If you think you know every Toyota SUV on the market, think again. While names like the RAV4, Fortuner, and Highlander dominate the roads, there’s a small Toyota SUV that most people in the U.S. and even Europe have never heard of—but it’s quickly becoming a favorite in Asia, Latin America, and Africa. Meet the Toyota Raize, the compact SUV that’s redefining what it means to be affordable, stylish, and practical.
What Is the Toyota Raize?
The Toyota Raize is a subcompact crossover SUV developed in collaboration with Daihatsu, one of Toyota’s subsidiaries. It first made its debut in Japan in late 2019 and has since expanded into several international markets including Indonesia, India, the Philippines, and South Africa. Built on Daihatsu’s lightweight DNGA (Daihatsu New Global Architecture) platform, the Raize was designed to offer SUV-level practicality in a compact body that’s ideal for urban and semi-rural roads.
Despite its small footprint, the Toyota Raize is packed with big features.
Compact Yet Spacious
Measuring around 4 meters in length (roughly 13 feet), the Raize is easy to park, turn, and drive in tight urban environments. But Toyota made sure not to sacrifice cabin space. The interior is surprisingly roomy for a vehicle of its size, offering ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers. It also boasts one of the largest luggage capacities in its class, making it perfect for weekend getaways or carrying sports equipment.
In India, it’s sold as the Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor, part of Toyota’s rebadged partnership with Suzuki. While the design varies slightly depending on the market, the core features remain consistent.
Engine, Mileage, and Performance
Under the hood, the Raize typically features a 1.0-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder petrol engine that delivers about 98 horsepower. Some markets also offer a naturally aspirated 1.2-liter engine for better fuel economy. While it’s not built for speed, the Raize is designed for efficiency and daily driving. The turbo engine, combined with a CVT transmission, provides smooth acceleration and excellent mileage—up to 20 km/l (47 mpg) depending on the model and region.
For buyers looking for a budget-friendly SUV that won’t break the bank at the fuel pump, the Toyota Raize is a serious contender.
Features That Impress
Toyota didn’t skimp on features. The Raize offers a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, digital instrument cluster, automatic climate control, push-button start, and more. Some top trims also come with LED headlamps, a 360-degree camera, and Toyota Safety Sense, which includes features like lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and collision avoidance assist.
In terms of safety, it has earned high ratings in crash tests across various markets. It typically comes with six airbags, ABS with EBD, and electronic stability control.
Pricing That Turns Heads
Perhaps the biggest surprise is the price. In most countries where the Raize is sold, it falls into the affordable SUV category. Prices start at around $13,000 to $17,000 USD, making it one of the cheapest SUVs offered by Toyota. This pricing strategy has made it especially attractive to first-time buyers, small families, and young professionals.
In markets like Indonesia and the Philippines, the Raize regularly appears among the top 10 best-selling SUVs each month.
Why You Haven’t Heard of It
So why is this SUV still a mystery in major Western markets like the U.S. and UK?
There are several reasons:
- Emission Regulations: The Raize’s engine configurations are not fully compliant with stricter emission standards in Europe and North America.
- Market Overlap: Toyota already offers compact and subcompact SUVs like the C-HR and Corolla Cross in the U.S., which would compete directly with the Raize.
- Different Consumer Preferences: Western consumers often prefer larger vehicles with higher horsepower and all-wheel drive—areas where the Raize may not shine.
Still, the buzz around this SUV is growing thanks to global reviews, social media, and YouTube car reviewers who are drawing attention to the Raize’s performance and value.
What Experts Are Saying
Automotive journalists from regions where the Raize is sold have praised its agility, build quality, and smart pricing. It’s often recommended as the ideal city SUV for buyers who want an elevated driving position without the bulk of a full-sized crossover.
In a review by AutoIndustriya link here, the Raize was called “one of the most thoughtfully packaged compact SUVs on the market.” Similarly, CarGuide.ph praised its “excellent road manners and surprisingly premium interior touches.”
Even Top Gear Philippines reviewed the Raize, calling it a “fun-to-drive and value-packed mini SUV.”
Future Possibilities
There have been rumors that Toyota might consider expanding the Raize to additional global markets in the future under different names or configurations. With the growing popularity of small SUVs and rising fuel costs, demand for vehicles like the Raize could eventually influence Toyota’s decision.
Additionally, as more countries push for cleaner technologies, a hybrid version of the Raize might be in the works. Some leaked reports hint that Toyota is testing hybrid prototypes based on the same DNGA platform, potentially opening the door to wider adoption.
Final Thoughts
The Toyota Raize is a hidden gem in the world of compact SUVs. With its blend of fuel efficiency, smart design, high-tech features, and competitive pricing, it’s no surprise that it’s capturing hearts in every market it enters—just not yours yet.
If Toyota ever decides to bring it to the U.S. or Europe, don’t be surprised if it becomes the next big thing in a small package.
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