TOYOTA TARAGO Review

Summary:

What we like: Roomy, Styling, Comfort, Reliability

What we don't like: Pretty slow, grey interior decor

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TOYOTA TARAGO review in detail:

There's no other MPV quite like the Tarago - it's quirky and individual. MPVs can't be sexy, by definition, but the Tarago is one of the coolest. Best in CDX spec with blacked-out privacy windows - great for skulking around town, and adds a level of intrigue to the school run.

A V6 engine is finally an option in Australian Taragos, despite many others in the market having offered six cylinders for years. The 3.5-litre engine is the same as that used in both the Toyota Aurion and the Lexus RX350 SUV. The Tarago V6 also gets the same six-speed automatic as the Aurion. The new drivetrain certainly adds refinement to Tarago, as well as making for safer overtaking. The four-cylinder 2.4-litre petrol engine isn't gutsy enough to be anything more than adequate; it works best with the automatic gearbox, and has to be worked very hard in manual form. This new Tarago is much better soundproofed than the previous car, and gives a smoother ride.

The entry-level GLi can carry eight passengers while the GLX and Ultima are both seven-seaters, the different being the centre row, where the GLi has a three-person bench seat while the higher-specced models have twin bucket seats.

The individual centre seats in the GLX and Ultima come with integrated footrests and can be laid back to an almost flat position. The seven-seat Tarago models also feature a sliding centre console which can be moved between the front and centre seats.

When the console is between the front seats the two centre seats can be moved to butt up against each other. Third-row seats in all models can carry three passengers in a 60/40 spilt bench arrangement. Either or both sections of the seat can be folded and stowed in an underfloor compartment to provide additional storage space.