Toyota Noah Hybrid (Elegance) Review: Practicality Meets Quiet Refinement

If you’re a family of six in Singapore hunting for a people mover that doesn’t scrimp on space, the new Toyota Noah Hybrid deserves a hard look.

This MPV is unapologetically practical, with enough headroom and legroom to make a weekend road trip feel less like a squeeze and more like a gentle cruise. The Noah comfortably seats seven, so the odd aunt, uncle, or friend of the kids won’t have to fight for space… or air conditioning.

Practically Speaking

Step inside, and the build quality is immediately recognisable as Toyota; everything feels solid and tight under your hands. True, there’s a fair bit of utilitarian plastic dotted around the cabin, but before you snub your nose, remember: This is a family MPV. That plastic is designed to take the hits, scratches, and sticky fingerprints of everyday life without showing them. Toyota has, essentially, made the cabin child-friendly without shouting about it.

Meanwhile, the seats are padded generously and upholstered in leather, offering just enough touch of luxury to remind you that comfort hasn’t been forgotten. For families, this is a good people mover indeed.

Driving It

Under the bonnet, the Noah combines a 1.8-litre petrol engine producing 97 bhp with an electric motor adding 94 bhp, paired with a CVT. Together, they deliver a combined output of 138 bhp and 142 Nm of torque. Driven in a relaxed, city-cruising manner, the Noah is impressively refined; the petrol engine purrs quietly while the electric motor glides in seamlessly, making traffic jams and long drives alike far less stressful.

However, push the accelerator hard and the car’s limitations become obvious; it takes its time to respond, and the engine note is nowhere near inspiring. But let’s be honest - this isn’t a performance car. If you’re chasing thrills, the Noah isn’t for you; it’s designed for smooth, stress-free transport, and on that front, it excels.

Driving around Singapore, the Noah’s size feels surprisingly manageable. It’s not a compact hatch, but the hybrid system helps in stop-start traffic, and the CVT keeps things effortless on long stretches of the PIE or AYE. Suspension is tuned more for comfort than sharp handling, soaking up potholes and speed bumps like a well-cushioned sofa. Cornering is predictable rather than exciting, and that’s exactly what you want when ferrying a carload of family members.

For Your Entertainment?

Now, let’s talk tech. If you’ve recently experienced the feature-laden headunits and gadgetry of Chinese EVs, the Noah might feel a little… underwhelming. The standard audio system is functional, but dated; it would have been impressive in the mid-90s. If you want modern infotainment, this is one upgrade you’ll want to make as soon as possible.

On the bright side, the Noah does offer some clever touches. For instance, you can open the rear sliding doors simply by swiping your foot under the front passenger or driver’s door. It’s a small thing, yes, but extremely effective when your hands are full with shopping bags, groceries, or, in Singapore terms, a mountain of pasar items.

Practicality extends beyond doors and seating. Storage compartments are thoughtfully placed, cup holders abound, and the third-row seats fold to the sides easily, turning the Noah into a mini cargo carrier in seconds. Toyota has kept things simple, avoiding gimmicks in favour of functionality. This is a car designed to do its job reliably, day in, day out, without demanding much from its owner beyond basic care.

In A Nutshell

So, who should consider the Toyota Noah Hybrid? It’s for families who prioritise space, reliability, and ease of living. It’s for those who want a people mover that doesn’t make every outing a logistical headache. It’s not flashy, it won’t win any performance awards, and it doesn’t need to. What it does offer is a solid, trustworthy, and surprisingly refined package for moving people efficiently around Singapore.

In a market where cars are increasingly about flash and bells and whistles, the Noah is refreshingly simple. It does what it sets out to do: comfortably, quietly, and reliably. For families who want a no-nonsense Japanese MPV that won’t complain when the kids spill their Milo or leave toys under the seats, the Noah Hybrid is worth a serious look.

In short: If you think space, think comfort, think peace of mind, the Noah will serve you well. It may not wow your friends with cutting-edge tech, but it will quietly earn your respect every time you need to move your family with ease.

Photos by Azfar Hashim

---

Car you sell, Carousell. Get the highest quote for your car in just 24 hours, with assistance on paperwork too!