Toyota Raize 2022: A Budget Crossover with a Turbocharged Punch

Introduction:

The Toyota Raize is a budget crossover SUV produced by Toyota in partnership with its subsidiary, Daihatsu. The Raize is essentially a rebadged version of the Daihatsu Rocky, with a Toyota grille and badges. It is available with an optional high-performance turbocharged engine, making it a unique offering in the budget crossover market, which is currently dominated by Chinese-built vehicles.

Exterior design:

The Raize has a rugged and chunky appearance, with slim headlamps framing Toyota's signature scowling grille. It also features large fenders and 17-inch alloy wheels, as well as black trim around the windows that creates a floating roof effect. The rear end of the Raize is largely borrowed from the Daihatsu Rocky, but it still complements the overall Toyota design.

Interior design and features:

The Raize's interior is largely made of hard plastic, but it features a wide variety of finishes to add some visual interest. The overall design is characterized by chunky, futuristic angular shapes, with clever storage options hidden in various nooks and crannies. However, there are some signs of cost-cutting, such as sharp edges on the silver trim and a wavy and dimpled rearview mirror. The front seats are comfortable and provide a decent range of adjustment, and there is plenty of headroom up front. Legroom is also good throughout the vehicle. The rear seats recline slightly, but most owners will likely leave them in a fixed position. There are no rear A/C vents, but the Raize's small size means that the back seat stays fairly cool even on hot days.

Cargo space and practicality:

The Raize has a cargo area of 369 liters, which is on the larger side for its class. It also has an 80-liter underfloor bin that can hold a full-size spare tire and other emergency supplies. The rear seat folds down easily to provide more space, and there is a tonneau cover to protect groceries from the sun. However, the cover is somewhat flimsy, and there is no provision for a hard shelf as found in some competitors.

Performance:

The Raize is available with a 1.0-liter three-cylinder turbocharged 1KR-VET engine that produces 97 horsepower and 140 Nm of torque. It is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which allows for a 0-100 kph time of 11 seconds. The CVT can mimic traditional gear shifts in Sport mode, but this can lead to erratic shifts and reduced performance at full throttle. The three-cylinder engine is relatively quiet and unobtrusive in daily use, and the Raize achieves fuel economy of 25 km/L on the highway and 10-12 km/L in the city, depending on ambient heat and A/C usage.

Ride and handling:

The Raize's suspension and shock absorbers do not provide enough damping to effectively deal with rough roads, leading to a bouncy and uncomfortable ride. The steering is also relatively heavy, which can make the Raize feel somewhat sluggish to turn. On the plus side, the Raize has a tight turning radius, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces. It also has good grip and stability when cornering.

Safety and reliability:

The Raize comes with a suite of safety features, including stability and traction control, hill start assist, and seven airbags. It also has a four-star safety rating from the ASEAN New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). However, the Raize's build quality and reliability may be a concern, as it is derived from the Daihatsu Rocky, which has received mixed reviews in this regard.

Advantages of the Toyota Raize:

• Unique option in the budget crossover market with its optional turbocharged engine
• Rugged and chunky exterior design
• Functional and cleverly designed interior with a wide variety of finishes
• Good cargo space and a tight turning radius for easy maneuverability
• Suite of safety features, including stability and traction control and seven airbags

Disadvantages of the Toyota Raize:

• Build quality and reliability may be a concern due to its Daihatsu roots
• Bouncy ride and heavy steering make for an uncomfortable driving experience
• Lacks some practicality features, such as rear A/C vents and a hard shelf in the cargo area
• May not be the most fuel efficient option in its class
• May not have the same level of prestige as other Toyota models

Conclusion:

Overall, the Toyota Raize is a budget crossover SUV that offers a unique option for consumers with its optional turbocharged engine. It has a rugged and chunky exterior design, and a functional and cleverly designed interior with a wide variety of finishes. However, its build quality and reliability may be a concern, and it suffers from a bouncy ride and heavy steering. It also lacks some practicality features, such as rear A/C vents and a hard shelf in the cargo area. While it may not be the best choice in its class, the Raize's turbocharged engine and Toyota badge could appeal to some buyers looking for a cheap and quick crossover SUV.

Thanks for reading our article about the Toyota Raize! We hope you found it helpful and informative. If you have any thoughts or opinions on the Raize, or if you've had any experience with it as a owner, we'd love to hear from you. Share your comments with us on social media using the hashtags #ToyotaRaize and #BudgetCrossoverSUV. Your feedback is always welcome and appreciated!