- Modified Toyota Alphard revealed at Tokyo Auto Salon event.
- Features aggressive body kit designed by Double Eight tuner.
- Sits noticeably higher than standard minivan for rough terrains.
When it comes to everyday luxury, Japanese families have long favored high-end minivans in the same way Americans lean toward full-size SUVs. But what if someone in Tokyo wants the plush practicality of a minivan with just a bit more wilderness credibility? That’s where this comes in.
This crazy Toyota Alphard was unveiled at the Tokyo Auto Salon over the weekend and stands apart from anything we’ve seen before. Outfitted with a body kit from Double Eight, it looks much more menacing than a typical Alphard and also sits much higher, meaning it could work well off the beaten path.
Read: Toyota Alphard Gains Limo-Like Lounge Trim And PHEV Option In Japan
The changes start at the front end, where this Toyota has a new steel bumper and a TRD-branded skid plate. There’s also a steel bull bar and an aftermarket LED light bar, paired with additional LED driving lights in front of the air intakes. The builders have also added a large roof rack to the Alphard, complete with six huge spotlights.
New black wheels add to the bold looks and are clad in Toyo Open Country R/T tires. We don’t have details on the suspension changes, but they will inevitably include new springs and shocks, boosting ground clearance significantly.
Just in case anyone in Tokyo needed reminding of how focused this Toyota is on off-roading, it includes brightly colored recovery boards on the tailgate and a swing-out spare wheel carrier. An aftermarket rear bumper and flared wheel arches complete the look.
Of course, even with all the gear, this Alphard doesn’t offer the mechanical hardware of a true off-roader. There’s no mention of locking differentials or sophisticated terrain response systems like you’d find in a Land Cruiser. Still, the idea of pairing van-like luxury with visual toughness might appeal to a niche group of buyers.
Should any of these parts reach the aftermarket, there’s a good chance they’d find takers, especially among those who like their family haulers to look ready for the occasional forest trail, even if they never leave the pavement.