2019 Toyota Rush: Which variant should you buy?

Before we start telling you why you should get a particular variant of the Toyota Rush, let’s get one thing out of the way first. This article has been written based on the premonition that you’ve already whittled out the almost identical (and less expensive) Perodua Aruz from your thought process. You have? Alright then, let’s go ahead and look at the two variants of the 2019 Rush and then at the end, we’ll tell you which one should bet your money on. So, if you don’t need a quick intro on this, feel free to skip the next paragraph.

The 2019 Toyota Rush was launched in October of last year. It appealed to a great many people who wanted all the practicality of an MPV, but with the added benefit of not having to drive one. Check out its first impression story, for more details on the car. This ideology wasn’t lost out on Toyota, and the Japanese carmaker was smart enough to respond to the demand. The new Rush featured all the handsome and ‘go anywhere’ appeal of an SUV, but also seemed adept at carrying seven people. In Malaysia, the 2019 Rush is available in two guises: the RM 93,000 1.5G base trim and the top-spec RM 97,000 1.5S trim.

The essential hardware

The 2019 Toyota Rush rides on a body-on-frame platform that has been lifted out of the Avanza MPV. However, Toyota engineers have spent some quality time in modifying its architecture so that it fits the increased demands of the Rush’s chassis. Sandwiched in between the body and the platform is the Rush’s suspension - MacPherson independent struts up front and a semi-independent torsion beam out back.

Power comes from a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-popper that develops 104 hp at 6,000 rpm and 136 Nm of peak torque at 4,200 rpm. Meanwhile, transmission duties are taken care of by a 4-speed automatic that directs the engine’s oomph to the rear wheels alone. With 0-100 kmph taking around 13 seconds and a top speed of 175 kmph, this Toyota clearly is in no rush to go anywhere (pun intended). Also, averaging just 12.5 kmpl doesn’t make this a very fuel-efficient family hauler, either.

However, most families would quickly appreciate the Toyota Rush’s spacious and well-planned cabin. The three rows can be split and configured in multiple ways depending on the occasion. The third row might not be the most comfortable for adults, but that’s almost an industry standard with such vehicles. This being a Toyota, the build quality and interior fit-and-finish don’t leave too much to complain. In fact, there are even some soft-touch plastics and leatherette trim to spruce up the premium feel.

Externally, all variants of the 2019 Rush measure 4,435 mm in length, 1,695 mm in width, and stand 1,705 mm tall (including the roof rails). As for the distance between the wheels, that sits at 2,685 mm, while the minimum kerb weight is 1.3 tonnes. In terms of its appearance, there are a few noteworthy mentions. The sculpted front fascia with its taut headlamps and muscular bumper portray a sense of intimidation, while the 220 mm ground clearance, bold wheels, and black body cladding connote the Rush’s SUV aspirations. Meanwhile, the rear gets some sporty bit of trim on the bumper and some LED elements within the tail lights.

Now, time for the big one…

Two variants, four thousand ringgits

Both the variants (1.5G and 1.5S) of the 2019 Toyota Rush get LED headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels, power-retractable door mirrors, Aerokit with rear spoiler, remote-entry with push-button start, automatic climate control with rear vents, steering wheel with audio controls, 6-way adjustable driver’s seat, 13 cup holders, a 6.8-inch touch-multimedia head unit that supports USB mirroring, and a six-speaker sound system.

The ASEAN 5-star rated Rush is also accompanied by up to six airbags, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Braking Assist (BA), Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRC), Blind Spot Monitor (BSM), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Digital Video Recorder (DVR), Panoramic View Monitor (PVM), front & rear parking sensors, ISOFIX anchor points, and speed-sensing door locks.

For the extra RM 4,000 that you pay, the 1.5S variant will get you automatic headlamp activation, front fog lights, leather-covered seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio and telephony controls, and most importantly - Toyota’s Pre-collision System. The Pre-collision System ties in even more passive and active safety tech such as Pre-collision Warning (PCW), Pre-collision Braking (PCB), Front Departure Alert (FDA), and Pedal Misoperation Control (PMC).

With not much of a cost difference between the two variants, the fully kitted out Toyota Rush 1.5S should definitely be the one you should go for.