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March 8, 2022
Test drive the new Toyota Voxy—driving performance and comfort significantly evolved | TOYOTA
TOYOTA NOAH | Toyota Noah
TOYOTA VOXY | Toyota Voxy
Test drive the new Toyota Voxy—driving performance and comfort significantly evolved
The Toyota Voxy/Noah minivan, fully redesigned in January 2022, has been reborn with the latest platform. We took it for an immediate test drive.
Text by OGAWA Fumio | Photographs by MOCHIZUKI Hirohiko
Smoother starts and acceleration than the previous model
Minivans are popular among executives in Japan, as evidenced by the success of the Toyota Alphard series. The Noah and Voxy, slightly more compact, were fully redesigned in January 2022. While targeted at families, they also offer a touch of executive flair, making them worth noting.
The new Toyota Voxy (left) and Voxy (right)
The Noah and Voxy feature a body length of 4695mm. They are equipped with three rows of seats, allowing for up to eight occupants. For OPENERS readers, we recommend the configuration with independent second-row captain's seats.
The second-row seats can slide forward and back by 745mm. Additionally, optional reclining seats with ottomans and seat heaters are available. While manual unlike the Alphard's, they offer a surprisingly relaxing experience.
According to the developers, 'The demand for fully reclining second-row seats came primarily from female customers.' The legroom is so generous that your toes won't even reach the front seats when fully extended.
The model featured here is the Voxy hybrid, described by a Toyota spokesperson as 'currently our best-seller.' It combines a 1.8-liter gasoline engine with Toyota's proprietary hybrid system.
Specifically, for the new model, 'we aimed to achieve smoother starts and acceleration than before by increasing the power of the battery and motor,' says Teruji Kuroyanagi, who led development at Toyota Auto Body, the company responsible for this vehicle's development.
Indeed, the initial acceleration is smooth, and this impression holds true even on the highway. While not excelling at rapid acceleration, the suspension system adeptly absorbs road imperfections, and the direct steering allows the driver to maintain a pleasant driving experience as long as they're keeping pace with traffic.
This driving feel, achievable thanks to the new platform, is 'the result of developing the vehicle in line with Toyota's current car manufacturing philosophy of enabling it to be driven like a passenger car, regardless of model type,' according to Masato Kaneko, who was in charge of driving performance at Toyota Auto Body.