The Toyota Alphard (and Vellfire) get updated with plug-in hybrid drivetrains for 2025

It’s been a year since the newest Toyota Alphard (and its sportier sibling, the Vellfire) was unveiled. One of the biggest changes made to the AH40 generation was the dropping of the venerable 2GR gasoline V6 in favor of a trio of four-cylinder motors, either naturally aspirated (2AR-FE), turbocharged (T24A-FTS), or electrified (A25A-FXS).

Now a fourth powertrain joins the list of available trims. Toyota Motor Corporation announced that everyone’s favorite form of POGO/politician transport luxury minivan is now a plug-in hybrid as part of a refresh, making it the automaker’s fifth plug-in hybrid after the Century SUV, Crown Sport, Prius Prime, and RAV4 Prime/PHEV.

Available only in the highest trim–the six-seater Executive Lounge– the 2.5-liter series parallel gasoline engine is paired with a larger lithium-ion battery and the E-Four 4WD system.

This allows for an all-EV range of 73 km on a full charge, and it takes 38 minutes to bring it up to 80% from zero via a 200V charging cable. It’s capable of providing power to accessories (Vehicle to Load/V2L) and house (with a Vehicle to Home/V2H device)

It also posts an average hybrid fuel economy figure of 16.7 km/L, achievable thanks to an Auto BEV/HEV mode, where the system adjusts power flow depending on driving conditions.

Power figures include a total system output of 306 horsepower, but if you want to be specific, the A25A-FXS pushes out 177 horsepower and 219 Nm, the front motor (5NM) can produce 182 horsepower and 270 Nm, while the rear motor (4NM) is slightly less at 54 horsepower and 121 Nm.

Other improvements include a lower center of gravity, an improved body frame, a Smooth Stop control system that suppresses nose dives when braking, and additional insulation for an even quieter and more refined ride.

How can you tell it apart from the other trims? The PHEV models are fitted with silver 19-inch multi-spoke wheels, a woodgrain steering wheel, and Ultrasuede headliner.

The rest of the Alphard and Vellfire variants receive a digital rearview mirror, built-in front and rear dashcams, and the Z and Z Premier grades now get 15-speaker JBL Premium sound systems alongside a 14-inch rear-seat screen. There is also an eight-seater model grade for the Alphard HEV.

As how our Alphards are sourced from Japan, it’s not entirely out of the picture for Toyota Motor Philippines to introduce it to our lineup.