2011 Toyota Rush Review
Price
from: RM85,745
to: RM94,311
Installment
from: RM818/mth
to: RM899/mth
2011 Toyota Rush at a glance
With cheerful looks, decent comfort and room for seven, the 2011 Toyota Rush represents good value for its price tag. It is no Toyota RAV4, but the 2011 Toyota Rush should still win over plenty of fans, in no small part because it wears the Toyota badge.
2011 Toyota Rush quick specs
| Body Style | SUV |
| Class | Mid-size Utility |
| Assembled | - |
| Engine Range | - |
| Fuel Options | - |
| Seating Capacity | 7 |
2011 Toyota Rush ratings (overall rating : 3.5/5.0)
| Styling | |
| Handling | |
| Comfort | |
| Quality + Reliability | |
| Performance |
| Roominess | |
| Running Costs | |
| Value for Money | |
| Equipment | |
| Environment |
Styling
Perhaps Toyota has not meant for the Rush to turn out as such, but the end styling is simply cheerful. The expressive headlamps and simple grille design feature on the stout front end, while the rear end takes after the Toyota RAV4. Although not as intricately designed as higher-end Toyota models, the 2011 Toyota Rush still looks fun and thoroughly likeable.
Handling
With a high centre of gravity, substantial weight, and a relatively rudimentary chassis, the 2011 Toyota Rush handles crudely. While safe and predictable, the Toyota Rush's vague steering, limited grip, and uneasy balance do not inspire much confidence through a series of bends; which means the 2011 Toyota Rush really performs best when not rushed.
Comfort
Although composed at lower speeds, the 2011 Toyota Rush's ride is too easily unsettled by sharper obstacles at higher speed. But at least the engine, wind and road noise are well-contained. As for other SUVs, drivers enjoy a high, commanding seating position, accompanied by seat-height adjustments, but the steering column is only tilt-adjustable. Controls are all well-placed and clearly marked. The lever to fold the second row seats is however small and hard to grab.
Quality + Reliability
The 2011 Toyota Rush's modest origins and budget positioning show up in the cabin, in the form of the merely decent quality plastics and switchgear shared with other Toyota models. And while the finishing is not great, the entire cabin feels solidly put together to last. Reliability is almost guaranteed whether for higher-end or lower-end Toyota models. The 2011 Toyota Rush uses mechanicals that are already proven in the Toyota Avanza, and should therefore remain free from trouble.
Performance
The 2011 Toyota Rush shares the same drivetrain as the Toyota Avanza, consisting of an in-line four-cylinder 1.5-litre paired with either a four-speed automatic gearbox or a five-speed manual gearbox. The power output of 107 bhp and 141 Nm proves to be more than adequate for the lighter Avanza, but with more mass on the 2011 Toyota Rush to carry, the engine will need working hard to make real progress. A good thing, then, that the engine revs smoothly and eagerly, though it can get quite vocal.
Roominess
With a longer wheelbase than the Toyota Avanza, the 2011 Toyota Rush however does not provide significantly more legroom in the last row, though access is convenient enough. The front and middle rows are roomy, but luggage space is limited with all rows in place. For more loading space, the middle row seats can 50:50 split-fold, and the last row bench can fold but only in one piece.
Running Costs
The engine, as used in the Toyota Avanza, is efficient. But with the 2011 Toyota Rush's extra weight to carry, the fuel economy is only decent, though it should improve with the manual gearbox. Servicing and repairs are highly affordable. Depreciation should be the last thing on Toyota owners' minds. And it should be no different for the 2011 Toyota Rush. The Toyota badge and, of a smaller influence, the lack of competitors on the market should keep resale values strong.
Value for Money
Not quite in the same league as the Toyota RAV4, the 2011 Toyota Rush is however also much more affordable. The Toyota Rush's modest origins can be seen in more than one area, but buyers can still expect a reasonably-comfortable seven-seater SUV at an attractive price. And if that does not work, the likeable looks and Toyota's impeccable image should win over any uncertain hearts.
Equipment
The 1.5G comes with power wing mirrors with turn indicator, reverse sensor, power door locking, power windows, manual air-conditioning, fabric seats, 1-DIN radio/CD/MP3 player with 6 speakers, driver's airbag, and 16-inch alloy wheels. The 1.5S adds retractable power wing mirrors, fog lamps, rear spoiler, 2-DIN radio/CD/MP3/cassette player with 6 speakers, leather steering wheel and gear knob, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), and front passenger's airbag among others.
Environment
While placing an efficient 1.5-litre engine into an SUV may seem like a good idea at first, the constant pushing of the engine to gain decent progress will take its toll on fuel economy and contribute to more pollution. That said, the 2011 Toyota Rush is one of the least polluting SUVs out there, and being able to carry seven also reduces the pollution amount per occupant.
Live Life Drive Verdict
Likeable looks
Room for seven
Attractive price
Crude handling
Bouncy ride at times
Engine needs working hard
See Another Model
Top Competitors
Price : from RM78,888
