2019 Toyota Premio Review

Detailed Review

The first generation Toyota Premio, known as the T240, was released in 2001 and stayed in production until 2007. At the same time, Toyota debuted the Allion. The Premio sedan is more sophisticated than the Allion, which is aimed at younger clientele.

The T260, the Premio’s second generation, entered into production in 2007 and was phased out in 2020. The rear light cluster on the Premio now has one LED. A color rear-view mirror and a hard disc navigation system that works with the G-Book MX telematics service were also installed. Four-wheel drive may be available on vehicles powered by the 1.8-liter 2ZR-FE engine.

The Premio and Allion were revised in 2010 with more aggressive and sharp-looking headlamps and twin LED tail lights, while the interior remained largely unchanged. Toyota refreshed the Premio and Allion in 2016. During the same period, “bi-beam” LED headlights and the “Toyota Safety Sense C” collision avoidance system were launched, with stylistic cues drawn from the larger, more prestigious S210 Series Crown.

The 2019 Toyota Premio comes 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 connected to a 4-speed automatic and a CVT.

2019 Toyota Premio Grades

1. L PACKAGE- ⁠This entry 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 2019 Toyota Premio is utilitarian and plain, with wood accents.

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

Cabin Storage

The 2019 Toyota Premio has an array of compartment storage options that boost passenger comfort in the cabin. The first row includes a glovebox, two cupholders, a center console, and door pockets.

Two cupholders, jacket pockets, and door pockets are incorporated in the second row.

Boot Space

The cargo space in the 2019 Toyota Premio is 17.7 cubic feet, which may be increased by folding the rear seats.

Exterior

The 2019 Toyota Premio’s design is modern and elegant, with a reworked front fascia and a larger grille.  The side aspect of the Premio is clean and aerodynamic. Its headlights depict opulence and at the same time lend it a modern feel. The lower fascia incorporates fog lights as well as some chrome accents that make it eye-catching.

The taillights and turn signals can be spotted in the back end. Typically, the rear bumper is simple and minimalist.

2019 Toyota Premio Safety Features

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

2019 Toyota Premio Fuel Consumption

2019 Toyota Premio 1.5 L petrol engine consumption- 16.1 km/l on average

2019 Toyota Premio 1.8 L petrol engine consumption- 11.7 km/l on average

2019 Toyota Premio 2.0 L petrol engine consumption- 10.5 km/l on average

2019 Toyota Premio Acceleration

2019 Toyota Premio 1.5 L petrol engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 11.5 secs

2019 Toyota Premio 1.8 L petrol engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 11.0 secs

2019 Toyota Premio 2.0 L petrol engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 10.4 secs

2019 Toyota Premio Fuel Tank Capacity: 60 liters

Ground Clearance

The 2019 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 2019 Toyota Premio has a robust and smooth driving experience. The steering wheel is light and simple to handle, especially when approaching tight turns.

The suspension system has been modified to better withstand road irregularities while maintaining stability when driving around curves. The cabin is adequately insulated to protect passengers from noise picked up from uneven road surfaces.

The 2019 Toyota Premio is equipped with traction control and other technologies that improve its stability on the road.

Reliability

The 2019 Toyota Premio is regarded as a dependable vehicle. However, due to its low ground clearance, which is obviously below the required standard on Kenyan roads, it is not recommended to handle off-road terrain as you could damage its body components.

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 2019 Toyota Premio

Spare parts are readily available

Excellent fuel economy

What we don’t

More modern safety features are lacking.

Conclusion

The 2019 Toyota Premio does not provide a more luxurious ride than its competitors, but its durability and outstanding fuel economy make it a formidable challenger. It is easy to maintain and service because spare parts are easily available. People with small families will find it ideal and complacent. Click here to download a copy of the 2019 Toyota Premio Owner’s Manual.