- Spacious interior
- Comfortable front seats
- Comfortable ride
- Steering is light…
- … but vague around centre
- 2.4-litre 2AZ-FE engine barely adequate when laden
- Offset instruments difficult to read
- Flat second-row seats lack support
- Seats aren’t removable
Review: Toyota XR30.I Tarago (2000-03)
Overview
Released in June 2000, the Toyota XR30 Series I (XR30.I) Tarago was available as a seven- or eight-seat people mover. Manufactured in Japan, the front-wheel drive XR30 Tarago was powered by a 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that was mated to a four-speed automatic transmission.
The XR30.I Tarago range consisted of three variants: the entry-level GLi, the mid-range GLX and the range-topping Ultima. While the Tarago GLi and GLX had eight seats (in a 2-3-3 configuration), the Tarago Ultima only had seven seats due to its two separate second row chairs.
2AZ-FE engine
The 2.4-litre 2AZ-FE four-cylinder petrol engine had an aluminium block and cylinder head, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, variable intake valve timing (Toyota’s ‘VVT-i’), twin counter-rotating balance shafts and a compression ratio of 9.6:1.
Dimensions
Compared to its XR10 predecessor, the XR30 Tarago was the same length (at 4750 mm), 10 mm narrower (1790 mm), 20 mm lower (1770 mm) and had a 40 mm longer wheelbase (2900 mm).
Suspension
Although based on the XV30 Camry platform, the Tarago had MacPherson strut front suspension and torsion beam rear suspension.
| Variant | Seats | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GLi, GLX |
8 (2-3-3) | 2.4-litre petrol I4 (2AZ-FE) |
4sp auto | 115 kW at 5600 rpm | 221 Nm at 4000 rpm |
| Ultima | 7 (2-2-3) |
Safety equipment
Standard Tarago safety equipment included dual front airbags and front seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters. The Tarago GLX and Ultima were further equipped with ABS and electronic brake force distribution.
Features: Tarago GLi, GLX and Ultima
Standard features for the Tarago GLi included dual-zone air conditioning, a six speaker sound system with radio and cassette player, front bucket seats with adjustable arm rests, front fog lamps, remote central locking, power mirrors and front windows, a tilt adjustable steering wheel and an immobiliser. Inside, the second row seats had 485 mm fore/aft slide adjustment and a 60/40 split-fold capability.
The Tarago GLX was further equipped with 15-inch alloy wheels, a single CD player, cruise control, rear power windows and roof rails.
Beyond this, the Tarago Ultima added 16-inch alloy wheels with 215/60 tyres, a six-disc in-dash CD player, climate control air conditioning, velour upholstery, second row ‘captain’s chairs’ (which did not split and fold), a dual moonroof and rear privacy glass.
Related links
Review: Toyota XR30.II Tarago (2003-06)
Overview
Released in June 2003, the XR30 Series II (XR30.II) Tarago introduced additional safety equipment and cosmetic updates. Visually, the XR30.II Tarago could be identified by its revised headlights, bumpers and tail-lights. Inside, there were new seat fabrics and trims.
| Variant | Seats | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GLi, GLX |
8 (2-3-3) | 2.4-litre petrol I4 (2AZ-FE) | 4sp auto | 115 kW at 5600 rpm | 221 Nm at 4000 rpm |
| Ultima | 7 (2-2-3) |
Safety equipment
Compared to its XR30.I predecessor, safety equipment was improved with the introduction of front side airbags and brake assist for the GLX and Ultima variants.
Euro NCAP crash testing
In Euro NCAP crash testing , a 2003 Tarago (sold in Europe as the Previa) – fitted with dual front airbags and front side airbags – received a four star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 28. In the frontal offset crash test, protection of the driver’s head and feet were rated as good, though chest and thigh protection were rated as adequate. In the side impact test, protection of the driver’s head, abdomen and pelvis was rated as good, though chest protection was rated as adequate.
Features
Standard features for the Tarago GLi were extended to include 16-inch alloy wheels, a CD player, rear power windows, front fog lamps and illuminated front vanity mirrors. Beyond this, the Tarago GLX added a six-stack in-dash CD player.
The range-topping Tarago Ultima received leather seats, heated front seats, rear parking sensors, a wood and leather steering wheel and woodgrain interior trim.
Related links
