Toyota Granvia VX road test review finds a family following
Big and plush captain’s chairs within the Toyota Granvia VX inspire long road trips in supreme comfort.
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Sports cars, austere sedans and prestige SUVs have all passed through our garage in recent years.
Many are unforgettable, some for being brilliant, others which fell below par. Yet few have made an impact like the luxury version of the Toyota Granvia.
People-movers are far from sexy – typically confined to those with large broods.
Although two months with this leather-clad six-seater had the family in raptures.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
KEL: That’s a bold and intense grille with square lines, it looks like a giant Transformer.
GRANT: Measuring 5.3m long the Granvia is designed for a big load. It shares underpinnings with the HiAce van, but once you’re inside this range-topping VX model, there is nothing workmanlike regarding the finishes.
KEL: It’s brilliant. The four plush chairs in the back, which have the ability to recline with built-in ottomans, had people amazed.
GRANT: This is really first-class travel on the road. Quilted leather and cushy headrests ensure the rear is where you want to ride. The driver and front passenger have nice finishes with faux timber and glossy materials, yet the heated and adjustable rear chairs are super inviting.
KEL: Considering the size and the fit-out, I would estimate a reasonable price. What’s the damage?
GRANT: Drive-away you’re looking at just over $82,200. The default colour exterior scheme is black, with white, silver or graphite adding about $700. Interior options are black or beige.
THE LIVING SPACE
KEL: Fights over the front seat from our boys were banished. Relaxing in the back became the priority.
GRANT: Yes, lonely times upfront on school trips. The driver has electric seat adjustment, but doesn’t have a heating function like the rear chairs, while the central seven-inch infotainment screen is small in comparison to the latest models.
KEL: Toyota finally has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. I love the ability to plug my phone in and it all works perfectly to play my music, make calls and send messages.
GRANT: That hooks up to a 12-speaker Pioneer stereo system. Other inclusions are rear sun blinds built into the doors, 4.2-inch information display in the driver’s instruments, electric sliding doors and rear climate control.
KEL: Having the shifter mounted on the dash means there is a lot of room through the console. There was a handy nook next to the shifter perfect for the key.
GRANT: Thirsty? The Granvia has 15 cup holders. In the front they are on the dash while there are also door bottle holders. Absent are in-built rear screens previously featured in the Tarago, but there are six USB ports – two at the rear of the centre console and another four in the side panels of the third row which is perfect to keep iPads and tablets charged.
KEL: Having the electric doors made it easy to load the family and to fold and slide the seats was simple for access into the back row.
GRANT: The big chairs are all on rails so they can move fore and aft depending on how much space is required.
THE COMMUTE
KEL: For its size, the Granvia is surprisingly simple to drive. After it warms up, the performance is smooth and responsive.
GRANT: From start-up the
four-cylinder turbo oil-burner can generate some typical diesel clatter, but settles after a few minutes. It’s a strong unit, which does a good job even with a full load aboard.
KEL: The seating position is high, almost like an SUV, but without the big bonnet upfront.
GRANT: Vision from the pilot’s seat is also outstanding with an expanse of glass providing an excellent view of the road.
THE SHOPPING
KEL: Given the van’s height, there were some occasions that I thought we were close to hitting the roof of some car parks.
GRANT: Not including the aerial that sits above the windscreen, it’s a shade under 2m tall. That’s fine for most modern concrete jungles.
KEL: Despite the size, I actually found parking reasonably simple.
GRANT: The turning circle is an impressive 11m. . That’s better than just about all dual-cab utes and large SUVs.
KEL: Depending on where the chairs are positioned, boot space can be expansive and you need to position the grocery bags strategically to stop them sliding around.
GRANT: That’s with the six-seat configuration. One of the major catches with the Granvia, if you choose the eight-seat design that adds a rear bench seat, the boot space is minimal.
THE SUNDAY RUN
KEL: Long journeys became enjoyable and one trip to the footy saw our youngest sleep all the way home … laying almost flat with the heated seats operating he didn’t want to get out.
GRANT: Easy highway runs is where the Granvia does it’s finest work. Once you start throwing it into some bends you soon find its capability limitations, but maintain gentle cornering along with easy throttle inputs and the reward is a smooth and unflustered ride.
KEL: It’s a vehicle that inspires a road trip. Five members of our hockey team gave it rave reviews, especially being able to kick back for the return journey.
GRANT: With some strategic positioning of the chairs we made one trip with three bikes and blokes along with luggage.
KEL: How did it go for fuel?
GRANT: We averaged about 10 litres for every 100km over two months, which is about two more than the claim from Toyota. Servicing is fixed at $260 per maintenance visit, but the intervals are short at just six months or every 10,000km.
THE FAMILY
KEL: Our two boys loved it, so did their friends. It does feel like a big safe van.
GRANT: Australia’s safety authority awarded it five stars in 2019, with impressive occupant protection results achieved in crash testing. All the vital equipment is included, like autonomous emergency braking (which also watches for cyclists and pedestrians), radar cruise control, lane departure alert and automatic high beam.
KEL: I liked the front and rear parking sensors, along with the rear cross-traffic alert, which warns of vehicles approaching when you’re reversing. The panoramic view is also a boon to ensure you’re parked within the lines.
GRANT: When it comes to families, the six-seat version is really the only option if you want to have boot space and loading flexibility.
VERDICT
KEL: People-movers make so much sense for families, but they’re just not sexy. I wouldn’t have considered one previously, yet the Granvia swayed my opinion. I really miss it already.
GRANT: The Granvia VX was a surprising attention-grabber. Plush and luxurious, the tried and tested diesel engine is a strong performer and collectively the six-seat configuration is a safe and opulent package.
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