The king, upgraded: 2018 Toyota Alphard

Toyota Motor Philippines is upping the luxury game with the 2018 Alphard. The current generation, first launched in the local market in 2015, has been upgraded with a bolder look, improved fuel efficiency, and more luxury features.

Outside, the entire front clip has been changed with a more aggressive (and larger) grille and LEDs for the projector headlights, daytime running lights, and front fog lights. It also gains Lexus-like sequential LED turn signal indicators, a new alloy wheel design, and LED taillights.

Inside, the 2018 Alphard retains the two-tone black and Flaxen (beige) color scheme but adds niceties such as a new instrument cluster, revised infotainment system with DVD playback and eight speakers, ventilated/heated seats for the front row (including driver), powered seat adjusted for the second-row seats (with individual map lights), and an electronic parking brake. It also maintains its dual power sliding doors but adds a power tailgate into the mix as well.

Mechanically, the 2018 Alphard retains the use of its robust 3.5-liter V6 engine (2GR-FKS) and as such, this direct injection Dual VVT-i engine peaks at 275 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 340 Nm of torque at 4,700 rpm. However, in a bid to improve refinement and fuel efficiency, its gearbox now features eight forward gears as well as an idle start/stop system—the first local non-hybrid Toyota to use such system.

Riding on a highly rigid platform, the Alphard achieves a luxurious ride and exceptional handling thanks to its independent double wishbone front and rear suspension. Extensive sound deadening and a wind-noise reducing body shape makes it quieter — a quality betting a luxury vehicle.

For safety, it has seven SRS airbags, ABS with EBD, stability control with Hill Start Assist.

The 2018 Toyota Alphard will be available at all authorized dealerships soon (end of May in limited quantities) in three colors, including a new shade: Steel Blonde Metallic. Pricing is slightly up from the current model at P3,580,000 (P3,595,000 for the Luxury White Pearl).