Matteo and Kap take a closer look at Toyota’s first-ever entry-level ute

DID you know that, globally, one in every three cars sold is an SUV or crossover – triple the genre’s share from a decade ago?

This is not surprising, actually. Even a cursory survey of vehicles passing on any given stretch of road should validate this. Filipinos seem to be particularly enamored with the sport ute format – particularly its virtues of space, height, and various off-road abilities (in whatever fashion).

Carmakers who refuse to release in the category do so at their peril. Indeed, even the most premium of marques have relented to customer demand for SUVs. Toyota, the country’s perennial auto leader, with an impressive 16 consecutive years as “triple crown winner” by leading the way in sales of passenger car, commercial vehicles, and total sales – just last year demonstrated the vigor of the ute market. Its Fortuner product moved more than 36,000 units, pacing the erstwhile bestselling Vios sedan by almost 3,000.

Now, Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) has released another SUV – this time at a segment price point it has never previously occupied: entry level. The Rush takes its place as the most affordable ute in the brand’s stable behind its SUV siblings Land Cruiser, Prado, FJ Cruiser, RAV 4, and the aforementioned Fortuner.

The Rush shares a platform with the Avanza MPV, but the similarities appear to end there. Compared to the Avanza, the Rush boasts a high ground clearance of 220 millimeters, generous entry and exit angles (31 degrees and 26 degrees, respectively), and an elevated driving position. The SUV is also longer (4,435mm compared to the Avanza at 4,190mm), wider (1,695mm vs 1,660mm), and taller (1,695mm vs 1,685mm).

All three variants of the rear-wheel-driven Rush sport a four-cylinder, 16-valve, DOHC, chain-driven dual VVT-i 1.5-liter – a gas-sipping power plant that serves up maximum power of 102hp at 6,000rpm and a torque output of 134Nm at 4,200rpm.

Described by not a few as a “baby Fortuner,” the Rush has definitely more presence than the Avanza, courtesy of a sculpted body. Its muscular hood aids in giving it a more aggressive, sporty physique. The same goes for the character lines on its side, as well as black plastic skirting, which extends to the wheel wells, to visually emphasize ground clearance.

The large windows, which amply provide visibility for both driver and passengers, finish with a sharp kink before the D-pillar. In concert with a protruded lip on the rear tailgate, they complete a proper SUV look on the Rush. The top G Grade is the only variant that seats up to seven, with the rear seats able to be lifted up for more cargo space. The G will set one back P1.07 million, while the E variants are priced at P988,000 (A/T) and P948,000 (M/T).

Matteo averred that he likes the high seating position, and felt the heightened values via the three-spoke, leatherwrapped steering wheel, audio and phone controls, dual-zone air-conditioning, a seven-inch touchscreen audio system with eight speakers (the E variants have six), a standard reverse sensor, and push start/stop system. The Rush is also equipped with essential niceties such as antilock brakes, vehicle stability and traction control, Hill Start Assist, emergency stop signal, and alarm with immobilizer. Yes, it seems to defy the notion of “entry level.”

TMP envisions the Rush as ideal for city dwellers, and we tend to agree. The 1.5-liter engine is a model of frugality, and is best suited for stop-and-go traffic, or even the obstacles of urban life. Stretching its legs on the highway, the Rush will deliver a stable ride, although one has bring up the revs to realize pep.

All told, Matteo and I are both excited over how the new Toyota nameplate will perform at the box office. Truth to tell, I have seen quite a number on the road already. It seems that more and more are feeling the Rush.