2018 Toyota Premio Review

Detailed Review

The Toyota Premio’s first generation, known as the T240, was introduced in 2001 and remained in production until 2007. Toyota introduced the Allion in the same period. The Premio sedan takes a more refined approach than the Allion, which is geared for younger customers.

The T260, the second generation of the Premio, went into production in 2007 and was discontinued in 2020. The Premio now has an LED in the rear light cluster. A color rear-view display and a hard disc navigation system compatible with the G-Book MX telematics service were also installed. Vehicles powered by the 1.8-liter 2ZR-FE engine could be equipped with four-wheel drive.

In 2010, the Premio and Allion were redesigned with more aggressive and sharp-looking headlamps and twin LED tail lights, while the interior remained essentially identical. In 2016, Toyota gave the Premio and Allion a facelift. Concurrently, “bi-beam” LED headlights and the “Toyota Safety Sense C” collision avoidance system were introduced, with styling cues borrowed from the larger, more prestigious S210 Series Crown.

The 2018 Toyota Premio is available with three engine options: a 1.5 L 1NZ-FE (Petrol), a 1.8 L 2NZ-FE (Petrol), and a 2.0 L 3ZR-FAE, both of which are mated to a 4-speed automatic and a CVT.

2018 Toyota Premio Grades

1. L PACKAGE- ⁠This grade features leather-textured upholstery, as well as heated massaging power seats and improved soundproofing for a quieter ride.
2. EX PACKAGE- This grade has all the features of the L Package, along with wood grain interior paneling, enhanced interior, and leather-textured upholstery.
3. G PACKAGE- ⁠This grade offers the highest number of extras. Apart from the EX Package features, it includes traction control and Toyota Intelligent Parking Assist. Depending on the dealer options selected by the previous owner, it can also include alloy wheels, a front grill, and other garnishes. These features vary on a case-by-case basis.

Interior

Legroom & Space

The interior of the 2018 Toyota Premio is utilitarian and basic, with wooden touches.

There is plenty of leg and headroom in the first row. The well-padded seats can recline to a comfortable position. The second row is also very spacious, with plenty of knee and headroom.

Cabin Storage

The 2018 Toyota Premio offers numerous compartment storages that improve passenger comfort in the cabin. A glovebox, two cupholders, a center console, and door pockets are included in the first row.

The second row includes two cupholders, jacket pockets, and door pockets.

Boot Space

The 2018 Toyota Premio offers 17.7 cubic feet of cargo space that may be augmented by folding the rear seats.

Exterior

The exterior of the 2017 Toyota Premio is modern and sleek, featuring a revised front fascia with a bigger grille. The lower fascia boasts some chrome accents as it also incorporates air vents that not only improve the airflow but also help in cooling the engine. The Premio’s side profile boasts a clean and aerodynamic silhouette as well as body-colored door handles. The taillights are designed to complement the front headlights. The rear bumper is typically simple and minimalist.

2018 Toyota Premio Safety Features

Driver and passenger airbag, electronic brake force distribution, traction control, brake assist, lane keep assist, and collision mitigation system.

2018 Toyota Premio Fuel Consumption

2018 Toyota Premio 1.5 L petrol engine consumption- 16.3 km/l on average

2018 Toyota Premio 1.8 L petrol engine consumption- 11.8 km/l on average

2018 Toyota Premio 2.0 L petrol engine consumption- 10.7 km/l on average

2018 Toyota Premio Acceleration

2018 Toyota Premio 1.5 L petrol engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 11.7 secs

2018 Toyota Premio 1.8 L petrol engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 11.0 secs

2018 Toyota Premio 2.0 L petrol engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 10.5 secs

2018 Toyota Premio Fuel Tank Capacity: 60 liters

Ground Clearance

The 2018 Toyota Premio has a ground clearance of 6.3 inches which is below the standard requirement of 6.5 inches on Kenyan road.

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 and Availability

The benefit of driving a Toyota in Kenya is that spare parts are reasonably priced and easily accessible. This is also true for the Toyota Premio.  Its service and suspension parts are easily accessible.

Stability And Handling

The 2018 Toyota Premio is known for its stable and predictable handling. It has a smooth and composed ride, making it excellent for city driving and daily commuting. The steering wheel is light and easy to use, particularly when approaching tight corners.

The suspension system has been tweaked to help absorb road imperfections while also ensuring stability when driving around corners.

The 2018 Toyota Premio also has an electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) system, which improves braking performance and stability during emergency stops.

Reliability

Toyota is known for making durable and dependable vehicles. The 2018 Premio is no different. However, it, like any other vehicle, has drawbacks. The most often reported defects in this car are transmission problems. Regular maintenance and service are required to avoid such issues.

Refer to the Toyota Premio buyer guide for a thorough dependability report. We also urge that you always follow the instructions in the owner’s manual.

Resale Value: Good

Toyota Premio Competitors:  Mercedes C180, Audi A4, Toyota Allion, Nissan Slyphy, Mazda Axela, BMW 318i, and Subaru legacy B4.

What we like about the 2018 Toyota Premio

Spare parts are readily available

What we don’t

More modern safety features are lacking.

Conclusion

The 2018 Toyota Premio is a rugged and dependable vehicle that also gets outstanding gas mileage. Even though it lacks updated security features, it provides outstanding value for money, and even those on a tight budget can purchase it with either zero mileage or a secondhand. Click here to download a copy of the 2018 Toyota Premio Owner’s Manual.