Toyota Tarago MPV Review

Design and Engineering

Design and Engineering

 Good

Probably one of the most recognizable People Mover's on the planet, the Toyota Tarago has been a popular family People Mover for 3 decades now. Once upon a time it was a bland-looking van with three rows of seats and fancy sliding doors - nowadays it sports a modern-futuristic exterior design, still with the fancy sliding doors, that now open and close at the click of a button (top of the range).
Not so good

There’s not much to fault on the exterior design of the Tarago, it ticks all the boxes and transforms a boring MPV into a modern George Jetson-like luxury cruiser. Not as popular with families as previous (due to the high entry-level price!?)
Interior and Styling

Interior and Styling

 Good

The Tarago has what we call surprise features, everywhere you look there is a new feature (e.g. a set of speakers concealed in the ceiling). Sitting in the driver’s seat is like sitting in a cockpit. It’s a comfortable tourer and it’s no wonder it’s a popular choice for corporate, government and hotel vehicles cars. The instrument cluster is located in the centre like the Toyota Yaris, but it looks a lot better. The Ultima is the Ultimate choice in the line-up; leather trim all 'round, captain seats in the second row, electric folding 3rd row seat, dual moon roofs and well, too much to mention...
Not so good

The only thing to knock is, actually, for the asking price, the cabin could feel more special (i.e. the Honda Odyssey has a more premium feeling interior and cost less. However, it is a half size smaller than the Tarago).
Performance

Performance

 Good

The four-cylinder engine copped some flack over the years so Toyota introduced the 200kW 3.5L V6 Aurion engine into the Tarago and never looked back! This engine is coupled to a 6-speed semi-automatic transmission which provides ample acceleration and effortless overtaking on the open roads.
Not so good

The 2.4 Litre four-cylinder is sluggish and struggles to keep up with the size and weight of the People Mover.
Ride and Handling

Ride and Handling

 Good

Easy to drive and very comfortable in every row of the Tarago. It handles very well with minimal body roll. Without a full load the suspension is responsive.
Not so good

When all three rows have bums in seats, the suspension is not as confident and lacks responsiveness during cornering.
Buying and Owning

Buying and Owning

 Good

Anyone that has more than the average 2.2 kids has heard of the Tarago; it's been around for 25 years or so and if you’ve ever been in one, you’ll know why they’re still around.
Not so good

The Tarago has an above-average entry price point. If you require seating for nine, the Tarago must bow to the competing Volkswagen Multivan.