Used Toyota Vellfire for Sale

Toyota Vellfire Purchase Guide

The Vellfire is Toyota's large luxury minivan, introduced in May 2008 as a sister model replacing the previous "Alphard V" when the "Alphard" underwent a full model change. Mechanically identical to the "Alphard," it has been distinguished by a more aggressively styled design compared with the "Alphard." The third generation, launched in 2023, shifts toward delivering "the joy of driving" through dedicated suspension tuning, body reinforcement, and its own powertrain unit. On the used market, prices tend to be higher because the model years are newer. Since it shares the same platform as the Alphard, the basic approach is to choose between the two based on your preference for exterior styling and driving character.

Third-Generation Vellfire (40 Series / 2023–): A Dedicated Chassis Setup and 2.4L Turbo Give It a Different Driving Character from the Alphard

Strengths of the Third-Generation Vellfire

Putting "the joy of driving" first, with real engineering differences from the Alphard

The third-generation Vellfire underwent a full model change in June 2023, at the same time as its sibling, the Alphard. It was the first redesign in eight years since the previous generation debuted in January 2015, and on the used market it is known as the "40 series." The development goal was "the happiness of comfortable travel," and Toyota explains that it aimed for comfort on par with a luxury sedan by thoroughly reducing the vibration and noise people find unpleasant. The body uses a TNGA platform optimized for minivans, with considerable effort put into suppressing body motion, such as giving the side frame members (rockers) a straight structure. In this generation, the differences from the nearly identical-looking Alphard became clear in what lies underneath. Toyota gave the Vellfire its own suspension tuning, body reinforcement, and powertrain, positioning it as the model responsible for "the joy of driving." That dedicated powertrain is a 2.4L gasoline turbo, offered on the Z Premier at launch. The other option is a hybrid, available in 2WD as well as E-Four (4WD). At launch there were two grades: the Vellfire-exclusive "Z Premier" and the higher-end "Executive Lounge." The Z Premier could be had with either the 2.4L turbo or the hybrid, while the Executive Lounge was hybrid only. At launch, Toyota also indicated plans to add a plug-in hybrid model in the future. There is a backstory to this differentiation. In the final year of the previous generation, Vellfire sales fell to less than 5% of the Alphard's, and a Toyota insider told Nikkei that until around 2021, development was proceeding toward discontinuing the Vellfire. Once its survival was decided, it went from being a sibling that differed only in its face to a vehicle with its own character defined by its chassis and engine. When buying used, this generation makes the choice fairly simple: the Alphard if you prioritize rear-seat comfort and a wider range of specifications, and the Vellfire if you spend a lot of time behind the wheel yourself.

Weaknesses of the Third-Generation Vellfire

Few configurations to choose from, and used examples are expensive and limited in number

At launch, the third-generation Vellfire came in only two grades, Z Premier and Executive Lounge, and its pricing starts higher than the Alphard's. The 2.4L turbo is available only on the Z Premier, and the Executive Lounge was hybrid only. If you want a wider range of specifications, searching for Alphards of the same model year as well will broaden your options. You also need to keep an eye on supply and pricing on the used market. The Vellfire sold far fewer units than the Alphard toward the end of the previous generation, and in this generation too, used Vellfires are said to be less common than Alphards. Orders reportedly flooded in right after launch, making new cars hard to get, and with export demand on top of that, plus the fact that these are recent models, used prices have stayed high. The Alphard and Vellfire are considered among the most frequently stolen models in Japan. When choosing a used car, check whether an aftermarket security system is fitted and how many keys (smart keys) come with it. It is also wise to research whether the model is a common theft target in your destination country, along with insurance conditions. Before purchase, pay attention to the power-operated equipment. Open and close both sliding doors and the tailgate several times to confirm they don't stop midway or make unusual noises. The Executive Lounge has many features such as power-adjustable second-row seats and rear-cabin equipment, so check each one for proper operation. Vehicles used for chauffeur service may have high mileage, so also look for wear on the second-row seats and damage around the frequently used entry steps. For the 2.4L turbo, a record of oil changes is a good indicator. Japan-market navigation maps, connected services, and TV reception often won't work overseas or may work only to a limited extent. Also, because these are recent models, they may not be importable into countries that restrict the age of imported vehicles.

Rivals of the Third-Generation Vellfire

Nissan Elgrand

The Nissan Elgrand pioneered Japan's large luxury minivan segment even before the Alphard appeared, and it has long been compared with the Alphard and Vellfire. The Elgrand on sale in 2023, when the third-generation Vellfire launched, was a generation that had remained on the market for a long time without a major redesign. When comparing used cars, the picture changes greatly depending on which generation of Elgrand you're looking at. Against the long-running Elgrand generation, the third-generation Vellfire has the advantage in its newer design, lower vibration and noise, and the availability of a hybrid. On the other hand, used Vellfires cost more, so for the same budget you may be able to get a lower-mileage Elgrand. The Elgrand suits those who want a large minivan for less, while the Vellfire suits those who can spend more for a newer model and greater comfort. In terms of driving, the two vehicles' aims overlap as well. The Elgrand is said to have emphasized its lower ride height and ease of driving, competing for the same buyers as the third-generation Vellfire, which promotes "the joy of driving" with its dedicated chassis setup. As a large minivan for owners who spend a lot of time driving themselves, it is the easiest rival to compare against. Once the new Elgrand starts appearing on the used market, the comparison will be between vehicles of the same era. At that point, it's best to compare powertrain options and rear-seat equipment by looking at the actual vehicles side by side. Note that the alternatives aren't limited to other manufacturers. The Alphard, a sibling sharing the same underpinnings, is said to offer a wider range of specifications than the Vellfire, with more used examples available. In a higher price bracket, there is the Lexus LM, launched in Japan in December 2023. Those who put rear-seat comfort above all else may want to consider it too.

Third-Generation Vellfire Specifications

2.4L turbo (2WD) and hybrid (2WD / E-Four)

Engine: 2.4L gasoline turbo / hybrid Drivetrain: 2WD / E-Four (4WD, hybrid) Features: Launched in June 2023 alongside the Alphard. Equipped with Vellfire-specific suspension tuning, body reinforcement, and powertrain, and offered in the exclusive "Z Premier" grade. Two grades at launch: Z Premier and Executive Lounge.