ample light and provides excellent forward visibility. Overall, the dashboard design creates a cocoon-like environment that makes the driver feel secure.

Speaking of the front seats, I sit quite tall in the Vellfire—almost as high as in a pickup truck—which gives a commanding view of the road. The seating position allows for excellent forward visibility, aiding in safe driving. The driver’s seat ergonomics are decent, with most buttons and controls within easy reach. While the seat itself is comfortable, it’s not particularly supportive during spirited driving, as it doesn’t hold you in place on twisty roads. However, given that the Vellfire is built for long-distance comfort, the front seats excel in keeping the driver relaxed. They also come with heating and cooling functions, ensuring comfort in any climate. And if the rear seats are fully occupied, the rearview mirror can switch to a digital camera view, preventing any obstruction from passengers.

Following Toyota’s latest interior direction, the Vellfire is equipped with a large 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. It’s clean, sharp, and easy to read—exactly what I like in a display. Next to it is an even larger 14-inch infotainment screen, featuring Toyota’s newest system also found in higher-end Lexus models. While it might seem intimidating at first glance, it’s actually very intuitive. The screen is sharp and offers excellent clarity. I particularly like the integration of the temperature controls into the screen, giving it a futuristic touch.

The infotainment system includes the usual Android Auto and Apple CarPlay functionality. However, Android Auto is only available via a wired connection—a bit surprising for a 2024 model. On the bright side, the Vellfire comes with a 360-degree camera system to help navigate tight spaces. Unfortunately, the camera resolution is not the best in the segment. At this price point, I expected a sharper display. The infotainment system is paired with a JBL sound system, which delivers solid audio quality for all passengers.

In the second row, you’ll find two large captain’s chairs that offer an exceptional level of comfort. These seats allow passengers to sink in and relax, especially when moved all the way back, revealing generous legroom. It feels very much like a business-class seat on an airplane. The seats can also recline deeply, allowing passengers to lie almost flat. There’s a three-pin socket available for charging devices, and two small sunroofs above add brightness to the cabin.

As for the third row, it features a more conventional bench seat. Headroom and legroom are decent, provided the second-row seats aren’t pushed all the way back. However, the third row doesn’t quite match the Kia Carnival in comfort when carrying three adults. This is because the seat is designed more like two individual chairs joined in the middle, making the center seat less comfortable. As a result, six adults would be the most comfortable passenger load. One drawback in the third row is the absence of USB ports for charging devices.

With all seats up, the boot space in the Vellfire is relatively limited at just 148 liters—rather small for a vehicle of this size. However, the third-row seats can be folded up to create additional space when needed. Under the hood, the Vellfire is powered by a 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder naturally aspirated Dynamic Force engine—a notable difference from the pricier Alphard. This engine is paired with a CVT and drives the front wheels. It produces 180 PS and 235 Nm of torque, allowing the Vellfire to reach a top speed of 170 km/h.

To be honest, this engine is adequate for a vehicle of this size. It won’t give you that “kick in the back” acceleration, but instead provides a smooth, wafting ride. It reaches highway speeds without issue, albeit at a more relaxed pace—which suits the Vellfire’s character perfectly. You don’t really want jarring acceleration in a people mover, and this powertrain helps avoid motion sickness in stop-and-go traffic.

The CVT works well, delivering smooth acceleration. It’s the same unit found in models like the Toyota Harrier, and its operation is almost imperceptible under normal driving. Gear changes feel linear, and the notorious rubber-band effect is mostly absent—unless you accelerate hard, where it can still be felt. On the downside, fuel consumption is on the higher side. I averaged around 10L/100km over 800 km of driving, which is expected for such a large MPV.

Ride comfort is where the Vellfire shines. The suspension is soft and effortlessly absorbs road imperfections. If comfort is your priority, the Vellfire won’t disappoint. However, if you enjoy spirited driving, this isn’t the vehicle for you. The soft suspension leads to noticeable body roll in corners, which limits its agility. On a positive note, the steering wheel—borrowed from other TNGA-based Toyota models—feels good in hand. It offers a fair amount of feedback and is pleasantly direct, helping you maneuver the big MPV with ease.

In terms of braking, the Vellfire is equipped with well-tuned brakes that slow the vehicle down smoothly—ideal for a people mover. Toyota has calibrated everything to match the vehicle’s purpose. It also comes with a comprehensive suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), including Pre-Collision System (PCS), Lane Departure Alert (LDA), Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), Road Sign Assist (RSA), Adaptive High Beam System (AHS), ABS, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Electric Parking Brake (EPB) with Brake Hold, Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), parking sensors with Parking Support Brake, and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System.

If you’re in the market for the latest Vellfire, be prepared to spend around RM 438,000. It’s not a cheap vehicle by any means, yet it remains incredibly popular in Malaysia, with a waiting list stretching up to a year. It’s clearly favored by higher-income buyers seeking maximum comfort. For those looking for a luxurious and spacious vehicle to be driven in, the Vellfire is an excellent choice. While it may not appeal to driving enthusiasts like myself, I understand why so many Malaysians are drawn to it: the comfort is simply top-tier.

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