Toyota Avanza vs Honda BR-V: The better 7-seater MPV?

Both Avanza and BR-V are seven-seater MPVs that are in the market to compete with each other. They are a perfect fit for big families who like to travel together and are also great at commuting a variety of luggage. For a prospective buyer, who is out there in the market to get himself an MPV, these two cars are a point of major confusion.

So, the question is which one to go for - Avanza or BR-V. Well, before we start comparing the two, let’s dig in a bit and see the latest happenings around the models. It was in May 2019, when Toyota launched the all-new Avanza MPV in Malaysia. The revised model came as a fresh breeze over the previous-gen car. Check out 2019 Toyota Avanza first impression, here. As for the BR-V, Honda earlier this year launched the BR-V Limited Edition model that gets a few exterior and interior features, also two new color options are introduced.

Let’s get started with the comparison, beginning with the variants on offer and price -

The 2019 Toyota Avanza is available in three trim options. The 1.5E is the base trim priced at RM 80,000, next, in line is the 1.5S model for RM 83,000, and lastly, the range-topping 1.5S+ will set you back by RM 87,888.

Like the Toyota MPV, the BR-V also comes with an option of three variants. The standard one being the 1.5L E model that retails for RM 80,989, the mid-spec 1.5L V carries a price tag of RM 87,701, and lastly the 1.5L SE for RM 90,700.

What lies under the hood?

The new Avanza continuous to be powered by the same old trusted mill, the 2NR-VE petrol unit. It churns out a maximum power of 103 hp at 6,000 rpm along with a peak torque of 136 Nm at 4,200 rpm. The power is sent down to the wheels via 4-speed automatic transmission unit. It is a rear-wheel drive vehicle, however, don’t expect an outright performance from this MPV. The Avanza takes a good 13.5 seconds to cover the 0 to 100 kmph patch, and it has a top speed of 180 kmph. It’s a fact that an MPV buyer doesn’t expect a thrilling ride experience, but they do care about fuel consumption. Speaking of which it isn’t too impressive either with a mileage rating of 13 kmph.

The Honda MPV gets a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder i-VTEC electronic fuel injection motor that offers 118 hp of maximum power and 145 Nm of torque, both delivered at 6,000 rpm. The power is delivered to the front wheels via continuously variable transmission units. This MPV measures under 1.2 tonnes and can touch the 100 kmph mark on the speedometer in 12.5 seconds. As for the car’s top speed, it can hit 175 kmph mark. The Japanese automaker has tuned both the transmission and powerplant to offer maximum fuel efficiency. The MPV can return up to 15 kmph of mileage on a combined cycle.

Exterior design and dimensions

The 2019 Avanza measures 4,200 mm in length, 1,660 mm in width, and 1,695 mm in height. The wheelbase and ground clearance reads 2,655 mm and 180 mm, respectively. As for styling, the new Avanza looks impressive and so much better than the previous-gen model. Included in the list of exterior features is a pair of sophisticated LED headlights, aggressive front bumper, and bold chrome upper grille, L-shaped tail lamps, shark fin antenna, distinctive roof spoiler, dual-tone 15-inch alloy wheels, and fancy side sill extensions.

The Honda BR-V, on the other hand, stands 4,456 mm in length, 1,735 mm in width, and 1,666 mm in height. Making room for seven passengers in its three rows, engineers have stretched its wheelbase to 2,662 mm. At the front, the BR-V gets auto projector headlamps with daytime running lights, wrap-around taillights, roof rails, adjustable side mirrors with turning lights, fog lamps with chrome casing, and sensor detect door handles.

Features on-board

2019 Toyota Avanza specs sheet (standard) includes digital air-con control with rear vents, power windows, footrest, emergency kit, luggage tray, bag hook, portable tire pump, steering wheel with tilt adjustment and USB charging ports. The entertainment need is taken care of by a 2-DIN head unit with CD player with tuner, AUX, MP3, USB, and Bluetooth. Talking of safety, one good thing about Avanza is that most of the features are shared across the range expect Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert that is restricted to the range-topping 1.5S+ trim. The rest like ABS, dual airbags, collapsible steering column, reverse sensor, and ISOFIX are standard ones.

The standard specs sheet of the BR-V, on the other hand, gets air-con system with rear vents and blower control, a four-speaker audio system with support for Bluetooth, AUX, USB, and hands-free telephony, and 11 cup holders. The Honda BR-V holds a five-star safety rating, and that’s undoubtedly a plus point for a car. The standard kit includes dual airbags, rear parking sensors, ISOFIX child-seat anchor points, Hill Start Assist, and ABS with EBD.

Conclusion

Seeing what the two cars have on offer, they seem more or less the same. However, the Toyota MPV is a fresher model with striking looks. The BR-V, on the other hand, is long overdue for an update. However, we'll recommend you to test drive both the cars before making any decision thoroughly.