Similar price, different crossovers: Toyota Raize 1.0 Turbo vs. Geely Coolray Premium

Of course, a carmaker as big as Toyota won't miss the crossover craze. Recently, it introduced a crossover contender called the Raize, whose upper-crust variant (namely, the 1.0 Turbo) matches those among the larger bets in the segment, such as Geely's best-selling Coolray (in Premium guise). 

The Raize arrives locally after reaching some success in Japan and other ASEAN markets. The Raize has been known for being Toyota's first attempt at a serious small crossover, with the promise of total reliability, and a turbocharged one-liter three-cylinder engine (culled from the Wigo). 

It's this turbo triple that powers the local top-trim Raize variant, which produces 98hp and 140Nm of torque from 2,400rpm. A CVT is paired to the turbo variant, as well as the lower Raize variants' NA 1.2-liter engines. The stick-shift is reserved for the entry-level Raize. 

On the other hand, the Coolray has been with us around the same time as other international markets. It can be said that the Coolray put Geely on the map by virtue of the model's sleek styling, advanced features, and perhaps its turbocharged 1.5-liter.

Developed with some help from Geely's new acquisition, Volvo, the Coolray's 1.5 generates 177hp and 250Nm of torque, numbers that are coursed through a seven-speed dual clutch transmission. A standard fit among all Coolray variants — including the mid-spec Coolray Premium — the engine and gearbox combination promise fuel-efficiency and sportiness. 

Quasi-SUV styling is one reason why crossovers are all the rage these days. The Raize tries to deliver on that front with triangular fog light housings up front, and a wraparound rear windscreen that seemingly took inspiration from the first-generation Fortuner. 

Depending on the variant, the Raize's 16- and 17-inch alloy wheels underpin a 200-millimeter ground clearance. There's even a selection of bright color options for the Raize 1.0 Turbo that are matched with a black roof, so as to create a sporty look. 

A palette of black-over-bright-color options can be had in the Coolray, too. While those options aren't available in the Coolray Premium, what is shared across the range is a body that's shaped more like a hatchback's than an SUV's, prominent rear spoiler, red-and-black front grille, and sharp side flanks.  

But don't think for a minute that the Coolray is a hatchback, though, as this handsome crossover can be had with 17- to 18-inch wheels that go some way to translating the 196-mm ground clearance. 

Apart from the engine, the Raize 1.0 Turbo CVT rivals the similarly-priced Coolray Premium in terms of equipment.

The Raize 1.0 Turbo packs a host of niceties such as smart keyless entry, push start ignition, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto-enabled nine-inch infotainment screen. Meanwhile, side airbags, front- and rear parking sensors, and reversing camera are part of the safety kit. 

The Coolray Premium packs a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment with QD Link, digital driver's display, and panoramic sunroof — all found inside a PVC leather-lined cabin. For safety, the Coolray Premium gets tire pressure monitoring, cruise control, and automatic headlamps. 

Since it's established that the Raize 1.0 Turbo and Coolray Premium are well-matched in terms of tech specs and kit, what you choose to go for now boils down to this: Do you prefer the tried-and-tested badge, or the brand that's on the rise? 

And most importantly, which model's spec sheet — as provided below — do you think makes for a better crossover? 

SPECIFICATIONS	Toyota Raize 1.0 Turbo CVT	Geely Coolray Premium
Overall Length (mm)	4,030	4,330
Overall Width (mm)	1,710	1,795
Overall Height (mm)	1,605	1,609
Ground Clearance (mm)	200	196
Luggage Capacity  (L)	369	330
Engine Model	1KR-VET	G-Power
Engine Type	Turbocharged, Three-cylinder, Inline, 12-Valve Double Overhead Camshaft (DOHC) with VVT-i	Turbocharged, Three-cylinder, Inline, 12-Valve  with Dual VVT-i
Displacement (cc)	998	1,477
Maximum Power Output (hp/rpm)	97/6,000	177/5,500
Maximum Torque (Nm/rpm)	140/2,000 - 4,000	255Nm/ 1,500 - 4,000
Fuel Tank Capacity (L)	36	45
Transmission	Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)	7-Speed Wet Dual Clutch
Drivetrain	Front-Wheel Drive	Front-Wheel Drive
Suspension	Front: MacPherson Strut  Rear: Torsion Beam	Front: MacPherson Strut  Rear: Torsion Beam
Brakes	Front: Ventilated Discs Rear: Leading-Trailing Drums	Front: Ventilated Discs Rear: Discs
Tires and Wheels	205/60R17 Alloy	215/55/R18
Headlamps	LED with Auto Control and Sequential Turn Signal Lights	Projector Halogen
Tail Lamps	LED	LED
Daytime Running Lights	LED	LED
Front Fog Lamps	With	LED
Front Grille	Black	Black/Red
Seat Material	Synthetic Leather and Fabric	PVC Leather
Seat Type and Adjustment	Driver: Sliding, Reclining, Height Front Passenger: Sliding, Reclining Second Row: 60:40 Split Folding	Driver: Sliding, Reclining, Height Front Passenger: Sliding, Reclining Second Row: 60:40 Split Folding
Economy Meter	With	With
Drive Mode	Without	With
Instrument Panel	Seven-inch TFT color LCD display	TFT color LCD display
Steering Wheel Material	Three-Spoke Leather with Silver Accent	Three-Spoke Leather with Silver Accent
Steering Wheel Switch	Audio	Audio
Sun Visors	With Mirror and Lamp	With Mirror and Lamp
Inside Door Handle	Chrome	Silver
Assist Grip	Front: One Rear: Two	Front: One Rear: Two
Door Trim	Molded, Full Trim with Fabric with Stitching	Fabric with Stitching
Glasses Case	With	With
Seat Back Pockets	With	With
Cool Box	Without	Without
Front Personal Lamp	With	With
Room Lamp	With	With
Luggage Room Lamp	With	With
Keyless Entry	Smart Entry	Smart Entry
Keyless Start	With	With
Power Windows	Auto Up/Down with Jam Protect for Driver	Auto Up/Down with Jam Protect for Driver
Power Door Locks	With	With
Air-conditioning System	Single Zone Automatic Climate Control	Single Zone Automatic Climate Control
Audio Type	Nine-inch Display Audio with Aux, USB, Bluetooth, Voice Command, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Smart Device Link (SDL)	10.25-inch Touchscreen with QD Link, Aux, USB, Bluetooth,
Speakers	Four	Six
SRS Airbags	Driver, Passenger, Side	Driver, Passenger, Side
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)	With Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)	With Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)	Without	With
Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC)	Without	With
Pedal Misoperation Control	With	With
Seatbelts	Front: Three-point ELR with Pretensioner and Force Limiter (x2) Second Row: Three-point ELR (x3)	Front: Three-point ELR with Pretensioner and Force Limiter (x2) Second Row: Three-point ELR (x3)
Child Restraint System	Isofix and Tether Anchor	Isofix and Tether Anchor
Emergency Brake Signal	Without	With
Parking Support	Reverse Camera and Clearance. Front (x2) and Back (x2) Sonars	Back (x2) Sonars
Available Body Colors	Black/White,  Black/Red,  Black/Yellow SE, Black/Silver Metallic, Black/Turquoise MM	Orange, Vermilion, White, Silver, Blue
PRICE	P1,036,000 (White Pearl/Black) P1,031,000	P1,088,000

 

Photos from Toyota, Toyota Motor Philippines, Sojitz G Auto Philippines