Toyota axes Vios variants for 2026 – What buyers need to know

Toyota Vios
Photo: Toyota

Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) has revised the Vios lineup for the coming year, opting for a simpler set of choices that focus solely on the 1.3-liter engine. The lineup adjustment removes all 1.5-liter variants, leaving only four 1.3-liter trims in the catalog: J MT, XE CVT, XLE MT, and XLE CVT.

The decision keeps the long-standing lower-displacement engine at the center of the range, paired with either a 5-speed manual or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). While the powertrain remains unchanged, the streamlined structure makes the lineup easier for buyers to navigate, especially for those who prioritize operating costs and ease of ownership.

At the entry point is the Vios J MT, which is priced at P738,000. The Vios XE CVT comes next, priced at P780,000, aimed at customers seeking a budget-friendly alternative that offers a more relaxed driving experience. The Vios XLE trims, available in both manual and CVT, and priced at P868,000 and P908,000, respectively, complete the revised lineup. These higher trims come with features such as alloy wheels, fog lamps, and an 8-inch touchscreen with smartphone integration. As for safety, the full range offers ABS, stability control, hill-start assist, and multiple airbags.

Toyota Vios engine
Photo: Toyota

The reduced choice suggests a more deliberate market positioning. With only the 1.3-liter engine available, TMP appears to be setting the Vios up for users who value straightforward maintenance and fuel economy, including ride-hailing drivers and fleet operators. It also gives more room for the all-new Toyota Ativ, TMP’s latest small sedan offering, which, at its core, is an updated Vios.

The Toyota Ativ comes with improved tech and safety features and carries the familiar 1.3-liter and 1.5-liter engines, available with a choice of a 5-speed manual or a CVT. What the Toyota Ativ has over the Vios is a range-topping 1.5-liter hybrid-electric vehicle (HEV) CVT variant for buyers looking for an affordable electrified driving experience under the Toyota banner.

The Toyota Vios lineup adjustment may be significant, but the model retains the traits that made it a fixture on Philippine roads. For 2026, the lineup simply takes on a more streamlined form – leaner, more targeted, and better aligned with how most owners already use it.

Toyota Vios
Photo: Toyota
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Randolph de Leon

Randolph de Leon

Randolph is a visually-impaired car photographer and one of the correspondents of Autocar Philippines. Seeing the world out of his left eye since birth, Randolph loves to photograph cars and most especially motorsport events. Despite the challenges he's facing, Randolph continues to be an optimistic energy to himself and to those around him, living life to the best of his abilities.