Toyota Motor Philippines recently invited members of the motoring press to experience the all-new Toyota Ativ Hybrid, the brand’s latest entry in the subcompact sedan segment. The drive took us from Makati City all the way to Anya Resort in Tagaytay, giving us the chance to see how Toyota’s newest hybrid performs in real-world Philippine driving conditions — from weekday city traffic to long provincial climbs.
A Fresh Take on the Everyday Sedan
The Ativ — known elsewhere as the Vios Ativ HEV — is built on Toyota’s DNGA platform, which it shares with the Yaris Cross. It’s a more rigid and refined base, designed for better ride quality and handling stability. Under the hood sits a 1.5-liter Atkinson-cycle gasoline engine paired with an electric motor and lithium-ion battery, delivering a combined 111 PS through an e-CVT gearbox.
Around the tight streets of Makati, the Ativ glides almost silently on electric power, slipping through traffic with ease. Out on the South Luzon Expressway, the hybrid system shifts seamlessly between petrol and electric drive, keeping revs low and the cabin quiet. Even as we began the climb toward Tagaytay, the Ativ showed no hesitation, maintaining power without raising the noise level.
After more than 100 kilometers of mixed driving, we averaged around 23 to 25 km/L, a figure that should make regular commuters take notice.
Cabin Comfort and Practical Tech
The Ativ’s interior feels like a proper step up from the Vios it replaces. The dashboard layout is clean and straightforward, dominated by a 10.1-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Materials are well chosen, and the hybrid variant gets automatic climate control, rear air-conditioning vents, and generous storage space for personal items.
On the road, the ride quality is composed and mature. The suspension takes on rough patches with ease, and the improved insulation keeps outside noise well under control — especially when running on EV mode. The seats remained supportive for the two-hour drive, while visibility all around is excellent, making city parking and highway cruising equally easy.
Safety and Driver Assistance
The Ativ comes equipped with Toyota Safety Sense, which includes lane departure alert, pre-collision system, and adaptive cruise control. Higher variants are also expected to get blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a 360-degree camera. Six airbags and stability control come standard.
These features, combined with Toyota’s reputation for reliability, make the Ativ a solid everyday choice — whether as a first car or an upgrade from an older sedan.
Design That Grows on You
Toyota has given the Ativ a sharper, more premium look that moves it closer to the Corolla in styling. The front fascia is bolder, with slimmer headlights and a more confident stance. There’s talk of a GR Sport variant that could bring a sportier kit and suspension tweaks, though even the standard trim already carries itself with a more upscale vibe than any Vios before it.
Positioned for the Hybrid Mainstream
Pricing hasn’t been finalized, but insiders hint at a P1.1 to P1.3 million range — potentially making it Toyota’s most affordable hybrid in the market. As a registered hybrid with the Department of Energy, it may qualify for number coding exemptions and other incentives.
After a full day behind the wheel, the Ativ Hybrid comes across as exactly what Toyota intended it to be — a practical, well-built, and efficient sedan for the everyday Filipino driver. It doesn’t try too hard to be flashy or overly futuristic. Instead, it quietly delivers refinement, comfort, and real savings at the pump.
For anyone thinking about making the switch to a hybrid, the Ativ could be the easiest — and most sensible — step forward.
Here are the introductory prices for the All-New Toyota Ativ Hybrid
- 1.5 HEV CVT 2T PC – P1,208,000
- 1.5 HEV CVT 2T – P1,198,000
- 1.5 G CVT PC – P1,084,000
- 1.5 G CVT – P1,069,000
- 1.3 E CVT PC – P995,000
- 1.3 E CVT – P980,000
- 1.3 E M/T PC – P931,000
- 1.3 E M/T – P916,000
