Compact SUVs are one of the biggest growing segments in the market and almost every automaker has some models in this segment and there is no exception for Toyota. Toyota Rush which is also known as the Daihatsu Terios in some markets is a compact SUV. its first generation introduced in 1997. Then in 2006 Daihatsu announced the second generation with a new design and more refinements. the second generation became more famous as it appeared in the TopGear show. While Daihatsu Terios or Toyota Rush may not be that famous in the Middle East but it is a very popular and successful product in central Asia and markets like Malaysia. Its success led the mother company Toyota to introduce the third generation of Terios in 2017. As Daihatsu is not that beloved and popular brand around the Persian Gulf and on the other hand there is a demand for such a car in this region, Toyota decided to sell Terios under its own name and now it is available in UAE as Toyota Rush with a base price of AED 68,500.

Exterior

In terms of size, Toyota Rush measures 4,435 mm long, 1,695 mm wide, and 1,705 mm tall so it is slightly longer than Dacia Duster while Dacia is a wider car with a lower height. These geometrical ratios caused the Rush to look taller.

The third-generation Toyota Rush has less in common with the previous model as it follows the design language adopted from other Toyotas with its sharp lines and a bigger grille. The big chrome grille is surrounded by slim headlights and there is a strong line on the side. The overall design shows the Rush bigger than what it actually is but the only negative point here is wheel size that seems too small and reminds some cheap Chinese cars. At the rear, there are big headlights with a roof-mounted spoiler.

Interior

As a cheap mainstream compact crossover, Toyota Rush offers a good interior design compared to some of its rivals like Dacia Duster. In terms of quality and space while it is not the best car you can find but can satisfy its users. Also, the design completely reminds passengers that they are sitting in an SUV car.

With 4,435 mm of length and 2,65 mm of wheelbase, Toyota Rush has three rows of seats. Knee and head space is good for front and second-row passengers but like many other three-row cars Rush also suffers from tight space for third-row passengers.

Equipment inside the cabin is a push-button start, two 12V output, automatic climate control system, leather steering wheel with control buttons on it, supervision analog instrument cluster, 360-degree camera, blind-spot monitor, dual-tone dashboard, Bluetooth connection, auto headlights, rear climate control vents, 6.8-inch infotainment system touch screen, dashcam, 6 airbags, stability control system, fabric seats, rear-cross traffic alert and rear parking sensors.

In terms of safety, Toyota Rush has got 5 stars

Engine

Toyota Rush is available with only one engine option and that is a 1.5-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine with dual VVT-i technology. The engine pumps out 103 hp at 6000 rpm and 134 nm of torque at 4200 rpm. Power can be transferred to the rear wheels via 4-speed automatic transmission while in other markets, buyers can go for 5-speed manual.

Toyota Rush can hit 100 kph in 14 seconds and reach the top speed of 180 kph. The fuel economy figure is 7.7 l/100km which is not bad for a seven-seater SUV.

Driving

Toyota Rush is not a driver’s car at all and it is more an economy family hauler than a real SUV but surprisingly it rides well compared to many of its rivals. The rear-wheel drive platform performs reasonably good and the main complaint backs to engine power and suspension comfort.

Verdict

As a practical, economy daily used car, Toyota Rush can be a very good choice but its experience is way lower than other Toyota products. Its advantages are good handling, rear-wheel drive configuration, and third row seats. Its downsides are also dull acceleration, hard plastic interior, and third-row space.

Main rivals of Toyota Rush are Nissan Kicks, Mitsubishi ASX, and Renault (Dacia) Duster. While almost all of these cars are available with more powerful engine options and some of them are even available with 4WD system the Rush is one of the few cars in this segment that offers third-row seats.