Toyota Rush

Overview

The Rush is a compact SUV from Toyota. This 7 seater had a complicated birth. It takes its styling inspiration from the Fortuner and the Innova, is based on the Avanza’s platform, and is essentially a rebadged Daihatsu Terios. This, fortunately, does not result in some chimera but a very sensible small SUV for families that want a baby Fortuner. This model version was first launched in 2017 and just this year has been given an update for 2019. Here in UAE, it competes against the Nissan Kicks, Renault Duster, and Mitsubishi ASX. The newest model is available in only one variant and sells for a starting price of AED 68,500. Here is a look at the new model’s features and specifications.

Interior & Features

The SUV may be compact, space inside is anything but ample. It is a 7 seater and yes the last two seats should only be reserved for children. But the 2nd and third row are easy to get in to. They are also double folding, meaning that cargo space can be increased massively when the need arises. With all the seats up, the car still manages to have 213-litre of space. Then there are the roof rails that can be used in case you need even more space.

The interior also comes with as many as 13 convenient cup holders, along with a huge glove box and tray wide enough for two smartphones side by side. Coming back to the seats, Toyota employs some soft touch fabric. The same honesty displayed in the exterior design is carried inside. The plastics are not covered with fake leather. Some of the plastics feel cheap but never overwhelmingly so. The steering is also covered in urethane but comes with controls for the audio. The audio itself relies on a 4 speaker setup and can be controlled by the infotainment system that comes with a 7” screen and a host of connectivity options. The smart key allows easy entry and start. The instrument panel incorporates a combined tachometer and speedometer display along with fuel efficiency and an eco-bar indicator. Automatic air conditioning is standard and comes with roof mounted vents for the rear seats.  

Exterior

Modern is the first word that comes to mind when looking at the Toyota Rush. Design elements inspired from the Innova and Fortuner are easy to find. The bonnet is contoured to look muscly. The chrome grille on the front with the high riding, swept back and slim LED headlights gives it a solid and utilitarian look. Below it are large angular silver enclosures for round fog lamps that look much larger than they really are. The front bumper’s angled profile goes well with the fog lamps. It also peeks into the side view as do the headlights giving it some sportiness. But still the overall shape of the SUV is more like an MPV than anything else. Blame the Avanza platform for that. The windows have been spared from any unnecessary angles and should provide excellent visibility. The side profile gets a deep slash running from the rear lights. The rear is curved outwards and apart from the long taillights and fog lamps, sports a largish spoiler.

With a length of 4435 mm, width of 1695 mm, and height of 1705 mm, it is indeed larger than the competition. The 2685 mm wheel base means there is ample room inside. The 220 mm of ground clearance should be decent for urban use. The tall car rides on 17” five-spoke alloy wheels shod with 215/60 tires. There are five generic colors to choose from. Overall, it is an honest design that does not pretend to be anything it isn’t.

Ride & Handling

The rear wheel drive setup sets it apart from the competition and gives it a dynamic drive. The engine takes some time to get going but performs excellently once it does. Despite not having four-wheel drive, the SUV performs decently on all road surfaces. It has a high approach and departure angles allowing it to take on rough terrain. Its rigid body and suspension setup give it a stable and compliant ride that does not get tiring even on long rides. The steering is light and a 5.2 m long minimum turning radius makes it easy to manoeuvre.

Engine & Fuel Consumption

Powering the Toyota Rush is a 1.5-litre inline four-cylinder 2NR-VE petrol engine that comes equipped with dual variable valve timing. This engine can produce 103 hp at 6000 rpm and 135 Nm of torque at 4200 rpm. The engine is mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission. Like the Avanza, power goes to the rear wheels only. Despite its name, it takes 13 seconds to get to 100 kmph and goes up to a top speed of around 175 kmph. It does come with a decent fuel economy of 16.8 kmpl. The rear wheel drive setup sets it apart from the competition and gives it a spirited drive. It takes some time to get going but performs excellently once it gets going. Despite not having four-wheel drive, the SUV performs decently on all road surfaces and has high approach and departure angles. Its rigid body and suspension setup give it a stable and compliant ride that does not get tiring even on long rides. The steering is light and a 5.2 m long minimum turning radius makes it easy to manoeuvre.

Braking & Safety

Toyota has now started to follow the principle of offering all the safety equipment across their entire range of cars. This means that this car is positively brimming with safety equipment and driver aids. Along with standard stuff like dual front airbags, it also gets side and curtain airbags. ABS, ISOFIX and rear fog lamps are also available. A tire pressure monitoring system, vehicle stability control, hill start assist control,an emergency stop signal and rear parking sensors are also available as standard on the Rush. No wonder it gets a 5 star ASEAN N-CAP collision safety rating.

Verdict

Certainly, for the price of AED 68500, this Toyota is a value for money option. It is an impressive SUV for families on the move. It comes with modern styling, great equipment, excellent safety, and ample space. Rush is also the biggest in its class and stands apart from the competition with rear wheel drive. If you feel that you are in need of a seven-seater SUV but need to be a value for your money car, you cannot go wrong with the Toyota Rush.