Toyota Rush 1.5 G GR-S A/T

Multipurpose vehicles (MPVs) are really having their field day all over the world. First, these cars are more affordable to those who can't afford a true-blue SUV. Second, MPVs are easy to run and maintain. And third, they serve the basic purpose of family hauling. The Toyota Rush 1.5G GR-S A/T is a small MPV, more on the practical side. It's an inexpensive option compared to other MPVs. The 5-passenger 1.5G GR-S AT is the top-level trim in the Rush series.  

Pros

• Exhaustive safety features
• Drives better than the 7-passenger model
• LED lighting looks good on the car

Cons

• Abundant hard plastics in the cabin
• Finding a comfortable driving position is a bit difficult
• The 4-speed AT limits performance

Specs and Powertrain

The Toyota Rush 1.5G GR-S AT is equipped with a turbocharged 1.5-liter, 4-cylinder petrol engine which produces 102PS maximum power and 134Nm peak torque. The motor is paired with a 4-speed AT. The car is mounted on MacPherson strut suspension in the front and multi-link absorbers at the back. The 1.5-liter engine is more than perfect to haul this version of the Rush. It's responsive and easy to rev.

What is the difference between the Toyota Rush 1.5 E MT and the 1.5G GR-S AT?

The 1.5 MT is a 7-seater version whereas the 1.5G GR-S AT can carry five passengers. 

What does the AT mean in the Toyota Rush?

AT stands for automatic transmission. It means you don't have to manually press the clutch and sift the gear while revving the engine.

Interior

A lot of hard and durable plastics have been used inside the Toyota Rush 1.5G GR-S AT to keep the car's price low. The interior of the Rush is more utilitarian than fancy. Notable things inside the car is the white accents on the doors and the dashboard that are decorated with faux stitches. The cabin has 13 bottle and cup holders. There's not much of the wow factor in the Rush's cabin. It's plain and simple. 

Exterior

The Rush's designed is inspired by the older and bigger Toyota Fortuner. Form a few angles the Rush does resemble the Fortuner. The Rush has a rather imposing exterior design. It comes with LED taillights and headlights. There's a nice-looking shark-fin antenna and a rear spoiler. The Toyota Rush 1.5G GR-S AT runs on 17-inch alloy wheels. This version gets a different grille from the other trims. Other highlights include the GR-S rear and front bumper, GR-S door cladding, and a Toyota GR badge on the rear door. 

Drive and performance

The drive quality of the Toyota Rush 1.5 GR-S AT is pretty much like all compact MPVs. It's stable and nicely balanced. But performance takes a hit because of the 4-speed AT's limited range. The 134Nm peak torque isn't fully realized since the AT holds back the rev. Braking, however, is easier and safer with the Rush's lighter body. Handling also is much better than other budget MPVs. But it can be still improved when running at a high speed. You just keep have to keep your hands on the steering wheel to keep the Rush composed. The Toyota Rush’s steering is surprisingly light for an MPV. This enables efficient handling particularly in crowded streets.

Is the Toyota Rush 1.5 GR-S AT suitable for off-road driving?

No. The Rush is an on-road, city-focused car meant for daily use. It doesn't come with 4x4 capabilities to handle all-terrain driving. 

Passenger and boot space

Being a 5-seater version, the Toyota Rush 1.5G GR-S AT is one of the most spacious cars in its class. There's ample legspace and headroom. You don't feel crammed sitting on the second row, which is a common problem in many 7-passenger MPVs. Fold down the second row and you get 514-liters of mammoth boot space. Travelling comfort is decent. The Rush is targeted at budget customers. So don't expect any worldly travelling comfort. The suspension system is decent and pretty much absorbs minor bumps and potholes. But multi-link rear suspension and a body-on-frame chassis does get bouncy at times, more so on a lighter car.   

Comfort and entertainment

The Toyota Rush 1.5G GR-S AT comes with a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with bright colors. It supports USB and Bluetooth connectivity. Sound is output through six speakers. Air-conditioning is fast and cools the entire car within a few minutes. The rear vents help in this regard. The Rush doesn't come packed with comfort features, since Toyota's focus is more on the utility side. 

Safety features

Toyota has packed the Rush MPV with a pretty impressive list of safety features. Antilock braking, traction control, parking sensors, rearview camera, child seat anchors and multiple airbags all add up to the safety of the car. You won't realize all the safety features but it’s always good to know that the car has all the equipment ready in case of an emergency. The Rush got an overall score of 85.42 points and was awarded a 5-Star ASEAN NCAP rating.

How many airbags does the Toyota Rush 1.5G GR-S AT have?

The Toyota Rush 1.5G GR-S AT comes with six airbags.

Fuel consumption

The Toyota Rush 1.5G GR-S AT returns a fuel economy of around 13.15kmpl. It's not one of the most fuel efficient cars in its class but the 4-speed does keep the consumption low.  

Does AT consume more fuel?

No. In most cases AT consumes less fuel than MT. Most people don't drive a MT car the way it should be driven.

Value for money

The Toyota Rush 1.5G GR-S AT has a starting price of ₱1.176 million. The car comes with a 3-year (100,000 km) warranty. Toyota has an extensive dealer and service network. Spares are easily available and that keeps the maintenance cost low.

Which is the best Rush?

Those on a budget can consider buying the Rush 1.5E MT option. Its price starts at ₱1.012 million. The 1.5G GR-S AT is the fully loaded version.   

Verdict

Toyota Rush 1.5G GR-S AT is the best option for buyers who are ready to pay a bit more for extra features. The cabin is more well-appointed than other versions. With a bigger cabin space, rear-wheel-drive, and more flexibility the 1.5G GR-S AT is a more preferred trim.