We just happened to finish shaking down the much-awaited Toyota Rush with a quick zip around Manila, Angeles, Bataan, and Tarlac. While our impressions aren’t enough for a full-on first-drive, we did discover a lot of things with Toyota Motor Philippines’ first-ever sub-compact SUV offering.
Here are 5 observations we’ve made that we think are important to would-be buyers.
#1. It looks sorted.
If buyers used looks as the only metric to buy a small SUV, the Rush wins hands down. Compared to everyone else, it actually looks convincing. Its blueprint—220-millimeter ground clearance, 31-degree approach, and 26-degree departure angle is great for SUVs, but the crisply styled body bolted onto it isn’t bad either. Some say it’s a bit derivative, but overall, not one line looks out of place. It’s clean, pleasant, and modern. Inside, it’s fairly the same story. As expected in this price point, the materials used are hard to the touch, but the overall execution is far more modern than something like the Avanza or Wigo. In fact, we reckon that if the Avanza came out right now, it’ll benefit a lot from the Rush’s interior.
#2. It feels like an authentic SUV
When Toyota called the Rush an SUV, there were some apprehensions and raised eyebrows. Given it shares the Avanza’s platform, everyone simply dismissed as “an Avanza on stilts.” In reality though, Toyota’s managed to work their magic to make the Rush feel like an authentic SUV. In particular, the high eyepoint is wonderful. Not only does it emphasize the Rush’s high ride height, but it makes it easier to maneuver through traffic. On the flipside, the headroom, especially at the front, feels less compared to Toyota’s entry-level MPV.
#3. Handles tidily
If there’s one surprisingly pleasant surprise about the Rush, it’s the way it handled itself on the road. Admittedly, our expectations aren’t really that high, but in the end, it passed this road trip with flying colors. The steering is light and while the body does tend to tip through hard cornering, it always feels secure and stable. The steering actually lightens up at higher speed, but it never once posed a problem. The ride’s also firm, but that’s to be expected on a vehicle designed to carry 7 adults. Still, NVH is well-sorted. In particular, we love how it’s extremely quiet even at highway speeds.
#4. Best enjoyed in the city
Speaking of speeds, the biggest question mark looming over the Rush’s head is the performance of its 1.5-liter Dual VVT-i. With 104 horsepower and 136 Nm of torque mated either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic, one would think it’ll end in some lackluster performance. In reality, it depends on where you take it. For as long as you keep to city speeds (below 80 km/h), it’s got reasonable pace even when carrying a complement of 4 people and luggage (including a giant cooler) on board. The engine, despite being shared with the Avanza, is far less vocal—a product no doubt of better NVH. It’s only when the speeds climb up that the pace turns glacial. Going for the manual helps things a bit, but whatever the gearbox, 100 km/h comes in at around 3,000 rpm. Obviously, this doesn’t do wonders for the fuel economy, dropping to around 12 km/L on long cruises (NLEX and SCTEX) compared to 15 km/L when doing mixed pace.
#5. The base version’s great value
As with any new vehicle, most of the attention is squarely focused on the top-trim 1.5 G. And for good reason: it’s got all the ingredients for success because it’s got 7 seats, good value, and is a Toyota. That said, Toyota’s done something unique with the Rush and with a single vehicle, they’re aiming not just for the Honda BR-V crowd, but the EcoSport and Vitara as well. With that, the 1.5 E presents itself as an even better proposition. The absence of the third row and some cosmetic trimmings aside, it’s actually well packaged and priced; it may be the Rush variant to get.
A 10-year old engine (no difference in numbers between single & dual VVT-i) mated to a 20-year old transmission, and the sheeple would still buy it because of perceived "reliability" & "resale value". Indeed, a fool and his money are soon parted.
ReplyDeleteAt least this '10 year old engine' is not known for having head gasket issues and the paired 20 year old transmission is not as problematic as newer DCTs. Time will only tell if this car will save you money or break your wallet on maintenance and repair costs.
DeleteReally??? Seems you know all too well oh wise one...
DeleteWhy be bitter then if these sheeple does? are they borrowing money from you?
Delete@Anonymous 10:25 PM
DeleteLait pa more! Akala mo kung sino kang magaling ka jan! You are the fool and stupid! Wala kang pakialam kung bibili sila nyan, pera nila yun. Bumili ka na lang ng sasakyan mong "maganda" ung everything updated, kung may pambili ka! Obob mo!
Kiddo, DCTs aren't the only other choice for transmission. Regular torque converter ATs can have more than 4 gears you know. A CVT is also a viable choice for these small, low-torque engines.
DeleteYou are wrong. I had the Corolla NZFE before which was slow and its still on the road and outlast cars that got high reviews. I prefer a vehicle that is durable and will not fail even though the acceleration is lower.
Delete^Uly do you have photos of G variant with 2nd and 3rd row folded? can they fold them flush to the floor?
ReplyDeleteUng 3rd row po ndi pde ang adult/teenagers talaga for a long trip pde lang sya sa mga kids 6 yrs and below..kasi it seems na nakaupo ka sa gatter..imagine it..taas kasi ng floor and ung sit po parang nakapatong lang talaga sa floor ndi xa kagaya ng ibang 7 seater like xpander and ertiga mas comfortable ang 3rd row nila.
DeleteTried sitting on the 3rd row. Im 5'9" mag side view ka to relax your upper legs sa seat. Hindi pede 2 adults sa likod unless you want to get intimate.
DeleteSuspension was a bit stiff and you can feel the concrete aggregates beneath pero pede na for the price. Ganito naman gusto ng mga Pinoy, pilit sa seating capacity kahit siksikan.
It still the sane old avanza with a new suit.it still revs at 3k at 100 kph. I really dont know why toyota hasnt installed a new tranny for the RUSH.
ReplyDeleteBecause we are too stupid to realize we are being short-changed by toyota.
DeleteSeems no one yet tested the Xpander. I have not seen any comment nor short reviews about its rev at 100kph considering it is also a 1.5L 4-speed tranny. Would it also result to a 3k rev with Rush?
DeleteThe Xpander makes 2500 revs at 100kph and has the best FC among the 1.5ltr SUV/MPVs. - Xpander GLS Sport Owner
DeleteSave up a little more then go for a better value Toyota, if you're really bent on getting a Toyota.
ReplyDeleteIf you currently have a DP money for the Toyota Rush, save up further for 3-6 months then go for the Innova or save up further for 6-12 months then go for the Fortuner. Don't settle for less than what you deserve.
Agree, don't settle for less than what we deserve. Just visited their showroom recently and checked out some units, with the features, build quality, & tech they offer on the altis and innova made me cringe when i saw their prices.. that indeed takes toyota out of my list.. sadly, honda phils is apparently following toyota's approach with their recent offerings..
DeleteIt's a toyota? Yeah right,another incompetent appliance that noobs and 7 seater peeps would buy. Buy a proper and competent car instead. Ask yourself again if you really need those 2 extra seats and ground clearance. At the top variant's pricepoint, compacts such as the Civic, Mazda 3 and even the Corolla are better overall buys. More power, better chassis, better transmission, more space, better interior and exterior, the feeling that you're not in an eco car, etc.
ReplyDeleteNo doubt this would be a best seller along with the expander
ReplyDeleteHow come? What's the deal breaker with Rush against Xpander? Probably you can share your most insightful thoughts.
Deleteso relieving to see that somehow people are becoming more aware of toyota phil's schemes..
ReplyDeletethis brand has been setting a bad precedent through the years, their cars are more expensive and you get way less for the money.. perceived reliability & resale value? yes, that's all what it is perception.. as if they're the only brand who makes reliable cars.
That perception is not only here in Philippines. When you go to Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Myanmar, they also perceive Toyota this so-called "reliable" and "resale value" as basis for a good Toyota brand. TBH, they have very good quality cars long time ago (e.g. Corolla small and big bodies) but I cannot vouch now specially their after sales service.
Deletequestion is, does toyota shortchange them there as badly..
Deletetayo lang talaga inaabuso ng mga japanese brands. kita mo yan isuzu at honda inabot ng ilang buwan o taon bago ibenta dito ang mga bagong modelo. sa atin nila inuubos ang mga sobrang produkto nilang lumang modelo na di na nila mabenta sa thailand malaysia indonesia.
DeleteThailand, Malaysia, Indonesia are right hand drive. Saan mo nakuha yung idea yung lumang model ay ibinibenta dito. Ano yun kino convert ng manufacturer from right to left bago ibenta dito. LOL
Deleteccrain lang eto sa kasa pag dun k nagpa maintain....long wait tas in the end d rin naayos yung mga issues n cnabi mo...
ReplyDeleteGet the E. This is really just a 5 seater. It's just too small to be a 7 seater. Filipinos should stop thinking a 5 seater turned into a cheap 7 seater is good value. There's no such thing. There's a right size for a 5 seater and there's a right size for a 7 seater.
ReplyDeleteThat's why Toyota is no.1 here, due to the hordes of ignorant noobs with the third world mindset of having more seats is better, fuck the other aspects of the car.
DeleteFortuner, Hilux and Innova should be updated with additional airbags (side, knee, and curtain airbags from mid to top variants (G and V, E maybe hehe) and expect a higher price, boom!
Deletetoyota was late in the game for this segment and trying to play catch-up by offering 6 airbags, funny knowing that toyota phils. was never known to be generous when it comes to safety features..
Delete@Anonymous 12:24 PM
DeleteHow do you said that Toyota Ph was never known to be generous when it comes to safety features? Does it mean that people are not aware of their safety features knowing that Toyota is "pang-masa" and known to offer affordable vehicles? hehe, just asking
Most toyota models have no back up camera or sensors, tinipid sa airbags, still has drum brakes, overpriced, etc.
DeleteOK I see. They had already started equipping multiple airbags with their Corolla Altis, then Yaris then this Rush, across all variants while the other models only have those in the TOTL models like the Fortuner, Hilux and Innova. However they still lack standard safety features like sensors, camera, disc brakes, etc. Quite disappointing because the Fortuner 2.4 V doesn't have multiple airbags while it is very expensive, better buy the Isuzu mu-X 3.0 Blue Power LS-A 4x2, same features, more powerful engine but less expensive. Just wondering why the Fortuner V and Innova G and V are more expensive/ overpriced.
Deleteaccording to an SA there will be a price increase for toyota vehicles this june. guess the published prices of rush will not be affected by this new increase.
ReplyDeleteIt may not be a proper SUV and it my have the wrong engine and transmission, but at least Toyota is trying their best to catch up with the competition and grab a piece of the pie.
ReplyDeleteMakapanlait naman sa rush? Back is for the kids and adults with maximum of 5"7' in height. Engine is enough for overtaking naman never ako nabitin sa pag overtake while travelling in tarlac-pangasinan. Has decent fuel economy (8.9kml city, 16-17kml highway @80-90kmh) Has one of the best audio setup na narinig ko. Has 6 airbags, traction control, abs brakes with ebd, hill start assist. I know there are some models na mas ok naman but its worth the money I paid for it considering na di siya sasayad anywhere compared sa vios namin and 2 it can seat seven dahil may sliding adjustment naman yung 2nd row seats kaya kahit nasa likod ako (5"7') di naman nakakangawit sa paa. Bago magsalita ng masama magbase muna kayo sa user reviews di yung dahil fanboy kayo nanlalait na kayo ng iba. Never ko nilait yung xpander or brv dahil it comes down to preference naman.
ReplyDeleteHahaha! "fanboyzzzz"... nice one sir... yung mga fanboys na yan mga wala namang sasakyan.. lol
DeleteSir ibig mong sabihin sa 8.9kml city driving is matrapik ba yan? I'm planning to buy my own kapalit ny aking Innova which is 11 years old.
DeleteSir ibig mong sabihin sa 8.9kml city driving is matrapik ba yan? I'm planning to buy my own kapalit ng aking Innova which is 11 years old.
DeleteHave u tried going up to baguio. Thanks
Delete8.9km/l sa moderate 6.5km/l sa heavy traffic sa edsa took me 2 hrs from guadalupe to kamuning.
DeleteNaiakyat naman ng Baguio via marcos hway with 7 adults and isang bata. Kayang kaya naman nakakaovertake parin ako kahit uphill though yes it was because my foot was flat to the floor and revs are reaching 5.8k rpm before shifting to the next gear. G a/t
Individuals who settle on the poor choice to drink and drive are straightforwardly jeopardizing the lives of every other person out and about.נהיגה בשכרות
ReplyDeleteToyota will not be "TOYOTA" if they are short changing their customers.
ReplyDeleteI have a 2005 Fortuner and drives and looks like it can still go head - to - head with most new SUVs in terms of performance etc. WALA AKO SAKIT NG ULO! AND MATAAS PA RESALE VALUE NG FORTUNER KO!
So sa mga bashers ng Toyota - INGGIT LANG KAYO!
Right now I still have my Toyota FX which is 21 years old already. The engine is still very good and never been opened. And I am still using it once a week in going to my office. My 2nd car is Toyota Altis 1.6 E which is 17 years of age. No headache, no repair and still very good until now. My 3rd car is 2005 Fortuner, of course this is my buddy2x everyday, very good performance. And atm I am currently scouting for my 4th car. Been to Toyota Marikina, Toyota Cubao and Toyota Pasig seeing/asking for the Toyota Rush 1.5 G. I like the Bronze Mica. A gift to myself for December 2018 :-)
ReplyDeleteIm going to buy the rush because it is a very practical vehicle to drive in a crowded and mostly unpaved streets in philippines. I already own a high power toyota vehicles in canada and this time i just want something reliable, affordable and simple. The rush is a perfect vehicle in philippines. I don't want anything else. I feel sorry for those fanboys. All they can afford is a cariton and scooter. They have no right to tell people what to do with their hard earned money lol
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ReplyDeleteI just bought my toyota Rush 1.5 AT in the philippines. I don't care about what others say tungkol sa toyota. I did my own research sa mga meron toyota and I am satisfied with the result that's why i am confident that my new car will not let us down hehehe.. I have one KIA RIO 2013 and i also love driving it.. as of this writing I have no complain.. satisfied with my purchases
ReplyDeleteHi Asea, have you experience a rattling sound in your Rush that goes like this: klok, klok, klok, whenever you slow down? I just acquired my 1.5G A/T last Feb. 9 and it makes me concern about it. I have only a mileage of 1,100km and still a long way to go for my 5Tkm check up with the dealer. Thanks.
Delete@Dab, parang naririnig ko yan. pero minsan lang naman. check ko nga ulit during long drive if meron..
Deletemaganda yun rush
ReplyDeleteang pogi
toyota one of the legend brand na rin. ika nga big 6 na brand? Toyota, Honda, Suzuki, Mitsubishi, Mazda at Nissan?
so 2 + 3 + 2 kaya 7 seater ba? so it means it can 7-9 person basta mga payat ang sasakay.
It feels so good
kung sa patibayan nasa owner na yan,proper maintainance & good driving habit. maski anong brand pa sasakyan sa tingin ko po
Im fan of Big 6 Brands
para sakin tama naman lahat ng comment dito. kung masaya ka at kaya mo naman bilin at higit sa lahat may purpose naman then go for it
at pag yun comment negative hayaan mo na kasi baka salesman pala siya ng ibang brand. lol so xempre sisiraan nya.
peace
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ReplyDeleteAng chk nyo sa rush ay yung abnormal noise ng differential at high speed, 80kph and higher. Twice na pinalitan differential gears ko, meron pa din. As far as I know, tatlo kami nagkasabay sabay with the same complaint sa delear at that time.
ReplyDeleteChk nyo Rush nyo for an abnormal noise ng differential at 80kph and higher speed. Maintain nyo at this speed and listen to the noise. Twice na ni replace ng Toyota differential ko but the humming noise persists. “Na lessen naman daw
ReplyDeleteNalilito prin Kami anong gusto nming kunin rush g or Innova touring sports...ano ba ang maganda sa dalawang unit nyan?
ReplyDeleteBought rush. The bouncyness is too annoying. We frequently travel with one or 2 passengers so suggesting more passengers to lessen the bouncyness will not work for us. Any suggestions to resolve this problem? Perhaps a suspension modifications or upgrades?? Anything plss...
ReplyDeleteMy friend got a rush, she told that follow the right Tire Pressure and the bouncyness will lessen/off..
ReplyDeleteThis is my first time i visit here. I found so many interesting stuff in your blog especially its discussion. From the tons of comments on your articles, I guess I am not the only one having all the enjoyment here keep up the good work driver knowledge test
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ReplyDeleteMay market parin ang kagaya ng avanza, rush, xpander, ertiga. Meron kasing taong ayaw ng sobrang laki gusto nila mas mataas sa kotse. Na parang suv pero hindi malaki like fortuner innova, pick up truck kaya marami pa rin nabili. Its like if your single or have a small family you prefer a condo or a townhouse. Not a big house and lot or a mansion.
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ReplyDeleteOctober 2020 now, does the Rush fuel pump issues has been resolved now ?
ReplyDeleteThere is a silent recall ongoing right now. Toyota doesn't want to reveal the severity of it, but from my understanding it's affecting most of their local line-up.
DeleteWe recently bought Toyota Rush AT 2020. Would just like to know if any of you has experienced issues on the pedal brakes, intermittent hard pedal brakes on a brand new Rush? Or the hand brakes not engaging? I'm just worried because it's concerning our safety. We also noticed that when we move the steering wheel, it produces a weird, mechanical clonking sound and Toyota said that it's just a normal sound for a brand new automatic car. Would very much appreciate any helpful advice.
ReplyDeleterush 1.5 g matic, felt also d abnormal knocking sound at rear, brought the rush at dealer and scheduled for check up..
ReplyDeleteNag reserve ako ng red rush Manual transmission, ngayong december 2020 daw dating ng unit (almost 2 months na yung hintayan) tanong ko lang, bakit sobrang hirap hanapin itong Rush Manual transmission sa mga casa? Puro automatic benebenta sa akin, eh ayaw ko, kaya maghintay daw ako 2 or 3 months pa
ReplyDelete