The is a large MPV (multi-purpose vehicle) produced by the Japanese automaker Toyota since 2002. It is available as a seven or eight-seater with petrol and hybrid engine options. Hybrid variants have been available since 2003, which incorporates Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive technology. It is Toyota's flagship MPV.
The Alphard is primarily made for the Japanese market, but is also sold in many Asian countries, Belarus, Russia, and the Middle East. Similar to the Camry, it is often regarded as a luxury car in Southeast Asian markets.
Since the second generation, a twin model called has also been available, which is marketed as a sportier alternative to the Alphard and exclusively marketed by the Netz Store dealership chain until 2020. Since 2019, a modified and more upscale version of the model has been sold as the Lexus LM.
The vehicle was named after Alphard, the brightest star in the constellation Hydra. Until the third generation, the Alphard wears a special front emblem which depicts the lowercase alpha letter. A prominent design feature of the Alphard is its shield-like grille, which it has had since the launch of the AH30 generation in 2015.
The name "Vellfire" was derived from "velvet" and "fire" to emphasize "smooth" and "passionate" as characteristics of the vehicle. Starting from the AH30 generation, the Vellfire has been given aggressive styling to reflect being the sportier version of the Alphard. As of the AH40 generation, the Vellfire received its own unique insignia in the form of a stylized 'V', in an effort to further distinguish it from its twin.
First generation (AH10; 2002)
The Alphard was launched by Toyota on 22 May 2002. Developed under the lead of chief engineer Hideyuki Iwata, the first-generation model is based on the second-generation Previa/Estima, which in turn shares many components with the Camry.
The first-generation Alphard was designed with curvaceous styling that created the illusion of a smaller vehicle, to attract younger customers in the 30–40 years old range. By adopting a front-wheel drive layout, Toyota eliminated the need for a space-consuming drive shaft, which was a drawback in its predecessor, the Granvia / Grand HiAce. Although Toyota initially considered offering a diesel engine option, concerns regarding emissions and fuel efficiency regulations led to its exclusion.
During its introduction, then Toyota president Fujio Cho acknowledged that the Alphard competes in the same segment as the second-generation Nissan Elgrand, which was released a day before the Alphard. Notably, the first-generation Alphard introduced rear side windows that could be rolled down and an optional electric-powered tailgate, distinguishing it from other vehicles in the segment at that time including the Elgrand.
The Alphard V was exclusively available at the Netz Store, while the Alphard G featured a distinct grille design and was exclusive to the Toyopet Store. Toyota set a monthly sales target of 4,000 units for the V model and 2,500 units for the G model in Japan, totaling 6,500 units.
The first generation Alphard was differentiated into two variants, the Alphard G and V, which can be distinguished by their grilles; the G had a chrome grille with three horizontal rows plus diagonal louvers, while the V had a body-colored grille with horizontal louvers. The Alphard V was replaced by the sportier Vellfire. Early the Alphard V and G grades were includes: MX/AX, MS/AS, and MZ. The Welcab version were available.
The Alphard was refreshed in April 2005. The design of the front grille, bumper, headlamps, and rear combination lamps and garnish was updated. For the 3.0-litre model, the 4-speed automatic transmission was replaced with a 5-speed automatic transmission.
In 2006, a Royal Lounge Alphard was introduced. It is a more upmarket, four-seat version of the Alphard G.
For model year 2007, on Japanese models only, G-BOOK, a subscription telematics service, was offered as an option.
Alphard V
Alphard G
Alphard Hybrid (2003) A hybrid version was also added to the lineup in May 2003, featuring a 2.4-litre 2AZ-FXE Atkinson cycle petrol engine with a power output of and of torque which has been developed specifically for use in Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive technology and features a high-expansion ratio cycle that raises efficiency and reduces friction; however, this led to reliability problems of pistons' rings premature wear and consequent high oil consumption due to the poorly designed ring in order to minimize friction.
The Alphard Hybrid uses "by-wire" technology that monitors brake pedal pressure and vehicle speed in order to calculate the optimum hydraulic pressure. By-wire works with the E-Four AWD system to maximize the collection of kinetic energy from braking for conversion into electric power. The Alphard Hybrid can also generate up to 1,500 watts and is equipped with 100-volt AC power outlets, to power external appliances such as laptops and emergency lights.
In Japan, the Alphard Hybrid locally qualifies as an Ultra-Low Emissions Vehicle (ULEV), achieving emission levels 75% lower than the Japanese government's year 2000 benchmark.
Second generation (AH20; 2008)
After being previewed as the FT-MV in 2007, the second generation Alphard went on sale in May 2008. For this generation, a twin model called the Vellfire, was introduced as the successor of Alphard V, with a split headlight and taillight design. According to Toyota's press release, the Alphard is described as having an "elegant and sophisticated" design while the Vellfire emphasizes on "strength and strong individuality".
Developed under the guidance of chief engineer Yuzo Nakagoshi, the second generation Alphard adapted many similar design cues from the first generation, featuring similarly-designed headlights and taillights. Both models are sold via separate distribution channels, with the Alphard sold by Toyota's Toyopet Store dealership chain, while the Vellfire is sold at Toyota's youth oriented Netz Store dealership chain.
Variants of the Alphard/Vellfire include: 2.4-litre petrol 2-wheel drive - ANH20 (Alphard/Vellfire) 2.4-litre petrol 4-wheel drive (Toyota ATC/DTC) - ANH25 (Alphard/Vellfire) 3.5-litre petrol 2-wheel drive - GGH20 (Alphard/Vellfire) 3.5-litre petrol 4-wheel drive (Toyota ATC/DTC) - GGH25 (Alphard/Vellfire) 2.4-litre hybrid 4-wheel drive (E-Four) - ATH20 (Alphard/Vellfire)
The second generation Alphard was launched in the Philippines on 3 August 2010.
Grade levels Alphard X/Vellfire X - Available with 2.4 and 3.5 petrol engines. Base spec model, Beige cloth interior, 7 or 8 seats, usually just one powered door, xenon headlights, many options available. Alphard S/Vellfire Z - Available with 2.4 and 3.5 petrol engines. Middle spec. Sportier exterior with body side mouldings and deeper front and rear bumpers. Dark grey/black cloth interior, 7 seat only with ottomans, powered doors on both sides, LED strip lighting, powered mirrors, climate control front and rear. Many special edition variants adding various option packs, usually including a powered tailgate and/or cruise control and/or part-leather trim: Platinum selection/Platinum Selection 2 (Vellfire Z) Golden Eyes/Golden Eyes 2 (Vellfire Z) Prime/Prime 2 (Alphard S) Type Gold/Type Gold 2 (Alphard S) Alphard G/Vellfire V - Available with 2.4 and 3.5 petrol engines. Top spec of standard range. Beige cloth interior, 7 or 8 seats, powered doors on both sides. Cruise control standard. Electric powered front seats with drivers memory, front passenger seat has a powered ottomon (leg rest). Powered tailgate is an option. Alphard S - C Package/Vellfire Z - G Package - Available with 3.5 engine only up until November 2011. It was only offered in 7 seats. Adds middle row captain chairs with powered ottomans and powered recline, side and tailgate doors powered, twin sunroof an option. Premium sound system an option with factory rear monitor. Alphard G - L Package/Vellfire V - L Package - Available with 3.5 engine only up until November 2011. 7 seats only. Standard beige leather, upgraded middle row captain chairs also in leather with powered recline and powered ottomons. Front seats heated. Twin sunroofs standard. Option to have middle row seats heated and ventilated. Radar Cruise Control and Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) optional. Royal Lounge - Available with 3.5 engine only up until November 2011. Dealer spec option to have the rear interior to be stripped out and replaced with two luxury first class seats with a limousine-like experience for its passengers. Approved conversions were carried out by Modellista.
Alphard
Vellfire
2011 facelift A facelift model was announced by Toyota on 27 September 2011, with sales in Japan started from 1 November 2011. Also introduced a hybrid version of both the Alphard and Vellfire.
The hybrid version was reintroduced in November 2011 and whilst the model variants remained similar, all grades were available in all three drivetrains, 2.4/3.5/2.4 Hybrid. The Hybrid was the later generation of THS2 with Eco Mode and EV mode. The petrol variants also received Eco mode buttons on the dash, helping to smooth out acceleration and to improve efficiency. Styling differences introduced across all models and interior trim colours and materials improved. Nanoe air purifiers were available in almost all variants.
Alphard X/Vellfire X - Spec similar to pre-facelift, available in 2.4 and 3.5 petrol and 2.4 Hybrid Alphard S/Vellfire Z - Available in 2.4 and 3.5 petrol with Eco mode. 2.4 Hybrid was named Alphard SR and Vellfire ZR, and had cruise control and Nanoe Air purification as standard. Alphard G/Vellfire V - Available with 2.4 and 3.5 petrol engines with Eco mode and also with 2.4 Hybrid. Alphard S "C package"/Vellfire Z "G Edition" - Available in 2.4 and 3.5 petrol with Eco mode. 2.4 Hybrid was named Alphard SR-C and Vellfire ZR-G. As pre-facelift, but black leather interior much more common, Hybrid models slightly higher spec as standard, but many options available to all variants. Alphard G "L package"/Vellfire V"L Edition" - Available in 2.4 Hybrid and 3.5 petrol with Eco mode. (G"L package"/V"L Edition" is not available in 2.4 petrol variant, making the Alphard S "C package"/Vellfire Z "G Edition" the top spec 2.4 petrol variant) G's – Limited edition by Gazoo based on Alphard S/Vellfire Z, known as the 'GS' or 'G Sport' or 'Gazoo Sport'. Includes Gazoo body kit and styling, Gazoo alloys and half-leather trim with G's logos. Performance exhaust and deeper rear bumper meant no spare wheel carrier, a puncture repair kit was supplied instead. In October 2013 the 2.4 and 3.5 petrol engine was added. Premium Seat Package - Premium seat package added heated and cooled middle row captain chairs. In effect this package put all options onto the G/V (both hybrid and 3.5 V6 petrol) and SR/ZR (hybrid only) variants, making them the highest spec 7 seaters available, including the twin sunroofs.
Alphard
Vellfire
Safety JNCAP has rated the Alphard a full six stars for occupant crash safety and outstanding safety features. Safety features such as Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Control and seven airbags (Dual front, Driver and passenger side airbags, Driver's knee and curtain airbags) are standard across all variants. Higher end variants offer a first-in-class Pre-Crash system as an option (only for Japanese models). Features include a radar-guided Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist and Pre-collision Warning with Semi-Autonomous Emergency Braking, which only helps apply a moderate amount of brake pressure, and does not completely stop the vehicle.
Third generation (AH30; 2015)