Considered by many as a reliable car for private, business, and even for racing purposes, the Toyota Vios has endured the test of time in the Philippines. Now, Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) is aiming to level the playing field with the introduction of the Ativ, a model that’s basically an evolution of the old reliable Vios, but made better with modern tech and hybrid power.
According to TMP, the Ativ will roll out alongside the Vios in its current model lineup. With this in mind, here are the key differences between the Toyota Vios and the Toyota Ativ.
The Vios and the Ativ occupy the same subcompact segment in TMP’s lineup, but they speak to different kinds of buyers. The Vios has built a reputation over the years as a practical, reliable, and dependable option for everyday driving. The Ativ, meanwhile, offers a more modern, premium approach with updated styling, advanced features, and a hybrid option.
Platform
The Vios uses Toyota’s long-serving B Platform, known for its reliability and ease of maintenance. It’s been a staple in the Philippines for years and is the reason why the Vios remains popular among private owners, fleet operators, and ride-hailing drivers.
On the other hand, the Ativ is built on the newer DNGA (Daihatsu New Global Architecture) platform, which is lighter and more rigid. It supports better ride quality, improved efficiency, and more advanced safety technologies. It also offers a longer wheelbase and higher ground clearance, giving the Ativ a more planted feel on the road.
Size
Dimensionally, the Ativ measures 4,425 mm in length, 1,740 mm in width, and 1,480 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,620 mm and a ground clearance of 160 mm. In contrast, the Vios is a bit shorter and narrower at 4,420 mm in length and 1,730 mm in width, respectively, with a 2,550 mm wheelbase and 133 mm of ground clearance.
On paper, these differences may seem small, but they give the Ativ a roomier cabin and better composure on uneven roads, while the Vios keeps a lower and more traditional profile.
Engine
Under the hood, the Vios continues with its proven 1.3- and 1.5-liter gasoline engine, mated to either a manual or CVT. It tops out at 107 hp and 140 Nm for the 1.5-liter variant.
The Ativ uses similar engines with comparable output, but adds a hybrid option. Its 1.5-liter engine pairs with an electric motor for a combined system output of 111 hp. This setup delivers smoother low-speed operation and better fuel efficiency, especially in stop-and-go traffic. Also, higher Ativ variants use all-disc brakes, unlike the mixed disc-and-drum brakes on some Vios trims.
Exterior
Style-wise, the Vios presents a traditional sedan appearance with a wide front grille, swept-back headlights, and a balanced stance. It’s designed to be familiar, appealing to a wide range of buyers.
The Ativ dons a more modern and aggressive aesthetic, fast-back roofline, slimmer LED headlights, sequential turn signal lights, and sporty character lines. It sits higher off the ground and projects a more upmarket look, signaling Toyota’s shift in design direction.
Interior
Inside, the Vios retains a practical and straightforward layout, offering fabric seats, a conventional instrument cluster, and an 8-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Top variants add push-start ignition, automatic climate control, and some soft-touch materials, enhancing the overall familiar experience.
The Ativ elevates with a larger 10.1-inch infotainment, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster on higher trims, wireless smartphone connectivity, ambient lighting, and wireless charging. It also has automatic climate control and rear air conditioning vents for a more premium experience.
Tech & Safety
For safety, both cars come with essentials like ABS with EBD, Vehicle Stability Control, Hill-Start Assist, and multiple airbags. However, the Ativ advanced with the integration of Toyota’s Safety Sense, a suite of driver assistance and safety features that include Pre-Collision System, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert, Lane Tracing Assist, Automatic High Beam, Blind Spot Monitor, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. The Ativ Hybrid even has a panoramic view monitor and 6 airbags, pushing its safety offering beyond what the Vios can offer.
Assembly
Finally, the Vios is assembled locally at TMP’s plant in Santa Rosa, Laguna, which helps keep its price accessible to a broader market. If not, its price range starts from P738,000 to P1,039,000.
On the other hand, the Ativ is imported from Thailand as a completely built unit, priced at P916,000 to P1,198,000, with additional cost for premium colors. This reflects its newer platform, advanced safety features, and hybrid tech.
