Toyota Avanza G CVT: Dashingly dependable

Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) updated the Avanza nameplate a few years back, providing the multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) with a bolder look while maintaining its family-friendly features. 

Its range-topping G CVT variant comes in as a budget-friendly option for those in the market looking to drive home a handsome family ferry with the right mix of appointments that would suit their daily motoring needs. 

Here are Zigwheels Philipines’ thoughts on the Toyota Avanza G CVT after spending some time with the dashingly dependable MPV. 

Dimensions 

Before we get into the notable features one can find in the Toyota Avanza G CVT, here is a quick look at its dimensions: 

Overall length in millimeters (mm)	4,395
Overall width in millimeters (mm)	1,730
Overall height in millimeters (mm)	1,700
Wheelbase in millimeters (mm)	2,750
Ground clearance in millimeters (mm)	190

 

Exterior: muscular, mature 

The Toyota Avanza has grown into a mature-looking family car after the marque updated the MPV in the Philippines sometime in 2022. 

Noticeable is its larger-than-life radiator grille in Material Black. Its trapezoid-shaped housing takes up the majority of the vehicle’s fascia. The latticework is made up of large horizontal slats and sort of dictate the linear design language of the vehicle. 

Further, a glossy black-finished bar at the fore — which cradles the Toyota emblem — reinforces the MPV’s symmetrical stance. 

Front lighting equipment consists of split-type LED headlamps, LED clearance lamps, and a pair of fog lamps. 

The side profile of the Toyota Avanza G CVT is highlighted by a set of two-tone 16-inch alloy wheels shod in 195/60 series tires. 

Here one can also spot two-tone side mirrors with repeaters and power-folding features. 

Aside from the aforementioned, the flanks of the MPV appear plain and simple — and that’s not a bad thing. The absence of claddings and other plastic coverings works to emphasize its leveled beltline and provide the vehicle with some level of elegance. 

The rear end of the seven-seater gets a roof-mounted spoiler, a decent-sized glass (which helps when backing up and maneuvering) with a wiper, two LED combination taillamps, and two reflectors integrated on its angular bumper. 

Set in chrome is the company’s logo; the “Avanza” nameplate; and the “G” badge, which tells the model’s position in the variant hierarchy. 

The hydraulically-assisted tailgate opens up nicely to give access to the rear boot. I wish it was automatic and height-adjustable as such features can help those with low-clearance parking spaces. 

Overall, I love how the Toyota Avanza G CVT looks and wouldn’t mind using one as a daily driver. The abundance of straight lines and sharp angles makes it look aggressively attractive and the Greenish Gun Metal Mica Metallic paint gives it a dependable, masculine character. Speaking of which, the MPV can be had in four colors that we have listed below: 

• Silver Metallic
• Black  Metallic
• Dark Red Mica Metallic
• Greenish Gun Metal Mica Metallic

Interior: spacious, flexible 

The cabin of the Toyota Avanza G CVT offers occupants plenty of space with some level of flexibility. 

With seats that accommodate seven people, the MPV can be an ideal vehicle for car buyers living with extended families or those with larger hauling requirements.

The driver and front passenger are given fabric-upholstered seats with four-way manual-adjust settings. These options allow those sitting at the front to have enough room, depending on their needs. 

Meanwhile, those sitting at the second row can enjoy customized seating arrangements for both short and long trips. For example, the seats can be reclined or moved forward and back. The middle backrest can be folded down and converted into an armrest — but don’t expect cup holders though. 

For added convenience, a long sofa mode is available. 

Designated third-row occupants can still expect some level of comfort but may feel a little crammed due to the typical small space. On that note, the back seats are better for one’s tiny tots. 

When the time to carry large cargo comes, the third-row seats can be folded forward. The cavernous space can accommodate familiar types of content such as a week’s worth of laundry and groceries. 

In terms of its onboard tech, it offers decent features for both the driver and the MPV’s passengers.

These include an instrument cluster that mixes both analog gauges and a 4.2-inch digital screen. Here the person sitting behind the wheel can check out the following information:

• Speed (in kilometers per hour)
• Revolutions per minute
• Time
• Fuel meter
• Trip computer
• Selected gear

The said instrument panel is accompanied by an eight-inch floating infotainment screen, whose floating orientation is shared by the likes of the Toyota Raize and Wigo.

Here are some of the technologies offered by the display unit: 

• Wired Apple Carplay
• Wired Android Auto
• AM, FM Radio
• Bluetooth connectivity
• USB Audio 

Below the said infotainment unit is the control panel for the air conditioning system. The passengers on the second-row get their own vents.  

At its core, the Toyota Avanza G CVT is a family car. So, it’s not surprising to see plenty of cubby holes and other family-oriented features inside the MPV. Below is a list of storage spaces and notable appointments we found: 

Cup, bottle holders	Pockets, compartments
Driver’s side (fixed, dashboard-mounted)	Passenger’s side (dashboard pocket)
Passenger’s side (pop-up, dashboard mounted)	Passenger’s side glove box
Driver’s side door	Center console
Passenger’s side door	Center armrest (inside)
Second-row doors	Seat back pockets (driver, passenger)
Third-row seat sides

 

In general, the interior of the Toyota Avanza G CVT offers decent space for Filipino families. The seats provide some level of flexibility allowing owners to carry both people and cargo with ease. 

We took the MPV to Batangas for a quick getaway and it was able to accommodate four adults and one toddler — as well as a decent amount of luggage — without any trouble. There was no shortage of space, which was impressive as the passengers were not of small build. 

Powertrain, chassis: decent power, smooth handling 

Under the hood of the Toyota Avanza G CVT is a naturally-aspirated 1.5-liter gasoline engine mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). 

With 104 horsepower and 138 Newton-meters, the engine was able to provide decent acceleration during city driving and the CVT proved to facilitate smooth gear shifts with no noticeable jolts in stop-and-go traffic. 

In the expressways, the Toyota Avanza G CVT does take one or two seconds to build up speed. Nevertheless, the non-turbocharged mill is still able to deliver the needed “oomph” one wants when entering the freeway.

Halting and deceleration are handled by ventilated disc brakes at the front and drum brakes at the rear. Facilitating proper suspension is a MacPherson strut setup at the fore and a torsion beam arrangement at the back. 

With the aforementioned, the MPV handled straightaways pretty well and performed decently during slight bends. Some body roll may be noticed, but the vehicle still moves smooth enough that it will not bother the occupants. 

Safety: adequately equipped 

On top of the usual seat belts and airbags, the Toyota Avanza G CVT comes with decent safety features, which include the following: 

• Anti-lock braking
• Vehicle stability control
• Hill-start assist control
• Traction control
• Blind spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Rear camera
• Parking sensors

While those used to tech-packed Chinese cars may smirk at the seemingly sparse safety technologies of the MPV, the abovementioned list provides adequate passive and active safety features to give drivers peace of mind while on the road. 

To put it, the Toyota Avanza G CVT’s somewhat lack of a few driver-assist features make it a vehicle for those who want to drive and not for those who prefer to be chauffeured or driven. 

Variants, pricing

The Toyota Avanza is offered in four variants: J MT, E MT, E CVT, and G CVT. Below are their respective prices:

Variant	Price
J MT	P838,000
E MT	P953,000
E CVT	P1.01 million
G CVT	P1.065 million

It is also worth noting that the J and E variants of the MPV are all fitted with 1.3-liter naturally-aspirated gasoline engines.

Final thoughts 

The Toyota Avanza G CVT is a good pick for families looking for a vehicle that offers a good value preposition. For a little over a million, car buyers can get a good-looking ride that provides ample room, decent power, and adequate safety features. 

On top of that all, they are getting proven reliability, which the Japanese brand is known for. 

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