What is the difference between Alpha and Alphard?
2 Answers
Alpha and Alphard are actually the same model, a large MPV under Toyota, with no difference except for variations in how people refer to them. Related information: 1. Introduction: The Alphard is a luxury MPV developed by Toyota to compete with the Nissan Elgrand, built on an improved Previa chassis. 2. Expansion: The first-generation Alphard was launched in 2002, offering 2.4L and 3.0L engine options, both available with four-wheel drive. In 2008, the Alphard underwent a model update, and to counter its rival Elgrand, Toyota simultaneously introduced its sister model, the Vellfire, which emphasizes a younger and sportier style, though it remains slightly conservative compared to the Elgrand.
I also used to think Alphard and Erffa were two different models, until I realized they're actually the same Toyota Alphard. When this vehicle first entered China, the transliteration caused a twin-name situation - Hong Kong prefers calling it Alphard while mainland officially standardized it as Erffa. The funniest part was when I visited the dealership, the salesperson confirmed both names work interchangeably since there's zero difference in the actual vehicles, with shared configurations across trims. Through its three generations of iterations, from the first-gen to current hybrid versions, the naming remains consistent. Though you'll often spot both badges on the road, those are just owner modifications unrelated to the model. If you encounter price differences between identically-named used cars, inspect the actual specs carefully to avoid overpaying based on naming gimmicks.
