A former British Touring Car support racer, Nick is the founder of ChooseMyCar and brings years of industry insight to the world of cars and car buying.
Overall Rating
3.8/5
Based on expert evaluation and real-world testing
Performance
3.5
Comfort & Interior
4
Running Costs
4.2
Practicality
4.5
Expert Review
Our ratings are based on thorough testing and expert evaluation. We consider all aspects of the vehicle, from performance to value for money, ensuring you get a transparent and reliable assessment.
Overview
The Toyota Estima is a versatile MPV that offers families an impressive blend of space, reliability and practicality. This Japanese people carrier has built a strong reputation for dependable service and excellent build quality over the years. With its distinctive styling and spacious seven seat configuration, the Estima provides genuine flexibility for larger families or those who regularly carry passengers. The cabin offers excellent visibility and comfortable seating across all three rows, making it ideal for school runs and family holidays alike. While competitors like the Honda CR-V and Nissan X-Trail focus more on SUV styling, the Estima prioritises interior space and passenger comfort above all else. Toyota’s legendary reliability means running costs remain reasonable, with many examples covering high mileages without major issues. The Estima’s clever seating arrangements and generous boot space make it particularly appealing to families who need maximum versatility from their vehicle. Whether you’re looking for a dependable family car or need something that can handle everything from daily commutes to weekend adventures, the Estima delivers the kind of no nonsense practicality that Toyota is famous for.
What's the Toyota Estima Like to Drive?
The Toyota Estima prioritises smooth, relaxed driving over outright performance. The 2.4-litre petrol engine produces around 170 horsepower, which provides adequate power for a vehicle of this size. The 0-60 mph time of approximately 11 seconds won’t set any records, but it feels perfectly suitable for everyday family duties. The engine is notably refined, delivering Toyota’s trademark smoothness that makes longer journeys more pleasant for everyone on board.
Key Features
Essential specifications and features
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Engine
2.4L 4-cylinder petrol
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Power Output
170 bhp
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0-60 mph
11.0 seconds
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MPG Combined
32 - 35 mpg
- Boot Space
- Safety Rating
- ★★★★☆ (JNCAP)
Inside the Toyota Estima: Comfort & Features
Step inside the Estima and you’ll immediately appreciate the spacious, airy cabin. The interior design is functional rather than fancy, with sturdy materials and straightforward controls that prioritise ease of use. The dashboard layout is refreshingly simple, with large buttons and clear displays that make everything intuitive to operate. While the plastics aren’t premium quality, they feel robust and built to withstand family life. The captain’s chairs in the middle row are particularly comfortable, offering good support for longer journeys.
The Toyota Estima is a family-focused MPV that excels in practicality and reliability, offering generous space and a refined interior. Its 2.4-litre engine provides smooth, if unexciting, performance, prioritising comfort over speed. While not the fastest, it handles daily duties with grace, and its fuel efficiency and low running costs make it a cost-effective choice. Though the driving dynamics lack flair, the Estima’s sturdy build and flexible seating make it a solid option for those valuing utility over sportiness.
How Much Does It Cost to Run a Toyota Estima?
The Estima delivers respectable running costs for such a large vehicle. Fuel economy sits around 32-35 mpg in real world driving, which is reasonable for a vehicle that can carry eight people. Insurance costs are moderate, typically falling into group 20-25 depending on the specific model year. Toyota’s reputation for reliability means you’re less likely to face unexpected repair bills, though parts and servicing costs are slightly higher than mainstream European alternatives.
How Does It Compare?
Compare key features and specifications
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Toyota Estima
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Ford Galaxy
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Volkswagen Sharan
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|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | £8,000 | £10,000 | £12,000 |
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Performance
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| Engine | 2.4L petrol 170hp | 2.0L EcoBoost 240hp | 2.0L TSI 150hp |
| Power | 170 bhp | 240 bhp | 150 bhp |
| 0-60 mph | 11.0 seconds | 8.5 seconds | 10.5 seconds |
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Running Costs
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| MPG Combined | 34 mpg | 36 mpg | 38 mpg |
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Practicality
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Standard Features
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| Key Features | Sliding doors, 8 seats, Proven reliability | PowerShift auto, Strong performance, European styling | Premium interior, Efficient engines, Advanced safety |
Is the Toyota Estima Practical for Everyday Use?
The Toyota Estima excels in practical family transport. The sliding rear doors are incredibly useful, especially in tight parking spaces or when loading children and shopping. With all seats in place, you can accommodate eight people, though boot space becomes limited. However, the flexible seating system allows you to create various configurations. Remove the third row and you have generous luggage space plus seven seats. Fold down more seats and the Estima transforms into a capable cargo hauler with a completely flat load floor.
We’ve had our Estima for five years and it’s been absolutely brilliant. The sliding doors are so practical with kids, and it’s never let us down. The ride is really smooth and comfortable for long trips. Only wish the fuel economy was a bit better, but you can’t have everything.
The Toyota Estima stands out in the used MPV market by offering genuine eight seat capability backed by Toyota’s renowned reliability. It packages practical family transport features like sliding doors, flexible seating, and a comfortable ride into an honest, dependable package. While it may lack the modern styling and advanced technology of newer rivals, it delivers where it counts: moving families safely and comfortably.