Toyota Rush 2018 Review 7-Seater costs Sh 3M

The battle in the motor world is now centred around the king. You may guess who has the crown this time round – the crossover/SUV section. Toyota is not known to sit and watch the battle unfold, no! It still wants to renew its ranks of cars in global market. The most recent evidence is what they have just done with all-new design Toyota Rush is set to compete with Renault Duster, Honda CR-V, Nissan X-trail, Mazda CX-5, Mitsubishi outlander, Peugeot 3008, Nissan Qashqai +2. We see a completely different Rush after a plethora of updates on both exterior and interior. The second-generation Toyota Rush is sportier, more luxurious and certainly, more powerful than its predecessor.

Debuted in Kenya right now as we speak(02/08/2018), the all-new Toyota Rush 2018 model is red-hot in the Kenyan market. 

 Exterior

For starters, the Toyota Rush 2018 exterior is seemingly inspired by its big brother Toyota Fortuner. On the whole, it’s more sporty and appealing than the first-generation model. In truth, Toyota has made a revolutionary alteration on the outside, from the overall size to styling tweaks.

Point by point, the Rush is stretched out by 230 mm, so it now measures 4,435 mm x 1,695 mm x 1,705 mm (W x L x H). Besides, the wheelbase is also extended to 2,685 mm while the front-rear spacing is worth 1,450 mm. With the aim of remaining characteristics of a real SUV, the lowest ground clearance is as high as 220 mm. All in all, these figures make the new Rush ready to hit the roads comfortably and safely as well as boosting more space for the inside.

Going into each facet, the front fascia currently comes decked with a dark chrome four-slat front grille flanked by revised LED headlights with integrated LED daytime running lights and new round fog lamps.

Moving rearwards, you will not find a spare tire which used to be previously attached to the back door anymore. Instead, it’s hidden under the car body or under the trunk. Plus, if you have got used to opening the back door to the side with the last Rush, now your habit should be changed as it is opened to the top. Other refinements at the back include LED quarter-flanking tail lights, a tailgate-mounted spoiler, a shark-fin antenna, and a rear spoiler.

The outer side is beautified with directional-style 16-inch alloy wheels and roof rails.

Interior

The Toyota Rush 2018 interior is more lavish and spacious than that of the old model although again it recalls the cabin of the Fortuner.

The most conspicuous is soft-coated front panel with refreshed dashboard design. There places a head unit 7-inch touchscreen which is able to connect to your smartphone and is optimized by a set of eight speakers. Nearby, driver’s sitting position is lifted so as to provide a wider and commanding view for the driver while behind the wheel.

To make the driver control the SUV with ease, tilt steering feature is added to move up the steering wheel position. Also, smart start/stop button, air conditioning double blower and parking cameras linked with the head unit are fully offered as standard features.

Being a 7-seater, the Rush boasts an airy cabin for your entire family and also, for cargo. In the advanced model, every row seat is also loaded with a power slot for phone charging and many other convenient gadgets. Particularly, the cockpit is look more exclusive with the presence of automatic air conditioning system accompanied with a digital screen displaying the temperature.

Performance

Under the bonnet, the Toyota Rush 2018 model packs a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder 2NR-VE engine with Dual VVT-i tuned up from the previous Sienta. Owing to this new engine, considerable power of 104 PS can be made at 6,000 rpm together with a peak torque of 136 Nm at 4,200 rpm.

Outwardly, this new engine is smaller than the former. That said, its performance is adequate and its fuel consumption even becomes more decent. By way of illustration, this 16-valve engine has a fuel economy 10% better than the predecessor’s.

Working in tandem with the new engine is either a 4-speed automatic transmission or a 5-speed manual. Further, the Rush SUV features a rear-wheel drive system so uphill task would be easier than front-wheel drive. Electronic power steering technology is at your fingertips. Being pampered with Hill-Start Assist technology, the car’s stability is well assured during your trip.

Suspension system is also reworked using MacPherson Strut front suspension combined with Stabilizer and Coil Spring. After refinement, it is softer and more comfortable. 

Safety Features

The braking system is enhanced with disc front- and rear brakes. Seatbelt indicator is also provided for every seat. Other standard safety features include:

• 6 SRS Airbags
• Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)
• Emergency Brake Signal (EBS)
• Solid Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and more.

Price

The Toyota Rush is said to start from KSH 3,000,000

Specs

Note: Specs and prices indicated may change at any time.