A lot were impressed when the 2022 version of the Toyota Avanza came to the Philippines, as the model has been enormously improved by its Japanese automaker - Toyota. However, it was noticeable that its top-of-the-line variant – Toyota Avanza Veloz wasn’t a part of the lineup. Little did we know, Toyota Motor Corporation was in the process of developing the Veloz to stand up on its nameplate.

A few months later, Toyota Motor Philippines launched a more premium version of the subcompact MPV Avanza, the 2022 Toyota Veloz. Basically, the Veloz is an upscale alternative to the Avanza as they share the same built and powertrain components.

Is Toyota Veloz worth its nameplate?

Pros

It is a premium version model of the Toyota Avanza.

Since the Veloz was then a part of the Avanza lineup, they share several features and components. To separate it from the Avanza, Toyota upscaled the Veloz from its looks to some of its features. The major change the company made is in the aesthetics. It is noticeable that Toyota redesigned the exterior to a premium-looking Avanza, and the same goes for the interior.

The third-row floor is lowered to provide decent legroom.

One of the things noticeable on several MPVs and SUVs is that they can seat several people, but the legroom is compromised in the last row. It is nice that Toyota managed to lower the third-row floor to provide decent legroom for the occupants. With this, there won’t be any more arguments as to whether who would sit at the back, hopefully.

There are cup holders and charging ports everywhere.

Only a few car models have several charging ports and cup holders dedicated to every passenger. Often, there are some located in the front for the driver and the front passenger. And at times for the second-row passengers. It is ideal that Toyota also included cup holders and ports in the third row. It only means that the third row is a desirable spot to sit, even on a long ride.

The legroom is decent.

Toyota is the best automobile company for most Filipinos as they are capable and reliable. The engineering made to the Toyota Veloz is a product of their expertise in their craft. Unlike other car models, which are much more expensive than the Veloz, it has a decent legroom space for a subcompact MPV, which is impressive.

Its third-row seats fold completely flat.

Unlike other crossovers, MPVs, and SUVs, the Veloz’s third-row seats fold completely flat. It is as if the seats were originally part of the floor. When folded, the seats look completely rested under the surface.

It has a 360-degree view of the car.

Indeed, the Toyota Veloz is a premium version of the Toyota Avanza as it comes with a 360-degree view of the car, which is impressive for its price in the market and compared to its competitors. The 360-degree view helps maneuvering the car and is best when parking. Plus, it has a decent visual quality that would benefit the driver.

Cons

There’s nothing special about its performance.

The Toyota Veloz shares the same powertrain components as the Toyota Avanza. It means that there is nothing special to expect with the performance as Toyota didn’t focus on developing a more powerful powertrain system in the Veloz. Although it doesn’t perform awfully, it is not ideal to use the Veloz for long-hour drives but is ideal for everyday city driving.

The cargo space is limited.

Toyota Veloz has an inviting interior vibe; it has good legroom, and there are several cupholders and charging ports for everybody, which makes it a people mover. It can accommodate passengers, but there’s a compromise with the cargo it can load behind. The cargo space is very limited just like the Avanza and is not capable to carry too much stuff together with seven occupants.

The elbow space is not generous.

Okay, the Veloz has impressive legroom for a subcompact MPV. However, the three occupants in the second row are not comfortable. There is going to be a compromise, especially if the occupants are above-average in size. Nevertheless, it is considerable as the Veloz belongs to the subcompact category. If this is an issue for you, it would be better for you to consider a full-size MPV or SUV.

There are a lot of piano black surfaces which could get old quickly.

The cabin style includes a piano black design which can be found on several surfaces of the interior, especially the center dashboard. It is stunning, but having this material on most areas that are often touched could lead to aging quickly.

It seems unnecessary for it to have its nameplate.

Overall, the features added to the Veloz are aesthetically impressive. However, if summed up, it seems unnecessary for Toyota to separate it from the Avanza as it barely changed the most important components of a vehicle. Nevertheless, the upgrades made to the Veloz give a more premium feel to the Avanza.

Also Read: Toyota Veloz Gained Its Nameplate