Toyota Rush

It’s been roughly four months since we did that last, slightly emotional cover shoot (check out the #feels in this video).  The team has had enough time to adjust, and we’re all-in for whatever challenges lie ahead. Misty eyes have dried and the digital dust has settled. We have the Rush again, so now let’s talk about it without the influence of any sappy feelings.

STYLING

“Baby Fortuner” is a phrase that gets loosely thrown around in conversations about the Rush, and legitimately so. It’s not small, so it can command its own space on the road just like it’s bigger sibling. It’s not a fast car (more on this later), but has just enough size to have presence. More shared design cues with the Fortuner include the thin headlights, vented front bumper, high tail, rear spoiler, roof rails, and 17-inch alloy wheels.

INTERIOR

Two things drivers are constantly in contact with are the steering wheel and the driver’s seat, so let’s start with those. The Rush’s steering wheel isn’t made from premium materials, but the built-in audio controls are easy to use, so points for functionality (the speakers sound good, too). The seats, we actually like. The plushness is noticeable after a few minutes of being stuck in traffic. Also, Toyota seems to have added some extra layers of foam to the seat cushion so that you get this quasi-bucket seat feeling. The added support on the sides is good and it doesn’t feel overdone.

Headroom and legroom up front and in the middle row are more than adequate. The same cannot be said about the third row, but that’s expected. There’s still some space to move your legs back there, but it isn’t much. But, hey, at least the seats have that extra padding.

ENGINE PERFORMANCE

It was mentioned earlier that the Rush isn’t fast, and here’s why: It uses the same 1.5-liter DOHC Dual VVT-i gasoline engine as the smaller Avanza. The Avanza isn’t quick to begin with, and if you put its engine in the Rush, which is approximately 500kg heavier, you can expect the power-to-weight ratio to suffer. The Rush’s four-speed automatic gearbox is a bit sluggish, too. It doesn’t engage upon immediate input from the throttle, and doesn’t have the kind of acceleration that’s needed in quick overtake situations. Getting up to speed takes a while, and this is achieved only by mashing the gas pedal just to get the revs up.

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