The Most Luxurious Toyota Ever Feels Like First-Class on Wheels

Toyota’s Alphard and Vellfire aren’t your everyday people movers—they’re like first-class lounges on wheels, loaded with amenities that make even airline cabins feel cramped. These MPVs are taking aim straight at Mercedes and BMW, and Toyota is betting that wealthy families and execs want something a little different.

After dipping its toes into premium territory with the Supra, redesigned Tundra, and Crown sedan, Toyota is clearly serious about moving beyond the Camrys and RAV4s we all know.

Now, with ottoman seats, champagne coolers, and tech that could make a Silicon Valley office jealous, Toyota’s newest MPVs are its boldest luxury move yet. The real question isn’t if they can hang with the Germans—it’s whether Mercedes and BMW should be sweating.

To provide the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from Toyota and various other authoritative sources, including CarBuzz and TopSpeed.

Toyota’s Alphard and Vellfire Just Got Seriously Upgraded

The fourth-gen Alphard and Vellfire share a lot of exterior styling, but each one still has its own personality. They mix comfort and class with just enough attitude to turn heads.

Toyota’s mantra was “Forceful x IMPACT LUXURY.” Sharp lines and a bold grille give these MPVs a surprising sense of power, showing that even a family mover can make a statement.

The Alphard sports a slightly tamer front end, while the Vellfire goes all out with massive vents flanking its grille. That extra aggression signals the Vellfire’s place as the higher-end option.

The grilles aren’t the same either—the Alphard rocks a checkerboard pattern, and the Vellfire sticks with horizontal slits. Beyond those tweaks, the two look almost identical from the outside.

Alphard and Vellfire Bring First-Class Vibes to MPVs

The interior is insanely roomy, even more than previous models. Toyota added 0.2 inches between the front and second-row seats and 0.4 inches between the second and third rows without cutting into trunk space.

The rear seats slide on rails and fold down, giving you serious cargo flexibility. Trunk space is generous, ready for whatever you need to haul.

Toyota has always led the way in tech and design, and these MPVs showcase that fully. Every detail is aimed at delivering a luxury experience focused on comfort for all passengers.

Notable Interior Features

• Leather-and-wood combo for a premium feel
• Extra sound-absorbing materials for a quieter ride
• Reclining seats with footrests for ultimate comfort
• Personal control screens for rear passengers
• Second-row seats that slide on rails for easy adjustments
• Independently operated shades for left, right, and moonroof windows
• Multiple assist grips for convenience
• Smartphone-controlled parking for added tech-savvy ease

Toyota packed these MPVs with clever features that actually make sense. The overhead console stretches the length of the cabin, putting all the lighting, climate, and window controls within easy reach for everyone.

The Universal Steps might be the smartest touch yet. Sliding doors trigger powered steps on both sides, and grab handles make getting in and out effortless, even for older passengers or anyone in business attire.

Inside, the cabin feels like it belongs in a Lexus LS or Mercedes S-Class. Leather covers nearly every surface, and rear passengers get full control over seat positions and entertainment.

Those second-row seats fully recline with built-in leg rests, turning the interior into something closer to a private jet than a people mover. For executives prepping for meetings or just decompressing, Toyota created a space that works as hard as they do.

Subtle Touches Separate the Alphard From the Vellfire

Over the years, the Alphard has gradually crept into the Vellfire’s territory as Toyota refined the minivan. The two got so close that Toyota even considered dropping the Vellfire entirely and sticking with just the Alphard.

Instead, they launched both models, aiming to give each a distinct identity while running them in parallel. The Vellfire clearly targets the higher-end crowd, coming standard with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, fancier interior options, and extra legroom for third-row passengers.

Even with these tweaks, it’s hard to tell them apart at a glance. They feel less like two separate vehicles and more like different trims of the same car, with the Vellfire acting as a slightly more performance- and luxury-focused Alphard.

Two Ways to Move: Gasoline and Hybrid

Because these MPVs are all about luxury and comfort, Toyota went the extra mile to keep passengers riding smoothly. The TNGA platform, paired with either two- or four-wheel drive, was tuned for rigidity and minimal vibrations.

They also added TNGA-specific MacPherson struts and mechanically adjustable dampers to keep the ride refined. Every detail is designed to make the cabin feel calm and composed, no matter the road.

For now, the only pricing info comes from the suggested MSRP in Japan. Toyota has no plans to release the Alphard or Vellfire in North America at this time.

Toyota Alphard Performance Specifications

Toyota Vellfire Performance Specifications

Converted to current rates, prices fall between roughly $40,000 and $65,000. Both MPVs offer different powertrains that reflect their unique design philosophies.

Hybrid-electric options are available on both, but the Vellfire Z Premier steps things up with a spicier twin-turbo engine. It’s also the only model between the two to feature an eight-speed direct-shift automatic, while all other trims stick with CVTs.

Luxury and Tech Shine, but Identity Gets Blurry

Toyota has a clear mission with the new Alphard and Vellfire: deliver a chauffeur-level experience for all kinds of passengers. The interior, exterior, and updated powertrains show their focus on luxury, comfort, and a push toward carbon neutrality, with Plug-In Hybrid options promised for the future.

That said, their vision gets a little muddled at times. Trying to make the Alphard and Vellfire feel like separate models feels odd when the differences are so subtle, and some design choices—like extra handles and buttons—can feel over the top instead of elegant.

Even so, the market for these MPVs is solid. Both models have been consistent class leaders, and Toyota’s forward-thinking approach shows in how the Alphard and Vellfire represent the peak of their innovation.