Notices
Car Chat General discussion about Lexus, other auto manufacturers and automotive news.
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: Innova

Japan: Toyota Vanguard SUV

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Sep 4, 2007 | 05:42 AM
  #1  
Overclocker's Avatar
Overclocker
Thread Starter
G35x - RWD/AWD goodness
CL Folding 500,000
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
 
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 2,950
Likes: 1
From: Michigan
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
Reply
Old Sep 4, 2007 | 06:16 AM
  #2  
Lexmex's Avatar
Lexmex
CL Community Team
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 17,331
Likes: 210
From: Miami, Florida
Default

I saw some extra photos of the vehicle here, http://es.autoblog.com/photos/toyota-vanguard-japon/
Reply
Old Sep 4, 2007 | 06:32 AM
  #3  
RX469's Avatar
RX469
Pole Position
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,918
Likes: 73
From: MD
Default

My goodness, this is ugly!
Reply
Old Sep 4, 2007 | 06:38 AM
  #4  
4TehNguyen's Avatar
4TehNguyen
Lexus Fanatic
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 26,216
Likes: 79
From: Houston, Texas
Default

theres isnt a big gap b/t the Rav4 and Highlander, dont see why they need a gap filler
Reply
Old Sep 4, 2007 | 07:11 AM
  #5  
MSMLexIS's Avatar
MSMLexIS
Lexus Champion
 
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,793
Likes: 1
From: Virginia
Default

So basically its the american RAV4 with a new front end.
Reply
Old Sep 4, 2007 | 07:23 AM
  #6  
PhilipMSPT's Avatar
PhilipMSPT
Cycle Savant
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 21,528
Likes: 9
From: In rehab...
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...
Reply
Old Sep 4, 2007 | 08:46 AM
  #7  
TRDFantasy's Avatar
TRDFantasy
Lexus Fanatic
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,285
Likes: 0
From: A better place
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.
Reply
Old Sep 4, 2007 | 09:20 AM
  #8  
MSMLexIS's Avatar
MSMLexIS
Lexus Champion
 
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,793
Likes: 1
From: Virginia
Default

So is this longer than the american RAV4 or the same size.
Reply
Old Sep 4, 2007 | 09:34 AM
  #9  
TRDFantasy's Avatar
TRDFantasy
Lexus Fanatic
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,285
Likes: 0
From: A better place
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.
Reply
Old Sep 4, 2007 | 12:18 PM
  #10  
bitkahuna's Avatar
bitkahuna
CL Community Team
iTrader: (20)
 
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 80,776
Likes: 3,985
Default

A solution looking for a problem?
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
mmarshall
Car Chat
66
Sep 10, 2014 09:28 PM
St00k
Car Chat
25
Sep 20, 2010 05:12 AM
Gojirra99
Car Chat
8
Sep 20, 2006 05:33 AM




All times are GMT -7. The time now is 09:28 AM.