Car Chat General discussion about Lexus, other auto manufacturers and automotive news.

Japan: Toyota Vanguard SUV

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 09-04-07, 05:42 AM
  #1  
Overclocker
G35x - RWD/AWD goodness

Thread Starter
 
Overclocker's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Michigan
Posts: 2,950
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default Japan: Toyota Vanguard SUV


A new crossover/SUV for the Japan market: Toyota's Vanguard.

TOKYO — In the increasingly fluid sport-utility/crossover category, it's hard to say that Toyota has plugged a specific gap with its new Japan-market Vanguard. Let's just say the new SUV slots somewhere between Toyota's RAV4 and Highlander.

The Vanguard is 179.9 inches long and about 66.9 inches wide and comes in both five- and seven-seater versions. It is powered by either a 2.4-liter four-cylinder or a 3.5-liter V6 engine. Its styling, size and engine lineup match those of the long-wheelbase RAV4, with an additional bonus of permanent four-wheel-drive and seven-seat options.

As it is often the case in Japan-only vehicles, the Vanguard comes loaded with high-tech gadgets, including steering-assisted stability control, keyless entry and satellite navigation.

The Vanguard's price range in its home market is $23,000 to $30,000. If it is ever exported, it appears best suited to the Lexus stable.

What this means to you: Toyota apparently won't stop until it offers every imaginable size and shape of vehicle to please everyone.
Source: http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...cleId=122444#2
Overclocker is offline  
Old 09-04-07, 06:16 AM
  #2  
Lexmex
Super Moderator
 
Lexmex's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Miami, Florida
Posts: 17,246
Received 161 Likes on 137 Posts
Default

I saw some extra photos of the vehicle here, http://es.autoblog.com/photos/toyota-vanguard-japon/
Lexmex is offline  
Old 09-04-07, 06:32 AM
  #3  
RX469
Pole Position
iTrader: (1)
 
RX469's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: MD
Posts: 2,804
Received 50 Likes on 39 Posts
Default

My goodness, this is ugly!
RX469 is offline  
Old 09-04-07, 06:38 AM
  #4  
4TehNguyen
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (1)
 
4TehNguyen's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Houston, Texas
Posts: 26,052
Received 51 Likes on 46 Posts
Default

theres isnt a big gap b/t the Rav4 and Highlander, dont see why they need a gap filler
4TehNguyen is offline  
Old 09-04-07, 07:11 AM
  #5  
MSMLexIS
Lexus Champion
 
MSMLexIS's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Virginia
Posts: 1,793
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

So basically its the american RAV4 with a new front end.
MSMLexIS is offline  
Old 09-04-07, 07:23 AM
  #6  
PhilipMSPT
Cycle Savant
iTrader: (5)
 
PhilipMSPT's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: In rehab...
Posts: 21,527
Received 6 Likes on 6 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by 4TehNguyen
theres isnt a big gap b/t the Rav4 and Highlander, dont see why they need a gap filler
A have always thought that the new Rav4 is as big as the old gen Highlander, so there definately is less of a gap than ever before in this market...
PhilipMSPT is offline  
Old 09-04-07, 08:46 AM
  #7  
TRDFantasy
Lexus Fanatic
 
TRDFantasy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: A better place
Posts: 7,285
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

AFAIK, the new Kluger/Highlander will not be offered in Japan, so I guess you can say this model somewhat fills the gap left by the Kluger in Japan.

It would certainly be silly if Toyota offered the Rav4, Vanguard, *AND* the Kluger all at the same time, but with the Kluger gone from Toyota Japan's lineup it makes sense.

Originally Posted by MSMLexIS
So basically its the american RAV4 with a new front end.
It's actually an extended-wheelbase Rav 4 with more upscale interior and features and the exterior changes that you see.
TRDFantasy is offline  
Old 09-04-07, 09:20 AM
  #8  
MSMLexIS
Lexus Champion
 
MSMLexIS's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Virginia
Posts: 1,793
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

So is this longer than the american RAV4 or the same size.
MSMLexIS is offline  
Old 09-04-07, 09:34 AM
  #9  
TRDFantasy
Lexus Fanatic
 
TRDFantasy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: A better place
Posts: 7,285
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by MSMLexIS
So is this longer than the american RAV4 or the same size.
EDIT: looking at the specs it seems to be the same size as our Rav 4.
TRDFantasy is offline  
Old 09-04-07, 12:18 PM
  #10  
bitkahuna
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (20)
 
bitkahuna's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Present
Posts: 74,616
Received 2,371 Likes on 1,556 Posts
Default

A solution looking for a problem?
bitkahuna is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
mmarshall
Car Chat
66
09-10-14 09:28 PM
St00k
Car Chat
25
09-20-10 05:12 AM
Gojirra99
Car Chat
8
09-20-06 05:33 AM



Quick Reply: Japan: Toyota Vanguard SUV



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 04:32 PM.