Toyota Avanza: Which Version Should You Buy?
The Toyota Avanza in this catalogue is a RWD Minivan offered across 2 generations, with production data spanning 2006 to 2015. Choosing among its versions comes down to three decisions: 1.3 or 1.5 Gasoline power, 5-speed Manual or 4-speed Automatic transmission, and first- or second-generation specification.
The Toyota Avanza in this catalogue is a RWD Minivan offered across 2 generations, with production data spanning 2006 to 2015. Choosing among its versions comes down to three decisions: 1.3 or 1.5 Gasoline power, 5-speed Manual or 4-speed Automatic transmission, and first- or second-generation specification. The 1.5 versions provide the stronger figures in both generations, while the 1.3 versions carry less kerb weight. Buyers prioritizing power should begin with the first-generation 1.5 MT or 1.5 AT, each rated at 109 hp and 141 Nm. Those seeking the lowest listed kerb weight should consider the first-generation 1.3 MT or 1.3 AT, both at 1045 kg.
Toyota Avanza generations: what changed?
The first-generation Toyota Avanza was produced from 2006 to 2011 as a Minivan and includes 4 versions: 1.3 MT, 1.3 AT, 1.5 MT, and 1.5 AT. Its 1.3 versions produce 94 hp and 120 Nm, while its 1.5 versions produce 109 hp and 141 Nm. All use Gasoline engines, RWD, and either a 5-speed Manual or 4-speed Automatic transmission.
The second-generation Toyota Avanza was produced from 2011 to 2015 as a Minivan, again with 4 versions named 1.3 MT, 1.3 AT, 1.5 MT, and 1.5 AT. Compared with their first-generation counterparts, the second-generation 1.3 versions fall from 94 to 92 hp and from 120 to 117 Nm. The 1.5 versions fall from 109 to 104 hp and from 141 to 136 Nm. The basic formula remains unchanged: Gasoline engines, RWD, and a choice of 5-speed Manual or 4-speed Automatic.
Because the generation production periods overlap in 2011, the generation should be identified alongside the version name when comparing a 2011 vehicle. For example, “1.5 AT” alone does not distinguish the first-generation 109 hp version from the second-generation 104 hp version.
Toyota Avanza engine specs and version comparison
| Generation | Version | Displacement | Power | Torque | Fuel | Cylinders and layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First, 2006–2011 | 1.3 MT | 1298 cc | 94 hp | 120 Nm | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | RWD |
| First, 2006–2011 | 1.3 AT | 1298 cc | 94 hp | 120 Nm | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | RWD |
| First, 2006–2011 | 1.5 MT | 1495 cc | 109 hp | 141 Nm | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | RWD |
| First, 2006–2011 | 1.5 AT | 1495 cc | 109 hp | 141 Nm | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | RWD |
| Second, 2011–2015 | 1.3 MT | 1298 cc | 92 hp | 117 Nm | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | RWD |
| Second, 2011–2015 | 1.3 AT | 1298 cc | 92 hp | 117 Nm | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | RWD |
| Second, 2011–2015 | 1.5 MT | 1495 cc | 104 hp | 136 Nm | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | RWD |
| Second, 2011–2015 | 1.5 AT | 1495 cc | 104 hp | 136 Nm | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | RWD |
The engine comparison favors the 1.5 versions when output matters. Within the first generation, moving from a 1.3 MT or 1.3 AT to a 1.5 MT or 1.5 AT adds 201 cc, 15 hp, and 21 Nm. Within the second generation, the same displacement increase adds 12 hp and 19 Nm.
Calculated from the listed displacement and power, the first-generation 1.3 engine develops approximately 72.4 hp per litre, while the first-generation 1.5 develops approximately 72.9 hp per litre. In the second generation, the corresponding results are approximately 70.9 hp per litre for the 1.3 and 69.6 hp per litre for the 1.5. These calculations describe output relative to engine capacity; they are not fuel-consumption measurements.
All versions have a Front, transverse engine position, distributed injection (multi-point), 4 valves per cylinder, and No boost. The 1.3 engine has a 72 × 79.4 bore and stroke in the first generation and 72 × 79.7 in the second generation. The 1.5 engine uses 72 × 91.8 in both generations. Every listed version uses 95 fuel.
Manual or Automatic Toyota Avanza?
The 1.3 MT and 1.5 MT use a 5-speed Manual, whereas the 1.3 AT and 1.5 AT use a 4-speed Automatic. Within a given generation and engine size, transmission choice does not alter the listed power or torque.
Weight can separate the choices. In the second generation, 1.3 AT has a kerb weight of 1080 kg, which is 20 kg more than the 1060 kg 1.3 MT. Both have a gross weight of 1680 kg. The second-generation 1.5 MT and 1.5 AT are each listed at 1090 kg kerb and 1700 kg gross, so the data shows no weight difference between those two transmissions.
In the first generation, 1.3 MT and 1.3 AT are both listed at 1045 kg kerb and 1700 kg gross. The first-generation 1.5 AT weighs 1085 kg, which is 15 kg more than the 1070 kg 1.5 MT. Therefore, the Manual brings a measurable weight advantage only for the first-generation 1.5 and second-generation 1.3 comparisons in this dataset.
Toyota Avanza horsepower, torque, and weight per horsepower
The first-generation 1.5 MT has the strongest calculated weight-to-power result: approximately 9.8 kg per hp from 1070 kg and 109 hp. The first-generation 1.5 AT follows at approximately 10.0 kg per hp from 1085 kg and 109 hp.
The second-generation 1.5 MT and 1.5 AT each return approximately 10.5 kg per hp from 1090 kg and 104 hp. The first-generation 1.3 MT and 1.3 AT each produce approximately 11.1 kg per hp from 1045 kg and 94 hp. The second-generation 1.3 MT calculates to approximately 11.5 kg per hp from 1060 kg and 92 hp, while the second-generation 1.3 AT is approximately 11.7 kg per hp from 1080 kg and 92 hp.
These figures make the trade-off clear: the extra 201 cc of the 1.5 versions brings more power and torque than the 1.3 alternatives, and the additional kerb weight is comparatively small. In the first generation, the 1.5 MT adds 25 kg over the 1.3 MT while gaining 15 hp and 21 Nm. In the second generation, the 1.5 MT adds 30 kg over the 1.3 MT while gaining 12 hp and 19 Nm.
Toyota Avanza performance and economy
Acceleration from 0–100 is not measured for the first-generation 1.3 MT, 1.3 AT, 1.5 MT, or 1.5 AT. It is also not measured for the second-generation 1.3 MT, 1.3 AT, 1.5 MT, or 1.5 AT.
Top speed is not measured for any of the listed versions. City fuel consumption, highway fuel consumption, and combined fuel consumption are also not measured for any version. CO2 output and eco class are not measured throughout the dataset.
Consequently, the power-to-weight calculations can compare the specifications, but they cannot establish actual acceleration, maximum speed, mpg, or real-world economy. No version should be presented as the fastest or most economical without measurements.
Toyota Avanza dimensions, weight, clearance, and tank
Exterior length, width, and height are not measured for either generation, so Toyota Avanza dimensions in millimetres, centimetres, metres, inches, or feet cannot be stated from this dataset. Wheel sizes are also not measured for any listed version.
Every version has 180 mm of ground clearance and a 45-litre fuel tank. Every version also uses Independent, spring front suspension and Independent, spring rear suspension, with Ventilated disc front brakes and Drum rear brakes.
| Generation | Version | Kerb weight | Gross weight | Ground clearance | Fuel tank | Wheel sizes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First, 2006–2011 | 1.3 MT | 1045 kg | 1700 kg | 180 mm | 45 L | not measured |
| First, 2006–2011 | 1.3 AT | 1045 kg | 1700 kg | 180 mm | 45 L | not measured |
| First, 2006–2011 | 1.5 MT | 1070 kg | 1700 kg | 180 mm | 45 L | not measured |
| First, 2006–2011 | 1.5 AT | 1085 kg | 1700 kg | 180 mm | 45 L | not measured |
| Second, 2011–2015 | 1.3 MT | 1060 kg | 1680 kg | 180 mm | 45 L | not measured |
| Second, 2011–2015 | 1.3 AT | 1080 kg | 1680 kg | 180 mm | 45 L | not measured |
| Second, 2011–2015 | 1.5 MT | 1090 kg | 1700 kg | 180 mm | 45 L | not measured |
| Second, 2011–2015 | 1.5 AT | 1090 kg | 1700 kg | 180 mm | 45 L | not measured |
Subtracting kerb weight from gross weight gives the largest difference to the first-generation 1.3 MT and 1.3 AT: 655 kg. The first-generation 1.5 MT gives 630 kg, the first-generation 1.5 AT gives 615 kg, the second-generation 1.3 MT gives 620 kg, the second-generation 1.3 AT gives 600 kg, and both second-generation 1.5 versions give 610 kg. These are arithmetic differences between catalogue weights, not independently stated payload ratings.
Which Toyota Avanza version should you choose?
For the strongest listed engine and best calculated weight-to-power result, choose the first-generation 1.5 MT. Its 1495 cc Gasoline engine produces 109 hp and 141 Nm, while its 1070 kg kerb weight works out to approximately 9.8 kg per hp. The first-generation 1.5 AT supplies the same 109 hp and 141 Nm with a 4-speed Automatic, but it weighs 15 kg more.
For the lightest specification, choose the first-generation 1.3 MT or 1.3 AT. Each weighs 1045 kg and produces 94 hp and 120 Nm. Transmission preference is the main specification difference between them because their listed engine output, kerb weight, gross weight, clearance, and tank capacity are identical.
Among second-generation versions, the 1.5 MT and 1.5 AT offer the highest output at 104 hp and 136 Nm. Both weigh 1090 kg, so the decision is directly between a 5-speed Manual and a 4-speed Automatic. The second-generation 1.3 MT is the lighter 1.3 option at 1060 kg; the 1.3 AT adds 20 kg without changing its 92 hp or 117 Nm.
The catalogue data does not include prices, so it cannot show what the extra purchase cost of a 1.5 engine, Automatic transmission, or second-generation vehicle would buy. It also provides no interior specifications, reliability record, problem data, or engine-oil capacity. Based strictly on the available figures, the first-generation 1.5 MT is the output-focused choice, the first-generation 1.3 MT or 1.3 AT is the minimum-weight choice, and either second-generation 1.5 version is the strongest option within the newer generation.