Toyota Rush - Worth the price?

Launched in 2018, Toyota Rush was quick to let its rivals know that it is here in the market to do some serious business. Available in two variants - 1.5 G and 1.5 S - Rush is one of the best entry-level 7-seaters that you can buy in Malaysia right now. Of course, just like any other category, the competition in this segment is quite fierce and in order to survive companies try to provide a package as complete as possible, with the price playing a key role. Toyota Rush price starts at RM 93,000. So is it worth all that money? Let’s find out.

Toyota Rush Price

Variant	Price
Toyota Rush 1.5 G	RM 93,000
Toyota Rush 1.5 S	RM 97,000

As we mentioned earlier, even the 7-seater segment has got a plethora of options and the competition is quite tough. The Rush faces heat from Perodua Aruz, Honda BR-V, and Toyota’s own Avanza. There are other options available as well like Proton Exora and Perodua Alza.

Aesthetics

Toyota Rush carries an aggressive design. Its sleek LED headlamps along with the large front grille give it an appealing look. Even from the rear, the Rush looks quite attractive. And if you like Rush, you will like Perodua Aruz, too, because they both look very similar.

On the other hand, Honda’s BR-V isn’t as sporty or aggressive-looking. It has the signature Honda grille at the front and large headlamps. From the side, it has a decent profile with almost a straight window-line. We like the rear end of the BR-V thanks to its tail light cluster and a roof-mounted spoiler. Lastly, we have the Toyota Avanza. With its distinctive bi-LED headlamps and front turn signals, it really stands out. Its front bumper is quite sporty and so are its alloy wheels. However, the overall shape of the MPV might appear to be disproportionate to some people.

Interior

We like Toyota’s brilliant space management in the Rush. The cabin is quite spacious and people in the first and second row wouldn’t complain. However, the last row is a bit cramped and we would advise to leave it for kids. Toyota Rush specs say that the cabin has 13 cup holders, 6.8-in display with USB, AUX, Bluetooth, USB mirroring, 2 USB charging ports, etc. The same can be said about the Aruz for obvious reasons. In fact, you will also find a built-in toll reader which is a convenient feature which many people will appreciate.

Honda BR-V has a cabin that reminds us of the Honda City and even the Honda Jazz. We think that the build quality and materials used are pretty decent. The seats are quite comfortable and the amount of space available inside is also commendable. Honda has added 11 cup holders, just FYI. For infotainment, there’s a 6.1-in touchscreen. Coming to the Avanza, space shouldn’t be your concern at all, there’s plenty. In terms of features, it comes with a 6.75-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity support, so that’s a plus. We also like the digital AC controls as they add a premium feel.

Powertrain

Both the variants of the Rush are powered by the same 1.5-litre engine that produces 105 PS at 6000 revs and 136 Nm at 4600 revs. It is mated to a 4-speed automatic gearbox and there’s no option for a manual transmission. The Rush offers good low and mid-range performance which implies that driving it in the city and dense traffic is relatively easier even though it is a large vehicle. Similarly, the Aruz also has two variants available with the same 1.5-litre engine with similar power and torque output.

Honda BR-V specs are a bit different. Even though it also features a 1.5-litre engine, it has more power and torque - 120 PS at 6600 rpm and 145 Nm at 4600 rpm. For transmission, it has Honda’s Earth Dreams CVT unit in place. And lastly, moving to the Toyota Avanza specs sheet. It also has a 1.5-litre engine under its hood which produces the similar figures - 105 PS at 6,000 rpm and 136 Nm of peak torque at 4,200 rpm.

Safety features

Toyota Rush and Perodua Aruz have secured a perfect 5-star ASEAN NCAP safety rating. Some of their common safety features are-

• ABS, EBD, Brake Assist
• Vehicle Stability Control and Traction Control
• Hill-Start Assist and Blind Spot Monitor
• 6 airbags
• Rear-Cross Traffic Alert and a Pre-Collision system

Honda BR-V also has a 5-star ASEAN NCAP safety rating but has only dual front airbags. And Toyota Avanza, well, it doesn’t share the same ASEAN NCAP safety rating and has only a handful of basic safety features.

Conclusion

After looking at all the facts and figures, we think that Perodua Aruz is very similar to Toyota Rush. It offers almost the same number of features, perhaps, even a few more than the Rush. It is also more affordable - Perodua Aruz price starts at RM 72,900. On the other hand, Rush is a Toyota and that itself adds a great value to the car. You will benefit from the large Toyota network and dealerships. However, if that isn’t too important for you, then the Rush isn’t worth the extra money.

Also read: Perodua Aruz - Full Details