Toyota Spade

Introduction

The Toyota Spade is a compact multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) designed to offer maximum practicality in urban settings. Introduced in the early 2010s, it shares its platform with the Toyota Porte but comes with a more youthful and distinctive design. The Spade was created to meet the needs of families and city drivers who value ease of access, interior versatility, and fuel efficiency. Its sliding doors and compact footprint make it a favorite in Japan’s congested cities and among those seeking everyday convenience.

Exterior

The exterior of the Toyota Spade combines functionality with playful styling. Its tall body and short hood create a boxy yet charming silhouette that maximizes interior space. The standout feature is the large sliding door on the passenger side, designed for easy entry and exit in tight spaces. Sharp headlamps, body-colored bumpers, and subtle chrome accents enhance its modern urban character. Higher trims may feature stylish alloy wheels and fog lamps, adding a touch of sophistication.

Interior

Inside, the Toyota Spade is surprisingly spacious given its compact size. The flat floor and tall roof ensure excellent headroom and legroom for all passengers. The sliding door design provides exceptional accessibility, particularly useful for children or elderly passengers. The dashboard layout is simple and ergonomic, with ample storage spaces and cup holders. Depending on the trim, it may include a touchscreen infotainment system, automatic climate control, and keyless entry for added comfort.

Safety Features

Toyota designed the Spade with safety as a top priority for families. Standard safety features include dual front airbags, anti-lock braking system (ABS), and electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD). Newer variants come equipped with Toyota Safety Sense, which offers pre-collision warning, lane departure alert, and automatic high beams. Its high seating position and large glass area enhance visibility, making driving safer and more confident.

Engine Trims

The Toyota Spade typically comes with a 1.3L or 1.5L inline-four engine paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). These engines focus on delivering smooth acceleration and fuel efficiency, making the Spade perfect for city commutes. The front-wheel-drive layout ensures easy handling, while the lightweight construction enhances maneuverability in tight spaces.

Maintenance

Maintenance for the Toyota Spade is straightforward and cost-effective. Regular servicing keeps the vehicle running efficiently, with parts readily available through Toyota’s vast network. The small-displacement engine contributes to low fuel and maintenance costs. Known for its durability, the Spade delivers years of reliable urban performance with minimal upkeep requirements.

Competitors

The Toyota Spade competes with models like the Honda Freed, Nissan Cube, and Daihatsu Thor. While competitors offer similar space utilization, the Spade’s sliding door design, reliability, and efficient performance make it a strong contender in the compact MPV category. It remains one of the most practical and family-friendly city cars in its segment.