Above average: Toyota Raize G

Released sometime in 2022, the Toyota Raize is touted as a modern crossover that offers a stylish and affordable answer for car buyers with various needs.

While the range-topping turbocharged variant is the model often under the limelight, the lower G trim — fitted with a 1.2-liter naturally aspirated engine instead of a 1.0-liter turbocharged mill — is out to show that it’s still above the average.

Stylish, sporty

The Toyota Raize G has a stylish and sporty exterior with a good amount of straight lines and sharp angles.

At the front, the crossover packs a somewhat aggressive fascia with a big grille. The latticework is relatively large, which creates a somewhat imposing look that adds character to the small sport utility vehicle (SUV).

Noticeable are its sleek headlamps and daytime running lights. The two fog lamps clustered alongside the sequential turn signals round up the front lighting setup.

The clean-cut lines continue to the Toyota Raize G’s flanks — creating an impression of steadfastness and stability. Adorning the side profile of the crossover are subtle yet strong features like claddings under its doors, durable-looking wheel arches, black side mirrors, and in this case, blacked-out pillars paired with a black roof. It also has chrome door handles.

Most notably, the Toyota Raize G rides on 16-inch wheels shod in chunky 205/65 tires.

At the back, the crossover SUV offers a chiseled figure that matches its brawny bonnet. Found here are a pair of LED tail lamps with integrated turn signals connected by a beautiful piano black door garnish. The lower rear bumper with reflectors provides a muscular look to the tail end of the Toyota Raize G.

The window at the rear is wide enough for you to see what’s behind the vehicle and is helpful when backing up or maneuvering without relying on the parking camera and sensors. Above it is a discreet roof-mounted spoiler slapped with the crossover’s third brake lamp.

Finally, the Toyota emblem, “RAIZE” nameplate, and “G” variant badge come in chrome.

Overall, I love the Toyota Raize G’s exterior since its eye-catching looks create an unmissable road presence without being too loud or (due to its compact build) taking too much space.

While its local debut has been more than two years, I have found that a lot of motorists and onlookers still couldn’t help but take a glimpse of the crossover finished in radiant red paint.

Impressive interior features

The cabin of the Toyota Raize G is surprisingly impressive. For its price, it offers its occupants a decent amount of comfort and convenience amenities.

Greeting the driver is an adjustable leather-wrapped steering wheel with controls for the car’s audio and other features. Past it is a bright seven-inch thin-film transistor digital instrument cluster that measures seven inches. Keeping it company is a floating eight-inch infotainment display with Apple Carplay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity.

I have to say that the touchscreen infotainment system is fairly responsive and is quite easy to understand. The audio from its six speakers is good enough, but meticulous audiophiles might find its clarity lacking.

Also noteworthy are the comfortable bucket-like seats for the front-row occupants. They have ample bolstering and can keep the driver snugly seated in various driving conditions. Further, the driver’s seat on the Toyota Raize G variant also has different adjustment options, so finding your optimum position should not be a problem.

While the seats are covered in fabric, they feature a modern-looking upholstery with Y-shaped patterns. Further, the red accents are a good touch as they match the exterior paint of the crossover.

Having a central armrest was also a delight since it made sitting behind the wheel more comfortable, especially during long drives. The compartment too is notable as it can hold a good amount of items such as wallets, smartphones, cables, and so on.

Another thing I appreciate is the cupholders which are brilliantly tucked inside the air conditioning vents.

Those sitting at the back will find the second row spacious. The bench-type seats are also finished in a similar fabric material with the same Y-shaped pattern and the same red accents. The lack of a pull-down armrest is forgivable although the occupants sitting here could use their own charging ports to keep their devices juiced up.

In general, the interior layout of the Toyota Raize G proves that the Japanese brand has had its cabin calculated down to a tee. It is equipped with all the right features one typically uses on a daily driven car.

Exciting, fun to drive

As we’ve briefly covered earlier, the Toyota Raize G is powered by a 1.2-liter naturally aspirated gasoline mill mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Power delivery is pretty decent as it can easily haul a family of three — with a fair amount of luggage — up the slightly ascending roads of Tagaytay. There seemed to have been no lack of “oomph” with the crossover’s powerplant able to deliver a punchy performance, whether on stop-and-go traffic in the Metro or on long straights at the expressways.

The engine’s subtle rumble during fast speeds also adds to the excitement one feels when driving. This, combined with the “PWR” mode — which makes the engine more responsive — and the stability of the Toyota Raize G makes it a fun-to-drive ride.

Speaking of which, the crossover is supported by McPherson struts at the front and a torsion beam arrangement at the rear. The aforementioned wide tires also mean that the compact SUV feels fairly planted to the ground giving the driver confidence when taking on bends and corners.

When it comes to stopping power, the Toyota Raize G gets a pair of ventilated disc brakes at the front and leading-trailing drum brakes at the rear. The said setup held up pretty well and facilitated good deceleration in various driving situations.

Safe, secure

The Toyota Raize G packs a wealth of safety technologies that can give Amy driver peace of mind while on the road.

Its robust list of safety features includes driver and front-passenger supplemental restrain system airbags, a slew of seatbelts, an anti-lock braking system, vehicle stability control, hill-start assist control, seatbelt reminders, an immobilizer and an alarm, as well as a back camera and parking sensors.

Variants and pricing

• Toyota Raize 1.2 E MT: P751,000
• Toyota Raize 1.2 E CVT: P841,000
• Toyota Raize 1.2 G CVT: P936,000
• Toyota Raize 1.0 Tubro CVT: P1.063million

Final thoughts

The Toyota Raize G does offer a good package for those in the market for a compact yet capable car for daily drives. The generous space and decent cabin also make it a good choice for young families who want a vehicle that can keep up with their growing needs.

Photos from Juan Paulo Papa

Also read:

Toyota Raize: Racing to the top of the subcompact SUV segment

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