Toyota Wish Expert Review

The 1.8L 2ZR-FAE engine produces around 143 hp and 173 Nm, giving the seven-seat MPV smooth everyday performance rather than sports-car acceleration. The 0–100 km/h time is roughly 10.5 seconds under favorable conditions. The front brakes use ventilated discs and the rear uses discs, supported by ABS, Brake Assist and EBD. The braking setup is adequate for normal Dhaka traffic, highway driving and family use, although braking distance depends heavily on tyres, road surface, passenger load and vehicle condition.

A Toyota Wish 1.8L typically gives around 9–10 km/L in heavy Dhaka city traffic, about 13–14 km/L on open highways and approximately 11–12 km/L combined in realistic Bangladesh driving. Traffic congestion, frequent air-conditioning use, short trips, tyre pressure, CVT condition and driving style can significantly affect fuel economy.

The later Toyota Wish was offered with grades including 1.8X, 1.8A, 1.8G, 1.8S and 2.0Z, with both FWD and 4WD versions depending on the grade. The 1.8X focuses on practical everyday use, the 1.8A adds a sportier exterior while keeping equipment relatively simple, the 1.8G offers more comfort-oriented equipment, and the 1.8S is a more sporty and feature-rich choice. The 2.0Z uses a larger 2.0L engine and six-seat configuration.

Yes, the Toyota Wish works well on paved city roads and highways in Bangladesh, particularly when you need seven seats without moving to a much larger MPV. Its 150mm ground clearance is adequate for normal roads but requires care around tall Dhaka speed breakers, deep potholes and badly damaged roads. The relatively compact 4.6-metre body makes it manageable in urban traffic, while the long wheelbase and stable suspension provide good comfort on highways. On rough roads, suspension condition, tyre quality and wheel alignment are especially important.

Yes. The 1.8L petrol engine, CVT automatic transmission, FWD layout and relatively compact dimensions make the Toyota Wish easy to drive in Dhaka traffic. The elevated seating position compared with a conventional sedan also gives a useful view of surrounding traffic. Its biggest city-driving limitation is fuel economy during severe congestion, especially when the AC is running continuously. Parking is generally manageable, but the 4.6-metre body is noticeably larger than a Corolla or Axio. For family use, the seven-seat flexibility is a major advantage.

Routine maintenance is relatively manageable because the 1.8L Toyota petrol drivetrain is well established and common Toyota parts are widely available. A normal oil-and-filter service can commonly fall around Tk 4,000–7,000 depending on oil, parts and workshop, while larger services cost more. A sensible annual maintenance budget for an older Wish is around Tk 25,000–50,000 excluding fuel, tyres, insurance and major repairs. CVT fluid, suspension components, brakes, AC parts and engine mounts deserve particular attention on older examples

Check the 1.8L engine for oil leaks, abnormal noise, smoke and unstable idle. Pay close attention to the CVT during a test drive: acceleration should be smooth without shuddering, slipping or unusual whining. Inspect the suspension, steering, brakes, AC and electrical equipment, then check the body carefully for accident repairs, repainting, rust and chassis damage. Verify the odometer against service records where possible. Also inspect the third-row seats, folding mechanisms, tyres and underbody because many Wish models in Bangladesh are now several years old.

The biggest weaknesses are its relatively low 150mm ground clearance, limited third-row legroom and aging technology compared with newer MPVs. The 1.8L engine is adequate rather than powerful, especially with seven passengers and luggage. The interior is practical but not particularly luxurious, and modern features such as Apple CarPlay, advanced driver assistance, adaptive cruise control and a factory touchscreen are absent from the representative 1.8A configuration. Vehicle age also means condition can vary significantly between individual examples.

Toyota Wish remains a practical option if you want seven seats, Toyota reliability, reasonable fuel economy and flexible interior space without buying a much larger MPV. The 1.8L CVT combination is smooth and suitable for everyday Dhaka driving, while the foldable second- and third-row seats make the cabin useful for family trips and luggage. Its main compromises are ground clearance, aging technology and limited third-row space. For the best ownership experience, focus heavily on the individual car's mechanical condition, CVT behavior, accident history and maintenance record.