Toyota Ipsum: Which Version to Buy and Why
The Toyota Ipsum choice comes down to three distinct specifications. Buyers considering the first generation can select the 2.0 AT with either FWD or AWD, or the FWD 2.2 AT turbodiesel. The second generation and its restyling replace those choices with the gasoline 2.4 AT, offered in FWD and AWD.
The Toyota Ipsum choice comes down to three distinct specifications. Buyers considering the first generation can select the 2.0 AT with either FWD or AWD, or the FWD 2.2 AT turbodiesel. The second generation and its restyling replace those choices with the gasoline 2.4 AT, offered in FWD and AWD. The 2.4 AT FWD is the strongest all-round specification on the supplied figures: it produces 160 hp and 221 Nm while weighing less and offering more ground clearance than the equivalent AWD model. The 2.4 AT AWD trades an additional 90 kg and 5 mm of clearance for AWD. Among first-generation versions, the 2.0 AT FWD has the best weight-to-power ratio, while the 2.2 AT supplies more torque at much lower engine speed.
Toyota Ipsum generations and version changes
The first-generation Toyota Ipsum ran from May 1996 through April 2001 as a Compact Van. It has three listed versions: 2.0 AT AWD, 2.0 AT FWD, and 2.2 AT FWD. The two gasoline 2.0 AT versions share the same engine output and transmission, so their principal numerical differences are drive type and kerb weight. The diesel 2.2 AT changes the engine capacity, fuel, boost, power, torque, and power delivery.
The second generation ran from May 2001 through September 2003, again with a Compact Van body. Its two versions are both named 2.4 AT: one has FWD and the other AWD. Compared with the first-generation gasoline 2.0 AT, the 2.4 AT adds 25 hp and 40 Nm. Engine capacity rises from 1,998 cc to 2,362 cc, while the four-speed Automatic transmission continues.
The second-generation restyling ran from October 2003 through December 2009. It retains two 2.4 AT versions, one FWD and one AWD, and remains a Compact Van. Power stays at 160 hp and torque at 221 Nm. The listed power peak moves from 5,600 rpm before the restyling to 5,700 rpm afterward. Kerb weight rises by 10 kg for each drive configuration: the FWD model changes from 1,490 to 1,500 kg, and the AWD model from 1,580 to 1,590 kg.
Toyota Ipsum engine specs compared
| Generation and version | Power | Torque | Displacement | Fuel | Cylinders and layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1996–2001 2.0 AT | 135 hp at 6,000 rpm | 181 Nm at 4,400 rpm | 1,998 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | AWD |
| 1996–2001 2.0 AT | 135 hp at 6,000 rpm | 181 Nm at 4,400 rpm | 1,998 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| 1996–2001 2.2 AT | 94 hp at 4,000 rpm | 205 Nm at 2,200 rpm | 2,184 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| 2001–2003 2.4 AT | 160 hp at 5,600 rpm | 221 Nm at 4,000 rpm | 2,362 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| 2001–2003 2.4 AT | 160 hp at 5,600 rpm | 221 Nm at 4,000 rpm | 2,362 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | AWD |
| 2003–2009 2.4 AT | 160 hp at 5,700 rpm | 221 Nm at 4,000 rpm | 2,362 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| 2003–2009 2.4 AT | 160 hp at 5,700 rpm | 221 Nm at 4,000 rpm | 2,362 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | AWD |
All engines are mounted Front, transverse and use Distributed injection (multi-point). The gasoline versions use 92 fuel. The 2.2 AT uses Diesel.
Calculated from the supplied displacement and output, the gasoline 2.0 AT delivers approximately 67.6 hp per litre, the diesel 2.2 AT approximately 43.0 hp per litre, and the gasoline 2.4 AT approximately 67.7 hp per litre. The 2.4 AT therefore has almost the same specific output as the 2.0 AT, but its larger capacity brings 25 more horsepower and 40 Nm more torque.
The 2.2 AT offers a different balance. It has 41 hp less than the 2.0 AT, but produces 24 Nm more torque. Its maximum torque also arrives 2,200 rpm earlier: 205 Nm at 2,200 rpm rather than 181 Nm at 4,400 rpm. Against the 2.4 AT, the diesel has 66 hp less and 16 Nm less, although its torque peak occurs 1,800 rpm earlier.
Toyota Ipsum performance, fuel consumption and MPG
Acceleration from 0–100 km/h is not measured for every listed Toyota Ipsum version. Top speed is also not measured for every version.
City fuel consumption, highway fuel consumption, and combined fuel consumption are not measured for the 2.0 AT, 2.2 AT, and 2.4 AT versions. Consequently, Toyota Ipsum MPG and fuel-economy comparisons cannot be calculated from the supplied data. The 60-litre tank is shared by every listed version, but range is not measured because no consumption figure is available.
CO₂ output is not measured for every version, and the emissions class is not measured. Claims that one version is faster or more economical would therefore go beyond the available specifications. Power, torque, weight, and drive type can be compared; acceleration, maximum speed, MPG, and driving range cannot.
Toyota Ipsum dimensions, weight and ground clearance
Full exterior dimensions and overall size are not measured for any listed version. Wheel sizes are likewise not measured. Gross weight is not measured throughout the range.
| Generation and version | Kerb weight | Ground clearance | Fuel tank | Gross weight | Wheel sizes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1996–2001 2.0 AT AWD | 1,510 kg | 155 mm | 60 litres | not measured | not measured |
| 1996–2001 2.0 AT FWD | 1,410 kg | 155 mm | 60 litres | not measured | not measured |
| 1996–2001 2.2 AT FWD | 1,460 kg | 155 mm | 60 litres | not measured | not measured |
| 2001–2003 2.4 AT FWD | 1,490 kg | 155 mm | 60 litres | not measured | not measured |
| 2001–2003 2.4 AT AWD | 1,580 kg | 150 mm | 60 litres | not measured | not measured |
| 2003–2009 2.4 AT FWD | 1,500 kg | 155 mm | 60 litres | not measured | not measured |
| 2003–2009 2.4 AT AWD | 1,590 kg | 150 mm | 60 litres | not measured | not measured |
The first-generation 2.0 AT FWD is the lightest listed Ipsum at 1,410 kg. Its AWD counterpart is 100 kg heavier despite having the same 135 hp and 181 Nm. The first-generation 2.2 AT falls between them at 1,460 kg.
For both forms of the second generation, AWD adds 90 kg over the matching FWD 2.4 AT and reduces ground clearance by 5 mm. The 2001–2003 comparison is 1,490 kg versus 1,580 kg; after restyling, it is 1,500 kg versus 1,590 kg.
Every version uses Independent, spring front suspension and Semi-independent rear suspension. All have Ventilated disc front brakes. The first-generation versions use Drum rear brakes, while the second generation and its restyling use Disc rear brakes.
Which Toyota Ipsum version should you buy?
Choose the 2001–2003 2.4 AT FWD if the decision is based on the strongest combination of power and weight. Its 160 hp moves 1,490 kg, equal to approximately 9.31 kg per horsepower. The restyled FWD 2.4 AT is close at 9.38 kg per horsepower, but it weighs 10 kg more with unchanged power and torque. The supplied specifications therefore give the earlier FWD version a small numerical advantage, though no acceleration figure is measured.
Choose the 2.4 AT AWD when AWD itself is required. Both the 2001–2003 and restyled AWD versions retain 160 hp and 221 Nm. Their calculated weight-to-power figures are approximately 9.88 and 9.94 kg per horsepower respectively. Compared with the matching FWD cars, they add 90 kg and have 150 mm rather than 155 mm of ground clearance. The data contain no price figures, so the monetary premium and what that extra money buys are not measured.
Choose the first-generation 2.0 AT FWD for the best calculated weight-to-power ratio in the complete list. At 1,410 kg and 135 hp, it carries approximately 10.44 kg per horsepower. The AWD 2.0 AT rises to approximately 11.19 kg per horsepower because it adds 100 kg without gaining power or torque.
Choose the first-generation 2.2 AT if low-rpm torque is the priority. It develops 205 Nm at 2,200 rpm, compared with 181 Nm at 4,400 rpm for either 2.0 AT. Its trade-off is output: 94 hp versus 135 hp. At 1,460 kg, it has approximately 15.53 kg per horsepower, the highest figure in the range.
For buyers comparing the original second generation with the restyled version, the mechanical numbers change very little. Both use a 2,362 cc Gasoline engine producing 160 hp and 221 Nm, with a 4-speed Automatic gearbox and a choice of FWD or AWD. The restyling adds 10 kg in both configurations and places maximum power 100 rpm higher. On the supplied specifications alone, there is no measurable economy or performance benefit because fuel consumption, 0–100 km/h time, and top speed are all not measured.
Prices, parts costs, engine prices, engine problems, reliability records, and vehicles for sale are not provided. Those factors cannot be used to rank the versions here. Based strictly on the available numbers, the 2.4 AT FWD is the most balanced choice, the 2.4 AT AWD is the drive-system alternative, the 2.0 AT FWD is the lightest choice, and the 2.2 AT is the low-rpm torque choice.