Summary Statement
The Toyota Wish is an inexpensive option for fans of the Prius or Corolla who want an MPV without compromising on function or quality.
Model Specs:
Fuel Consumption: 12.8km/L to 14.4km/L expected depending on engine specs
Curb Weight: 1,355-1380kg (2,987.3-3,042.4lb)
Engine: 1.8L 2ZR-FAE or 2.0L 3ZR-FAE
2WD/FWD or 4WD options
4-speed automatic or 7-speed Super CVT-i Transmission options
The Good
If you are looking for a vehicle that is comfortable and efficient, the Wish is going to a strong contender. The Wish follows the size and space you would expect from most MPVs without being obnoxious or overpriced. It’s capability to comfortably seat 6-7 passengers—depending on which option you choose—and its smooth operation have made it one of the most popular vehicles in Asian markets. The Toyota Wish is an inexpensive option for fans of the Prius or Corolla who want an MPV without compromising on function or quality.
The consensus amongst Wish drivers is that it is ridiculously economic in terms of fuel efficiency. While the estimated fuel consumption for the Wish is seated around 12.8km/L-14.4km/L, most find that they can go above that with no problems. Whether or not that will be the case for all Wish drivers will depend on what options they go with for the engine and transmission, and their own driving ability.
Another thing that drivers agree on is that the Wish is a quiet, smooth vehicle. For everyday driving, the engine makes very little noise and the sound insulation inside the cabin is above expectations. Unless you seriously gun-it, changes in gear and speed are so smooth that it almost feels effortless to the driver. It actually makes it a good option for those who want or need that smoother, no-mess vehicle for their day-to-day.
The Wish is considered highly reliable and safe for owners. There have been few issues since it was first introduced in 2003 and thus far has been exempt from problems that have plagued Toyota’s other models in recent years. Unless you’re intentionally slamming your Wish into the side of a building or someone else hits you, there really shouldn’t be a need for any additional work on it aside from routine maintenance and repairs. There are also safety features for every seat, so everyone is covered in the event that there is a crash.
The Bad
The biggest issue that most Wish owners and drivers have is that the Wish is, stylistically, unimpressive. While the sleek design of the exterior would lead you to expect an equally sleek interior, it’s almost oversimplified and exceedingly practical. Those who are looking for a flashier MPV are going to be heavily disappointed with the Wish.
The Wish is a very no-frills vehicle. Part of the intent behind that aspect in the design was for safety—the fewer distractions there are in the car, the more likely the driver will focus on the road ahead of them. It’s a completely reasonable idea, but the limited features available for the Wish can be seen as a deal-breaker for some. Issues of compatibility and local availability also limits the amount of aftermarket features that can be added to the wish. Features that do come with the Wish are entirely perfect, like the air conditioning control which decreases with each row—perfect in the 1st, acceptable in the 2nd, and non-existent in the 3rd.
The console—which is a very basic set-up with few of the bells-and-whistles you’d expect from Toyota—is a cheap, plastic contraption in a cheap, plastic dashboard. It’s also slightly outdated regardless of which generation the vehicle is. Upgrades made between the first and second generation Wish were purely localized to the exterior design and mechanics, completely ignoring the vehicle’s interior. Some exterior aspects also seem questionable when taking into account things like design and functionality. The wheels and rims, for example, are disproportionately small for the Wish’s size; the default size sits at about 15”.
While the passenger space is phenomenal, the cargo space in the Wish is lackluster. The storage in the Wish is noticeably tighter compared to similar models in Toyota’s repertoire, like the Corolla and Prius. If you need to carry cargo, chances are that you might need to cut into your passenger space to safely accommodate everything without compromising your safety.
What Others Are Saying
The Wish strives in being a great A to B vehicle and it does that perfectly. Toyota did not need to improve much in the formula, but why should they?
Toyota has delivered an all rounded MPV for the price offered…you get a comfortable seven seater with enough space to haul your entire family along with the family pet in relative comfort and safety (with a full compliment of curtain and side airbags). It has to be said that the new Wish does lack some finesse in interior build quality, but that’s a minor complaint taking into account its price and versatility. That said, the new Wish is indeed worthy of its predecessor’s glory.
The Wish on the other hand, is a practical car and is generally well accepted by all workshops. The dated engine and gearbox design might be a turn down, but it is a proven power plant which is known for its reliability.
~ Carsome
The Wish might be officially late to the MPV party but it still offers a convincing package. It works well in the most important areas – utility and practicality. It might not be the best to drive or the best performer out there, but it certainly works well as a practical people carrier.
