Toyota Vios

Vios Overview

The Toyota Vios remains one of the best-selling vehicles on the market and is presently Toyota Motor Philippines’ most in-demand nameplate. Since its introduction back in 2002, the Vios has been a favorite by families, professionals, and first-time car buyers for its versatility and reliability.  It’s not difficult to find a Vios out on the roads, be it as a private or public utility vehicle. This Philippine-made subcompact sedan is known particularly for being low-maintenance and possessing great tech features. Not to mention the excellent driving quality that makes it the perfect daily commute car. Despite a number of facelifts and upgrades over the years, it has managed to retain the traits that have made the model so popular, including its affordable price tag. It’s not difficult to see why this such a well-loved vehicle by Filipinos everywhere.

The third-generation Vios was first introduced back in 2013 and was given a complete revamp, from its chassis to its entire exterior design. The model still sits on the Toyota B platform which is also shared by other compact Toyota vehicles such as the Yaris. However numerous exterior facelifts and tech upgrades have been done for recent iterations of the vehicle to keep it modern and updated.

Toyota has expanded the model’s variant lineup over the years, offering more choices for the varying needs of the modern driver. This has also provided a wider range of price points for all sorts of budgets, allowing more buyers to take home a brand-new Vios. 

In the last August 2020 facelift, Some of the recently added variants include the affordable and modern XE and the XLE which are already equipped with a continuously-variable transmission (CVT) for dealing with Philippine traffic. Another variant that’s been added to the roster is the GR-S which features a sportier look compared to its siblings. It’s one of the highlight offerings released by Toyota this year and will include more handy features such as a 10-speed CVT. There are currently a total of six variants available for sale.

Toyota Vios Interior & Features

The Vios’ interior style is almost entirely uniform across all trims, with the exception of the leather wrappings found on the higher tier offerings such as the G variant. For the rest of the variants, Toyota made use of soft and hard plastic trimmings.

One of the most notable characteristics of the Vios is its spacious cabin. Despite being a subcompact vehicle, the vehicle manages to evoke an open-cabin atmosphere thanks to the design’s focus on convenience and comfort.

Passengers can expect a generous amount of rear headroom and legroom which offers ample space for average-sized Filipino adults. There are also multiple added convenience features such as bottle holders. The seats have retained the fabric upholstery from the previous generation.

Sitting on the dashboard is a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment display that is equipped with Toyota’s T-Link system which allows users to mirror their smartphone device. Unfortunately, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are not yet standard on the Vios. Mid to high-tier trims are equipped with additional features such as Optitron gauge clusters, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, and push-start ignition.

Vios Exterior

The aesthetic changes delivered were largely to enhance the Vios’ sporty elements, keeping its design fresh and trendy. The 2018 Vios facelift saw the most memorable design changes from Toyota due to the introduction of Prime variants. The Prime variants are characterized by bigger and bolder touches such as the bumper garnishings, side skirts, and bumper lips. The non-Prime variants, on the other hand, sport sleeker and sharper design features. However, they have retained much of the original body structure from the previous generation.

Meanwhile, the 2020 version swapped out the old set of headlights and wheels as the Vios was given a more modern appearance. Toyota has kept the halogen headlights mainly for lower variants, only offering projector and LED daytime running lights for the higher G variant. LED foglights are standard for the G, E, and XLE variants. The Vios also received a new alloy wheel design for a sleeker look. The lower XE, XLE, and J trims all sit on 14-inch steel alloys, the E trim on 15-inch, and the G variant on larger 16-inch alloy wheels. Other available trim levels have retained the earlier design of previous iterations.

Toyota Vios Ride & Handling

Two engine options mean two distinct driving performances. For those with the 1.3-liter engine, drivers can expect to need a little more effort in pushing the vehicle on the highway. This is primarily due to the rubber band effect of the CVT. It can also take a while to reach top speeds, which may prove more difficult when the passenger load onboard the car is full. However, its maximum output of 98 hp and 123 Nm of torque is certainly enough for daily drives around the city. But don’t expect much of a fast and spirited driving experience from these trims. Compared to the first engine, the 1.5-liter definitely offers a bit more of a punch. Though the CVT can still keep it somewhat restricted at times.

While the CVT is relatively smooth, it can take some time to react to sudden changes in speed. Sport mode allows the vehicle some added rev, but the response is still subpar. But if there’s one thing the Vios delivers in, it’s ride comfort which is currently one of the best in its class. Body roll is minimal and the vehicle manages to remain sturdy even on moderately rough roads. The weighted steering also allows for good ride handling, especially when on the highway. However, this can still be a bit on the heavy side for some drivers and could be an inconvenience. Some understeer can sometimes be encountered when turning corners at high speeds, but this is only expected for a front-wheel drive car. The electronic power steering feature helps make maneuvering easier, especially when parking or driving along busy streets.

The Toyota Vios is not a purist’s car with enthusiasm in its driving mannerisms. However, the front McPherson struts and rear torsion beam are tuned for a simple and comfortable ride quality which can be enjoyed for long duration.

Vios Engine & Fuel Consumption

The Vios offers two powertrain options. The first is a 1.3-liter 1NR-FE gasoline engine that is capable of generating 98 hp and 123 Nm of torque. On the other hand, the larger 1.5-liter 2NR-FE mill produces 105 hp and 140 Nm of torque. Both engines can be mated to either a continuously-variable transmission (CVT) or a 5-speed manual transmission. The sedan is available in a front-wheel drive configuration. Toyota has also added ECQ and Sport driving modes for trims equipped with the 1.5-liter engine to maximize its power output.

The chassis of the Vios features a unibody structure, which means that the build of the car frame is one piece. This provides the vehicle more rigidity without sacrificing lightness, allowing for stable but spirited maneuvering. Meanwhile, the suspension includes a McPherson strut front and torsion beam rear along with brake discs for the higher trims. Lower trims such as the J and Base variants will have the rear brakes at the trailing drums. The Vios also features gas shock absorbers and coil springs for added comfort and improved vehicle control.

Fuel consumption

Drivers can expect the larger 1.5-liter engine to have higher fuel consumption compared to the smaller 1.3-liter, however, both still manage to demonstrate good fuel efficiency. An hour in city traffic pulls approximately 8.1 km/L. Meanwhile, an average speed of 60 km/h can clock around 13.1 km/L. Highway driving at a speed of 90 km/h typically gets around 19.2 km/L.

Toyota Vios Braking & Safety

Safety features have remained the same as the previous generation. This includes vehicle stability control, hill start assist, an anti-lock braking system with electronic brakeforce distribution, five 3-point seatbelts, and ISOFIX child seat anchor points, and child lock protection for the kids. The standard number of airbags is three, however, it can be upgraded to seven for those who want maximum protection.

With high scores on both adult occupancy and child occupancy protection parameters, the Vios attained a shining 5-star rating in the ASEAN NCAP crash tests. For 2020, the Japanese automaker kept the Vios safety features list unchanged as it is already one of the safest cars available in the subcompact sedan segment.

ASEAN NCAP Overall Score: 81.88
Variant Tested: Toyota Vios 1.5 G CVT

Vios Verdict

Passenger & Boot space

Comfort is the name of the game for the Vios. Its interior cabin space offers soft cushioned seats and lots of room for up to five passengers. The seating position of the driver’s seat is good for short drives but some strain can be felt on longer journeys due to the lack of back support. Toyota has included a height adjuster function that allows the driver to easily configure the seat for better ride comfort. Unfortunately, the Vios doesn’t have telescopic adjustment. While the trunk space is generous, the rear seats can’t be folded for added cargo space which is something that those looking for versatility may find an inconvenience.

Comfort & Entertainment

Inside the Vios is a plethora of convenience and entertainment features that make the driving experience both comfortable and fun. In the middle of the dashboard is a 7-inch capacitative touchscreen that has Bluetooth connectivity, as well as USB and auxiliary ports for music playing from any kind of device. Toyota’s T-Link system also allows users to mirror their smartphone device onto the display. Other key features include speed-sensing door locks, automatic headlights, powered adjustments and retraction for the side mirror, and a push-button ignition system. The higher trims including E Prime, G, and G Prime now also include a reverse camera.

Value for money

The Toyota Vios is considered one of the best value-for-money cars on the market, which is why it’s a favorite for first-time car buyers, families, and professionals. And because it’s such an easy car to maintain, it manages to remain dependable and comfortable everyday vehicles for a long time. Toyota also has numerous dealerships and after-sales service centers located all over the country, so it’s easy to get everything checked and up and running again if any issues do come up.

Vios Price List

Vios 1.3 Base MT-₱681,000
Vios 1.3 Base MT (7 Airbags)-₱691,000
Vios 1.3 J MT-₱707,000
Vios 1.3 J MT (7 Airbags)-₱717,000
Vios 1.3 XE CVT-₱753,000
Vios 1.3 XLE MT-₱801,000
Vios 1.3 XE CVT (7 Airbags)-₱808,000
Vios 1.3 XLE CVT-₱851,000
Vios 1.3 E MT-₱851,000
Vios 1.3 E CVT-₱901,000
Vios 1.3 G MT-₱911,000
Vios 1.3 G MT (White Pearl)-₱926,000
Vios 1.5 G CVT-₱970,000
Vios 1.5 G CVT (White Pearl)-₱985,000
Vios 1.5 GR-S CVT-₱1,020,000
Vios 1.5 GR-S CVT (White Pearl Crystal Shine)-₱1,035,000

Verdict

It’s no secret why the Toyota Vios has remained at the top of the Philippines’ best-seller list year after year. The various variant offerings promise something for all kinds of drivers and use without compromising on the nameplate’s signature reliability. While the higher trims do provide some more advanced features, the lower and mid variants already include everything one needs in a modern city car. Coupled with its excellent ride handling and affordable price tag, the Toyota Vios is a great no-frills, low-maintenance vehicle that will last you a long time.

Must Read Articles on Vios

1. Class frontrunner: The Vios G variants
2. Hunting high and low: Comparing the top and base variants of the  Vios
3. Reasons to go for the Vios 1.5 G
4. The Toyota Vios marks the spot
5. What kind of Vios do you get for P671,000?
6. Variant check: How the Vios trims stack up

Vios Alternatives

1. Upper middle class: Nissan Almera vs. Toyota Vios