Toyota Granvia VX reveals one of the most luxurious vehicles on the market

Brash and boxy from the outside. This luxurious van strikes a family chord with amazing space and seats fits for royalty.

The Toyota Granvia VX starts from about $81,000 drive-away.

Longer travels are typically peppered with a similar scenario for our family.

“What time will we be there?”. “How long will this take?”. “Did you bring any more food?”. The youngest child finds road trips equally appealing as dental hygiene videos.

During a recent journey things started in the same fashion. On the return, something spectacular occurred … silence.

Laying back in the Toyota Granvia the people-mover delivered what no other vehicle has ever achieved. The luxury afforded by the six-seater is effectively a lounge on wheels, boasting cushy quilted leather-clad seats and ample space to recline.

It’s a far cry from the Tarago of old, with the range-topping Granvia VX boasting some flashy finishes and a price to match. Drive-away it surpasses $81,000.

The VX model Toyota Granvia has plush internal finishes.

VALUE

While there’s a less expensive base model, this is the only choice for those wanting pure luxury.

There are eight-seat variants, yet the six-seater we’re driving has the ultimate in opulence: four captain’s chairs in the rear with power ottoman, heating function, recline ability and head rests that will keep the sleepiest of heads in place.

Other upgrades over the base Granvia model include smartphone mirroring apps integrated into the seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system, CD player stereo with 12 speakers, satnav, power driver’s seat and electric dual sliding side doors.

Scheduled servicing is short, required every year or 10,000km (most modern vehicles are at least 15,000km intervals). Each maintenance visit is $245, which is expensive by Toyota standards. One bonus of maintaining scheduled servicing is an engine warranty extension – which increases from five to seven years.

The external colour palette lacks some personality, with the only choice of black, white, silver or graphite. Inside is a choice of black or beige.

SAFETY

With nine airbags and a host of the latest technology, the Granvia has vital areas covered including blind spot monitor, lane keeping with steering assistance, active cruise to maintain present distances from other vehicles and autonomous emergency braking that can slam on the anchors if the driver fails to act fast enough.

The AEB function also watches for pedestrians and cyclists – although for the latter it doesn’t work at night.

Australia’s road safety gurus awarded the Granvia five stars when it was launched in 2019, although whether it would still gain that accolade is debatable. It misses out on AEB when reversing and junction assist to help avoid entering intersections where oncoming vehicles are detected.

While there are child seat points available in the fourth row on eight-seat models, there are no top tether anchorages.

Testing showed occupant protection levels are high for adults and children in the event of a crash.

Using the six-seat configuration, the Toyota Granvia VX offers enough space to enable four passengers to recline.

COMFORT

Pull the door side handle and the power doors open a world of luxury. Back seat travels are the favoured option.

The centre row can slide nearly 1m on rails to provide easy access to the third row, and each of the four chairs has armrests with power adjustment. Kicking back and relaxing becomes mandatory.

There are six USB-A ports throughout the rear of the vehicle, ensuring all smart devices stay charged. That’s probably among the reasons that there are no screens installed like the former range-topping Tarago.

Additional extravagances include 10 cupholders, coat hooks and a folding table positioned in the middle of the second row, as well as aircon vents in each rear aisle with separate roof-mounted rear controls in front of the second row.

Those seated upfront don’t have the same experience, and while there’s opulent woodgrain-look combined with leather on the steering wheel and doors, there is no heating function for the seats.

With the gear shifter mounted on the dash there is a lot of storage space, inclusive of a deep centre console along with door wells that can handle bottles and A4 folders.

Boot space depends on the positioning of the chairs, yet we managed to fit in three adult-size bikes and luggage during one trip. One bugbear is the large rear door which is manually operated and requires some muscle to close – and can be a stretch for short people.

Those who opt for the eight-seat variant, be aware the rear load area has an awkward shape. It’s a skinny area that won’t accommodate more than a couple of soft overnight bags.

Under the bonnet of the Toyota Granvia VX is a strong and honest diesel engine.

DRIVING

Based on HiAce van architecture, the Granvia uses the same turbo diesel we’ve seen in the popular HiLux ute and Prado SUV.

It’s a strong and determined unit which offers ample grunt and solid acceleration – even with a full load aboard.

Highway travels is where the Granvia does its best work with smooth operation and a confident ride.

City travels have been easy, with the primary challenge tight carparks.

Reversing into spaces becomes the default on most occasions, with an 11m turning circle and a 5.3m long frame challenging to manoeuvre in confined areas.

The steering is light and as long as you allow for the sizeable length around corners it’s easy to drive.

Average fuel consumption has been closer to 10 litres for every 100km, which is about two litres more than the official figure from Toyota. There’s a 70-litre tank which provides a hefty range for longer road trips.

Just like you’ll find in the HiLux and Prado, there is a diesel particulate filter purge button on the dash to avoid the filter clogging up when the vehicle is repeatedly driven short distances at low speed.

HEART SAYS

Home is where my love remains and this is like a mobile lounge room. The bride can drive, I’m watching the footy.

HEAD SAYS

Travelling with the extended family can be a chore, this delivers silence from the back … how’s the serenity?

External lines of the Toyota Granvia are square.

ALTERNATIVES

KIA CARNIVAL PLATINUM DIESEL $70,490 D/A

The market’s leading people-mover with outstanding cabin flexibility and excellent boot space, powered by a 2.2-litre 4-cyl diesel good for 148kW/440Nm and thrifty fuel consumption of about 7.0L/100km. While it boasts impressive specification, the Carnival can’t match the Granvia with its luxurious captain’s chairs.

MERCEDES-BENZ V-CLASS 220D $90,285 D/A

Extra kudos comes via a three-pointed star on the front and impressive levels of grandeur, under the bonnet is a 120kW/380Nm 2.1-litre turbo diesel. Has a similar chair-mounted rail system, but a greater ability to remove the seats and a more flexible set-up.

EARLY VERDICT

Passengers in the Granvia have been enamoured with the feature list and luxury levels. It’s proven an immediate hit with the family, even with its square external lines and brash grille. What it lacks in flexibility it makes up with indulgence.