Inside, the Alphard's age becomes much less obvious because the basic cabin concept was excellent from the beginning. Toyota created an enormous passenger compartment with a high roof, generous legroom and multiple seating configurations. Seven- and eight-seat versions were available, while more luxurious grades offered upgraded seating and equipment.
The second row is the star of the show. Depending on specification, the Alphard could have captain-style seating, armrests and generous adjustment, making long journeys much more relaxing than in an ordinary sedan. Rear air conditioning is particularly valuable in Bangladesh, where the cabin can become an oven after sitting under the sun.
The dashboard itself is obviously from another era. The materials, displays and switchgear cannot compete with a modern Alphard, and the original infotainment system lacks today's smartphone integration. But the physical comfort remains impressive.
The clever part is that Toyota spent money on the things passengers actually touch and use: seating, climate control, sliding doors, storage and cabin space. A well-kept first-generation Alphard can therefore still feel luxurious even when its technology looks positively prehistoric.
The third row also folds to improve cargo flexibility, although luggage capacity depends heavily on how the seats are positioned.
