TOYOTA Alphard Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Toyota introduced the Alphard minivan in 2002 as a seven-seat vehicle built not only for families but also as a VIP charter.

The Japanese automaker created the Alphard mainly for the Asian market. Still, later on, it noticed that the car was in high demand from other countries too. Since it used the same platform as the Toyota Previa, it was easy to provide it in a left-hand drive configuration, so it could sell it in Russia and other ex-soviet states. However, since it didn't comply with European regulations, it was unavailable on the Old Continent. Moreover, the carmaker didn't want to affect the sales of the Previa.

With its boxy design, the Alphard offered a powerful image for the car. The rectangular headlights and big, fat bumper dominated its short and tall front end. Its V-shaped grille with three slats created an aggressive look for the minivan. From its profile, the Alphard kind of resembled the Previa due to the B-pillar's shape. The rest of the vehicle was just flat, with an almost vertical drop in the back for the tailgate. Finally, in the rear, the automaker installed wide taillights.

Inside, the VIP version was offered with six seats, while the family hauler could offer up to eight seats. Regardless of the seating arrangement, the driver received an LCV-like driving post, albeit more luxurious and with better materials. In addition, there were plenty of storage compartments in the door cards, center stack, center console, and in front of the side passenger. Moreover, the automaker took care of the other seats, too, and provided cup holders for everyone.

Under the hood, Toyota installed a choice of three engines: a 2.4-liter inline-four, a 3.5-liter V6, and a hybrid version powered by a 2.4-liter, de-tuned engine.