Is the Toyota Wish the Right Minivan For You? A Review

The Toyota Wish carved a niche for itself in the minivan segment, offering a compelling blend of practicality, comfort, and a touch of style. Launched in 2003, the Wish quickly gained popularity in Asian markets, particularly in regions with a preference for smaller-sized MPVs (Multi-Purpose Vehicles).

Furthermore, it went through two generations before production officially ceased in 2017. While no longer brand new, the Toyota Wish remains a compelling option in the used car market, especially for families seeking a reliable and versatile minivan. So, let us review the vehicle to help you decide if it is the right choice.

A Look Back: Toyota Wish Through the Generations

The Toyota Wish, though discontinued in 2017, left its mark on the minivan landscape. Here is a closer look at how the Wish evolved across its two generations:

First Generation (AE10; 2003-2009):

Debut and Design: Unveiled in 2003, the first-generation Wish introduced a refreshing take on the minivan segment. It boasted a sleek, rounded profile with a focus on functionality. Unlike traditional boxy minivans, the Wish offered a touch of style that appealed to a wider audience.

Trims and Features: This generation offered a variety of trims catering to different budgets and needs. The base trim focused on essentials, while higher trims added features like cruise control, sunroofs, and premium audio systems.

Powertrains: The first-generation Wish came with two engine options: a fuel-efficient 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine and a slightly more powerful 2.0-liter four-cylinder option. However, both engines prioritized fuel economy, achieving impressive mileage figures.

Interior Space: The cabin offered clever seating arrangements, accommodating up to seven passengers with ease. The one-touch tumble fold mechanism for the second-row seats simplified access to the third row. Moreover, storage solutions like cup holders, cubbyholes, and under-seat compartments ensured practicality.

Evolution through Facelifts: The first generation received a minor facelift in 2005, introducing some cosmetic tweaks to the front grille and headlights.

Second Generation (AE20; 2009-2017):

Building on Success: The second-generation Wish, launched in 2009, retained the core strengths of its predecessor while introducing several improvements. It adopted a more modern and sophisticated design language, with a sharper front fascia and redesigned taillights.

Refined Trims: The trim levels remained similar, but features were further enhanced. Higher-end trims offered leather upholstery, advanced safety features like traction control and additional airbags, and improved entertainment systems with navigation options.

Engine Options Carry Over: The tried-and-tested 1.8-liter and 2.0-liter four-cylinder engines continued, ensuring a balance between power and fuel efficiency.

Interior Enhancements: The focus on practicality continued, but the second-generation Wish offered a slightly more upscale cabin experience with improved materials and finishes. The versatile seating configurations remained a highlight.

Safety Focus: Safety received further attention with the inclusion of additional airbags and improved stability control systems in higher trims.

What Set the Wish Apart?

The Toyota Wish SBT Japan carved a distinct path by offering:

A Smaller Footprint: Compared to traditional minivans, the Wish offers a more compact size, making it easier to maneuver in tight spaces and navigate city streets. This is particularly appealing in Asian markets where parking spaces tend to be smaller.

Fuel Efficiency: The Wish prioritizes fuel economy with its efficient engines, making it a cost-effective choice for families.

Driver Engagement: While not a performance vehicle, the Wish offers a more car-like driving experience compared to its bulkier minivan counterparts.

Style with Functionality: The Wish achieves a balance between practicality and aesthetics, offering a minivan that does not compromise on style.

Toyota Wish Specifications

Trims and Features

The Toyota Wish offers a variety of trims across its two generations, with options catering to different budgets and needs. Here is a glimpse into some of the prominent trims:

Base Trim (1.8G): This entry-level trim focuses on essentials, featuring automatic climate control, power windows, and fabric upholstery.

Mid-Level Trim (2.0X): This trim adds features like cruise control, alloy wheels, and a sunroof, enhancing comfort and convenience.

High-Level Trim (2.0Z): The top-of-the-line trim boasts leather upholstery, a premium audio system, and advanced safety features like traction control and airbags.

Engine Options and Fuel Consumption

The Toyota Wish comes with two primary engine options:

1.8-Liter Four-Cylinder: This fuel-efficient engine is perfect for everyday driving, delivering a balance between power and economy. Moreover, it offers adequate power for city commutes and highway cruising.

2.0-Liter Four-Cylinder: This engine provides a bit more muscle for those who desire a more spirited driving experience. While offering slightly lower fuel economy compared to the 1.8-liter option, it remains impressively efficient for a minivan.

The Toyota Wish fuel consumption figures vary depending on the engine and driving conditions. However, the Wish is generally known for its excellent fuel efficiency, achieving mileage figures in the range of 14-16 kilometers per liter (KM/L). This translates to significant fuel cost savings for budget-conscious families.

Interior and Exterior Design

Interior:

The Wishs interior prioritizes functionality without compromising on comfort. The cabin offers ample space for seven passengers, with cleverly designed folding seats allowing for various cargo and passenger configurations. Furthermore, the second-row seats often feature a versatile one-touch tumble fold mechanism, making it easy to access the third row. The Wish also boasts user-friendly controls and a focus on storage solutions, with multiple cup holders, cubbyholes, and under-seat storage compartments.

Exterior:

The Wishs exterior design moved away from the boxy aesthetic often associated with minivans. It has a sleek and modern look with a rounded profile and large windows that enhance visibility. While not necessarily sporty, the Wish offers a touch of style that appeals to a wider range of buyers compared to traditional minivans.

Technology and Entertainment

The Toyota Wish is not overloaded with cutting-edge technology, but it does offer essential features that enhance the driving experience. This includes an audio system with a CD player and optional features like a navigation system, a sunroof, and a rear-seat entertainment system in higher-end trims. While modern used car options might boast more advanced tech features, Wishs offerings are sufficient for most families.

Safety Features

Toyota prioritizes safety in the Wish, equipping it with a variety of features to keep occupants protected. These include:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS): This system prevents wheel lockup during hard braking, allowing for better control and stopping power.

Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD): This system automatically distributes braking force between the front and rear wheels for optimal stopping performance.

Airbags: The Wish comes with multiple airbags, including driver and passenger airbags, and often side airbags in higher-end trims, providing protection in case of a collision.

Traction Control (Optional): This feature helps maintain control on slippery surfaces by preventing wheel spin.

These safety features, while not as comprehensive as those found in some newer minivans, offer a good level of protection for families on the road.

Toyota Wish Price

The Wish is a promising vehicle for families. If you are interested in purchasing the Toyota Wish price in Zambia lies between USD 2,000 and 4,000. You can review the various models on the SBT Zambia website.

In essence, the SBT Japan Toyota Wish has carved a niche for itself by offering a compelling combination of practicality, comfort, fuel efficiency, and a touch of style. While no longer in production, it remains a valuable option in the used car market for families seeking a reliable and versatile minivan.