Toyota Voxy vs Toyota Noah: Which recon MPV offers better value in Malaysia?

Before we dive in, there are two crucial points to clear up: First, neither the Voxy nor the Noah is officially distributed by an authorised principal in Malaysia; both are reconditioned (recon) import models. As such, market prices fluctuate, and the figures quoted in this article serve purely as a general guide—actual pricing will depend on the respective recon car dealer.

Second, underneath the sheet metal, both MPVs are essentially identical twins. They share the same platform, powertrain, and chassis architecture.

Both sit on the TNGA platform, powered by the same M20A-FKS 2.0L naturally aspirated engine mated to a CVT gearbox. Going by current market listings, the Voxy commands a premium of around RM20,000 - RM30,000 over the Noah.

So, if both are virtually identical mechanical twins, where does this RM20,000 to RM30,000 price gap actually stem from?

Pricing

As these are recon imports, pricing tends to be quite fluid, making an exact price tag tricky to pin down. However, based on market checks, a newer-year Voxy typically trades between RM180,000 - RM195,000, whilst older pre-2025 unregistered stock can dip down to around RM129,000 - RM150,000.

The Noah is more pocket-friendly. Newer unregistered units generally hover around RM170,000 - RM190,000, with older model-year units going for as low as RM105,000 - RM130,000.

Do note that these figures are strictly indicative. Recon car prices vary widely depending on grade, auction condition, mileage, and specific batch availability—a typical characteristic of the parallel import market.

Exterior

Put simply, the exterior is where these two siblings diverge the most, and it is the exact area where that five-figure price gap is most readily visible.

In terms of dimensions, the Voxy measures 4695x1730x1855 (certain variants sit at 1895) mm with a 2850mm wheelbase. The Noah, meanwhile, comes in at 4695x1730x1925mm, sharing the exact same 2850mm wheelbase.

On paper, apart from the Noah standing slightly taller, the overall footprint is identical.

However, their design languages could not be more distinct.

The Voxy leans heavily into a sharper, tech-forward, and decidedly urban minivan aesthetic. It flaunts aggressive projector LED headlamps, an expansive chrome front grille, and an athletic bumper setup complemented by 17-inch alloy wheels.

Selected units even sport the factory GR bodykit for a considerably sportier stance—albeit at a steeper asking price. In short, the Voxy is sculpted to look every bit the chic, modern city MPV.

Conversely, the Noah takes a more understated, utilitarian approach, dialling back the visual aggression considerably.

It settles for a conventional one-piece headlamp layout, a more restrained front grille, and toned-down bumper lines, riding on smaller 16-inch rims instead of the 17-inch rollers on the Voxy. Visually, it cuts the figure of an honest, low-key, family-first workhorse MPV.

To put it bluntly, underneath the skin they are the same car: the Noah is the humble, sensible daily driver, whereas the Voxy is the flashier, more premium head-turner. Parked side by side, the Voxy undeniably projects a more upmarket presence.

Ultimately, it boils down to personal taste: are you willing to cough up an extra RM20,000 - RM30,000 purely for the Voxy's sharper looks?

Interior and Equipment

Stepping inside the Voxy, you are greeted by a driver-centric cockpit layout where most switchgear is canted towards the driver.

The kit list is reasonably generous: a 10.5-inch infotainment touchscreen (standard from 2025 onwards, though buyers should verify whether a recon unit is an earlier pre-2025 build) and two power sliding doors.

Other available goodies include a 7-inch digital instrument cluster (though lower-grade recon units still feature analogue dials), a colour head-up display (HUD), a digital rear-view mirror, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, and a manual driver's seat.

For an MPV in this class, the overall specification is commendable, with tech like the digital rear-view mirror offering genuine real-world practicality.

The Noah matches the Voxy closely on equipment, but mirroring its exterior, the cabin ambiance is decidedly more straightforward.

The 10.5-inch display and dual power sliding doors are accounted for, and selected high-spec recon units do pack the 7-inch digital cluster. However, the majority of Noah stock in the market comes fitted with basic analogue gauges and a standard day/night rear-view mirror.

While seat upholstery mirrors the Voxy with a combination of fabric and synthetic leather, the Noah opts for darker, more spill- and stain-resistant interior colourways.

In essence, just like their sheet metal, the Voxy delivers modern tech flair, while the Noah stays rooted in no-nonsense practicality.

Rear Cabin and Practicality

This is where any MPV truly earns its keep. Looking at the Voxy, it comes in either a 7-seater (2+2+3) or an 8-seater (2+3+3) configuration.

The 7-seater variant features individual second-row captain seats complete with ultra-long sliding runners and integrated ottoman leg rests. The third-row seats feature a 50:50 split and fold sideways to yield a cavernous, virtually flat cargo floor.

The Voxy also scores exceptionally well in rear-cabin ingress ergonomics: the power sliding door opening spans an impressive 740mm, with a low step-in floor height of just 200mm (20 cm).

This makes getting in and out effortless for elderly family members and small children—setting a benchmark in the minivan class. Little wonder that in Japan, the Voxy is an immensely popular donor vehicle for Welcab mobility conversions.

As for the Noah, cabin layout and spatial packaging are practically carbon copies of the Voxy—the core hardware is identical. The key differentiator boils down to cabin trim colours: the Noah's darker, hardier tones are clearly curated to withstand heavy-duty family and cargo duties.

Powertrain and Safety

Why lump these two sections together? Quite simply because detailing the mechanicals of the Voxy tells you everything you need to know about the Noah.

Under the bonnet, both MPVs utilise a 2.0L naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol unit churning out 170 PS and 202 Nm of torque, paired with a Direct Shift CVT.

While there are no official century sprint figures, real-world 0-100 km/h times hover around the 10-second mark—not that target MPV buyers will lose sleep over it. Predictably, the powertrain tuning prioritises smooth, effortless urban cruising, perfectly suited to the gentle persona of both models.

On the safety front, the inclusion of the TSS 3.0 suite is a major selling point. The TSS 3.0 active safety package encompasses the Pre-Collision System (PCS/AEB), Lane Departure Alert (LDA), Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC/ACC), Automatic High Beam (AHB), Blind Spot Monitor (BSM), and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA).

Airbag counts, however, require strict due diligence. On paper, the TSS 3.0-equipped platform supports up to 7 airbags.

But among recon imports landing in Malaysia, a significant number of base-spec units only carry 3 airbags (dual front plus a driver's knee airbag). If you are shopping around, verifying the exact airbag count in person on the actual car is an absolute must.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, the primary difference between these two boils down to exterior styling, backed by subtle interior trim variations. Is the bolder visual flair worth that RM20,000 to RM30,000 premium?

In my book, probably not. Even if you find the Noah's front end a tad plain, picking one up and fitting an aftermarket bodykit will likely still cost you less overall than buying a Voxy outright.

That said, the Voxy remains a highly desirable package in its own right. In Japan and across regional markets, plenty of buyers snap up the Voxy precisely for its road presence before embarking on custom build projects.

It has long been a staple platform for DUB, HellaFlush, and VIP stance builds (though the Noah sees plenty of DUB-style action as well).

With that laid out, your choice really comes down to whether you prefer understated value or aggressive street presence.

(Image credit: wheelsage)