Toyota Raize: The Toyota Raize is a small crossover SUV that has been gaining a lot of attention in various global markets and is making headlines especially in the Southeast Asian market.
Sitting under the Toyota’s other, bigger SUVs, the Raize gives you the best of hatchback practicality with a bit of size and function of an SUV.
Developed on a new modern platform shared with fellow Japanese brand Daihatsu, the Raize wants to offer affordability, space, efficiency and modern technology, all wrapped in a bold and youthful design.
Big On Style, Small In Size
The Toyota Raize on the other hand, has a strong and imposing stance despite its small size.
It has real SUV presence; an upright look with muscular wheel arches and a high stance which heightens the SUV appeal of the vehicle.
The nose is menacing with wide grille and sharp LED headlamps and sporty bumpers.
From the side, the floating roof, blacked-out pillars and the dual-tone paint option also gives it an urban allure.
At the back, that modern theme is carried through with the linked tail lamps and neat design.
In size, the Raize is a great fit for squeezing through tight city streets, but it also looks meaty and substantial enough to attract attention.
Its youthful and premium style is something that Toyota has done well and which appeals to professionally active young-timers and young families.
Smart and Stylish Modern Interior
Climb in, however, and the Raize impresses with its neatly laid out and spacious interior. It doesn’t set out to be particularly glamorous, though the design is both intelligent and user-friendly.
The dashboard is clean and uncluttered and features a large 8-inch or 9-inch (on the upper variants) touch screen infotainment system that’s Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible.
The roomy interior feels thoroughly contemporary, in part because of the digital instrument cluster with customizable displays.
The soft-touch materials are few and far between, but the fit and finish are typical Toyota good: great.
Front and rear passengers get ample leg and headroom considering the vehicle’s compact dimensions, while seating comfort is also good.
There’s decent boot space enough for the class, and the 60:40 split rear seats give greater flexibility to accommodate bigger luggage or road trips.
Engines and Performance
In most markets Toyota Raize comes with a 1.0L 3-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine.
This engine develops about 98 PS and 140 Nm of torque and is offered with a 5-speed manual as well as CVT automatic.
Despite the small displacement, the turbocharger endows the Raize with enough punch for both city gridlocks and highway cruising.
In certain markets, the company also offers a naturally aspirated 1.2-litre motor that is more frugal and cheaper. The suspension is also comfort-oriented and the car inspires confidence when driving fast.
With its light steering and small footprint, it’s very user-friendly in town.
Raize is definitely no performance SUV, but it’s zippy and fun to drive, especially in the city. The CVT is super smooth and dialed in for everyday use.
Safety and Features
Toyota has armed up the Raize with a decent package of safety features, which comprises of 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, vehicle stability control, hill-start assist as well as a rear parking camera.
High trims have more add-ons when it comes to driver assistance features such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and a pre-collision safety system.
Because of its segment, the Raize has a surprisingly high number of tech and safety gear, so it’s great for those who are safety-aware buyers.
Mileage and Practicality
One of the Raize’s strong suits is fuel economy. The turbo engine provides 18–20 km/l (9.4–10.5 L/100 km) fuel mileage according to driving condition and transmission.
Cheap to run, with tried and tested parts, and the knowledge of Toyota’s after-sales support, and the Raize is a very affordable car to own and run.
Pros
Elegant and youthful SUV design.
Small but surprisingly roomy interior
Good city performance from turbocharged engine
Excellent fuel economy
Packed with safety and infotainment technology
Cons
Libraryoffersrear seat under-thigh support could be a bit better.
Down-spec models feature minimalist feeling interior furnishings
No all-wheel drive option
Excellent choice for new enthusiasts Turbo lag below 2000 rpm is noticeable
Toyota Raize: Verdict
The Toyota Raize is a smart little compact and it packs plenty of value into a really small package. It’s perfect for urbanites, small families or entry-level SUV buyers who want the feel of an SUV without taking on the size or cost.
With contemporary function, advanced powertrain, the Raize is a smart urbanite that looks the part as well, and we can be assured about its reliability because it comes from Toyota.