Toyota Wish Review

One of the best ways to transport your growing family or expand your public transportation service is with a compact multi-purpose vehicle or MPV. In the Japanese market, these MPVs are often referred to as space wagons.

A Brief History of the Toyota Wish’s Generations

The Toyota Wish debuted at the 2002 Tokyo Motor Show and was introduced to the public as part of the 2003 model year line-up. The 2003 model is shown above. The AE10 first generation was built from 2003 to 2009 with few changes to the basic design that was developed by Takeshi Yoshida and team. The Wish quickly became a popular compact MPV within the Japanese market and was frequently seen listed in the Top 5 on the 30 best-seller list each month.

The first generation of the Toyota Wish was powered by two engines. The first was a 1,794 cc 1ZZ-FE capable of 120 bhp at 5,600 rpm. Peak torque was 165 N-m at 4,400 rpm. The second was a 1,998 cc 1AZ-FSE that was capable of 148 bhp 5,700 rpm and torque maxed out at 200 N-m at 4,000 rpm. Both engines were powerful enough to handle congested urban traffic and long trips into the countryside.

The smaller engine is only paired to a four-speed automatic gearbox, while the 1,998 cc powerplant is paired to a seven-speed Super CVTi gearbox. The AE10 Wish is available as a five, six, and seven-seater. The five-passenger version is where you will find the 1,794 cc/four-speed gearbox pairing. The larger engine and CVTi are found in the other two configurations.

By 2008, the Toyota Wish was being built and distributed throughout the Asian and Pan-Pacific markets, with sales increasing exponentially each year.

AE20 Second Generation

The AE20 second generation of the Toyota Wish was introduced to the public for the 2009 model year and currently in production. The AE20 generation of the Wish offers buyers a mild exterior refresh that gave the Wish a more modern aesthetic. The interior was upgraded to include a higher level of tech and comfort, departing from the inexpensive feel of the base model of the Wish.

The two engine options for the AE20 generation have been upgraded to either a 1,797 cc 2ZR-FAE and a 1,987 cc 3ZR-FAE. The 2ZR-FAE is capable of 148 bhp and 175 N-m. The 3ZR-FAE is rated for 155 bhp at 6,200 rpm and peak torque is 195 N-m at 4,400 rpm. Both powerplants use Toyota’s Valvematic variable lift intake system to offer improved fuel efficiency. The Dual VVT-i  intake system adjusts timing on both intake and exhaust camshafts, increasing fuel efficiency by up to 10 percent.

Both engines are normally paired to a seven-speed Super CVT-i gearbox, but a four-speed automatic is still available in some markets. The Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) provides better fuel economy, making it the better option as a primary gearbox solution. The 1.8S model is equipped with the seven-speed CVT, but it has the added CVT Sport mode, while the 2.0Z has the seven-speed outfitted with dynamic sport mode. Both options add to the CVT’s performance in tight conditions and make them a tad more fun to own.

The second generation was also upgraded to offer additional safety features. These include anti-lock brakes, electronic brakeforce distribution, emergency brake assist, traction control, and electronic stability control; all of which help to make the Toyota Wish one of the safest MPVs in the Japanese market.

With its powerful and fuel-efficient engine options, economical gearboxes, and upgraded interior appointments, we would recommends the Toyota Wish for growing families and people interested in expanding their transportation services.

The Good

If you are looking for a vehicle that is comfortable and efficient, the Wish is going to a strong contender. The Wish follows the size and space you would expect from most MPVs without being obnoxious or overpriced. It’s capability to comfortably seat 6-7 passengers—depending on which option you choose—and its smooth operation have made it one of the most popular vehicles in Asian markets. The Toyota Wish is an inexpensive option for fans of the Toyota Fielder, Nissan Wingroad or Honda Airwave who want an MPV without compromising on function or quality.

The consensus amongst Wish drivers is that it is ridiculously economic in terms of fuel efficiency. While the estimated fuel consumption for the Wish is seated around 12.8km/L-14.4km/L, most find that they can go above that with no problems. Whether or not that will be the case for all Wish drivers will depend on what options they go with for the engine and transmission, and their own driving ability.

Another thing that drivers agree on is that the Wish is a quiet, smooth vehicle. For everyday driving, the engine makes very little noise and the sound insulation inside the cabin is above expectations. Unless you seriously gun-it, changes in gear and speed are so smooth that it almost feels effortless to the driver. It actually makes it a good option for those who want or need that smoother, no-mess vehicle for their day-to-day.

The Wish is considered highly reliable and safe for owners. There have been few issues since it was first introduced in 2003 and thus far has been exempt from problems that have plagued Toyota’s other models in recent years. Unless you’re intentionally slamming your Wish into the side of a building or someone else hits you, there really shouldn’t be a need for any additional work on it aside from routine maintenance and repairs. There are also safety features for every seat, so everyone is covered in the event that there is a crash.

The Bad

The biggest issue that most Wish owners and drivers have is that the Wish is, stylistically, unimpressive. While the sleek design of the exterior would lead you to expect an equally sleek interior, it’s almost oversimplified and exceedingly practical. Those who are looking for a flashier MPV are going to be heavily disappointed with the Wish.

The Wish is a very no-frills vehicle. Part of the intent behind that aspect in the design was for safety—the fewer distractions there are in the car, the more likely the driver will focus on the road ahead of them. It’s a completely reasonable idea, but the limited features available for the Wish can be seen as a deal-breaker for some. Issues of compatibility and local availability also limits the amount of aftermarket features that can be added to the wish. Features that do come with the Wish are entirely perfect, like the air conditioning control which decreases with each row—perfect in the 1st, acceptable in the 2nd, and non-existent in the 3rd.

The console—which is a very basic set-up with few of the bells-and-whistles you’d expect from Toyota—is a cheap, plastic contraption in a cheap, plastic dashboard. It’s also slightly outdated regardless of which generation the vehicle is. Upgrades made between the first and second generation Wish were purely localized to the exterior design and mechanics, completely ignoring the vehicle’s interior. Some exterior aspects also seem questionable when taking into account things like design and functionality. The wheels and rims, for example, are disproportionately small for the Wish’s size; the default size sits at about 15”.

While the passenger space is phenomenal, the cargo space in the Wish is lackluster. The storage in the Wish is noticeably tighter compared to similar models in Toyota’s repertoire, like the Fielder. If you need to carry cargo, chances are that you might need to cut into your passenger space to safely accommodate everything without compromising your safety.