2013 Toyota ISIS Review
The Toyota ISIS is a 7-seater MPV that is sold exclusively in the Japanese domestic market and targets people with large families. It’s a fairly luxurious car with a spacious cabin and unique features such as the large pillarless doorway on the left side and the flat-folding seats. It's popularity in the Kenyan market is driven by its affordability, utility and fuel economy. It competes with the Nissan Lafesta, Mazda Premacy, Subaru Exiga, Honda Freed and VW Touran.
You can get more about this Toyota Isis
- Check our repository of car owner's manual: purchase owner's manual
Detailed Review
The Toyota ISIS was in production for a single generation that spanned thirteen years from 2004 to 2017. It’s been speculated that its demise was caused by the emergence of the ISIS terror group in the middle east which tarnished its name and led to a decline in sales. Another factor was that Toyota was oversupplying MPVs in the same category such as the Estima, Noah and Voxy
The 2013 Toyota ISIS is offered with 2 engine options; these are a 1.8 Litre 2ZR-FAE engine and a 2.0Litre 3ZR-FAE engine. These are linked to a CVT transmission and available in both 2WD and 4WD.
2013 Toyota ISIS Grades
- Toyota ISIS X Selection – This is an entry level grade that comes with the 1.8L engine, 15-Inch steel rims with plastic covers, 7 Seater, 2WD.
- Toyota ISIS L – This is a mid level grade that comes with the 1.8L engine, 15-Inch steel rims with plastic covers, 7 Seater, 2WD/4WD.
- Toyota ISIS G – This is a mid luxury grade that comes with either the 1.8L or 2.0L engine, 15-Inch steel rims with plastic covers, 7 Seater, 2WD/4WD, rear spoiler, Xenon headlights, wood finish.
- Toyota ISIS Platana – This is a luxury grade that comes with either the 1.8L or 2.0L engine, 16-Inch alloy rims, 7 Seater, 2WD/4WD, rear spoiler, Xenon headlights, wood finish, optional leather seats.
2013 Toyota ISIS Interior
Legroom & Space
The Toyota ISIS can accommodate seven passengers in a three row configuration. The legroom is excellent on the first and second rows. The third row is somewhat smaller than the rest but still better than most of its competitors such as the Nissan Lafesta and Subaru Exiga.
Cabin Storage
There are several storage compartments in the cabin that are useful for storing items such as smartphones, beverages, goggles, handbags etc. At the first row there are 4 cup-holders, door panel storage and glovebox. At the second row, there are 2 cupholders in the armrest compartment.
2013 Toyota ISIS Boot Space
With all the three rows in use, the boot space is small and cannot carry any meaningful luggage. With the third row seats folded up, the boot space is really big. Additionally, the second row seats can be folded flat into the floor to create an even bigger space.
Extras: Alloy rims, Electric sliding doors
Safety Features: SRS Airbags, Curtain Airbags, Side Airbags, ABS, EBD, Brake Assist
2013 Toyota ISIS Exterior
The Toyota ISIS has a boxy exterior but not as tall as the Noah. Higher grades come with alloy rims and fog lights
2013 Toyota ISIS Fuel Consumption
2013 Toyota ISIS 1.8L fuel consumption: 15.2 Km/L
2013 Toyota ISIS 2.0L fuel consumption: 14.4 Km/L
2013 Toyota ISIS Acceleration
2013 Toyota ISIS 1.8L accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 11.9 sec.
2013 Toyota ISIS 2.0L accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 11.2 sec.
2013 Toyota ISIS Fuel Tank Capacity: 60 Litres
2013 Toyota ISIS Ground Clearance
The 2013 Toyota ISIS has a ground clearance of 6.2 Inches(160mm), which is shy of the minimum recommended clearance of 6.5 Inches for Kenyan roads and it may be necessary to make some height adjustment to avoid scrapping speed bumps. Read our guidelines here on how to safely increase a vehicle’s ground clearance.
2013 Toyota ISIS Stability and Handling
The Toyota ISIS is an easy car to drive that handles the corners well and the steering is light. The 1.8L engine takes a bit too long to accelerate and tends to be noisy under full load. The 2.0L engine is more powerful and the difference is noticeable.
Service Intervals
Minor Service: At 5,000 km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, and Engine Oil
Major Service: At 10,000km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, Fuel Filter, ATF Filter, Cabin Filter, Plugs, Front Brake Pads, Rear Brake Pads, ATF Oil, and Engine Oil
Spare Parts Availability, Cost & Where to buy
As is a common practice, most parts are widely shared with other Toyotas. Mechanical parts and service parts are easily available in major towns in Kenya. Body parts are easy to find in Nairobi but can be difficult to find in other towns. Most spare shops in Industrial Area and Kirinyaga Road stock these parts. You can get listings for these shops in this link
2013 Toyota ISIS Reliability
The driving conditions in Kenya are significantly different from those in Japan and Europe. Reliability reviews done for those markets largely do not apply to the Kenyan market. There are differences in roads, fuel, climate, spares, and technical expertise. To give you accurate and reliable local insights, we interview experts such as mechanics and car dealers, who have in-depth knowledge of the Kenyan market. We also test the cars ourselves. Our aim is to give you the right information to enable you make an informed decision when buying a car.
Overall, the Toyota ISIS is a reliable car and there are minimal issues with it. Some of the reported issues are;
1. Electric door failure
2. Gearbox Failure
3. Loss of power
Refer to the owner’s manual for more details on maintenance and service. To download the 2013 Toyota ISIS Owner’s Manual, click here.
Resale Value: Good
Toyota ISIS Competitors: Nissan Lafesta, Mazda Premacy, Subaru Exiga, Honda Freed and VW Touran.
Cost of Ownership
Purchase Price: From Ksh.950,000
Comprehensive Insurance: Average Ksh. 38,000/ per annum- Or
3rd Party Insurance: Ksh. 7,000/- per annum
Change of Tyres(If neccessary) Ksh. 32,000/- for 4 Tyres
See Latest Toyota ISIS prices here
What we like about the 2013 Toyota ISIS
1. Spacious doorway
2. Ample legroom
3. Affordable
What we don’t
Low ground clearance
Conclusion
The Toyota ISIS is a very practical van that is ideal for people with large families. It’s a reliable car with minimal issues and it can run for many years if properly maintained. Its more spacious and practical when compared to its closes rivals such as the Nissan Lafesta, Mazda Premacy and Subaru Exiga. The large electric sliding doors make it a practical car for people with children and for loading luggage.
Where to Buy the Toyota ISIS In Kenya
If you are looking to buy a Toyota ISIS, you’re in the right place. We have a network of vetted dealers who offer clean cars at good prices. We also guide our customers through the entire purchase process. So get in touch with us through our contacts below. We guarantee you a safe and pleasant experience.
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Import This Car
You can get more about this Toyota Isis
- Check our repository of car owner's manual: purchase owner's manual
