Toyota Rush discontinued in Malaysia; will PH follow?

The Toyota Rush was one of the first 7-seater MPVs offered with SUV styling when it was launched in the Philippines back in 2018. But now that newer competition from other brands (including from its own stable) has arrived, one of our Southeast Asian neighbors may have indicated what could be the possible fate of the aging Rush.

UMW Toyota Motor has stopped offering the Toyota Rush in Malaysia and has been taken off its official website. While the reason behind discontinuing the model was not officially shared by Toyota Malaysia, the Rush is no longer performing in terms of sales in that part of the globe.

Originally called the Daihatsu Terios, the only Rush that exists in Malaysia now is the Perodua-badged Aruz which is a cheaper version with lesser standard equipment.

Currently, Toyota has not mentioned or given any indications of a next-generation Rush. Since the front-wheel-drive Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA) now underpinning the likes of the Avanza, Veloz, Yaris Cross, and the Raize was introduced in the market, this made the Rush’s old rear-wheel-drive platform at a disadvantage in terms of cargo space and versatility – two factors that are essential for a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV).

Nevertheless, the six-year-old Rush remains a popular model for Toyota in the Philippines. But the question is, how much longer will it last? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.