TOYOTA / VELLFIRE / 20 SERIES / JAPAN 2008

Toyota Vellfire 20 Series

The bolder-faced companion to the 2008 Alphard. Separate the original petrol range from the later hybrid before choosing a car.

Generation reference · no current stock implied

Know the generation ↓Reference facts ↓Buyer checks ↓Sources ↓

01 / KNOW THE GENERATION

Same era.
Its own identity.

Toyota launched the Vellfire beside its redesigned Alphard in Japan on 12 May 2008. Toyota gave the Vellfire a more assertive exterior identity while sharing the flagship MPV role. At launch, its 2.4-litre petrol grades used Super CVT-i and its 3.5-litre V6 grades used 6 Super ECT. The Vellfire Hybrid came later, with Japanese sales beginning on 21 November 2011.

Toyota’s 12 May 2008 launch release ↗

Separate launch and update

A 2008 Vellfire is from the original petrol launch. Toyota added the 2.4-litre hybrid with THS II and E-Four in 2011; do not attach the hybrid specification to every 20-series car.

Read the grade, not just the badge

Toyota’s original Vellfire table includes 2.4X, 2.4Z and 2.4V petrol grades, and 3.5X, 3.5Z and 3.5V V6 grades. Check the exact grade, engine and transmission against the identification plate and documents.

Count and test the seats

The Japanese launch range included seven- and eight-seat arrangements. Check the actual second-row layout, third-row operation and whether an advertised comfort feature is fitted to the car.

Confirm what changed in 2011

Toyota revised the styling and grade range while adding hybrids in its 2011 update. Compare a vehicle’s model year and equipment with the correct period catalogue.

02 / MANUFACTURER REFERENCE

Facts with
boundaries.

These facts refer to Toyota’s dated Japanese releases. Confirm the build date, grade, powertrain and fitted equipment before applying them to an individual car.

Vellfire launch12 May 2008 in Japan

Original 2.4L petrol2AZ-FE / Super CVT-i

Original 3.5L petrol2GR-FE / 6 Super ECT

Hybrid introduction21 November 2011 in Japan

2011 hybrid2AZ-FXE / THS II / E-Four

Seating at launchSeven or eight, by grade

Related modelAlphard, with separate styling

Guide scope20-series Japanese range

Toyota’s 2008 and 2011 tables describe different points in the range’s life. They do not establish the specification, condition or availability of an individual Vellfire. Confirm fuel type, drive layout, seat count and options from the vehicle and matching Japanese documents.

03 / UK BUYER CHECKS

From model
to actual car.

Use the generation as a starting point, then verify the vehicle and its route to UK registration.

Check the car: Prioritise the actual Japanese grade and build date. Ask for the chassis plate, export record, service history and clear interior images. A sportier-looking body does not prove a particular engine, drive system or seat package.

Plan the UK route: Check dimensions and insurance for the exact vehicle you intend to use in the UK, then confirm its customs, approval or exemption, DVLA and insurance route. The official UK process is in the GOV.UK guide; a Japanese launch claim cannot establish UK registration or cost. GOV.UK’s current vehicle-import guide ↗

Ready to narrow the search?

Tell Japan Motor Hub which year, powertrain and seating layout you need. This page is a research guide, not a live Vellfire advert.

Ask Japan Motor Hub ↗

04 / SOURCE NOTES

See the
originals.

Manufacturer statements are tied to their publication date and Japanese market. They do not describe every later variant.

12 May 2008 · ToyotaAlphard and Vellfire Japanese launch and grade table ↗
27 September 2011 · ToyotaVellfire facelift and hybrid addition; November sales date ↗
Current guidance · UK GovernmentImporting vehicles into the UK ↗

Checked 4 October 2026. Editorial generation reference: no individual car, price, stock status or condition is represented. The abstract title artwork is a graphic, not a vehicle photograph.