The Toyota Spade is a highly practical compact MPV built for convenience, easy access, and Toyota’s trademark reliability. Its tall, boxy design maximizes interior space while staying city-friendly, appealing to families, rideshare drivers, and small business owners alike. Competing with the Honda Freed, Suzuki Solio, and Mitsubishi Delica D:2, the Spade stands out for its clever packaging, sliding doors, and low running costs.

The 2020 Toyota Spade is a smart choice for drivers who value function over flash. It combines excellent maneuverability with impressive interior volume, offering flexible seating for five and a flat, open floor design that enhances comfort and cargo utility. Its well-proven petrol powertrains deliver dependable performance and strong fuel efficiency, while its tall stance and wide-opening doors make entry and exit effortless for passengers of all ages. Although it lacks a hybrid option or premium-level refinement, the Spade’s focus on practicality, simplicity, and everyday dependability makes it a standout in New Zealand’s compact people-mover category.

If you’re considering buying a Toyota Spade, we’ve prepared a detailed Buyer’s Guide outlining common issues, maintenance tips, and key inspection points for used imports. Click here to purchase the Buyer’s Guide.

Toyota Spade Engines & Powertrains

1. 1.3L 1NR-FE Petrol Engine – Offers smooth operation and excellent fuel economy, ideal for urban use and short-distance commuting.

2. 1.5L 1NZ-FE Petrol Engine – A proven, reliable power unit that provides extra torque and refinement for mixed city and highway driving.

3. 1.5L 2NR-FKE Petrol Engine – Found in later production models, featuring improved efficiency with Dual VVT-i and an Atkinson-cycle configuration for enhanced economy and emissions performance.

Transmission Options

The Toyota Spade uses Toyota’s Super CVT-i transmission, offering a smooth, linear driving experience with minimal gear shift interruptions. It complements the small-capacity engines well, maintaining strong efficiency and quiet operation during everyday driving. Power is directed to the front wheels, with most models emphasizing fuel economy and user-friendly city handling rather than performance.

2020 Toyota Spade Grades

• Spade F

• Spade X

• Spade G

• Spade Y

These trims differ mainly in equipment and interior finish. The F and X trims emphasize affordability and function, while the G and Y variants include additional comfort, convenience, and aesthetic features such as push-start ignition, upgraded upholstery, and automatic climate control.

2020 Toyota Spade Interior

The 2020 Toyota Spade interior reflects intelligent packaging and thoughtful design. Its standout feature — the large single power-sliding door on the passenger side — allows easy access for loading passengers or bulky items, particularly useful in tight urban parking spaces. The low floor and tall ceiling create a feeling of spaciousness uncommon in compact cars.

Inside, the cabin features a center-mounted instrument cluster, an open dashboard layout, and multiple storage compartments throughout the cabin. The seats are upright, supportive, and designed for comfort during both short city trips and longer drives. The rear bench folds flat to expand cargo space, transforming the Spade into a flexible small van alternative.

Higher trims offer soft-touch materials, premium fabric finishes, and modern touches such as keyless entry, automatic air conditioning, and steering-mounted controls. Visibility is excellent thanks to the large windows and high seating position, making the Spade particularly easy to drive around town.

Depending on trim, the Toyota Spade features a touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, USB inputs, and smartphone connectivity. Some variants include a rearview camera, navigation system, and push-button start. While not as advanced as newer models, the system is functional, intuitive, and adequate for modern needs.

Safety features include ABS with EBD, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRC), and multiple airbags, ensuring dependable protection for both driver and passengers. Toyota’s strong record for reliability and safety engineering reinforces the Spade’s reputation as a trustworthy everyday car.

2020 Toyota Spade Exterior

The 2020 Toyota Spade showcases a smart, functional design that prioritizes accessibility and practicality while maintaining a friendly, modern appearance. The upright stance, short bonnet, and tall cabin maximize usable space, while the wide-opening passenger-side sliding door makes entry and exit effortless for all passengers , a standout feature in this class.

The front design incorporates Toyota’s recognizable styling language with a compact grille and angular headlights that lend the Spade a clean, approachable face.

The side profile emphasizes space efficiency, highlighted by the tall roofline and large windows that enhance visibility and create an open, airy cabin environment. Around back, the simple tailgate design and vertical taillights ensure easy loading access while preserving the car’s compact proportions.

Despite its utilitarian focus, the Spade’s styling carries subtle touches of modern personality, giving it appeal beyond pure function.

2020 Toyota Spade Cargo Capacity

The Spade offers impressive versatility for its size, with a flexible interior that easily adapts to daily needs. With all seats in place, it provides enough cargo space for shopping, strollers, or school gear. Folding the rear seats flat reveals a large, low, and unobstructed loading area suitable for bulkier items such as luggage or compact furniture.

Thanks to its tall roof and flat floor design, the Spade’s cargo bay is highly usable and ideal for both family use and small business delivery purposes. The power-sliding door makes loading even in tight city spaces effortless.

2020 Toyota Spade Fuel Consumption

• 1.3L 1NR-FE: Approx. 5.4L/100km (18.5 km/L) combined

• 1.5L 1NZ-FE: Approx. 5.9L/100km (17.0 km/L) combined

• Fuel Tank Capacity: 42 liters

• Ground Clearance: 150mm (5.9 inches)

The Spade’s efficiency-oriented engines make it ideal for city commuting and light-duty travel. The small, efficient petrol powertrains offer low running costs and reliable performance, aligning perfectly with Toyota’s reputation for frugal, long-lasting engines.

2020 Toyota Spade Performance

The Spade focuses on ease of driving and comfort rather than high performance. Both the 1.3L and 1.5L engines provide smooth power delivery and adequate torque for daily use. The Super CVT-i transmission ensures consistent, quiet acceleration and excellent fuel economy, while front-wheel drive keeps handling light and predictable.

Ride quality is comfortable and composed, ideal for urban roads and suburban trips. The suspension setup absorbs bumps effectively, providing a relaxed experience even when fully loaded. The compact dimensions and tight turning radius make the Spade effortless to maneuver and park ,key strengths for New Zealand’s city environments.

While acceleration isn’t brisk, the Spade’s strong visibility, responsive steering, and well-insulated cabin make it an easy and confidence-inspiring car to live with.

2020 Toyota Spade Reliability

Toyota’s reliability legacy is evident throughout the Spade’s engineering. Both available engines — the 1NR-FE and 1NZ-FE — are among Toyota’s most trusted small-capacity units, widely used across the brand’s lineup with excellent long-term durability. The Super CVT-i transmission, when maintained properly, provides years of trouble-free operation.

Electrical systems, power-sliding door mechanisms, and general build quality have also proven robust in real-world use. Routine servicing and proper maintenance ensure the Spade remains dependable well beyond 200,000 km. For a compact MPV, few models match its low-cost reliability record.

2020 Toyota Spade Maintenance Schedule

At 10,000 km, the Toyota Spade requires an oil and oil filter change along with a general inspection of fluid levels and tires.
At 20,000 km, service includes air filter and cabin filter replacement, brake system check, CVT fluid inspection, and full underbody examination.
It’s also important to lubricate and clean the sliding door mechanism periodically to maintain smooth operation.
Routine spark plug, coolant, and transmission fluid replacements should follow Toyota’s service interval recommendations to preserve performance and reliability.If you’re considering buying a Toyota Spade, we’ve prepared a detailed Buyer’s Guide outlining common issues, maintenance tips, and key inspection points for used imports. Click here to purchase the Buyer’s Guide.

Refer to the 2020 Toyota Spade Owner’s Manual for a detailed maintenance schedule specific to engine and trim level.

2020 Toyota Spade Competitors

• Honda Freed

• Suzuki Solio

• Mitsubishi Delica D:2

• Toyota Ractis

• Daihatsu Thor

• Nissan Cube

If you’re interested in purchasing the Toyota Spade, or would like expert guidance on importing one to New Zealand, email us directly at info@newzealandmotors.com, and we’ll respond promptly with available stock and pricing details.