This is it, the new 2023 Toyota Vellfire has gone on sale in Japan, alongside its twin the Toyota Alphard.

Despite earlier rumours of discontinuation following poor sales of the previous generation Vellfire (versus Alphard), Toyota has decided to retain the Vellfire anyway, but with greater differentiation from the Toyota Alphard.

More than just a twin with a different face, the new generation, sportier 2023 Toyota Vellfire now features an exclusive engine – a T24A-FTS 2.4-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder Dynamic Force engine that’s not offered to the Alphard. This is the same engine used by the Toyota Crown, Lexus NX, and Lexus RX.

The turbocharged engine makes 279 PS and 430 Nm, sent to either the front or all four wheels via an 8-speed Direct Shift automatic transmission. Gone is the previous Vellfire’s CVT.

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The classic luxury Alphard is powered by a 182 PS / 235 Nm 2AR-FE 2.5-litre naturally aspirated 4-cylinder, paired to CVT-type automatic transmission. It’s the same engine carried over from the previous generation Alphard / Vellfire (though Malaysia never received the 2.5L Alphard, recond models aside).

Also available for the Vellfire is the A25A-FXS 2.5-litre 4-cylinder hybrid. This petrol-electric engine makes 250 PS (combined output), paired to a beltless, planetary gearset E-CVT. This hybrid engine is also available in the Alphard.

As with many recent Toyota models, the new generation Vellfire rides on the TNGA platform. Specifically, it’s the TNGA-K platform that’s shared with the Toyota Camry, Toyota Crown, and Lexus ES, NX, and RX.

Chassis rigidity is said to be 50 percent higher than the previous generation model, thanks to additional braces and use of structural adhesives – high-damping ones for around the feet of the occupants and high-rigidity ones at the rear of the vehicle.

Within the engine bay, there’s a Front Performance Brace connects the radiator support and side members, again for additional rigidity. This is another Vellfire-exclusive feature that’s not shared with the Alphard.

Handling is improved by a set of TNGA-specific MacPherson strut suspension in front, with updated double wishbone rear suspension.

In terms of comfort, vibration is said to be 30 percent less than before, thanks to new seat structure, generous use of rubber bushings and memory foam.

There's also a power-retractable side step under the sliding doors, on both sides of the car.

The Toyota Vellfire was previously sold in Malaysia (only with the 2.5-litre engine option) for RM 382,300. The Alphard, which was only sold here with a 3.5-litre V6 engine, used to sell for RM 464,000. Of course, parallel importers will sell a wider range of variants.

As a fully imported (CBU) model, there is less lead-time required (no need for parts localization and retooling the plant) before launching the new model here locally, so interested buyers can expect UMW Toyota Motor to launch the generation 2023 Toyota Alphard / Vellfire by the end of this year.