The cat has been out of the bag for some time now: Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) is bringing in the Ativ HEV, more casually known as the Vios hybrid or Ativ Hybrid. Pronounced “Ey-Tiv,” the name may be new to most, but the move is an expected next step for Toyota’s top-selling subcompact sedan.
You see, the Vios is not only Toyota’s best-seller in the Philippines, but it has also been the country’s overall best-selling nameplate for six consecutive years, a fixture in driveways and ride-hailing fleets alike. We took the Ativ Hybrid on a quick drive before its official launch, and it showed a lot of promise, especially for those looking for an electrified option from a highly reputable brand.
However, if you’re worried that TMP will force you to go hybrid with the arrival of the Ativ HEV, don’t. Toyota has confirmed to Autocar Philippines that the Ativ HEV will be sold alongside the existing Vios, meaning the familiar gasoline versions will remain part of the lineup. The Ativ simply expands Toyota’s options in the subcompact segment rather than replacing the car that built its reputation.
Plus, the Ativ lineup itself comes with a non-hybrid option, which means you can choose between the existing Vios and the new Ativ if you’re shopping around for a subcompact sedan.
“Think of it as like the positioning of the Toyota Zenix to the Innova,” a TMP representative confirmed to Autocar.
Under its new badge, the Ativ HEV features the same hybrid hardware as the Yaris Cross. A 1.5-liter gasoline engine is paired with an electric motor and a lithium-ion battery to produce a combined 111 horsepower and 121 Nm of torque, which is channeled through a continuously variable transmission. Toyota claims a fuel efficiency figure of around 29 km/L in Thai-market testing, so expect real-world savings at the pump.
A sportier GR Sport version is available in Thailand, featuring a GR-branded body kit, 17-inch wheels, blacked-out roof and mirrors, synthetic leather seats with GR stitching, and a retuned suspension for sharper handling. TMP has yet to confirm whether the GR Sport version will arrive locally.
TMP has already opened early-bird reservations, pointing to a launch in the next few months. October is the target window, which positions the Ativ HEV perfectly for the holiday car-buying season. When it arrives, the hybrid sedan will give Toyota a new way to maintain its market dominance while allowing customers to choose between the established gasoline Vios and the more efficient, electrified alternative.
As for pricing, the 2026 Toyota Ativ is priced as follows:
1.3 E M/T – P916,000
1.3 E M/T PC – P931,000
1.3 E CVT – P980,000
1.3 E CVT PC – P995,000
1.5 G CVT – P1,069,000
1.5 G CVT PC – P1,084,000
1.5 HEV CVT 2T – P1,198,000
1.5 HEV CVT 2T PC – P1,208,000
Photo: Toyota Thailand
