Toyota Granvia is cool people mover. How can that be, people movers are daggy and embarrassing for kids, but the Granvia has a sense of cool about it.
I drove the latest top spec model the VX last week, priced from around $75,600 plus the usual costs.
That’s a lot of money, but you get a lot of car for that.
Based on the HiAce work van the Granvia is big, wide and spacious. However it doesn’t feel that big when driving it, well maybe when parking.
TO LISTEN TO THE Granvia RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW
Buyers can choose between an eight or six seat layout and we drove the six seat version.
With two middle row seats that are heated, electronically adjusted and have extendable leg rests, it’s like riding in a limousine. In fact many are used for that purpose.
The 2.8L turbo diesel engine has enough performance to allow the Granvia to happily drive along no matter how many people are on board.
There is no escaping the work van origin, but Toyota does an excellent job of disguising it, Ride is smooth and quiet and after a short while it seems like you are driving an SUV.
If I was a kid in school I would be happy for mum or dad to pick me up and take some friends with us, we would have a blast.
This is a Motoring Minute
Im Brianna Fraser
Also Look At
What is good? |
What is not so good? |
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Some other Toyota Granvia Articles
- 1 – Toyota Granvia 2021 Review
- 2 – Toyota Granvia VX 2020 Radio Review
- 3 – Toyota Granvia VX Six Seat 2020 Review
- 4 – Toyota Granvia Radio Review
- 5 – Toyota Granvia VX 2020 Review
- 6 – Toyota’s all-new Granvia coming late 2019
Model |
2022 Toyota Granvia VX |
Model Price | $75,603 MLP* |
Engine | 2.8L 4 Cyl Turbo diesel |
Drivetrain | RWD 6 speed Sports Auto |
Power | 130kW @ 3,400rpm |
Torque | 450Nm @ 1,600-2,400rpm |
Safety | TBA |
CO2 Emissions | 198 g/km |
Economy ADR/ Capacity | 8.0L/100km / 9.2L/100K on test / 70L |
0-100kmh/Top Speed | N/A |
Servicing | 5 Years/Unlimited Capped Price |
Warranty | 5yr/ Unlimited km with 5 Yr. conditional roadside assist |
*MLP Includes GST and LCT but excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and dealer delivery. See your dealer for RDAP. Does not include price of options. Some features mentioned in the article are options. RDAP means Recommended Drive Away Price (without options but including all other charges)
Overall Rating |
84/100 |
Behind the Wheel | 9 |
Comfort | 9 |
Equipment | 9 |
Performance | 8 |
Ride and Handling | 8 |
Practicality | 8 |
Fit for Purpose | 9 |
Style / appeal | 8 |
Technology / connectivity | 8 |
Value for Money | 8 |
Dimensions |
|
Overall Length | 5300mm |
Wheelbase | 3210mm |
Width / Height | 1970mm / 1990mm |
Unladen ground clearance / wading depth | N/A |
Fuel Tank / Turning Circle | 70 Litres / 11.00mts KTK |
Approach / rampover / departure degrees | N/A |
Kerb Weight / GVM / GCM / Payload | 2660kg / 3500kg / 5000kg / 840kg |
Max Roof Load: | N/A |
Towing Capacity / Tow Ball rating | 1500kg / 150kg |
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Granvia VX Additional Thoughts
The Granvia tries hard to disguise its work van origins.
- Front seats are roomy and comfortable, but not heated unfortunately
- Driver instruments, central stack are typical Toyota. They work but won’t win any design awards.
- Wired Apple CarPlay and a small touch screen are a little behind best in class unfortunately.
- However there is a heap of storage in the doors, central bin and glovebox.
- Touches of leather and woodgrain (simulated) lend an air of style.
- Layout is better suited to perhaps business transport or luxury shuttle runs.
- The kids will love the rear seats, even I sit in them and get someone else to drive.
- Driving the Granvia requires a little bit of adjustment.
- Visibility is surprisingly good all around
- Its big, often doesn’t feel that big on the freeway etc, but does in car parks.
- While the engine has enough oomph, the same outputs from the Prado or HiLux would be better.
- With a long wheelbase, heavy weight, sumptuous seats, the ride comfort is particularly smooth and quiet.
- Safety is a feature, with a five star ANCAP safety rating (2019)
- Child safety is accommodated with four ISOFIX points and four top tether points (second and third rows).
- LED headlights with auto high beam are pretty good.
- Other convenience features include auto sliding doors, heated and folding external mirrors, auto wipers, auto dimming rear view mirror and more.
- Getting in and out in the front and rear is way easier than any SUV on the market.
- The middle row of twin captain’s chairs are moveable to allow flexibility for two or four passengers.
- I would love to go on a long trip in the rear seats.
- Overall I actually liked the Granvia, but it would be a tossup for a family between this and the Kia Carnival
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8.4/10
Summary
Toyota Granvia is cool people mover. How can that be, people movers are daggy and embarrassing for kids, but the Granvia has a sense of cool about it.
If I was a kid in school I would be happy for mum or dad to pick me up and take some friends with us, we would have a blast.