Toyota Rumion

Design-wise, the Toyota Rumion carries a familiar shape, as it is largely based on the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga. However, Toyota has added subtle design elements that distinguish it from its Maruti sibling. The front fascia is where most of the differences are noticeable. The Rumion gets an Innova Crysta-like grille with a larger Toyota badge at the center, giving it a more upmarket look. The redesigned fog lamp housing and new 15-inch alloy wheels also contribute to its slightly more premium appeal.

In profile, the Rumion’s resemblance to the Ertiga is clear, with the same sloping roofline and body lines. However, the 20 mm increase in length due to redesigned bumpers slightly alters its dimensions. At the rear, apart from the Toyota badging, the design remains identical to the Ertiga, including the taillights and rear bumper.

Overall, the design tweaks on the Rumion give it a marginally more refined look than the Ertiga, but it remains a familiar silhouette in the MPV space. The Toyota logo certainly adds a level of snob value, but for those looking for a dramatically different design, the Rumion might not stand out.

The Toyota Rumion is powered by the same 1.5-liter petrol engine that powers the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga. This engine produces 102 bhp and 138 Nm of torque, paired with either a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission. The engine also features a mild-hybrid system, which provides torque assist during acceleration and enables the start/stop functionality to improve fuel efficiency.

In terms of performance, the Rumion is well-suited for city driving. The engine delivers smooth power, and the manual gearbox is easy to operate, making it a relaxed driving experience in stop-and-go traffic. On highways, the Rumion cruises comfortably, although overtaking requires some planning, especially when carrying a full load of passengers.

For buyers with higher running needs, the Rumion is also available in a CNG variant that produces 86.6 bhp and 121.5 Nm of torque. While the CNG variant sacrifices some performance, it offers a much more economical option for those looking to reduce fuel costs.

Overall, the Rumion’s performance is satisfactory for an MPV of this size. It isn’t designed for spirited driving but offers a comfortable and predictable performance, making it ideal for long-distance family trips or daily commutes.

The ride quality in the Toyota Rumion is smooth and comfortable, which is one of its strongest attributes. The suspension setup is tuned for comfort, absorbing most bumps and undulations on the road with ease. Whether you’re driving in the city or on highways, the Rumion delivers a plush ride experience, making it a perfect companion for long family journeys.

The steering is light, which makes the Rumion easy to maneuver in tight city spaces. While the light steering is a boon in urban driving, it doesn’t provide much feedback at higher speeds, which might be a downside for those who enjoy more engaging driving dynamics. That said, the Rumion feels stable at highway speeds, and its soft suspension keeps passengers comfortable over rough patches.

In terms of handling, the Rumion is not designed to take corners at high speeds but offers adequate grip and stability for regular driving scenarios. The braking system, with discs at the front and drums at the rear, offers predictable stopping power, though a more progressive pedal feel could enhance driver confidence during emergency stops.

Inside the Toyota Rumion, the cabin layout is nearly identical to that of the Ertiga. It follows a beige and grey color scheme, which gives it a bright and airy feel. The fabric seats are comfortable, and the overall build quality is decent for the price point. The seating arrangement allows for seven passengers, with three rows of seats. The second row provides ample space for three average-sized passengers and comes with rear AC vents and charging facilities. The third row, while usable for short journeys, is best suited for children or smaller adults, as it lacks the space needed for taller passengers over long distances.

The driver’s seat is comfortable, with good visibility thanks to the raised seating position. The 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system is responsive and comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which adds a touch of modernity to the cabin. Other features include automatic climate control, paddle shifters (for the AT variant), cruise control, and cooled cup holders. However, these features are largely carried over from the Ertiga, and Toyota hasn’t added any significant upgrades in terms of cabin tech.

The Toyota Rumion offers a respectable list of features, although there are few major upgrades over the Ertiga. The 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, though smaller compared to some rivals, functions well and supports both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay wirelessly. The cruise control and paddle shifters are nice additions to the automatic variant, making long-distance highway driving more comfortable.

Other notable features include cooled cup holders, steering-mounted controls, automatic climate control, and multiple charging outlets for all three rows. The rear passengers benefit from AC vents and a foldable armrest with cup holders, which enhances comfort for those sitting in the second row. However, the material quality remains the same as the Ertiga, so those expecting a more premium cabin experience might be a little underwhelmed.

Fuel efficiency is one of the Rumion’s strong points. The petrol variant delivers an impressive mileage of 20.51 kmpl for the manual transmission and 20.11 kmpl for the automatic variant. For those opting for the CNG variant, the fuel efficiency figure goes up to 26.11 km/kg, making it one of the most economical MPVs in its segment.

The Rumion’s mild-hybrid system further enhances fuel efficiency by offering features like idle start/stop and torque assist, helping to reduce fuel consumption, especially during city driving.

While the Toyota Rumion is priced at a premium of ₹60,000 to ₹70,000 over the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, it does offer better warranty coverage and the advantage of Toyota’s after-sales service, which is renowned for reliability. The starting price of ₹10.44 lakh (ex-showroom) might seem on the higher side, especially since it lacks an entry-level variant like the Ertiga, but for buyers who prioritize Toyota’s brand value and warranty, the premium is justified.

When comparing similarly equipped variants of the Rumion and Ertiga, the price difference becomes less significant, and buyers get access to Toyota’s extensive warranty package of 3 years/1 lakh km, extendable to 5 years/2.2 lakh km, which is superior to what Maruti offers.

Toyota is known for its exceptional after-sales service, and the Rumion benefits from this. Toyota offers a 3-year/1 lakh km standard warranty with the Rumion, which can be extended to 5 years/2.2 lakh km, giving buyers peace of mind when it comes to long-term ownership. Additionally, Toyota’s network of service centers across India ensures that Rumion owners have easy access to maintenance and support.

The Toyota Rumion’s primary competitor is the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, which shares the same platform, engine, and most features. While the Ertiga is priced slightly lower, the Rumion offers better warranty coverage and the prestige associated with the Toyota badge.

Other competitors in the MPV segment include the Kia Carens and Mahindra Marazzo. While the Kia Carens offers more premium features and a larger size, it comes at a higher price point. The Mahindra Marazzo, on the other hand, is a more rugged MPV but lacks the refinement and feature set of the Rumion.

The Toyota Rumion is a practical and comfortable MPV that offers everything buyers loved about the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, with the added advantage of Toyota’s brand value, reliability, and after-sales support. While the design changes are minimal, and the feature list largely mirrors that of the Ertiga, the Rumion’s better warranty coverage and the appeal of the Toyota badge make it a compelling option for families seeking a spacious and fuel-efficient MPV