Which 2019 Toyota Rush to buy? – Variant Comparison Guide

Among the most popular segments in the Philippine car market is the small MPV class. The latest introduction from Asian car manufacturers, like the Toyota Rush and the Mitsubishi Xpander, contributed to its popularity due to its practicality and value for money.

If you have your eyes locked on both of these vehicles, we’re here to help you decide. Last time, we helped you which variant of the Mitsubishi Xpander has the best combination of price, features, and sense of security. Now, if you’re part of the group who prefer the Toyota Rush, this article is for you.

Generally speaking, we find the Toyota Rush a great deal even with the base variant. For the price of P958,000, you already have a car that has six airbags – two for the driver and passenger, front side, and curtain. Six airbags are common to top-range variants so having this sense of safety inside a base variant model is a huge plus – thanks, Toyota Motor Philippines.

Apart from the airbags, all variants also come with LED headlights and high-mount lamps, rear sensors, front ventilated discs and rear trailing drum brakes, as well as front MacPherson Strut with Stabilizer front suspension and Axle-Type Multilink rear suspension. Inside, there is no discrimination when it comes to the entertainment system. All trims get seven-inch display audio with phone mirroring compatibility. Even the base variant comes with a push start button for maximum convenience.

Like most nameplates from different brands, the mid-variant Rush is just an automatic (AT) version of the base. However, we can compare the price of both the base and the AT variant to distinguish how much you’re actually paying for an automatic gearbox. The Rush 1.5 E AT has a price tag of P998,000 as of this writing. Comparing it to the aforementioned price of the 1.5 E MT, we could clearly see that opting for an automatic transmission would cost you P40,000. Is P40,000 reasonable for your budget?

Also, do know that the first two variants can only accommodate five people, including the driver. We know that’s off the seven-seater norm but that allows the Rush five-seater to have a generous 514 liters of trunk space. If you want more passenger room, then it’s the top-range variant you should be looking at.

The Rush 1.5 G AT is the well-dressed trim there is for the Japanese small MPV. Priced at P1,090,000, this variant seems to be a little above-the-clouds compared to the other trims. Doing the math, it has P92,000 added on its price tag compared to the mid 1.5 E AT but that can be justified by the fact that there are a number of extra stuff on the list of goodies – apart from the smoked chrome grille.

Compared to the other two lower trims, the 1.5 G AT seats seven people. This compromises the trunk space from 514 liters to 213 liters. However, the rear seats are foldable to allow more space for luggage. You may also utilize the roof rails exclusive on this trim for added cargo if you’re driving with six people and can’t compromise the third row. It also has bigger, 17-inch wheels—if wheel size is a thing to you.

More features that brought the price up to P92,000 include automatic climate control, leather steering wheel with audio and telephone controls, three accessory outlets, a power-retractable side mirror, as well as two additional speakers equalling to eight. The smart keyless entry, on the other hand, is a big deal for people who usually do groceries, while the rear camera with guidelines is for more convenient backing up in parking lots.

It all boils down to your preference and budget. If budget isn’t your concern and you’re looking for a seven-seater MPV that has better safety and comfort amenities in its class, then we think you best opt for the 1.5 G AT. The most practical variant is definitely the one with more seats, a roof rail to make up with the reduction in the cargo space, and smart keyless entry for optimum convenience. But, if P1,090,000 is too much for you and five seats okay with you, then choosing the mid variant 1.5 E AT is the most ideal way for you.