The Toyota Vios is a subcompact sedan and one of Toyota Motor Philippines' most treasured and best-selling nameplates, along with its bigger MPV and SUV brothers. The Vios nameplate was introduced in 2002 and is driven and tested by thousands of Filipino drivers, be it for public or private use. With this, the Vios is consistently among the country's best-sellers outselling many other vehicles in Toyota's lineup almost every year. Toyota proudly sells this sedan as a Philippine-made product, with the brand's plant in Santa Rosa churning out these subcompacts in order to meet demand in the Philippine market.
The refreshed Vios hosts a whole new exterior and interior design. Decorating the front are the long squinting headlights, teardrop-shaped fog lamp vents, plus a wide trapezoidal grille. Even the taillights have been stretched, wrapping to the rear quarter panel. TMP added new Prime variants to its lineup which are equipped with skirts, spoiler, and a differently-styled bumper straight out of the showrooms. The interior, on the other hand, saw a major makeover as well. The cabin features a newly-designed steering wheel that's similar to the one found in the Toyota Yaris, while the dashboard boasts a more unified styling to the sense that it flows smoothly towards the door panels.
Since the refresh's debut in the Philippine market, Toyota has since expanded the model's lineup with several new variants that are affordably priced like the XE and the XLE, which both feature CVTs which are indispensable for drivers in Philippine traffic. These variants accompany the E and G variants which remain core offerings in the Vios lineup.
Launch
The first-generation Toyota Vios was introduced in the Philippines in 2002. From then on, it has become a staple sedan among Filipinos and a common sight on Philippine roads. The second-generation Vios, on the other hand, was launched in 2007 and was affectionately called the "Batman" because of the shape of its grille.
Finally, the third-generation Vios landed the Philippine shores in 2013 with a bigger body and a new powertrain setup. In 2018, however, TMP gave its popular subcompact sedan a major revamp, which could make you think that it's an all-new model. The platform is the same, though, but the redesigned exterior and interior styling were way different from before.
Platform, Chassis and Powertrain
The Toyota Vios comes in two powertrain options: the 1.3-Liter 1NR-FE gasoline engine that produces 98 hp and 123 Nm of torque, and the 1.5-Liter 2NR-FE mill with outputs of 106 hp and 140 Nm torque. Both engine options can be paired up with either a continuously variable transmission (CVT) or a 5-speed manual transmission. The engine is mounted transversely in a front-engined front-wheel-drive layout which allows for more cabin space.
The third-generation Vios sits on the Toyota B platform, shared with the Yaris and other small Toyota cars. The facelifted Vios carry over the same platform. Suspension setup remains at McPherson strut front and torsion beam rear, while brakes are both discs at high trim levels while rear brakes are relegated to trailing drums at lower J and Base variants. The Toyota Vios features gas shock absorbers and coil springs for added comfort, and better control. The chassis of the Vios is constructed with a unibody architecture, which means the frame of the vehicle is one piece. This, in turn, allows for more chassis rigidity without sacrificing lightness.
With two engine options available for the Vios, except different driving performance from each as well. The 1.3-liter 1NR-FE engine produces a decent 98 hp and 123 Nm of torque and is paired up with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Don’t expect a fast and spirited drive with this car. It's enough to get you around the city but quick highway drives will need more effort because of the rubber band effect of the CVT. The car could reach speed limits at its own pace but it would take time to do so especially when it’s loaded with passengers.
As for the 1.5-liter 2NR-FE, expect more grunt compared to the 1.3-liter counterpart. Handling's commendable on both cars as the steering wheel's nicely weighted, which makes highway drives planted, composed, and stable. It’s also easy to maneuver the vehicle even within tight spots and the absence of sensors. Body roll is naturally present, but minimal, especially at speeds. Brakes bite nicely, but can be improved.
Technology Features
As there are 8 variants available in the Toyota Vios lineup, tech and convenience features vary per trim. G and E variants get most of the better features, with motorized adjustments available at most of the variant level. These two variants also have the Optitron gauge clusters and steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, which are a nice touch. Another piece of equipment found on both variants (and in the new XEand XLE variants) is the 7-inch touchscreen display audio system with iPod connectivity. Sadly, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto aren't standard in this model yet. Push-start ignition is present on G variants, nevertheless.
As expected, the Base and J, XE, and XLE variants are stripped down to bare essentials, with windows losing the powered controls at the back and the side mirrors needing manual adjustment.
Exterior
The new refreshed Toyota Vios that was launched in 2018 got mixed reactions from the public and the motoring media, especially with the introduction of Prime variants. The non-prime variants feature a sleeker set of headlights and taillights than before, but the body size is pretty much the same with the pre-facelift model. The Prime variants, on the other hand, have bigger garnishings on the bumper and have other additions like side skirts and redesigned bumper lips. Halogen is still the bulb-type of choice, with the higher G variants getting projector types and LED daytime running lights.
As for the wheels, G variants have 16-inch alloys while the E trim sits on 15-inch wheels. The XE, XLE, and J have 14-inch steelies with full cap, while the Base trim only has 14-inch steel rims.
Interior
The Vios' interior trimmings are pretty much the same at every variant level, with soft and hard plastics primarily found on each. G variants get the upper hand with leather wrappings at some part of the cabin. Also present at all variants of the Vios is the open-cabin feeling, which makes the Vios one of the most spacious cars in its segment.
At the back, there’s not much to play around with except for the bottle holders by the doors. Rear legroom and headroom are plenty for average-sized Filipinos, and a nearly flat rear tunnel only adds to the good amount of space for rear passengers, even for a middle occupant in the middle row.
Pros & Cons
Commendable in the Toyota Vios is the wide array of safety features that are found across the variant range. The interior's spacious as well plus ride comfort's good and pliant - perfect for Metro Manila roads.
What you might not like, however, is the lack of speed-sensing door locks even for the higher trim levels. The lack of LED lighting for range-toppers is quite disappointing as well, plus the CVT needs improvement for a better driving experience.
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2. Resulting computations are based on indicative rates and for estimation purposes only. These do not constitute an approval nor offer by Security Bank.
3. Actual computations based on prevailing rates will be provided by your Account Officer upon loan application.
4. Maximum Loanable Amount is based on the following:
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- For Pre-Owned Cars, amount follows the appraised value or vehicle purchase price, whichever is lower.
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Toyota Vios Specifications
Key specifications & features of the Toyota Vios. View engine specs, dimensions, safety and technology features in our full variant pages.
Body Type
Sedan
No. of seats
5
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Transmission
Manual
CVT
Max Output (HP)
98 HP @ 6,000 rpm - 106 HP @ 6,000 rpm
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
Wheel Size
14 in - 16 in
Airbags
3 - 5
*Depending on variant
ISOFIX
Available *Depending on variant
Front Parking Sensors
Not Available
Rear Parking Sensors
Not Available
Connectivity
Aux, Bluetooth, USB, WebLink for IOS and Android
*Depending on variant
The Toyota Vios comes in the following colors: Alumina Jade Metallic, Black, Blackish Red Mica Metallic, Grayish Blue Mica Metallic, Red Mica Metallic, Thermalyte, Freedom White, Grayish Blue, White Pearl and Super Red
One of the best things found on the Vios is its plethora of safety features across the range. Present in the entire lineup are seven airbags, vehicle stability control, hill-start assist, ABS with EBD and brake assist, five 3-point seatbelts, ISOFIX child seat tethers, and child lock protection. Toyota also standardized 3-airbags throughout the lineup, with 7 being an option if more peace of mind is needed.
With this, the Vios got 5 stars on the ASEAN NCAP testing, getting high ratings on both adult occupancy and child occupancy protection.
Overall Score
81.88
Tested Variant: Toyota Vios 1.5 G CVT
Child Occupant Safety
21.66
Front Impact Score
16
Side Impact Score
8
ISOFIX
Yes
Adult Occupant Safety
44.70
Front Impact Score
12.19
Side Impact Score
16
Head Protection Score
4
Driver Airbag
Yes
Front Passenger Airbag
Yes
Curtain Airbag
Yes
Side Airbag
Yes
Knee Airbag
Yes
Seat Belt Retractor Driver
Yes
Seat Belt Retractor Front Passenger
Yes
Safety Assist Technology
15.52
Effective Breaking & Avoidance
ESC
Yes
ABS
Yes
Seat Belt Reminders
SBR for Driver
Yes
SBR for Front Passenger
Yes
SBR for Rear Passenger
No
Blind Spot Technology
BST Nearside
No
BST Offside
No
Advanced Safety Assist Technologies
Intelligent Rear View Mirror
No
AEB Inter-urban
No
AEB VRU
No
Lane Departure Warning System
No
Forward Collision Warning System
No
Lane Keep Assist
No
Toyota Vios Comparisons
View the most compared cars versus the Toyota Vios
On this episode of Behind the Wheel, we take the new XE variant of the Toyota Vios for review to find out if it’ll be worth your hard-earned Philippine Pesos.
Ask our team of experts any question and we will do our best to give you the best answer possible.
Is the Toyota Vios safe?
With an ASEAN NCAP rating of 5-stars, the Toyota Vios is one of the safest subcompact cars in the market.
What's the difference between the Prime and Non-Prime variants
The Prime variants, on the exterior, have add-on body kits and some black accents. The E and G variants can come with Prime add ons which are more angular and agressive-looking, while the features remain largely the same.
Does the Toyota Vios have enough ground clearance?
In the Philippines, the Toyota Vios has 133 mm of ground clearance which is within the same range as its rivals.
What is the Vios' drivetrain layout?
The Toyota Vios has a front-engined, front-wheel-drive layout. Its motor is mounted transversely to allow more room in the cabin.
Where is the Vios made?
Toyota has a factory located in Santa Rosa, Laguna, and produces the Vios and the Innova.
Is the Toyota Vios fuel efficient?
In our test of the 1.3L variant of the Vios, we got an average of 22.3 km/L after an hour on the highway with an average speed of 90 km/h.
Is the Toyota Vios reliable?
Based on its population on the streets alone, the Toyota Vios is a reliable car that could last years of ownership. Parts availability is also one of the Vios' main strengths, thanks to third-party car parts available in the market.
Is the Vios' CVT better than the conventional automatic?
In terms of fuel efficiency and emissions, the Toyota CVT found in the Vios is better than the conventional torque converter automatic transmission.
Is the Toyota Vios automatic?
In its latest version, the Toyota Vios comes with a continuously variable transmission which is essentially a type of automatic transmission.
Is the Vios the same as the Yaris?
Technically, yes, since the Vios and the Yaris share a lot of things, namely the underpinnings, engine, interior layout, and even cabin space. What differs between the two is the trunk, wherein the Yaris gets a more flexible boot space courtesy of its hatchback body.
Is there a Toyota Vios diesel?
The Toyota Vios doesn't have a diesel in the Asia-Pacific region. In India, however, the subcompact sedan as a 1.4L diesel variant that produces 87 hp and 205 Nm of torque.
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