2023 Toyota Voxy: National hauler gets a facelift
Compared to the previous generation, the shape has gotten boxier as well as slightly larger, which contributes to a roomier interior
When it comes to family haulers, the Noah and Voxy platforms have been household names in Bangladeshi families since the KR42 model of the Noah came out in the early 2000s.
Back then, car buyers had a few options to choose from in that price range, particularly from various automakers such as Mitsubishi's Delica and even the Hyundai H1. Yet, the Noahs and Voxys always stood out due to their robust reliability, affordable pricing and hassle-free maintenance.
Nowadays, as there are several new contenders in the vast market of seven-seater vehicles, does Toyota still stand the test of time—and does it manage to fit more groceries? We took one out for this latest issue of Wheels to find out.
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The minivan that was our test mule for this review was a 2023 Toyota Voxy, which is essentially from the same family as the Noah, just re-skinned for the style-conscious buyer. Compared to the previous generation, the shape has become boxier and ever so slightly larger, which contributes to a roomier interior.
The Voxy boasts a sportier, more angular approach with the diamond-cut grille design and sleek front fascia. The rear retains smoked clear LED taillights (a signature of Voxys over the generations), which almost look like those of the upscale Toyota Vellfire, but smaller in size.
Slide open the door, and you're greeted by thoughtful touches everywhere. It features second-row captain's seats in the seven-seater, ottoman leg rests (first in class), seat heaters, foldable tables and an abundance of Type-C ports—it's like business class for your family trips.
The interior has received a total overhaul. Starting with the leather-wrapped steering wheel, there are a plethora of buttons that control the infotainment screen and the cluster screen simultaneously. The infotainment has also been completely redesigned, now supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto by default—a welcome addition, since these cars are designed to be driven over long distances.
You get fabric cabin seats which are comfortable, though not on the more premium Vellfire/Alphard level, which costs almost double the price. At best, the seats on the Voxy can be compared to a first-class seat in a passenger plane, which is to be expected.
Powering the newest Voxy is a 2000cc inline-4 DOHC engine combined with a hybrid motor. Paired with an E-CVT transmission, it produces a combined output of 191 bhp and 327 Nm of torque, which are sent to the front wheels.
Driving the Voxy is unexpectedly comfortable. It is lofty and rather easy to drive for its size. The steering is light, but you get enough feedback from the ground to know when the road is bumpy. The new Voxy also retains a rather open ambience with ample visibility, and since it is lower than all the previous generations, it feels quite nice to take turns while maintaining speed.
If I had to complain about something, it would be the number of buttons present on the steering wheel, as it gets rather confusing—they're marked with hieroglyphics—but this can be gotten used to over time.
It's not really about the van—it's about the everyday moments that happen inside it. Getting the kids to school on time, picking up groceries after work, or heading out for a slow weekend drive. The Noah and Voxy slip into those moments quietly, without making a big deal of it.
It's the small things you notice most: a step that slides out when someone needs a hand, grips in the right spots so grandparents can climb in easily, seats that move around depending on who or what you're carrying. Even the screen up front—it isn't about showing off, it's just there to keep the kids busy when the drive feels long.
At the end of the day, the 2023 Toyota Voxy doesn't try to be flashy, nor does it need to. It builds on the legacy that made the Noah and Voxy household staples in Bangladesh—reliability, practicality and ease of ownership—while adding just enough modern flair to keep up with the times. With its hybrid powertrain, thoughtful interior touches and business-class second-row seats, it feels more like a lifestyle upgrade than just a minivan.
Starting at around Tk52 lakhs, the Voxy does sit on the steeper side of the price spectrum, largely because it's still very new to the market. But for families who want something dependable yet a little stylish, the Voxy proves that Toyota still knows exactly what makes a people mover truly work.
Specifications:
Engine: 2000cc inline-4 DOHC engine
Transmission: E-CVT
Max Power: 191 bhp
Max Torque: 327 Nm
Price: Starts at Tk52 Lakh (Approx)
