Variant check: The 10 Trim Levels of the Toyota Vios

Basic, fully loaded, and sporty. Given that Toyota offers the sedan in 10 variants, each catered to fleets, tech-savvy consumers, and discerning drivers, it's possible that these are the characteristics the carmaker wanted the Vios to have.

Those 10 variants are summed up by these grades: the Base, J, XE, XLE, E, G, and the Gazoo Racing Sport (GR-S) Vios. Prices start at P706,000 and end at P1.055 million. Let’s examine the key differences among the variants of the 2023 Toyota Vios.

Exterior

With regards to exterior accouterments, the Vios 1.5 GR-S and 1.5 G have 3-tier LED headlamps with daytime running lights, turn signal repeaters mounted on the exterior mirrors, chrome-plated door handles, and LED rear combination lamps.

The remaining Vios models use four-beam halogen lighting with no daytime running lights. For the 1.5 GR-S and 1.5 G, standard wheels are 16-inch alloys. The 1.3 E and 1.3 XLE have 15-inch alloy wheels, while the 1.3 XE, 1.3 J, and 1.3 Base have 14-inch steel wheels.

A fin-type antenna is present on models 1.5 GR-S through 1.3 XLE, and a pole-type antenna is present on models 1.3 XE through 1.3 Base.

The GR-S has a sportier overall design and the same exterior features as the G variants. Also standard on the 2023 Toyota Vios GR-S are its 16-inch GR alloy wheels, piano black grille, door handles, and side mirrors. The Super Red V color is also a G and GR-S speciality.

Interior

When it comes to interior luxuries, the 1.5 GR-S and G trims stand out. These two come with automatic air conditioning, six speakers, and a steering wheel with multiple functions. As for the other Vios variants, they feature manual air-conditioning, a three-spoke urethane steering wheel, which is fitted with integrated audio controls on the 1.3 XLE and 1.3 E trims.

The interior of the 2023 Toyota Vios GR-S, on the other hand, is elevated by the addition of red stitching on the car's seats, steering wheel, and various console components. And yes, the headrests on the GR-S's seats are adorned with the Gazoo Racing logo.

The Toyota Vios GR-S and the 1.5 G, 1.3 E, 1.3 XLE, and 1.3 XE all have seven-inch touch screens with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The lower-tier 1.3 Base and 1.3 J both come with a 2-DIN entertainment system with CD/MP3 capabilities, accompanied by Bluetooth, USB and AUX connectivity. Finally, the 1.5 GR-S and 1.5 G have six speakers, compared to the 1.3 Base and 1.3 J's two, XE, XLE, and E's four, and the 1.3 Base's two speakers.

To make driving exciting or economical, the top-spec 2023 Toyota Vios 1.5 G and the 1.5 GR-S come with a Sport Drive and Eco Drive modes, replete with leather trim on the shift lever and knob. Creature comfort features on the top-of-the-line model are rounded out with an engine start button and a "Follow Me Home" light control system. The engine's rotary ignition is used in the range's other variations.

A brand-new 4.2-inch multi-information display is also offered on the GR-S. It is exclusive to the GR-S and features the Gazoo Racing emblem.

Engine and Transmission

The 2021 Toyota Vios has a variety of two engines: the 1.5- liter 2NR-FE and 1.3-liter 1NR-FE. The 1.5 G and 1.5 GR-S are the only vehicles that have the former. The 1.5-liter engine can produce 106 horsepower and 140 Nm of torque in those two variations. The latter engine option, which has a maximum output of 98 horsepower and 123 Nm of torque, is offered in the remaining models.

All Vios models come with front-wheel drive, and the 1.5 G, 1.3 E, and 1.3 XLE can all be had with either a 5-speed manual transmission or a CVT. The 1.3 XE and the top-spec 1.5 GR-S only offer a CVT, while the 1.3 J and Base variants are only available with a 5-speed manual.

It should be noted that the CVT used by the new Vios GR-S trim is slightly different. While it retains the manual mode with paddle shifters, there are now 10 simulated gears to play with.

Safety

The Vios' variations also provide a very wide range of safety. All models in the range come equipped with a stability control system, hill start aid, child safety locks, anti-lock brakes with electronic brake distribution and brake assist, as well as a high mount stop lamp.

All variants of the Vios come with dual front airbags and a driver knee airbag. On the 1.5 G, 1.3 E, and GR-S models, side and curtain shield airbags are added to these.

Two security features that are unique to the 1.5 G and 1.5 GR-S are a smart entry system with speed-sensing door locks and a Toyota Vehicle Security System (TVSS) security alarm with immobilizer. Without the immobilizer and smart entry features, the 1.3 E and XLE variants offer a basic alarm system.

Conclusion

The ten variations of the Toyota Vios demonstrate that the timeless small sedan has a variation for everyone, whether it be for a family member who values safety, a fresh professional who needs a useful sedan for daily driving, or a person running a fleet transportation business who needs a reliable yet affordable vehicle.

With the addition of the GR-S, the Vios now offers a sedan that stands out from the crowd in terms of appearance. There’s a Vios for everyone.

Photos from Toyota