2021 TOYOTA RAIZE REVIEW
The Toyota Raize is one of the most versatile and affordable compact SUVs in Toyota’s lineup. Developed in partnership with Daihatsu and built on the DNGA platform, it blends the practicality of a crossover with the efficiency and maneuverability of a small car. Compact on the outside yet surprisingly spacious inside, the Raize caters perfectly to urban drivers, first-time SUV buyers, and small families. With its efficient 1.2L and 1.0L turbo engines, elevated ride height, and Toyota’s solid reliability, the Raize delivers everyday usability with a modern, confident attitude.
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Detailed Review
The Toyota Raize is Toyota’s entry-level compact SUV, offering an appealing mix of style, practicality, and efficiency for urban drivers. Introduced in late 2019 and built in partnership with Daihatsu on the DNGA platform, the Raize targets buyers who want SUV looks and ride height without the bulk or cost of a full-size crossover. Its design shares much of its engineering with the Daihatsu Rocky, emphasizing light weight, interior space optimization, and easy drivability.
The Raize is powered by either a 1.0-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine (98 hp, 140 Nm) paired with a CVT or a 1.2-liter naturally aspirated engine (87 hp, 113 Nm) in newer models. Both prioritize fuel efficiency and smooth power delivery, making them ideal for city commutes and light intercity travel. The suspension setup delivers a balanced, car-like feel with enough ground clearance for rough roads or speed bumps.
Inside, the Raize impresses with its upright driving position, clever cabin packaging, and generous boot space for its size. Available in 2WD and 4WD versions, it blends urban practicality with light off-road confidence.
For those considering a used or imported Toyota Raize, we’ve also prepared a detailed Buyer’s Guide covering key trims, reliability insights, and what to inspect before purchase.
2021 Toyota Raize Grades
Raize X / Base – Entry-level trim focused on affordability and practicality. Features halogen headlights, 16″ steel wheels, manual A/C, fabric seats, 7″ touchscreen with Bluetooth, ABS, EBD, and dual airbags. Ideal for first-time or budget-conscious buyers.
Raize G – Mid-range model offering added comfort and convenience. Includes LED headlights, 17″ alloys, keyless entry with push-start, automatic climate control, larger infotainment display, and rear parking sensors. Best value for most buyers.
Raize Z / Premium – Top petrol trim with 1.0L turbo engine. Adds sequential LED signals, two-tone paint, digital cluster, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and advanced safety tech like lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control.
Raize Turbo (1.0L Turbo) – Sportier variant emphasizing performance with paddle shifters (select models) and CVT manual mode. Compact yet lively, ideal for both city and highway driving.
Raize Hybrid (1.2L e-Smart) – Later addition for select Asian markets. Pairs a 1.2L engine with hybrid tech for superior fuel economy and smooth operation. Features hybrid badging, exclusive alloys, and better cabin refinement.
Interior
Legroom & Space 
The Toyota Raize’s cabin is intelligently packaged to maximize space within its compact footprint. Built with Toyota’s practicality-first mindset, the interior feels surprisingly roomy for a small SUV. The dashboard follows a clean, functional layout with a driver-focused design—everything from the digital cluster to the central touchscreen is positioned for easy reach and clear visibility.
Material quality is commendable for its segment, featuring soft-textured plastics on key touchpoints, well-fitted panels, and sturdy switchgear. Even in base trims, Toyota’s attention to build quality is evident, while higher grades add silver accents, partial leather upholstery, and ambient lighting touches that enhance the cabin’s overall appeal.
Front occupants enjoy good visibility and a slightly elevated driving position that provides a confident, SUV-like view of the road. The seats are supportive enough for daily use, with the driver’s seat offering height adjustment in most trims. Rear seat legroom is respectable for the Raize’s size class—enough for two adults or three children—and the wide-opening rear doors make ingress and egress easy, even in tight parking spaces.
Cabin Storage
Practicality is one of the Raize’s strengths. The interior provides numerous small-item storage options including twin cupholders, a deep center console tray, generous door pockets, and an open storage shelf beneath the dashboard. There’s also a convenient smartphone slot integrated near the gear lever and USB ports available for both front and rear passengers in higher trims.
Boot Space
Boot space is another standout feature of the Raize. With a flexible dual-level cargo floor, the boot offers around 369 liters of capacity with the rear seats upright—ample for everyday groceries, a stroller, or small luggage. Folding the rear seats nearly doubles the available space, creating a flat load area suitable for larger items. The low loading lip and wide tailgate make it easy to handle bulky cargo, while hooks and side compartments add extra convenience for organizing smaller items.
Exterior 
The Toyota Raize delivers a bold, youthful design that captures the essence of a modern compact SUV while remaining practical for everyday use. Its angular styling, muscular stance, and distinctive LED lighting give it strong road presence despite its compact dimensions. The front end features Toyota’s characteristic trapezoidal grille flanked by sharp LED headlights and daytime running lights, creating a confident, energetic look that appeals to younger and first-time SUV buyers.
Along the sides, the Raize showcases clean body contours and well-defined character lines that emphasize its height and SUV proportions. Contrasting black wheel arches and side cladding reinforce its rugged appearance, while two-tone paint options—available on higher trims,add a touch of personality. Depending on grade, the Raize comes fitted with 16- or 17-inch alloy wheels that complement its sporty design without compromising comfort or efficiency.
At the rear, the Raize continues its dynamic theme with wide LED tail lamps connected by a gloss black panel, enhancing its visual width. The roof-mounted spoiler and integrated bumper reflect Toyota’s focus on aerodynamics and modern styling. Despite its compact size, the Raize’s upright profile, short overhangs, and raised ride height give it the confident stance of a larger SUV—making it equally at home in city streets or weekend getaways.
2021 Toyota Raize Safety Features
The Toyota Raize comes well-equipped with a comprehensive range of safety systems designed for city and highway confidence. Standard safety features across most trims include dual front airbags, ABS with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRC), Hill-Start Assist, and a tire pressure monitoring system.
Higher trims introduce Toyota’s Smart Assist suite (co-developed with Daihatsu), adding modern driver-assistance technologies such as Pre-Collision Braking, Lane Departure Warning, Pedal Misoperation Control, and Adaptive Cruise Control. Select models also feature Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and a reverse camera for enhanced visibility in tight spaces.
Built on the DNGA platform, the Raize benefits from a lightweight yet rigid body structure that performs well in global safety tests, offering reassuring crash protection and predictable handling stability.
2021 Toyota Raize Fuel Consumption
Fuel efficiency is one of the Raize’s strongest attributes.
• 1.0L Turbo (1KR-VET) – approximately 5.2–6.0 L/100 km.
• 1.2L NA (WA-VE) – around 5.5–6.5 L/100 km.
• 1.2L e-Smart Hybrid – achieves up to 28 km/L.
2021 Toyota Raize Acceleration
• 1.0L Turbo CVT – 0–100 km/h in approximately 10.5 seconds
• 1.2L NA CVT – 0–100 km/h in about 12.5 seconds
• 1.2L e-Smart Hybrid – 0–100 km/h in around 11.0 seconds
Fuel Tank Capacity
• 36 liters
Ground Clearance
• 200 mm
Service and Maintenance
Spare Parts and Availability
The Toyota Raize enjoys excellent parts availability thanks to Toyota’s strong regional network and its shared components with the Daihatsu Rocky. Service parts such as filters, brake pads, and suspension components are widely stocked and affordable. Genuine Toyota parts can be sourced easily from authorized dealerships, while high-quality aftermarket options are also available across major urban centers. Body panels and electronic parts are pricier but readily obtainable with short lead times, ensuring hassle-free maintenance.
For service parts and body components, Visit: https://yokaspares.co.ke/
Stability and Handling
The Raize delivers a stable and confidence-inspiring driving experience for its size. Its lightweight DNGA platform provides a solid foundation, balancing agility with comfort. The electric power steering is light and responsive, making it easy to maneuver in tight city spaces while maintaining accuracy at higher speeds.
The suspension setup absorbs small bumps well, though it’s slightly firm over rougher surfaces — a tradeoff for the Raize’s taut handling and composed cornering. On highways, the vehicle remains stable and predictable, especially in turbocharged and 4WD variants where extra traction enhances control during spirited or wet-weather driving.
Reliability
As part of Toyota’s compact global lineup, the Raize benefits from tried-and-tested mechanicals and simple engineering. Both the 1.0L turbo and 1.2L engines have proven highly dependable with proper maintenance. The CVT transmission, shared with other Toyota/Daihatsu models, is efficient and durable under regular servicing.
Reports of issues are minimal, typically limited to occasional sensor faults or minor cabin rattles over time. With consistent oil changes and scheduled servicing, the Raize maintains Toyota’s reputation for reliability and low ownership costs.
Toyota Raize Competitors:
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Daihatsu Rocky
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Suzuki Vitara
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Nissan Magnite
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Kia Sonet
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Hyundai Venue
What We Like About the Toyota Raize
- Stylish, modern SUV design in a compact footprint
- Excellent fuel economy and low running costs
- Spacious and flexible interior despite small exterior size
- Easy maneuverability and comfortable urban driving
- Strong reliability backed by Toyota’s reputation
- Good availability of spare parts and affordable servicing
What We Don’t
- Firm ride over rough surfaces
- Engine noise can be noticeable at higher speeds
- Some interior plastics feel basic on lower trims
Conclusion
The Toyota Raize (2019–2025) is a smartly packaged compact SUV that blends youthful design, practicality, and everyday efficiency. Built on the DNGA platform shared with the Daihatsu Rocky, it offers an ideal balance of versatility and reliability for city drivers and small families alike. Its turbocharged and naturally aspirated engine options deliver commendable fuel economy, while Toyota’s attention to safety and durability ensures peace of mind for long-term ownership.
Although its cabin materials and ride comfort lean more toward practicality than luxury, the Raize stands out for its excellent value, low maintenance costs, and urban-friendly performance. For those seeking a dependable compact SUV with Toyota’s proven reliability and a modern edge, the Raize remains one of the most appealing choices in its class.
For buyers interested in the Toyota Raize, we have prepared a comprehensive Buyer’s Guide covering common issues, used car inspection tips, and what to look out for before purchasing. Click here to access the Toyota Raize Buyer’s Guide.
If you are looking to import the Toyota Raize to Kenya, click here to fill out our contact form, and we will get back to you immediately, or email us directly via [email protected].
Get More With TopCar
If you have a question about this model or any other automotive questions, you can now get answers on our forum.
If you want to sell or trade-in you vehicle, you can list it for free via our seller portal.
If you wish to purchase this model local or abroad, you can do that via our marketplace.
