Editor : Mark K | Cars&TechSG

Fun Facts First

The Toyota Noah is one of those rare cars in Singapore that earned its reputation long before it was officially sold here. First introduced in Japan in 2001, it quietly built a strong following through parallel importers, becoming a familiar sight on local roads years before the authorised dealer, Borneo Motors, Toyota Singapore finally brought it in around 2025.

By the time it officially arrived, the Noah wasn't a new name, it was already a proven, trusted MPV known for its space,      practicality, and everyday usability.

The Noah's front fascia carries a bold, upright stance. A prominent grille with horizontal chrome accents—distinctive to authorised dealer units—anchors the design, flanked by sleek LED headlights that add a touch of modernity. While the styling is clean and contemporary, it stops short of being truly eye-catching. A future facelift could certainly inject more visual excitement.

The LED headlights deliver a crisp and modern lighting signature, improving visibility while enhancing the vehicle's front-end appeal. At the rear, the tail lights are simple yet effective—prioritising clarity and safety over stylistic flair. While not groundbreaking, both ends of the vehicle reflect a sensible, purpose-driven design philosophy.

From the side, the Noah's tall, boxy proportions are immediately apparent. This design isn't just aesthetic—it maximises interior headroom and cabin space. Subtle character lines run from the front fenders to the rear, giving the MPV a sense of movement despite its utilitarian shape. Sitting on modest 16-inch rims, the overall look prioritises comfort over sportiness.

At the rear, the design remains cohesive and functional. Tail lights are neatly integrated, offering good visibility without overcomplicating the look. The clean, vertical tailgate reinforces the Noah's practicality-first approach, making loading and unloading straightforward. 

Interior Impressions

Step inside, and the Noah makes its intentions clear: this is a cabin designed for usability, not indulgence. You won't find extensive leather trimming here—durable plastics dominate, but they feel solid and well-assembled, reinforcing the vehicle's long-term practicality.

The dashboard layout is straightforward, featuring a 9.0-inch infotainment display. While functional, the resolution and interface feel slightly dated compared to newer rivals. Complementing this is a traditional analogue instrument cluster with a small digital screen nestled between the dials—again, simple but effective.

Tri-zone air conditioning ensures all passengers remain comfortable, while excellent ride insulation means bumps and road imperfections are barely felt inside the cabin.

Space & Storage

Storage is one of the Noah's strongest suits. Clever compartments are scattered throughout the cabin, making it easy to store everyday items for family use. The tall roofline further enhances the sense of openness.

Sliding Doors & Features

The powered sliding doors come with a kick sensor function—particularly useful when your hands are full. It's a small but impactful convenience feature that aligns well with the car's family-oriented design.

Sound & Noise

Cabin refinement is generally good as engine noise becomes noticeable under hard acceleration. At cruising speeds, however, the interior remains composed.

Cabin Comfort?

The second row is easily the standout here, with plenty of legroom and seats that are well-cushioned, making longer drives feel relaxed rather than tiring. Moving to the third row, it's realistically more comfortable for two adults, offering decent space without feeling too tight.

All seats are manually adjustable, which feels a little old-school considering how many cars now come with electronic controls as standard.

That said, comfort levels remain high thanks to the tri-zone air conditioning, which keeps all three rows cool. On the move, the cabin does a great job insulating passengers from bumps and uneven roads, so the overall ride feels smooth and settled.

With 414 litres of boot capacity, the Noah offers ample room for groceries, luggage, or weekend getaway gear. The flat loading floor and wide opening make it highly practical, especially for families with strollers or bulky items. 

Drive & Handling – Predictable and Stable

Under the hood lies a 1.8-litre 4-cylinder hybrid (2ZR-FXE), producing 138bhp and 142Nm of torque. Performance is modest, with a tested 0–100 km/h timing of approximately 12.3 seconds. This is not a car built for speed—it's engineered for efficiency and ease of use.

Driving Experience

• Fuel Efficiency: Impressively strong, with real-world figures around 19–19.5 km/l.
• Handling: Stable and composed, with minimal body roll during cornering.
• Ride Comfort: Excellent—passengers are well insulated from road imperfections.
• Ease of Driving: Light steering and predictable responses make it very beginner-friendly.

The driving dynamics are reassuring rather than exciting. It's the kind of vehicle that prioritises confidence and comfort over engagement.

Safety Note

The blind spot monitoring system is highly sensitive, emitting alerts whenever vehicles pass by. While it can feel intrusive at times, it serves as an effective safeguard—particularly against smaller road users or unexpected obstacles.

The Bottom Line:

Verdict – Built for Families, Not Flash

The 2025 Toyota Noah is a clear example of function over form. It doesn't try to impress with cutting-edge tech or sporty performance—instead, it focuses on what truly matters for its target audience: comfort, space, efficiency, and ease of use.

What Works

• Excellent fuel economy for a vehicle of its size
• Spacious and comfortable second row
• Practical cabin with abundant storage
• Smooth ride quality and easy drivability

What Could Improve

• Infotainment system feels dated
• Lack of electronic seat adjustments
• Interior design could benefit from a refresh
• Exterior styling may need a stronger update in future iterations

Final Thoughts

For families seeking a reliable, comfortable MPV that excels in day-to-day usability and long-distance travel, the Noah remains a compelling choice. It may not excite, but it delivers consistently where it counts—making it a dependable companion for modern family life.

Check out more images of the ride at our Instagram Page!

For more information, visit https://www.toyota.com.sg/showroom/new-models/noah or contact us via email or Instagram DM!