Toyota Vellfire

Model Overview

The Toyota Vellfire is a large luxury MPV under Toyota, serving as the twin model to the Toyota Alphard. Both share the same platform and core engineering, but are distinguished by unique exterior styling and distinct market positioning.The Vellfire nameplate first debuted in the Japanese domestic market in 2008 and was officially introduced to the Chinese market via Toyota China's official channels in 2019.As of June 2026, the primary model on sale in China is the 2025 Crown Vellfire HEV series, offered in variants such as the Ink Gold Edition and Ink Gold Executive Edition, with official list prices ranging from RM899,000 to RM928,000.In overseas markets, the 2025 and 2026 Vellfire offer a broader selection of powertrains in Japan, including a 2.4T pure petrol variant, a 2.5L HEV hybrid, and a 2.5L PHEV plug-in hybrid, with prices roughly equivalent to RM274,000 to RM461,000.

Design Language

The Vellfire's exterior injects a sportier and more aggressive aesthetic over the Alphard's corporate demeanor.Up front, it boasts an imposing, massive trapezoidal front grille with bold horizontal louvres, complemented by sharp LED headlamp clusters that deliver commanding road presence.The 2025 Vellfire carries over this design philosophy; notably, the pure petrol variant omits a 2.4T rear badge to differentiate it from the hybrid models.For the 2026 model year, the black exterior paint variant swaps the shiny chrome trims for a sleek matte finish, exuding a more understated and sophisticated vibe.

In terms of exterior dimensions, the vehicle measures 5,005 mm in length, 1,850 mm in width, and 1,950 mm in height, with a generous 3,000 mm wheelbase.Front and rear track widths stand at 1,600 mm and 1,605 mm respectively.The minimum turning radius is rated at 5.9 metres.Rear privacy glass and dual power sliding doors come equipped,delivering supreme privacy for business VIPs and effortless day-to-day ingress/egress.Filling the wheel arches are 19-inch multi-spoke alloy rims wrapped in 225/55 R19 tyres.

Inside, the Vellfire features a wraparound cockpit layout, anchored by a three-spoke multifunction steering wheel, a 12.3-inch TFT digital instrument cluster, and a 14-inch floating central infotainment touchscreen.Refined gold interior accents are peppered across the cabin, whilst the seats are swathed in plush Nappa leather for a soft, supple feel.The 2025 Vellfire Z Premier variant receives an upgraded 15-speaker JBL premium sound system.Higher-spec grades feature dedicated touchscreen armrest controllers for the second-row seats.The range-topping trim adds lavish appointments such as a genuine wood-trimmed steering wheel and a premium suede headliner.The Vellfire is also equipped with individual powered sunshades for the dual sunroofs alongside versatile foldable tray tables.

Powertrain and Performance

While the Vellfire is available with three distinct powertrains in global markets, the Chinese domestic market primarily focuses on the 2.5L hybrid system.

Petrol Variant: Powered by a 2.4-litre turbocharged engine (code T24A-FTS) generating 205 kW (279 PS) and 430 Nm of peak torque, paired with a Direct Shift-8AT automatic transmission. WLTC combined fuel consumption is rated at approximately 9.8 L/100 km. This petrol powertrain is currently exclusive to overseas markets and is not sold in China.

Hybrid Variant (HEV) : The core domestic offering, featuring a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated engine (code A25B-FXS) paired with dual front and rear electric motors. The internal combustion engine puts out 140 kW (190 PS) and 236 Nm, while the electric motors deliver a combined output of 174 kW (237 PS) and 391 Nm, resulting in a total system output of 184 kW (250 PS). Drive is channelled via an E-CVT (Electronic Continuously Variable Transmission). WLTC combined fuel consumption drops to a frugal 6.3 L/100 km. Top speed is capped at 180 km/h. It features a 58-litre fuel tank and a kerb weight of 2,325 kg.

Plug-in Hybrid Variant (PHEV) : Debuted in the Japanese market in 2025, pairing a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine with dual front and rear electric motors. The petrol mill produces 130 kW and 219 Nm, contributing to a substantial total system output of 225 kW (306 PS). It is mated to an E-CVT and features electric all-wheel drive (E-Four) as standard. It delivers an all-electric range of 73 km under the WLTC cycle and comes standard with a 1,500W external power supply (V2L) capability.

Chassis and Handling

Underneath, the Vellfire is built on a rigid monocoque chassis structure. Front suspension duties are handled by MacPherson struts, while the rear features an independent double wishbone setup. Compared to the Alphard's rear suspension configuration, the Vellfire's double wishbone setup provides noticeable enhancements in handling stability, ride comfort, and dynamic agility. It runs an electric all-wheel drive (AWD) layout, paired with an Electric Power Steering (EPS) system. Stopping power comes from ventilated disc brakes all around, supported by an Electric Parking Brake (EPB) with Auto Hold. The Vellfire's suspension is tuned to deliver the plush ride expected of a flagship luxury MPV while offering sharper handling response and composed road manners.

Cabin and Equipment

The Vellfire features a versatile 2+2+3 seven-seater configuration. The second row features aviation-style Ottoman captain seats boasting full electric adjustments, ventilation, heating, and massage functions. Clever interior packaging guarantees generous head- and legroom for occupants across all three rows.

On the tech front, the digital cockpit is headlined by a 12.3-inch TFT LCD meter panel and a 14-inch floating central touchscreen infotainment display with a crisp 1920×1080 resolution. It runs the Toyota Connect telematics suite, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay, CarLife smartphone mirroring, natural voice commands, and OTA software updates. Rear passengers benefit from an HDMI input and an overhead 14-inch rear-seat entertainment monitor. Audio-wise, the 2025 Z Premier and petrol variants come equipped with a premium 15-speaker JBL audio system. A full-colour Head-Up Display (HUD) is standard on upper trims. Other convenience features include wireless smartphone charging pads, multi-zone automatic climate control, and a hands-free powered tailgate.

Safety and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)

Safety-wise, the Vellfire comes fitted with 6 SRS airbags as standard across the cabin. It achieved a top 5-star safety rating in JNCAP (Japan New Car Assessment Program) crash tests and holds a 4-star Global NCAP safety rating.

Driver assistance is governed by the full-fledged Toyota T-Pilot active safety suite. Core ADAS features include Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) with all-speed following, Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), Pre-Collision System (PCS) autonomous emergency braking, automated park assist, smartphone-operated remote parking, auto lane change assist, Lane Departure Alert (LDA), Blind Spot Monitor (BSM), and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA). Additional safety aids include a 360-degree panoramic view monitor, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRC), and Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), providing comprehensive Level 2 semi-autonomous driving capability.

Market Performance and Industry Reception

The Vellfire has long served as a benchmark in China's luxury MPV segment, anchoring Toyota's high-end MPV portfolio alongside its Alphard sibling. However, the competitive landscape is shifting rapidly. By 2025, China's new energy MPV market saw unprecedented growth, with formidable domestic contenders like the Denza D9, ZEEKR 009, XPENG X9, and VOYAH Dreamer establishing strong footholds thanks to superior smart-driving tech, extensive pure electric range, and holistic luxury experiences. Concurrently, real-world showroom transaction prices for the Vellfire in China have consistently commanded hefty dealer markups over its official sticker price. In June 2026, Toyota unveiled the 2026 Vellfire in Japan, standardising a 6-seater layout with Nappa leather upholstery across the board and retaining the 2.4T petrol, 2.5L HEV, and 2.5L PHEV trio. Earlier in January 2025, Toyota issued a recall in Japan involving roughly 434,000 units of Alphard and Vellfire models produced between December 2014 and April 2023 due to potential fuel pump defects. In its class, the Vellfire locks horns with traditional luxury MPVs such as the Alphard, Mercedes-Benz V-Class, and Lexus LM, while tackling mounting pressure from premium electrified MPVs. As China's premium MPV arena pivots from pure internal combustion to new energy power, the Vellfire's long-term dominance will hinge on its ability to modernise through rapid electrification and smart tech while preserving its storied luxury appeal.