Tricky to answer a question on a vehicle not sold in the UK!. Maybe you should search for more specific info on the Innova, whether that is a road test or owners review. Also search on Youtube as there seems to be plenty of folk posting their own 'reviews'.

The only thing i can tell you with an above average chance of being accurate, is that the 2.8 diesel you speak of seem to be the same used in the UK market Landcruiser. It shares exactly the same capacity and produces about the same power. Maybe GB can offer up some info re that engine if not the car itself?.

Funnily enough, I was helping my sister in the Philippines select a car, and the same ones you mentioned all came up. The Innova is probably the best, but MUCH bigger than the Avanza and Rush.

The Avanza seems robust and designed for the bad roads in the Philippines; as a compact car the only drawback we found was more limited ground clearance. The Avanza is one of my favourite taxis, it seems to age well.

I have only been a passenger in the Innova, but was very impressed, and it seems as robust as its predecessor, the bulletproof Revo. The Rush had only just some out so there was not much feedback, but I didn't get the impression it would be as good.

In the Philippines it is probably best to stick with Toyota and go for a popular model, as in the long term you won't have problem with parts availability.

As to DPFs, with the state of traffic and very low average speed in many places, I cannot imagine how they would regenerate effectively; maybe send an e-mail to Toyota Philippines. But an automatic is advisable due to the terrible traffic.

Livina thread that discusses Innova among other options

tw.forumosa.com/t/nissan-livina-h-what-do-you-thin...1

According to some discussions, the 7-seat Innova is, or was, an aftermarket modification, and thus illegal in Taiwan.

(All vehicle modifications, of any kind at all, are illegal in Taiwan.).

This probably won't apply in other markets.

Edited by edlithgow on 19/07/2019 at 13:55