Third-generation Toyota Estima (2017 Minor Change)

The third-generation Toyota Estima (known in some parts in the world as the Previa) has been around for ten years when it first debuted in 2006 and despite its age, Toyota gave minor changes twice; one by late 2008 and another one by 2012. For 2016, the ten year-old, third-generation, Estima has been given its third minor change and fingers crossed this would be the last because a new version is coming in the future and seems that Toyota's trying to go out with...a pop.

2017 Toyota Estima

The 2017 Estima has been given a new keen look on its aged exterior design, judging from its new trapezoidal look on its new bumper broadly similar to the Corolla Axio/Fielder and the Sienta, Bi-beam LED lamps, slimmer front grille, revised sides, and the revised rear design. Keeping this van fresh after ten years sounds challenging but today's Estima really know how to pull this off.

2017 Toyota Estima interior

2017 Toyota Estima interior

Apart from the exterior, modest changes also occur on the inside, as hinted by a revised dashboard, revised steering wheel, new climate control, and a more comfortable cabin as you can expect in most Japanese minivans used not just for the family but for the wealthy and the influential as well. Of course, the Estima can be offered in either a seven-seater (with luxurious second row seats) and a more family-friendly eight-seater. Whichever the seating variation you're on, this minivan never forgets its practicality and convenience that would benefit drivers and passengers alike.

2017 Toyota Estima

On the petrol version, only the 2,4L 2AZ-FE 4-cylinder engine was offered and when mated with a Super CVT-i, fuel consumption is expected to be at around 11.4km/L under JC08 Mode standards. The hybrid model still has the 2.4L 2AZ-FXE engine with two electric motors equipped on both wheels (making it four-wheel drive, of course) and couple that with the CVT, fuel economy is expected to be 18km/L. Hmmm, looks like they're not exaggerating over this one. As for handling, the 2017 Estima features a reworked chassis to make it handle better than the previous facelift.

The 2017 Estima is now safer than ever thanks to the addition of Toyota Safety Sense C, comprising of Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Alert, and the Automatic High Beam function.

Should you buy one? The 2017 Estima starts from 3,473,000 to 4,987,000 Japanese Yen (around 1,490,000 to 2,140,000 Philippine Pesos), which sounds like a lot compared to Toyota's flagship minivans, the Alphard and the Vellfire. The third-generation Estima may be ten years old since its 2006 debut but this latest revision puts some keen look to its aged design and let's hope this would be a decent send-off to this generation.


Available Colors: Black x Red Mica Metallic, Black x Dark Cherry Mica Metallic, Black x Ice Titanium Mica Metallic, White Pearl Crystal Shine, Silver Metallic, Ice Titanium Mica Metallic, Black, Sparkling Black Pearl Crystal Shine, Red Mica Metallic, and Dark Cherry Mica Metallic.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation