Toyota Vellfire review, first drive: Game of thrones

India Today

09-05-2025

The Vellfire has always held a special place in my heart, not only because I am a fan of Toyota cars in general, but because it was one of the first few cars I had the privilege to review early in my career, back when it first arrived in the country. I distinctly remember driving the previous generation Vellfire at Toyota's test track in their Bidadi plant, and taking loop after loop at their figure-of-eight-shaped course. My younger mind, obsessed with speed and power, couldn't clearly comprehend this opulent MPV's purpose. After several rounds, in the driving seat and then shifting to the second row, it hit me like a strong gust of cold wind on a warm summer day. Toyota's idea with the Vellfire is to provide a people carrier for the wealthy. In fact, not just the wealthy, but for those who already have at least a couple of cars in the garage. It's for those who want to go from point A to B in ultimate luxury and believe it or not, practically. Toyota has a very good handle on how to make a good MPV or people carrier, just take the Qualis and Innova as examples, and all becomes crystal clear. In that respect, the Vellfire should be an extension of that experience. Before diving headfirst into those comfortable second-row seats, which is undoubtedly the business end of things for a car of this type, let's talk about all that's changed from the previous generation.
At the rear, the Vellfire's design is a simpler and the blue tint are now replaced with the regular one.
advertisementDesign of VellfireThe first thing you'll notice is that massive front grille, which is reminiscent of the Toyota Land Cruiser. The 'three lens' headlamp and DRL setup is also more snug than before there are also those large design elements just above the fog lamps. Around the sides, the new Vellfire gets 19-inch alloy wheels, as opposed to the 17-inch alloy wheels on the previous generation with the silver finish. There's also a Z-shaped element on the B-pillar, which looks particularly distinctive. At the rear, the overall design is a little simpler than before, and elements like the Toyota logo with a blue tint are now replaced with the regular one. The housing for the tail lamps also gets coloured treatment instead of the clear ones on the older model, and the reflectors are mounted vertically rather than horizontally. The design of the rear lights themselves has been reworked to look simpler and more approachable.
The Z-shaped element on the B-pillar on the Vellfire are distinctive.
advertisementOn the whole, the design language feels a lot more cohesive and not as busy as the older model. However, it retains its imposing stance, thanks to its large dimensions, especially in terms of height. The Vellfire we got for our test was finished in the 'Platinum Pearl White' paint job, and there are two others to choose from, called 'Black' and 'Precious Metal'. Honestly, the black looks like a more impressive colour, more menacing too.
Ottoman seats, plenty of storage spaces, but the beige colour isn't to my taste. It can start to age fairly early on, and smudges are visible as well.
Comfort of Vellfire
Usually, this would be the point to get in the front seat and speak about the driving experience, but that's for later. First, let's tackle the second row of seats. Apart from the screens for each of the passengers in the second row and larger AC vents, space at the rear has been increased by 5mm for the second row and 10mm for the third row. There's also a new colour for the trim called 'Sunset Brown', and it continues to have 'Natural Beige' and 'Black' options. Then there's the 'Super-Long Overhead Console', which is Toyota jargon for the large console fitted to the roof, and a 14-inch screen which folds open on starting up, both new to the Vellfire. There are individual moonroof shades on each side, which can be operated independently and add to the Vellfire's business-class appeal. The aforementioned console also houses the controls for each of the electrically operated doors, air conditioning and sun shades. There are also plenty of cubby holes and grab handles for storage as well as ingress and egress. The ventilation, positioning and memory functions can be controlled via the physical switches on the insides of the seats, and can be an issue for slightly larger individuals. The aforementioned pull-down side sun blinds were the first to ever be produced by Toyota, when this car was first launched in 2023.
The smartphone-like screens can detach and used to control massage, ventilation and positioning,
The two smartphone-like screens, which can be detached from their place and used to control the massage functions, ventilation and positioning as well, just to name a few. That's not all, there are folding tables, which fold out from the armrest and sit in front of the passenger, and are good for keeping things, but a laptop won't really fit on it comfortably. On the plus side, it further opens up to show a vanity mirror and a grippy surface to avoid slippage on the move. The third row of seats are also fairly impressive, and it won't be an issue given the ergonomics and space on offer. However, with all three rows up, there's not too much in the way of boot space. But, fold the third row, and it opens up a decent amount of space. To sum up, this is an experience that will leave a lasting impression. One of comfort, space and accessible luxury. It's not dripping in gold, but it's as close as it gets.
1. The digital driver's display is new to the Vellfire, and has a similar layout to the Camry, which is also petrol-hybrid. Instead of a tachometer, there's a different approach based on efficiency. Different drive modes bring about different layouts. 2. Most usable part of the overhead console for the second row passenger is the controls. Feels sturdy but not exactly premium. 3. There's a new 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which feels modern and up-to-date. 4. Yet another 14-inch screen for rear passengers gets an HDMI port.
advertisementChanges of VellfireI am well aware that the vast majority of Vellfire owners will, in all likelihood, not be driving it, but it's important to speak about the experience irrespective. In terms of changes, there's a new steering wheel and a wrap-around design element to the dashboard as a whole, which looks quite opulent, almost Lexus-like in some ways. There's also a bigger 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a fully digital driver's display, along with 15 JBL speakers. Apart from this, the centre AC vents are now stacked horizontally, and the ignition button has been moved to the left-hand side, right next to the steering wheel.
The Vellfire does away some physical buttons, has a smaller gear selector that slots into place easier.
advertisementThere were a lot more physical buttons that have been done away with, and the gear selector is now smaller and easier to slot into place, compared to the older one with steps to it. From a seating position perspective, this feels less van-like compared to the previous generation. If I had one of these, and I had to pop into the front to drive it every now and then, I wouldn't mind in the slightest. The steering controls feel light and easy to manage, and the Vellfire has a pretty impressive turning circle as well. Although the steering itself is quite large, it's not difficult to handle, but I did find the controls mounted on it puzzling. Once again, from a look and feel perspective, this feels good, but I wouldn't call it great. It's functional with a hint of luxury.
The Vellfire derives its power from a 2.5-litre, four-cylinder, petrol hybrid powertrain that produces 193bhp and 240Nm of peak torque.
advertisementPerformance of VellfireThe Vellfire continues to be powered by a 2.5-litre, four-cylinder, petrol hybrid powertrain, which churns out 193bhp and 240Nm of peak torque. There's also a 182bhp electric motor, which takes the total power output to 250bhp. It's underpinned by the TNGA-K platform, which the company claims offers enhanced rigidity by 50 per cent over the third-generation models. Honestly, it did feel slightly more comfortable than the older Vellfire, but there is still room for improvement. On sharper undulations, the Vellfire's size can be felt in the second row. One has to learn to be extremely slow on speed breakers and a bad patch of road. However, if one is on a highway, and the going is smooth, this people carrier makes going fairly straightforward and polished. The engine itself does its job, but that's about it. It's not exciting or vigorous in any way, and is more of a tool than a weapon. Just like other hybrids, it switches between electric and petrol power, depending on the driving conditions. If one is in the mood to push, the engine and tyre noise can be heard quite clearly in the front, which feels pointless. It's best to just take it down a notch, concentrate on the job at hand, and deliver the rear passengers in easement.
The Vellfire does not offer a lot of boot space with all three rows up but folding the third row opens up some decent space.
VerdictIt's hard to fault a car that doesn't really have rivals in the truest sense. Sure, there is the Lexus LM, but that costs almost double, and there is the Kia Carnival, which costs almost half as much as the Vellfire. In my book, the Vellfire is for the discerning customer who understands the value proposition of a Toyota and wants a vehicle that provides a hassle-free owning experience. It doesn't quite have the brand value of a Lexus or German luxury brands, but it is meant to do its job to the utmost with maximum comfort. In its latest avatar, it feels like an improved product, and although I would've preferred a sub 1 crore price tag, those who've owned a Vellfire will, with all certainty, go out and buy the latest one in the market. Those with an Innova looking to upgrade, this is the answer. Subscribe to Auto Today Magazine