Which Toyota Previa Version Should You Buy?
The Toyota Previa version to choose depends mainly on whether you value lower fuel consumption, stronger performance, AWD, or the lowest kerb weight. The catalogue covers three Minivan generations produced from May 1990 to October 2019.
The Toyota Previa version to choose depends mainly on whether you value lower fuel consumption, stronger performance, AWD, or the lowest kerb weight. The catalogue covers three Minivan generations produced from May 1990 to October 2019. The first generation offers RWD and AWD versions, the second adds FWD models and a Diesel option, and the third includes FWD and AWD alongside Manual, Automatic, and Variable transmissions. Among versions with measured economy, the second-generation 2.0 MT Diesel has the lowest combined consumption at 7.2 l/100 km. For maximum output, the third-generation 3.5 MT and 3.5 AT lead with 271 hp and 392 Nm.
Toyota Previa generations compared
The first-generation Toyota Previa was produced from May 1990 through December 1999 as a Minivan with five listed versions. Its engine choices are a 2184 cc Diesel and a 2438 cc Gasoline unit. Drive is either RWD or AWD, while transmissions are a 5-speed Manual or 4-speed Automatic. The generation’s listed output ranges from 100 hp and 216 Nm in 2.2 MT form to 132 hp and 204 Nm in every 2.4 version.
The second generation ran from February 2000 through January 2006. It is also a Minivan and has seven listed versions. Buyers can choose a 1995 cc Diesel, a 2362 cc Gasoline engine, or a 2995 cc Gasoline engine. Compared with the first generation’s maximum of 132 hp, this generation reaches 220 hp in the 3.0 AT—a gain of 88 hp. FWD becomes the main drive format, although AWD remains available with selected 2.4 MT and 2.4 AT versions.
The third-generation Minivan was produced from January 2006 through October 2019 and contains seven listed versions. The engines are a 2362 cc Gasoline four-cylinder or a 3456 cc Gasoline six-cylinder. Power spans 156–271 hp, with FWD on most versions and AWD on one 2.4 CVT. Its 145 mm ground clearance is 5 mm lower than the 150 mm specified throughout the earlier generations.
Toyota Previa engine specs and version comparison
Identically named versions are distinguished below by generation, power, transmission, and drive.
| Generation and version | Power | Torque | Displacement | Fuel | Cylinders and layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First, 2.2 MT | 100 hp | 216 Nm | 2184 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | Manual, 5-speed | RWD |
| First, 2.4 MT, AWD | 132 hp | 204 Nm | 2438 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Manual, 5-speed | AWD |
| First, 2.4 AT, AWD | 132 hp | 204 Nm | 2438 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Automatic, 4-speed | AWD |
| First, 2.4 MT, RWD | 132 hp | 204 Nm | 2438 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Manual, 5-speed | RWD |
| First, 2.4 AT, RWD | 132 hp | 204 Nm | 2438 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Automatic, 4-speed | RWD |
| Second, 2.0 MT | 116 hp | 280 Nm | 1995 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | Manual, 5-speed | FWD |
| Second, 2.0 AT | 116 hp | 280 Nm | 1995 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | Automatic, 4-speed | FWD |
| Second, 2.4 AT, 156 hp, FWD | 156 hp | 225 Nm | 2362 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Automatic, 4-speed | FWD |
| Second, 2.4 MT, 156 hp, FWD | 156 hp | 225 Nm | 2362 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Manual, 5-speed | FWD |
| Second, 2.4 AT, 156 hp, AWD | 156 hp | 225 Nm | 2362 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Automatic, 4-speed | AWD |
| Second, 2.4 MT, 156 hp, AWD | 156 hp | 225 Nm | 2362 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Manual, 5-speed | AWD |
| Second, 3.0 AT | 220 hp | 304 Nm | 2995 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | Automatic, 4-speed | FWD |
| Third, 2.4 MT, 156 hp | 156 hp | 225 Nm | 2362 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Manual, 5-speed | FWD |
| Third, 2.4 AT, 156 hp | 156 hp | 225 Nm | 2362 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Automatic, 4-speed | FWD |
| Third, 2.4 CVT, 170 hp, FWD | 170 hp | 224 Nm | 2362 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Variable | FWD |
| Third, 2.4 CVT, 170 hp, AWD | 170 hp | 224 Nm | 2362 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Variable | AWD |
| Third, 2.4 AT, 170 hp | 170 hp | 224 Nm | 2362 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | Automatic, 4-speed | FWD |
| Third, 3.5 MT | 271 hp | 392 Nm | 3456 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | Manual, 5-speed | FWD |
| Third, 3.5 AT | 271 hp | 392 Nm | 3456 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | Automatic, 4-speed | FWD |
The first-generation 2.4 engine produces approximately 54.1 hp per litre. The second-generation 2.0 MT and 2.0 AT produce approximately 58.1 hp per litre, while the 156 hp 2.4 versions produce approximately 66.0 hp per litre. The second-generation 3.0 AT reaches approximately 73.5 hp per litre. In the third generation, the 170 hp 2.4 versions deliver approximately 72.0 hp per litre, and the 271 hp 3.5 versions reach approximately 78.4 hp per litre.
Engine placement also varies. The first-generation 2.2 MT and 2.4 AT AWD use a Central placement; the other first-generation 2.4 versions specify Front, longitudinal. The second-generation Diesel versions have engine placement not measured, while its Gasoline versions specify Front, transverse. In the third generation, the 156 hp 2.4 MT and 2.4 AT specify Front, transverse, the 170 hp 2.4 versions specify Central, and both 3.5 versions specify Front, longitudinal.
Toyota Previa performance and mpg
| Generation and version | 0–100 km/h | Top speed | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First, 2.2 MT | not measured | 160 km/h | 11 l/100 km | 6 l/100 km | 8 l/100 km |
| First, 2.4 MT, AWD | 13.3 s | 175 km/h | 16 l/100 km | 9.9 l/100 km | 11.7 l/100 km |
| First, 2.4 AT, AWD | 13.4 s | 170 km/h | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| First, 2.4 MT, RWD | 11.5 s | 175 km/h | 14.5 l/100 km | 8.8 l/100 km | 11.7 l/100 km |
| First, 2.4 AT, RWD | 11.5 s | 175 km/h | 14.5 l/100 km | 8.8 l/100 km | 11.7 l/100 km |
| Second, 2.0 MT | not measured | 175 km/h | 9 l/100 km | 6.1 l/100 km | 7.2 l/100 km |
| Second, 2.0 AT | not measured | not measured | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| Second, 2.4 AT, 156 hp, FWD | 11.2 s | 180 km/h | 14.5 l/100 km | 8.7 l/100 km | 11.2 l/100 km |
| Second, 2.4 MT, 156 hp, FWD | 10.9 s | 185 km/h | 12.2 l/100 km | 8 l/100 km | 9.5 l/100 km |
| Second, 2.4 AT, 156 hp, AWD | 11.2 s | 180 km/h | 14.5 l/100 km | 8.7 l/100 km | 10.8 l/100 km |
| Second, 2.4 MT, 156 hp, AWD | 10.9 s | 185 km/h | 12.2 l/100 km | 8 l/100 km | 9.5 l/100 km |
| Second, 3.0 AT | not measured | 180 km/h | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| Third, 2.4 MT, 156 hp | 10.9 s | 185 km/h | 12.2 l/100 km | 8 l/100 km | 9.5 l/100 km |
| Third, 2.4 AT, 156 hp | 11.2 s | 180 km/h | 14.5 l/100 km | 8.7 l/100 km | 10.8 l/100 km |
| Third, 2.4 CVT, 170 hp, FWD | not measured | not measured | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| Third, 2.4 CVT, 170 hp, AWD | not measured | not measured | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| Third, 2.4 AT, 170 hp | not measured | not measured | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| Third, 3.5 MT | 10.9 s | 185 km/h | 12.2 l/100 km | 8 l/100 km | 9.5 l/100 km |
| Third, 3.5 AT | 11.2 s | 180 km/h | 14.5 l/100 km | 8.7 l/100 km | 10.8 l/100 km |
For measured economy, the second-generation 2.0 MT uses 2.3 l/100 km less combined fuel than the 9.5 l/100 km Manual 2.4 alternatives. The third-generation 2.4 MT uses 1.3 l/100 km less combined fuel than the 2.4 AT with 156 hp. The same 1.3 l/100 km difference separates the third-generation 3.5 MT and 3.5 AT.
Among the first-generation 2.4 versions, RWD shortens the measured 0–100 km/h time by 1.8 seconds relative to the AWD 2.4 MT. The AWD 2.4 AT takes 13.4 seconds, making it 1.9 seconds slower than either listed RWD 2.4 version.
Toyota Previa dimensions, weight, and capacity figures
Exterior length, width, height, wheelbase, interior dimensions, weight distribution, and load capacity are not measured in the supplied specifications. Wheel sizes are also not measured for every version.
| Generation and version | Kerb weight | Gross weight | Ground clearance | Tank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First, 2.2 MT | 1720 kg | not measured | 150 mm | 75 l |
| First, 2.4 MT, AWD | 1720 kg | 2550 kg | 150 mm | 75 l |
| First, 2.4 AT, AWD | 1691 kg | 2450 kg | 150 mm | 75 l |
| First, 2.4 MT, RWD | 1660 kg | 2450 kg | 150 mm | 75 l |
| First, 2.4 AT, RWD | 1660 kg | 2450 kg | 150 mm | 75 l |
| Second, 2.0 MT | 1705 kg | 2405 kg | 150 mm | 75 l |
| Second, 2.0 AT | 1585 kg | not measured | 150 mm | 75 l |
| Second, 2.4 AT, 156 hp, FWD | 1585 kg | not measured | 150 mm | 75 l |
| Second, 2.4 MT, 156 hp, FWD | 1500 kg | not measured | 150 mm | 75 l |
| Second, 2.4 AT, 156 hp, AWD | not measured | 2240 kg | 150 mm | 75 l |
| Second, 2.4 MT, 156 hp, AWD | 1630 kg | 2240 kg | 150 mm | 75 l |
| Second, 3.0 AT | not measured | not measured | 150 mm | 75 l |
| Third, 2.4 MT, 156 hp | 1791 kg | 2425 kg | 145 mm | 75 l |
| Third, 2.4 AT, 156 hp | not measured | 2425 kg | 145 mm | 75 l |
| Third, 2.4 CVT, 170 hp, FWD | 1770 kg | 2100 kg | 145 mm | 75 l |
| Third, 2.4 CVT, 170 hp, AWD | 1840 kg | 2170 kg | 145 mm | 75 l |
| Third, 2.4 AT, 170 hp | 1770 kg | 2100 kg | 145 mm | 75 l |
| Third, 3.5 MT | 1791 kg | 2425 kg | 145 mm | 75 l |
| Third, 3.5 AT | not measured | 2425 kg | 145 mm | 75 l |
The second-generation 2.4 MT with 156 hp and FWD has the lowest measured kerb weight at 1500 kg, equivalent to about 9.6 kg per horsepower. Its AWD counterpart weighs 1630 kg, adding 130 kg with no change in its 156 hp output. In the third generation, choosing AWD on the 170 hp 2.4 CVT adds 70 kg: kerb weight rises from 1770 to 1840 kg. Both retain 224 Nm.
For versions with both weights measured, the difference between gross and kerb weight is 830 kg for the first-generation AWD 2.4 MT, 759 kg for the first-generation AWD 2.4 AT, and 790 kg for each first-generation RWD 2.4. The second-generation 2.0 MT has a 700 kg difference, while its AWD 2.4 MT has a 610 kg difference. The third-generation 2.4 CVT and 2.4 AT with 170 hp each have a 330 kg difference in FWD form, and the AWD 2.4 CVT also has a 330 kg difference. These are arithmetic differences between listed gross and kerb weights, not stated load-capacity ratings.
Which Toyota Previa version to buy and why
For the lowest measured fuel consumption, choose the second-generation 2.0 MT. Its Turbo Diesel produces 116 hp and 280 Nm, and its 7.2 l/100 km combined result is the lowest listed. It also delivers 55 Nm more torque than the generation’s 156 hp 2.4 Gasoline versions, although its maximum speed is 175 km/h rather than their 180–185 km/h.
For the lightest measured configuration, choose the second-generation 2.4 MT with 156 hp and FWD. At 1500 kg, it is 130 kg lighter than the equivalent AWD Manual. Its measured 10.9-second acceleration, 185 km/h maximum speed, and 9.5 l/100 km combined consumption match the AWD 2.4 MT figures in the data.
For AWD with the strongest listed four-cylinder output, choose the third-generation 2.4 CVT with 170 hp and AWD. It gains 14 hp over the second-generation AWD 2.4 versions, although torque decreases by 1 Nm, from 225 to 224 Nm. Its acceleration, maximum speed, and fuel consumption are not measured.
For maximum horsepower and torque, choose the third-generation 3.5 MT or 3.5 AT. Each produces 271 hp and 392 Nm. Where measured, the 3.5 MT is 0.3 seconds quicker to 100 km/h, reaches a maximum speed 5 km/h higher, and uses 1.3 l/100 km less combined fuel than the 3.5 AT.
The first generation is the choice when RWD is required. Among its 132 hp 2.4 versions, the RWD 2.4 MT and 2.4 AT each have a measured kerb weight of 1660 kg and reach 100 km/h in 11.5 seconds. The AWD 2.4 MT is 60 kg heavier and 1.8 seconds slower, while retaining the same 132 hp and 204 Nm. No prices or sale listings are provided, so a value-for-money ranking cannot be calculated from this catalogue data.