Toyota Alphard Gains Limo-Like Lounge Trim And PHEV Option In Japan

The Toyota Alphard and Vellfire twins benefit from several improvements in Japan.
The minivans are now available with a PHEV powertrain, offering up to 45 miles of EV range.
The Alphard gains a new Spacious Lounge trim with four seats and premium features.

Toyota has announced 2025 model year updates for the Alphard and Vellfire minivans, with the highlight being a new plug-in hybrid powertrain option. Another highlight is the new Space Lounge trim of the Alphard, featuring a four-seater layout and premium features inspired by the mechanically-related Lexus LM.

The current Alphard and Vellfire entered their fourth generation in June 2023, offering gasoline and self-charging hybrid powertrains. For 2025, Toyota will expand the lineup, creating Japan’s first plug-in hybrid minivan models. The PHEV setup combines the familiar 2.5-liter gasoline engine with the E-Four system for a combined 302 hp (225 kW / 306 PS).

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A lithium-ion battery pack of unknown capacity offers an EV-only range of 73 km (45 miles) measured under the WLTC protocol. When connected to a fast charger, it can charge to 80% in approximately 38 minutes. Its placement under the floor lowers the PHEV’s center of gravity by 35 mm (1.4 inches) compared to the HEV.

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Toyota says that the PHEV powertrain offers improved “quietness and riding experience”, with enhanced comfort on the EV mode that delivers “minimal noise and vibrations” thanks to additional sound insulation materials.

The EV mode is convenient for late-night pick-ups and drop-offs, as the minivans are mostly used as chauffeured vehicles. Furthermore, the A/C can run on electric power alone, without the need to start the combustion engine. As with other Toyota PHEVs, the minivans benefit from the “My Room Mode” allowing the use of A/C and in-car entertainment while charging, and an external power supply function.

Toyota has also announced the Alphard “Spacious Lounge” trim, based on the range-topping Executive Lounge, and is available in HEV and PHEV versions. The new flagship trim has a luxurious cabin with a four-seater configuration, featuring independent captain’s chairs at the rear, similar to the Lexus LM.

The Alphard misses out on the fixed partition and 48-inch display of the high-spec Lexus LM500h Executive, but gets a pair of curtains between the front and rear seats. Rear passengers have access to heaps of legroom, with the independent power seats offering reclining function and retractable footrests.

The Spacious Lounge is also equipped with extra air vents on the sides of the rear seats, headrest-mounted speakers, a refrigerator, phone charges, and different kinds of fragrances. Finally, there is a new carpet and storage compartments to secure the passengers’ luggage.

Other new features for the 2025 lineup include a new Precious Metal shade for the Vellfire and an eight-seater X trim for the Alphard HEV. The Z and Z Premier trims gain a 15-speaker JBL premium sound system and a 14-inch display for the rear passengers. Furthermore, all versions of the minivans come standard with a Digital Interior Mirror that shows feed from the front and rear cameras.

Sales of the updated Toyota Alphard and Vellfire in Japan will commence in January 2025. Depending on the powertrain and the trim, pricing ranges between ¥5,100,000-10,650,000 ($32,600-68,100) for the Alphard, and between ¥6,700,000-10,850,000 ($42,800-69,300) for the Vellfire.