2012 Toyota Vanguard Review
The Toyota Vanguard is a versatile and functional vehicle that can serve both small and large families. It is a bigger version of the Toyota RAV4 and has been sold in the Japanese market since 2007. In Kenya, its popularity has been gaining steadily due to its off-road appeal and 7 seater capacity.
You can get more about this Toyota Vanguard
- Read detailed buyer guide article for this model: click to purchase
- Check our repository of car owner's manual: purchase owner's manual
- If you wish to Buy, Sell or Import vehicle: use our marketplace
Detailed Review
The Toyota Vanguard was introduced to the market in 2007 as a crossover SUV to replace the Kluger. It’s however much bigger and boasts of 7-Seater capacity and better off-road capability. It competes with the Subaru Forester, Mazda CX-5 Mitsubishi Outlander, Nissan X-Trail and VW Tiguan.
Highlights
- Spacious Interior
- 7-Seater Capacity
- Good performance
- Low maintenance
- Fuel Efficient
- Good ground clearance
It comes with either a 2.4 Litre 2AZ-FE engine or a 3.6 Litre 2GR-FE V6 engine and it’s available in both 2WD and 4WD.
2012 Toyota Vanguard Grades
- Toyota Vanguard 240S G package – This is the 5 Seater version – It comes with the 2.4L engine and available in both 2WD or 4WD
- Toyota Vanguard 240S S Package – This is the 7 Seater version – It comes with the 2.4L engine and available in both 2WD or 4WD
- Toyota Vanguard 350S – This is the 5 Seater version – It comes with the 3.5L engine and only available in 4WD
- Toyota Vanguard 350S G Package – This is the 7 Seater version – It comes with the 3.5L engine and only available in 4WD
2012 Toyota Vanguard Interior
The Toyota Vanguard is a spacious car. The legroom on the first row is excellent and even a tall driver will have enough room to play with. On the second row, the legroom is also good including the middle seat which is usually cramped on most cars. The third row seating is somewhat small for adults but nonetheless better than its competitors such as the Mitsubishi Outlander.
2012 Toyota Vanguard Exterior
The 2012 Toyota Vanguard has a pretty attractive exterior. It’s well-rounded just like the RAV4 with smooth curves and edges that enhance its elegant look. All grades come with alloy rims and optional roof rails.
Storage space
The 2012 Toyota Vanguard has plenty storage compartments in the cabin. For the first row, there are two cup holders, door pockets, cubby box and glove box. For the second row, there are two cup holders in the armrest and front seat jacket pockets. For the third row, there are two cup holders and storage compartments on the wheel arch.
Boot Space
The boot space is quite big in the 5-Seater configuration. The 3rd-row seats fold neatly into the floor creating a huge boot space. In the 7-Seater configuration, boot space is small and the only thing you can manage to squeeze back there is probably a laptop bag.
Extras: Sunroof, Roof Rails, 7-Seater, Leather Seats
2012 Toyota Vanguard Fuel Consumption
2012 Toyota Vanguard 2.4L Fuel Consumption: 12.6 Km/L
2012 Toyota Vanguard 3.5L Fuel Consumption: 9.1 Km/L
2012 Toyota Vanguard Acceleration
2012 Toyota Vanguard 2.4L Accelerates from 0-100 Km/h in 10.0 Sec
2012 Toyota Vanguard 3.5L Accelerates from 0-100 Km/h in 8.6 Sec
2012 Toyota Vanguard Reliability
We have conducted a detailed analysis of the Toyota Vanguard by interviewing current owners, mechanics and dealers to come up with bullet proof guidelines for potential buyers and owners. All this information is contained in the Toyota Vanguard Buyer’s Guide. It’s a book available for purchase and we highly recommend it for first time buyers and owners. Click here to purchase the Toyota Vanguard Buyer’s Guide
Toyota Vanguard Service Intervals
Minor Service – At 10,000 km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, and Engine Oil
Major Service – At 15,000km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, Fuel Filter, ATF Filter, Cabin Filter, Plugs, Front Brake Pads, Rear Brake Pads, ATF Oil, and Engine Oil
2012 Toyota Vanguard Fuel Tank Capacity: 60 Litres
2012 Toyota Vanguard Ground Clearance
The Toyota Vanguard has a ground clearance of 7.5 inches which is good for both on road and off road driving. Even when fully loaded, the car easily clears the biggest of speed bumps. While not a pure off-road vehicle, the 4WD models of the Vanguard have off-road capabilities.
Resale Value: Good
Toyota Vanguard Competitors: Subaru Forester, Mazda CX-5, Mitsubishi Outlander, Nissan X-Trail and VW Tiguan. Refer to the Toyota Vanguard Buyer’s Guide for a more detailed comparison.
Cost of Ownership
Purchase Price: See Latest Price
What we like
- Spacious cabin
- Good ground clearance
- 7-seater Capacity
- Good performance
Conclusion
The Toyota Vanguard is a versatile and functional vehicle that can serve both small and large families. As much as possible, go for the 4wd option as it offers better handling and off road capability. Whether buying locally or from Japan, be sure to inspect the vehicle for engine faults and underbody damage.
Where to Buy the 2012 Toyota Vanguard in Kenya
If you are looking to either import or buy the Toyota Vanguard locally, we can help you with this process. Over the years, we have developed a network of trusted dealers both in Kenya and Japan who supply us with exceptional cars. Simply call us or send us a message through our contacts below and we’ll get you the right car at the right price.
Get More With TopCar
If you have a question about this model or any other automotive questions, you can now get answers on our forum.
If you want to sell or trade-in you vehicle, you can list it for free via our seller portal.
If you wish to purchase this model local or abroad, you can do that via our marketplace.
Import This Car
You can get more about this Toyota Vanguard
- Read detailed buyer guide article for this model: click to purchase
- Check our repository of car owner's manual: purchase owner's manual
- If you wish to Buy, Sell or Import vehicle: use our marketplace
