The Toyota Rumion has quietly received an update. Here’s what we know so far, including this refreshed 7-seater MPV’s revised price in South Africa…

The Toyota Rumion arrived in South Africa in October 2021, effectively replacing the Avanza. Now the 7-seater MPV has been handed a quiet update, including a revision to its pricing.

As before, the Rumion is based on the Suzuki Ertiga – which itself was refreshed in July 2022 – and manufactured by Maruti Suzuki in India. The local line-up again comprises 5 derivatives, though only the 1.5 S, 1.5 SX and 1.5 SX 4AT are currently available, with the top-spec 1.5 TX and 1.5 TX 4AT variants (pictured here) expected to be introduced in August 2023.

All derivatives are powered by a Suzuki-sourced naturally aspirated 1.5 litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine, which delivers an unchanged 77 kW and 138 Nm to the front axle via either a 5-speed manual gearbox or a 4-speed automatic transmission. The claimed combined fuel consumption is listed as 6.2 L/100 km regardless of the specified cog-swapper.

Outgoing Toyota Rumion on the left and the restyled version on the right.

Pricing for the Toyota Rumion now starts at R296900, which is R13500 up on the outgoing version’s base price of R283400 (take note, too, the latter is a figure Toyota SA Motors increased just before the updated model hit the market). For the record, the 3-strong Ertiga line-up starts at R265900.

So, what’s new on the Rumion? Well, the most obvious change is the revised front-end styling, which is dominated by a new mesh grille framed by chrome-effect trim. The lower bumper has likewise been redesigned, while the top-spec TX’s foglamp bezels are new, too. In short, the Rumion’s face is now somewhat more clearly differentiated from that of the Ertiga. From what we can tell, the Rumion’s rear styling is unchanged.

In addition, flagship TX models appear to have received a fresh design for their 15-inch alloy wheels, while the base and mid-tier offerings again make do with steel wheels. Perhaps more importantly, however, is the fact electronic stability control (ESC), seatbelt warning and rear parking sensors are now standard across the range (yes, just like the updated Ertiga).

All derivatives now feature rear parking sensors and ESC.

From what we understand, SX and TX derivatives furthermore now ship standard with a reversing camera (a feature previously reserved for TX) integrated into the centrally sited touchscreen (now offered as standard on the SX as well), while cruise control has also been added to the list of both, too.

As before, the entry-level S grade is easily distinguished by its black side-mirror caps, while the mid-tier SX adds items such as colour-coded exterior door handles, colour-coded (power-adjustable and retractable) side mirrors, a rear-window wiper, a rear-window demister, remote central locking, rear parking sensors and rear air-conditioner vents.

Meanwhile, the TX trim level adds features like keyless entry (with push-button start), chrome-effect exterior door handles, front foglamps and a wood-effect panel on the facia. All grades feature dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, IsoFix child-seat anchorage points, an immobiliser and an alarm, along with the aforementioned and freshly added ESC and rear parking sensors.

How much does the Toyota Rumion cost in South Africa?

Toyota Rumion 1.5 S – R296 900

Toyota Rumion 1.5 SX – R331 600

Toyota Rumion 1.5 SX 4AT – R351 700

Toyota Rumion 1.5 TX – TBC

Toyota Rumion 1.5 TX 4AT – TBC

The Rumion comes with a 4-service/60 000 km service plan (with intervals of 15 000 km), along with a 3-year/100 000 km warranty.

Related content

VIDEO: Toyota Urban Cruiser vs Suzuki Grand Vitara

New Toyota C-HR revealed: Will it to come to SA?

Toyota Fortuner (2023) Price & Specs