Perodua Aruz: Toyota Rush’s doppelgänger
If you have your eye on a Toyota Rush but baulk at the price tag or the waiting list, the Aruz is a clever alternative
Last month, we dissected the Perodua Axia, a quirky hatch that struggled to shine under our tax policies. Today, we're looking at its big brother, the Aruz—Perodua's flagship SUV. Unlike the Axia, the Aruz has an ace up its sleeve, as it's essentially a Toyota Rush in a different outfit.
Same platform, same engine, but with a friendlier price tag.
From the outside, the Aruz adds its spin to the Rush's styling. Up front, chrome accents dress up the grille, diverging from the blacked-out aesthetic of the Bangladeshi Rush. LED headlights flank the grille, and while the fog lamp housings come blanked out, PHP Bangladesh, Perodua's authorised distributor, will gladly sort that for you.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
Under the bonnet sits Toyota's trusty 1500cc 2NR-VE engine, delivering 100 horsepower and 133 Nm of torque to the rear wheels—a rarity in a segment dominated by front-wheel-drive setups. Fuel economy is decent too: Perodua claims 8.5 km/L in the city and 13 km/L on the highway, which is fair given its size and Bangladesh's subpar fuel quality.
At the sides, 17-inch alloys with a unique design separate the Aruz from the Rush, while Aruz-branded running boards add some urban practicality. Ground clearance? A hefty 222 mm, perfect for tackling Dhaka's infamous potholes and speed bumps.
The back is no-frills but functional. You get a manual tailgate, parking sensors and LED taillights. The flat boot floor conceals a spare tyre tucked underneath, and while folding the third-row seats takes some effort, the resulting flat cargo space is large enough to fit a piano.
A handy 12-volt socket in the boot adds a touch of utility for charging gadgets or powering a picnic setup.
Inside, the Aruz is utilitarian, with plenty of hard plastics and minimal frills. However, it comes with a factory-fitted infotainment system—basic, but it spares you the aftermarket hassle. There's no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, but Bluetooth connectivity pairs well with the six-speaker audio setup.
Climate control gets a digital upgrade and beneath the centre console, you'll find a 12-volt socket, USB port, and space for your wallet or phone. Practicality reigns supreme with not two, not three but 11 cupholders scattered around the cabin, including slots in the door panels.
The second-row seats are adjustable, though sparse in features. No armrests here, but the blue-striped fabric adds a splash of character. A standout is the overhead climate control panel with multiple vents and an adjustable fan, keeping rear passengers comfortable.
The third row, as expected, is a tight squeeze but usable in a pinch, complete with its own 12-volt socket, and you guessed it, more cup holders.
But does its rear-wheel-drive setup deliver driving excitement? Not really. Like the Rush, the Aruz prioritises commuting over thrills. Soft suspension ensures a comfy ride over uneven roads but introduces a noticeable body roll at higher speeds.
The 1500cc engine offers just enough grunt for everyday driving, hitting highway speeds without fuss but without fanfare either.
So, is it worth it? If you have your eye on a Toyota Rush but baulk at the price tag or the waiting list, the Aruz is a clever alternative. At Tk42 lakh, it's over Tk9 lakh cheaper than the Rush's Tk51.5 lakh asking price. And for badge snobs, a DIY emblem swap is an option—just don't expect Rush purists (or Toyota Bangladesh) to take kindly to it.
The Perodua Aruz won't set your pulse racing, but it's practical, well-priced and unmistakably familiar. For most buyers, that's a winning formula.
Specifications:
Engine: 1500cc 2NR-VE
Transmission: 4E-AT
Power: 100 bhp
Torque: 133 Nm
Price: Tk42 Lakh
