Toyota Noah vs Voxy 2018: Complete Comparison and Buying Guide for Japanese Used Cars

Introduction

If you are shopping Japanese used cars for sale for your family, executive airport transfers, or tour operations, two models stand out: the Toyota Noah and Toyota Voxy. At Qualitex Trading Co. Ltd, we source both vehicles weekly from Japan’s dealer network and major auctions. Here’s a clear and trustworthy comparison of the two MPVs, what to look out for when buying, and how to buy used cars from Japan with

Quick background: Noah, Voxy, and Esquire

Toyota builds these three on the same platform and running gear:

Noah: the calm, clean design
Voxy: the sportier, more aggressive face and trim options
Esquire: the more luxurious, chrome-forward variant (think premium interior accents)

For 2018 (80-series mid-cycle), the differences are primarily styling and trim features. Under the skin, they’re essentially the same Reliable Toyota MPVs that have become favorites in Kenya and across Africa, the Caribbean, and beyond.

Powertrains and performance (what’s shared)

Petrol engine: 2.0L 3ZR-FAE (Valvematic) with around 152 PS, paired with a CVT. Smooth, proven, and easy to maintain. Front-wheel drive is common; 4WD exists on select grades.
Hybrid option: 1.8L (2ZR-FXE) hybrid with e-CVT. If you drive mostly in the city, hybrid delivers notable fuel savings.
Fuel economy: Real-world varies by driving style, load, and terrain. Toyota’s domestic test-cycle ratings are optimistic; in mixed driving expect sensible, not miracle, numbers. Hybrids are noticeably more efficient than the 2.0 petrol.
Driving feel: Both Noah and Voxy feel identical on the road – same engine, same transmission, similar suspension tuning.

Note: Some videos mistakenly refer to Toyota’s safety package as EyeSight, but that term belongs to Subaru. On the Noah and Voxy, the correct system is Toyota Safety Sense, which may include PCS, LDA, and AHB depending on the grade and year.

Exterior and trim differences-

This is where most buyers decide.

Front design: Voxy wears a bolder, more aggressive bumper and grille. Noah is tidier and understated.
Lighting: Many 2018 grades feature LED headlamps, LED DRLs, and optional fog lamps. Check the auction sheet or photos to confirm.
Wheels: Factory 15-inch alloys are common; certain Voxy grades (e.g., ZS) can be fitted with 16-inch wheels.
Sliding doors: Single or dual powered sliding doors were both available. For executive transfer work, dual power doors are worth it.
Colors and aero kits: Voxy often gets sportier aero and darker interior themes. Noah leans toward lighter cabin colors and a simpler exterior.

Interior: seating, space, and features

Seating layouts: 7-seater with captain seats (most popular for comfort) or 8-seater with a second-row bench. If you carry adults in all three rows regularly, consider the 7-seater captain seats for easier third-row access.
Rails and access: Long seat rails make entry easy; great for families and tour guests. Third-row seats fold and stow to the sides to free up a large boot area.
Comfort and convenience: Keyless entry/push start, multiple cup holders, rear climate controls, steering controls, cruise control on many units, and a rear-seat entertainment screen is more commonly found on higher Voxy grades, though it’s an option on Noah as well.
Tech: Reverse camera is common; some units have a front/inside dash camera recorder. Infotainment head units vary – many buyers upgrade to Android/CarPlay after import.
Safety: Depending on grade, look for Toyota Safety Sense features such as Pre-Collision System (PCS), Lane Departure Alert (LDA), Automatic High Beam (AHB), plus parking sensors and auto wipers.

Use cases: who should pick which?

Family buyers: Choose the look you prefer. Both deliver the same ride, reliability, and practicality.
Executive airport transfers: Opt for dual power sliding doors, 7-seater captain seats, LED lighting, and a reverse camera. Voxy’s sportier presence can feel more executive, – but Noah is just as professional.
Tour operators: Prioritize low mileage, robust service history, roof rails if needed, and all-around cameras/sensors. Consider 4WD if you run mixed terrain.

Reliability and maintenance

The 2.0L 3ZR-FAE is a known workhorse..! regular oil changes and timely CVT fluid service keep it happy. Coil packs and spark plugs are straightforward.
Hybrids add a traction battery and inverter, still very Reliable Japanese used cars when maintained. Battery health can be assessed before purchase.
Parts availability is strong across Africa and the Caribbean thanks to Toyota’s global footprint.

How pricing really works from Japan

Prices vary by auction grade, mileage, options (dual power doors, LED headlamps, rear entertainment, 4WD), and condition. A clean, mid-mileage 2018 Noah or Voxy typically commands similar CIF pricing because the market treats them as near-equivalents. Ask us for a live quote; we’ll show you recent hammer prices and landed cost to your port.

Exporting from Japan with Qualitex Trading Co. Ltd

We’re one of the Trusted Japan used car dealers focused on transparency and speed.

Sourcing: We search dealer stock and major auctions daily for the best deals on Japanese used cars.
Verification: Auction sheet translation, mileage validation, detailed photo/video, and mechanical checks on request.
Inspections: JEVIC or QISJ pre-shipment roadworthiness where required (e.g., Kenya, Zambia). We can arrange EAA/KEBS requirements as regulations evolve.
Shipping: RoRo is most cost-effective; container on request for mixed loads or premium protection.
Documents: Export certificate, deregistration, invoice, bill of lading, inspection certificates, and English translation as needed.
Payment: Secure bank transfer. We provide proforma, hold the car upon deposit, and update you at every step.

Regional import notes (summary)

Kenya: Age and emissions rules apply; pre-shipment inspection required. Japanese used cars for sale in Kenya like Noah/Voxy are popular for family and shuttle use.
Uganda: Many clients clear via Mombasa/Dar and truck to Kampala. We regularly support Used Japanese car exporter to Uganda requests.
Zambia: Pre-shipment inspection to Zambia’s standards is arranged; many buyers collect via Durban or Dar es Salaam. We handle Japanese used vehicles in Zambia frequently.
Caribbean: We ship regularly for Japanese used cars for Jamaica buyers, plus Japanese car exporters to Barbados, and Japanese used cars for Trinidad and Tobago. Guyana buyers – ask for CIF Georgetown rates. We also support Buy Japanese used cars in Guyana.
South Africa: Importation is tightly regulated for private buyers; we work with licensed Japanese used car importers in South Africa and can advise case-by-case.
Pakistan: Import policy changes often; we can guide Japanese used cars import Pakistan enquiries, including hybrid considerations.

Cross-shopping alternatives we can also source

If you’re still undecided, we can quote other popular options:

Used Toyota for sale Japan: Toyota Esquire (lux), Toyota Alphard/Vellfire (premium MPVs), Buy Toyota Prius from Japan (hybrid efficiency), Buy Toyota Corolla Fielder from Japan (wagon practicality)
Honda Fit Japan export, Honda Vezel used car export (compact and crossover efficiency)
Nissan X-Trail used car Japan, Subaru Forester Japan used (family crossovers)
Mazda Demio Japan export (city-friendly hatch)
Kei cars from Japan for ultra-low running costs, plus Japanese trucks for export if you’re expanding into logistics
Right-hand drive cars for sale across a wide range of budgets, including Japan used cars under $5000 when available

Practical buying tips for Noah/Voxy

Decide styling first: Do you prefer Voxy’s sporty face or Noah’s clean look? Mechanics are the same.
Choose your layout: 7-seater captain seats for comfort and easy access; 8-seater bench if you carry maximum passengers.
Check the doors: For shuttle work, dual power sliding doors are worth the small premium.
Hybrid vs petrol: Hybrid saves fuel in urban use; petrol 2.0 is simpler if you drive long highway routes.
2WD vs 4WD: 2WD is most common and efficient. 4WD helps on mixed terrain.
Grade sheet matters: We verify auction grades, options, and mileage so you buy with confidence.
Plan maintenance: Budget for CVT fluid, spark plugs, filters, and brake pads after arrival to reset your service baseline.

Conclusion

The 2018 Toyota Noah and Toyota Voxy are two sides of the same, very practical coin. Same platform, engine, and driving experience – your choice mainly comes down to styling and trim. For families, executive transfers, or tour operators seeking Reliable Japanese used cars, both are excellent. Contact Qualitex Trading Co. Ltd to see live auction options and get a clear CIF quote to your port. We’ll help you secure the right unit, inspected and shipped on time.

FAQs

What’s the real difference between a 2018 Noah and Voxy?
Primarily styling and available trims. Mechanically they’re the same 2.0L 3ZR-FAE with CVT (or 1.8 hybrid), similar suspension, similar features. Voxy often appears sportier; Noah looks more understated.
Is the hybrid worth it over the 2.0 petrol?
If you do mostly city driving or idling in traffic, the 1.8 hybrid can save significant fuel. For long highway routes or rural operations, the 2.0 petrol is simpler and already efficient when driven sensibly.
Do all units have dual power sliding doors and captain seats?
No. Both features depend on grade and options. For executive transfer work, we recommend dual power doors and the 7-seat captain layout. We’ll source to your spec.
How do I verify mileage and condition before purchase?
We provide the original auction sheet, translate and explain it, share underbody/interior photos, and can arrange a third-party inspection. We only buy clean-grade cars unless you request otherwise.
What inspections and documents are needed for Kenya, Uganda, Zambia, or the Caribbean?
We arrange JEVIC/QISJ pre-shipment inspections where required and supply the export certificate, deregistration, bill of lading, invoice, and inspection certificates. We tailor paperwork to each country’s rules.
What are typical shipping times?
After purchase and inspection, RoRo sailings to Mombasa or Dar usually take a few weeks depending on the vessel schedule. Caribbean routes vary by island; we’ll quote the next sailing and ETA with your CIF price.
I’m cross-shopping other car models, can you help?
Yes. Beyond Noah/Voxy/Esquire, we regularly source Prius, Corolla Fielder, Honda Fit, Vezel, X-Trail, Forester, Mazda Demio, Kei cars, and Japanese trucks for export. Tell us your budget and purpose; we019ll shortlist the best fits.

Japanese used cars