Description
The Toyota Noah 2017 is a family-oriented minivan that strikes a balance between functionality, comfort, and fuel efficiency. Designed primarily for the Japanese domestic market, it falls under the compact MPV category and is part of Toyota’s broader strategy to offer reliable and space-efficient vehicles for urban families. The 2017 model belongs to the third generation of the Noah series, which was first introduced in 2001. Alongside its siblings—the Toyota Voxy and Toyota Esquire—it shares a platform but differentiates itself through styling and market positioning.
Exterior Design
The Toyota Noah 2017 features a boxy yet stylish exterior that is optimized for interior space. The front fascia is characterized by a bold grille, large headlamps, and a relatively high bonnet line. While not aggressively styled like some of its sportier counterparts, the Noah maintains a dignified and modern appearance suitable for its family-centric image. The tall roofline and flat sides are designed to maximize interior headroom and ease of ingress and egress. Sliding rear doors on both sides enhance practicality, especially in tight parking spaces or when managing children or elderly passengers.
The rear end is straightforward, with large vertical taillights and a wide-opening tailgate for easy loading of luggage. Alloy wheels, chrome accents, and LED lighting are available on higher trims, adding a more premium touch to the otherwise utilitarian design.
Interior and Comfort
The interior of the 2017 Toyota Noah is one of its strongest points. With a three-row seating configuration, the vehicle accommodates up to seven or eight passengers, depending on the variant. The spacious cabin features flexible seating arrangements—second-row captain chairs or a bench seat—allowing for multiple cargo and passenger configurations. The seats are well-cushioned, with decent legroom and headroom in all rows, although the third row is more suitable for children or shorter journeys.
Interior quality is practical rather than luxurious. Soft-touch materials, durable plastics, and a clean dashboard layout make the cabin feel modern and functional. Higher trims come with added features like a touchscreen infotainment system, navigation, rear-seat entertainment, automatic climate control, and even dual-zone air conditioning. Storage compartments are plentiful, with cup holders, door pockets, and under-seat trays enhancing convenience.
Performance and Driving Dynamics
Under the hood, the 2017 Noah typically houses a 2.0-liter inline-4 gasoline engine (3ZR-FAE), paired with a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). This engine delivers approximately 150 horsepower, which is adequate for city driving and highway cruising, though it is not designed for high performance. The CVT ensures smooth acceleration and contributes to the vehicle’s overall fuel efficiency, with average consumption figures ranging between 14–16 km/L, depending on driving conditions.
Toyota also offers a hybrid version of the Noah, which pairs a 1.8-liter engine with an electric motor for improved fuel economy—up to 23–26 km/L. The hybrid model uses Toyota’s proven Hybrid Synergy Drive system and is a great choice for environmentally conscious families or those looking to save on fuel costs.
Ride quality is generally smooth, with the suspension tuned to absorb city potholes and speed bumps comfortably. The Noah’s steering is light and easy to handle, making it well-suited for urban environments despite its boxy size.
Safety and Technology
The Toyota Noah 2017 is equipped with a range of safety features, including anti-lock brakes (ABS), electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), vehicle stability control (VSC), and multiple airbags. Some trims are equipped with Toyota Safety Sense C, which includes features like pre-collision warning, lane departure alert, and automatic high beams—helping to enhance driver awareness and passenger safety.
Other tech features include keyless entry, push-button start, rearview camera, parking sensors, and a multifunction steering wheel. While not overly high-tech by today’s standards, the 2017 Noah offers a solid set of features for its class.
Practicality and Market Position
The Toyota Noah is particularly popular in Japan and some Asian markets due to its efficient use of space, reliability, and cost-effective operation. It’s ideal for larger families, ride-sharing services, or anyone who needs a dependable and roomy vehicle. The sliding doors, flexible seating, and low maintenance costs make it a practical alternative to larger minivans or SUVs.
In conclusion, the Toyota Noah 2017 is a thoughtfully designed minivan that emphasizes space, safety, and economy over flashy performance or luxurious appointments. Its blend of practicality, Toyota reliability, and family-friendly features make it a strong contender in the compact MPV segment, especially for those seeking a durable and versatile family car.
