How to Choose Between Toyota Alphard and Buick GL8?
3 Answers
You can make a choice based on your personal needs. Here are the details of both models: 1. Price: The top-tier version of the Alphard is more expensive than the top-tier version of the Buick GL8. The Alphard is an MPV under Toyota. The Buick GL8 is an MPV under Buick, with the latest top-tier model being the 2021 Avenir 4-Seat Premium Edition. 2. Overall Body: The body of the top-tier Alphard is shorter than that of the top-tier Buick GL8, and the wheelbase of the Alphard is also shorter than that of the GL8. 3. Power: The Toyota Alphard is equipped with a 2GR-FE 3.5L V6 engine, delivering a maximum power of 202kW and a maximum torque of 340Nm, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The Buick GL8 is equipped with a 2.0T-SIDI direct-injection turbocharged engine across all models, offering a maximum power of 191kW at 5400rpm and a peak torque of 350N·m between 2000-5000rpm. 4. Interior: The Toyota Alphard features 4-way electrically adjustable Ottoman first-class seats, with three-way headrests, independent armrests, cup holders, a multifunctional folding table, and a maximum seatback recline of 78 degrees. It also includes a 450mm sliding range and height-adjustable footrests. The Buick GL8's second-row seats are equipped with VIP-level luxury seats, offering 10-way adjustment functions, including two-way manual front and rear adjustment, two-way electric seatback angle adjustment, four-way electric lumbar support, and two-way electric leg support.
With both elderly and children in my family, space practicality is the top priority when buying a car. The GL8 has a spacious second-row aisle, allowing kids to move around inside, and the trunk can fit two strollers with room to spare. The Alphard requires flipping seats to access the third row, making it inconvenient for picking up elderly family members. In terms of fuel consumption, the GL8 runs on 92-octane gas with around 12L/100km in the city; the Alphard hybrid is more fuel-efficient but requires 95-octane gas, making the per-kilometer cost roughly the same. For repairs, Buick dealerships can get parts the same day, while Toyota often requires waiting for imported parts—last time, it took half a month just for wiper blades. The Alphard’s seats are indeed softer, but the GL8’s lumbar support adjustment is better for long trips—I drove six hours to Sanya without feeling fatigued.
When frequently hosting important clients, the choice of vehicle must consider business image. At the entrance of high-end hotels, the Alphard's airline seats and privacy glass exude an aura of prestige, with clients often exclaiming 'the same as celebrities'. Although the GL8 ES version also features leg rests and heating, the leather quality and stitching details are slightly inferior. Last week, when picking up Japanese clients, they immediately nodded in approval upon seeing the Alphard's samurai sword grille. However, the GL8's intelligent connectivity is more practical, allowing the car to be preheated remotely via smartphone, enabling immediate response to last-minute itinerary changes. In terms of parking convenience, the GL8 has the upper hand, with its 5.3-meter length offering more flexibility in office building basements.
