Toyota Rumion Review: MPV For The Masses?

Toyota's entry with the Rumion signifies its ambition to challenge the status quo and make its mark in this segment.

In the highly competitive MPV segment, manufacturers are constantly innovating to cater to the varied demands of consumers. The Kia Carens, Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, and Maruti Suzuki XL6 are established in this market with their unique offerings. However, Toyota's entry with the Rumion signifies its ambition to challenge the status quo and make its mark in this segment. We take a closer look at what distinguishes Rumion from its competitors.

Toyota Rumion: Exterior

The Rumion is based on the Ertiga, but Toyota's tweaked it to make it stand out. The front end got a bit of a makeover with a bigger grille that reminds us of the Innova Crysta. They also spiced up the fog lamp housings and alloy wheels to add a touch of class. But here's the thing, while the front looks different, the back still resembles the Ertiga quite a bit. They did offer some color options and optional chrome extras though, if you're into that sort of thing.

Overall, it's like they took the familiar Ertiga and gave it a bit of a facelift. It's still got that Toyota badge, which might appeal to some folks looking for a stylish MPV.

Toyota Rumion: Tech & Interior

So, the interior of the Rumion is pretty similar to the Ertiga. Like, if you didn't see the badge, you might think you're in an Ertiga. But hey, that's not necessarily a bad thing. It's got all the basics covered, like a 7-inch touchscreen for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which is cool. Plus, there's some faux wood trim and blue dials on the dash for a bit of style.

Oh, and they didn't forget about the practical stuff either. There are cooled cup holders and plenty of storage space, which is always handy. The second row is decently roomy, but squeezing three adults might be pushing it.

But here's the kicker – it's missing some fancy features you might find in other models, like wireless charging and ambient lighting. So, while it's comfy and functional, it's not exactly loaded with all the bells and whistles.

Toyota Rumion: Third Row Comfort

The Rumion's third-row accessibility from the curbside, facilitated by a one-touch button, is a convenient feature. Surprisingly, it accommodates medium-sized adults comfortably, aided by a spacious DLO that prevents feelings of claustrophobia.

In terms of rear-seat amenities, the Rumion boasts a dedicated air conditioning blower in the second row, along with four vents and a 12 Volt, 120W charging socket for both the second and third rows.

Toyota Rumion: Engine & Transmission

Let me break down the engine situation in the Rumion for you. It's got this 1.5-litre petrol engine, which is the same one you'd find in the Ertiga. It's got enough oomph to move the Rumion and its passengers around without breaking a sweat, with 102 bhp and 137 Nm of torque.

It's pretty quiet when you start it up, which is nice. And on the road, it's smooth sailing for the most part. But, if you push it past 3500 rpm, it starts getting a bit louder. And if you've got the car fully loaded, you might notice it takes a bit longer to pick up speed once you hit 80 kmph.

As for transmissions, you've got two options – a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic. Both do the job just fine but keep in mind that if you want the CNG option, you'll have to stick with the manual transmission.

Toyota Rumion: Ride & Handling

The Rumion's ride quality is not bad at all. This thing glides over rough roads and potholes like a champ, giving you a comfy ride. But here's the thing – when you're taking corners, you might notice a bit of body roll. It's not a big deal though, nothing that affects safety or anything like that.

The Rumion's all about that chill driving vibe. It's not trying to be a speed demon or anything, just wants to make sure you're nice and relaxed behind the wheel. So, if you're into laid-back driving experiences, this might just be the ride for you.

Toyota Rumion: Verdict

The Rumion starts at around ₹ 10.44 lakh (ex-showroom, India), which is a bit more expensive than the Ertiga. Like, we're talking an extra ₹50-60,000 across all variants. But here's where it gets interesting – Toyota's justifying that higher price tag by offering a longer warranty. With the Rumion, you get a 3-year or 1 lakh km warranty, while the Ertiga only comes with a 2-year or 40,000 km warranty.

If you're itching to get behind the wheel of a Rumion, you won't have to wait as long. It’s got shorter waiting periods and faster delivery times, which is always a plus. Sure, it might be missing a few bells and whistles compared to the Kia Carens and even the Maruti Suzuki XL6, but when it comes to getting you from point A to point B comfortably, the Rumion delivers.

Photography By: Apoorv Choudhary