The Toyota Alphard is a large luxury MPV (multi-purpose vehicle) that Toyota has produced since 2002 and sells mainly in Japan, Asia and the Middle East. A 2020 Alphard was a third-generation model (code AH30), offered with V6 or hybrid power and seven or eight seats. It has never been sold in the United States, so North American shoppers will not find one at a dealership.
What the Alphard Is
The Alphard is Toyota’s flagship MPV. It is named after Alphard, the brightest star in the constellation Hydra, and it is often regarded as a luxury vehicle in Southeast Asian markets. A closely related twin model, the Toyota Vellfire, is marketed as the sportier alternative. Since 2019, an even more upscale version of the same van has been sold as the Lexus LM, aimed at chauffeur and executive use. Until the third generation, the Alphard wore a special front emblem showing a lowercase alpha, and the current car keeps the shield-like grille that has become its signature.
First and Second Generations
The first-generation Alphard (AH10) launched on May 22, 2002, and was based on the second-generation Previa/Estima, which in turn shared components with the Camry. A hybrid version joined the range in May 2003, pairing a 2.4-liter Atkinson-cycle engine with Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive. The second generation (AH20) ran from May 2008 to 2015 and added a 3.5-liter V6 alongside the 2.4-liter four-cylinder, with a hybrid also available.
Third-Generation Model (2015–2023)
Toyota released the third-generation Alphard on January 26, 2015, with a redesigned body and new engines. A facelift followed on January 8, 2018. The AH30 generation was sold in Japan and selected Asian markets including Brunei, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines and Hong Kong, as well as in Russia (V6 only), China and Taiwan. The body grew by 60 mm in length and 20 mm in width over the previous model, with a 50 mm longer wheelbase. Production of the AH30 ended in June 2022, and the fourth-generation AH40 Alphard launched in June 2023.
Engines: V6 and Hybrid
Engine choices varied by market and model year:
- 2.5-liter 2AR-FE four-cylinder (gasoline)
- 3.5-liter 2GR-FE V6 (2015–2017 in most markets)
- 3.5-liter 2GR-FKS V6 with an eight-speed automatic (post-facelift)
- 2.5-liter 2AR-FXE hybrid, combining a 105 kW front motor and a 50 kW rear motor
In the Philippines, the 2020 Alphard was offered with the 3.5-liter 2GR-FKS V6 producing 296 PS (about 292 hp) and 361 N·m (266 lb-ft), driving the front wheels through an eight-speed automatic. It met Euro 4 emissions standards and had a 75-liter fuel tank.
Interior and Seating
The Alphard is available as a seven- or eight-seater. Higher trims use captain’s chairs in the second row with power adjustment and ottomans, and the top versions add luxury rear seating aimed at executive transport; Toyota called the design theme for the third generation “a luxury sedan with a large space.” A prominent shield-like grille has been a defining design feature since the AH30 generation. The van’s 3,000 mm (118.1 in) wheelbase and 4,915–4,945 mm (193.5–194.7 in) overall length give it a limousine-like amount of rear legroom.
Safety
The Alphard has been rated highly for crash safety in Japan; JNCAP awarded it a full six stars for occupant protection. Standard safety equipment across the range has included anti-lock brakes, electronic brakeforce distribution, brake assist and vehicle stability control, with later cars adding radar cruise control and lane-keeping assistance.
Markets and Pricing
Because the Alphard is not sold in the United States, pricing is quoted in local currencies. In the Philippines, the updated 2020 Alphard was priced at Php 3,910,000 for Steel Blonde Metallic and Raven Black, and Php 3,925,000 for Luxury White Pearl, with earlier 2020 listings starting around Php 3,680,000. Toyota Motor Philippines added selected Toyota Safety Sense features to the 2020 model, which went on sale nationwide in February 2020.
The Vellfire Twin and Lexus LM
Buyers in Japan and some Asian markets can also choose the Vellfire, a twin of the Alphard with more aggressive styling, formerly sold through Toyota’s Netz dealership chain. From 2019, Lexus sold an upscale variant of the same van as the LM. Together, these models show how the Alphard platform serves as Toyota’s large luxury people-mover across several brands and price points. The Vellfire name comes from “velvet” and “fire,” reflecting Toyota’s aim of combining smoothness with a sportier character. In practice the two vans share their engines, platform and dimensions, differing mainly in front-end styling and interior trim. The LM, sold in China and other select markets, adds even more luxurious rear seating for buyers who want a Lexus badge on the same body.
The 2018 Facelift and Later Changes
The facelifted third-generation Alphard was unveiled on December 25, 2017, and released on January 8, 2018. Changes focused on the exterior and powertrain, with the 3.5-liter V6 gaining the 2GR-FKS engine and an eight-speed automatic. On May 1, 2020, the Alphard and Vellfire became available through all of Toyota’s Japanese dealership channels, and the Netz emblem on the Vellfire’s grille was replaced by the Toyota badge.
In June 2022, Toyota suspended orders for the AH30 Alphard and Vellfire and ended production, leaving the MPVs unavailable new for about a year. When the fourth-generation AH40 cars launched in June 2023, demand was so strong that orders were suspended again when delivery waits stretched to a year.
