The Toyota Raize Will Outlive Any Fashion Fad
When the Toyota Raize came into the picture early this year, it commanded the kind of attention that made you think of it as possibly just another one-hit wonder. You know what I’m talking about — the car that gains popularity overnight, then blends into the woodwork as soon as the next big launch comes into focus. In the months that followed, it became clear that the Raize was made for longer shelf-life to rival any hit single of its well-loved OPM endorser, Ben & Ben.
Since its introduction, the Toyota Raize has lived up to its vision of raising the game for sub-compact SUVs everywhere (read our review of the Raize 1.0 Turbo too). It is basic, true, but also in a way that sparks the creativity and aspiration for its owner to make it their own. It is the “blank canvas,” so to speak, and challenges the norm in how far you can actually take it. As I had said before, and stand by it to this day, it was designed to support a person of promise—ambitious, practical, goal-oriented, and with keen sense of success.
Now that we’re in the final months of 2022, what else can be said about the Raize? Having driven the mid-variant 1.2 CVT for a few days tells me that this little car that could will be around for a long while.
Compact, adorable design
It is clear to see why so many are enamored with the Toyota Raize. Its unique, compact design is incredibly adorable and functional, allowing it to fit right in to the metro’s busy streets, zipping in and out of traffic easily. Feature highlights are the sleek LED headlamps, contrasting black floating roof, and 16-inch alloy wheels that give the illusion of length and height, allowing the car to stand out in a crowd.
The beauty of the Raize’s exterior is how it offers a refined yet rugged vibe, given the multi-faceted edges around the front face. This is complemented by the honeycomb grille that is perfectly proportioned to the height of the hood. This exudes a youthful, sporty image that can fit the taste of different age groups and interests.
Refined, functional cabin
The interior cabin of the Raize is laid out in the most practical matter, as is expected with any Toyota vehicle. Feature functions are kept to the basics, making the interior as simple as it can get. One might say that it’s too simple and admittedly, the only thing that literally stands out is the 8-inch infotainment system monitor. However, it packs all the requisites such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It even has a 7-inch TFT digital cluster.
What makes it one of the most functional daily-driven partners is how it supports a multitude of lifestyles. The Raize interior is fitted with practical storage spaces throughout the cabin, including the area below the center console, by the driver and passenger legs, as well as an additional cupholder right by the driver’s left-side air-conditioning vent. The cargo hold is roomy and generous, enough for at least 2 medium-sized luggage, but offering even more space when the rear seats are folded down flat.
To offset the simplicity of the layout, Toyota finished up the cabin design with cool, sporty details. While most of the dashboard and paneling are built with plastic surfaces, there are carbon fiber-like elements like by the side of the infotainment monitor and red stitching on the front and rear seats to match the car’s exterior.
Smooth, easy handling
If it’s fun, drivable performance you’re looking for, the Toyota Raize ticks the box. Not only is its size perfect for busy urban streets, but the 1.2-liter Dual VVT-i engine and its 88 horsepower, 113 Nm of torque output is responsive, allowing you to weave through in-city traffic and highways with hardly any effort. Of course, being a small displacement 3-cylinder engine, it could clearly do better as a highway or long-distance tourer. But, again, as a peppy city car that can support a multitude of activities? It’s definitely built for that.
The suspension on the Raize is also light and stable and can go over traffic humps with ease. Road obstructions and uneven pathways are a different story and the car’s light body means that you can feel absolutely every single bump.
Make it your own
Spending a few days with the Toyota Raize made me understand exactly why so many fell in love with it. From the beginning, I called it “a blank canvas” — a car that was made to be made your own, to support your hobbies and complement your personality. No wonder many of the owners had moved on to adding or changing up the accessories to their Toyota Raize, coming out with some of the most unique modifications that are completely theirs.
So, here’s what can be said about the all-new Toyota Raize. Whichever variant you choose to own, it is just the right starter car that offers features you would expect from a higher category and is the size that is designed to grow with you as your own life evolves.
