The Toyota Vanguard, a prominent sport utility vehicle (SUV) in the Japanese Domestic Market (JDM), represented a significant offering from the renowned Japanese automaker during its production run from 2007 to 2013. Positioned as a more premium and slightly larger variant of the popular RAV4, the Vanguard offered enhanced comfort, greater versatility with its available 5-7 seat configuration, and a more refined driving experience. While never officially sold in the United States, its design philosophy and engineering prowess mirrored Toyota’s global commitment to reliability and practicality. The specific variant under review, the Toyota Vanguard 350S V6 (280 Hp) AWD ECT, stood out as the top-tier performance model, combining a potent V6 engine with a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system, catering to discerning buyers seeking a blend of power, capability, and passenger comfort in the compact to mid-size SUV segment. Its introduction aimed to fill a niche for consumers desiring a vehicle that could comfortably accommodate families while offering sufficient power for varied driving conditions, from urban commutes to recreational excursions.
Engine and Performance: The Heart of the Toyota Vanguard 350S V6
At the core of the Toyota Vanguard 350S V6 variant lies the formidable 2GR-FE engine, a naturally aspirated V6 powerplant renowned for its smooth operation and robust output. With an engine displacement of 3.5 liters (3456 cm3 or 210.9 cu. in.), this engine delivers an impressive 280 horsepower at 6200 rpm, translating to a substantial power-per-liter ratio of 81 Hp/l. Torque figures are equally compelling, peaking at 253.72 lb.-ft. (344 Nm) at 4700 rpm, ensuring strong acceleration and ample pulling power across a broad rev range. The V-engine configuration, featuring six cylinders, contributes to its balanced performance and refined character. Equipped with a Double Overhead Camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain and a multi-port manifold injection fuel system, the 2GR-FE engine epitomizes Toyota’s engineering philosophy of durability and efficiency, even without forced induction. The compression ratio of 10.8:1 further optimizes combustion, contributing to both power delivery and fuel economy.
Power is seamlessly channeled to all four wheels through an advanced All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission known as Super ECT (Electronically Controlled Transmission). This combination ensures excellent traction and stability, whether navigating slippery roads or traversing light off-road terrain, making the Vanguard a versatile companion for various driving scenarios. The Super ECT is designed for smooth, responsive shifts, enhancing both driving comfort and performance. The vehicle’s weight-to-power ratio stands at a competitive 5.9 kg/Hp (168.7 Hp/tonne), while the weight-to-torque ratio is 4.8 kg/Nm (207.2 Nm/tonne), indicating a well-balanced power-to-weight distribution for its class.
Despite its potent performance, the Toyota Vanguard 350S V6 also demonstrates reasonable fuel efficiency for a V6-powered AWD SUV of its era. The combined fuel consumption is rated at 22.6 US mpg (10.4 l/100 km), allowing for a practical cruising range given its 15.85 US gallon (60 l) fuel tank capacity. CO2 emissions are reported at 234 g/km, reflecting its internal combustion engine architecture. The engine’s oil capacity is 6.45 US quarts (6.1 l), with a coolant capacity of 9.4 US quarts (8.9 l), highlighting the robust cooling and lubrication systems designed to ensure long-term reliability.
Design and Features: Practicality Meets Refinement in the Toyota Vanguard
The Toyota Vanguard adopts a classic SUV body type, characterized by its five doors and a flexible seating arrangement capable of accommodating 5 to 7 passengers, a key selling point for families in its primary market. Its exterior design is clean and contemporary, reflecting Toyota’s design language of the late 2000s, with a focus on aerodynamics and a confident road presence. Dimensions are well-proportioned for a mid-size SUV, with a length of 179.92 inches (4570 mm), a width of 73.03 inches (1855 mm), and a height ranging from 66.34 to 66.54 inches (1685-1690 mm). These measurements contribute to a spacious interior without making the vehicle unwieldy in urban environments.
The wheelbase measures 104.72 inches (2660 mm), providing a stable ride and generous interior volume, particularly for rear passengers. Both the front and rear track widths are identical at 61.81 inches (1570 mm), contributing to balanced handling. With a ride height, or ground clearance, of 7.48 inches (190 mm), the Vanguard offers sufficient clearance for navigating uneven terrain or tackling snow-covered roads, enhancing its versatility as an AWD vehicle. The vehicle rides on 18-inch wheels, fitted with 235/55 R18 tires, which provide a good balance of grip, ride comfort, and aesthetic appeal, complementing its SUV stance.
Inside, the Toyota Vanguard emphasizes practicality, comfort, and a user-friendly layout. While specific interior features are not detailed in the provided data, typical Toyota standards of the era suggest a well-appointed cabin with durable materials, intuitive controls, and ample storage solutions. The flexible 5-7 seat configuration likely includes a fold-flat third row, maximizing cargo space when not in use, making it highly adaptable for various passenger and cargo needs. Safety features, standard for a vehicle of its class and origin, would have included multiple airbags, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), providing peace of mind for occupants. The kerb weight ranges from 3659.67 to 3747.86 lbs. (1660-1700 kg), while the maximum gross weight is between 4265.94 and 4596.64 lbs. (1935-2085 kg), indicating a robust build capable of handling a maximum load of 606.27 to 848.78 lbs. (275-385 kg). The thoughtful design, combined with Toyota’s reputation for reliability, cemented the Vanguard’s position as a highly desirable SUV in its target market.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Toyota |
| Model | Vanguard |
| Generation | Vanguard |
| Type (Engine) | 350S V6 (280 Hp) AWD ECT |
| Start of production | 2007 year |
| End of production | 2013 year |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seats | 5-7 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 10.4 l/100 km (22.6 US mpg) |
| CO2 emissions | 234 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 5.9 kg/Hp (168.7 Hp/tonne) |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.8 kg/Nm (207.2 Nm/tonne) |
| Power | 280 Hp @ 6200 rpm |
| Power per liter | 81 Hp/l |
| Torque | 344 Nm @ 4700 rpm (253.72 lb.-ft. @ 4700 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | 2GR-FE |
| Engine displacement | 3456 cm3 (3.5 l / 210.9 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 94 mm (3.7 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 83 mm (3.27 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 6.1 l (6.45 US qt) |
| Coolant | 8.9 l (9.4 US qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1660-1700 kg (3659.67 – 3747.86 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1935-2085 kg (4265.94 – 4596.64 lbs.) |
| Max load | 275-385 kg (606.27 – 848.78 lbs.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 60 l (15.85 US gal) |
| Length | 4570 mm (179.92 in.) |
| Width | 1855 mm (73.03 in.) |
| Height | 1685-1690 mm (66.34 – 66.54 in.) |
| Wheelbase |
