Crossing Over to the Rugged Side: Honda BR-V vs. Toyota Rush

There are many different car body styles available on the market today, each having its own size, seating arrangement, chassis, power, and capabilities. If you're looking to purchase a family vehicle, you could be confused by the SUVs, MPVs, and crossovers that appear to be very similar.

Off-road drivers might consider an SUV because of its high ground clearance and tough structure, which can handle challenging terrain. Multi-purpose vehicles, or MPVs, are made to transport people in comfort without losing performance or fuel efficiency, unlike SUVs. Choose a crossover if you're seeking for a car with the appearance and feel of an SUV but at a lower cost. The greatest qualities of sedans or hatchbacks and SUVs are combined in crossover vehicles.

The best elements of these three types of vehicles are combined by several automakers to create capacious MPVs that also have the all-terrain, ruggedness of larger vehicles. There are additional options in the MPV-SUV hybrid segment thanks to the 2023 Honda BR-V and 2023 Toyota Rush.

The 2023 Honda BR-V and 2023 Toyota Rush may share the same market, but there are a number of distinctions between them. Let's look at what distinguishes them from one another.

Variants and Prices

The starting price of the Honda BR-V in the Philippines is P1.090 million. The Honda BR-V 1.5 S MT has the lowest price, while the most expensive model is the Honda BR-V 1.5 VX CVT Premium Opal White Silver Pearl, which costs P1.410 million.

The starting price of the Toyota Rush in the Philippines is P1.012 million. The Toyota Rush 1.5 E MT has the lowest pricing and goes all the way up to the P1.176-million Toyota Rush 1.5 GR-S.

Exterior

The 2023 Honda BR-V features a dynamic body form that is emphasized by a body line that captivates the eye and goes from the front to the back of the vehicle, as well as a character line that connects the side to the taillights.

All models have a matte black grille on the front fascia, but the gloss black grille is only found on the top-of-the-line 2023 Honda BR-V VX CVT Honda SENSING model. This all-new model's higher ground clearance than the previous generation, which gives it a stronger and more aggressive SUV stance, is one of its primary selling points.

Perhaps the Rush wants to be a Fortuner when it grows up. The Rush features an imposing grille up front, sleek body lines on the sides, and vertical tail lights that are similar in shape to the midsize SUVs. Black body cladding and 16- or 17-inch alloy wheels follow the function of the SUV-like 220mm ground clearance.

The 2023 Toyota Rush GR-S now serves as the line's top-grade vehicle. A favorite among customers who are intending to buy their first seven-seater SUV, the motorsports-inspired Rush is now styled with the official emblem and enhancements from the Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) line. The Toyota Rush GR-S catches attention with its GR-branded front bumper spoiler, rear bumper spoiler, and side body molding. It comes in three TGR-matching colors: Dark Red Mica Metallic, Black Metallic 1, and White 2.

Interior and Key Equipment

With its flexible interior that features a 60:40 Split with One-Touch Tumble for the second-row seats, and a 50:50 Split with Dive Down Mechanism for the third-row seats, the redesigned BR-V is purpose-built to serve a wide range of needs. Leather upholstery is exclusive to the VX CVT Honda SENSING and V CVT variants, while the S CVT and S MT are treated with high-grade fabric. It is also worth noting that the 2023 Honda BR-V now features a seat height adjuster for the driver.

With the all-new BR-7-inch V's touchscreen audio display and 6-speaker sound system for the VX CVT Honda SENSING and V CVT versions, as well as a 4-speaker sound system for the S CVT and S MT variants, Filipino families may also have a more pleasurable journey. The infotainment system can be used with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and USB connections, among other features.

Moving inside, the seven-seater cabin of the Rush is outfitted with a seven-inch infotainment screen, eight-speaker audio system, and an accessory socket for phone charging on each of the three rows. There are 13 cup holders inside this family-friendly Rush, too.

Performance

Powered by a 1.5-liter double overhead cam engine, the 2023 Honda BR-V produces 119hp and 145Nm of torque. The engine is mated to either a six-speed manual transmission or a new continuously variable transmission (CVT), depending on the variant. This vehicle is front-wheel driven.

Under the hood of the Toyota Rush resides a 1.5-liter engine that makes 102hp and 134Nm of torque depending on variant, the Rush pairs its engine with a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic. Flouting convention, the Rush sends its power to its rear wheels.

Safety

The 2023 Honda BR-V VX CVT variant comes standard with Honda Sensing, which offers comprehensive protection for drivers and passengers by issuing warnings and taking actions to reduce the risks of accidents.

Honda Sensing includes Collision Mitigation Brake System (CMBS), Auto-High Beam (AHB), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Lead Car Departure Notification System (LCDN), Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM) with Lane Departure Warning (LDW), and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow (LSF).

The rear-wheel drive Rush packs vehicle stability and traction control, for in case the road gets slippery. When tackling inclines, the SUVs' hill-start control prevents it from backing into other cars or objects. For safer journeys, the Rush features curtain shield airbags, seat belt reminders, as well as reversing sensors.

Verdict

The Honda BR-V is among the newest MPV-slash-SUVs out there, packing modern styling, safety features, and a well-appointed cabin. If you’re looking for a vehicle with these three qualities, this vehicle is your pick.

Even being as one of the established MPV/SUV models, the Toyota Rush retains its solid rear-wheel drive chassis and supreme reliability the brand is renowned for. If you prioritize the tried-and-tested formula over new arrivals, then the Rush is ideal.

Photos from Honda Cars Philippines Inc., Toyota Motor Philippines, Kent Flores, Roy Robles, Hazel Nicole Carreon, and Ruben D. Manahan IV for Carmudi Philippines