2022 Toyota Raize 4 Pros and 5 Cons: Is It the Most Affordable Crossover?

Every popular vehicle has a story behind its popularity in the field, and the 2022 Toyota Raize is no exception. It has rapidly become one of the most sought-after car models of 2022 in the Philippines. Let us look beyond the rapid popularity of the 2022 Toyota Raize.

Pros

It is a fresh design in the segment lineup

Even though the 2022 Toyota Raize looks familiar to the Toyota Rav4, it still has a fresh design appeal in the subcompact crossover lineup. It has a sporty and cute yet matured exterior appearance that is unique in all subcompact crossover models. While the majority goes for slim headlights and aggressive-looking radiator vent grille, the Raize went for massively sized headlamps and a curved hood. That separates itself from other subcompact crossovers; its style is versatile. If you wanted a cute-looking car, you have the Raize. If you want something a bit matured-looking, the Raize could also be it, especially its top-of-the-line variant that comes in two-tone body color. And because of its black exterior details, it gives a sporty vibe on the road.

It is surprisingly budget-friendly

The 2022 Toyota Raize comes at Php746,000 to Php1,036,000 in the country, which makes it cheaper than its rivals in the same category. To be honest, this is the main selling point of the Raize as Filipinos are practical when it comes to spending their hard-earned money. Surprisingly, it comes full-packed with helpful and desirable features often seen on premium cars. It comes with sophisticated styling inside and out. The driving features are advanced and are unexpected to be present on an entry-level subcompact crossover. And as always, it comes with Toyota's safety and security features that are reliable at all times.

Its seats are incredibly comfortable and premium-feeling

Toyota Raize comes with several desirable features that are unexpected for a budget-friendly car. However, the seats it comes with are premium-looking and premium-feeling to the point that it deserves some explanation to justify its worth. The seats come in a combination of soft leather and fabric materials. It was designed with consideration as it favors tropical countries like the Philippines. The fabric material goes where you sit to feel comfortable even on a hot sunny day. And the soft leather material lies around the fabric, makes it sophisticated and premium-looking. It also comes well-bolstered, which will give you good sitting stability.

The interior design is premium-looking

Aside from its commendable seats, Toyota Raize also comes with a premium-looking and decent overall interior design. Despite that it was mostly made out of hard plastic materials, Toyota made it possible for the Raize to have a premium finish. And despite that it costs cheaper than its competitors, everything on the dashboard panel is digitalized, including the instrument cluster. The instrument cluster is presented in a wide digital display, matching the infotainment touchscreen. The hard plastic materials are sturdy and adorned with chrome accent pieces on the dashboard, air-con vents, and doors, to give the car a greater aesthetic value.

Cons

The cabin is noisy

The door thud of the Toyota Raize sounds solid and sturdy. However, it's puzzling why the cabin is noisy. It has something to do with the insulation, but other than that, I'm clueless. This could be an issue, especially if the driver could be easily distracted from the outside and engine noise. Nonetheless, it is not an issue of greater concern. It could be distracting for the driver and uncomfortable for the passengers, but it is just a dot compared to what the Toyota Raize has to offer.

It is not a performance-oriented car

The Toyota Raize is not a performance-oriented concept model as its engine comes with limited power and tight performance. Yes, it is a highly capable car, but there are certain things that the Raize couldn't handle the way its competitors can on the road. Even though that may be disappointing to others, if you consider its price point and target market, Toyota is on the right track with the 2022 Toyota Raize. It is ideal for day-to-day city driving or occasional out-of-town trips.

The cabin is covered in plastic materials

The cabin was designed decently, thanks to its brilliant crafts makers. However, beyond the beauty and sophistication are hard plastic materials throughout the entire cabin. Although this might not be an issue, but for others it is against their oath as nature nurturers. Nevertheless, the outcome of the Toyota Raize's interior was sophisticated-looking and sturdy, and that may count.

The riding comfort is not the best

As I have said, the seats of the 2022 Toyota Raize are commendable as they offer comfort and satisfaction. However, it is not enough to give all the occupants the best riding comfort. I am not sure if it has something to do with the suspension, but overall, the riding comfort is not the best in its class. Nevertheless, its premium seats give comfort.

There are no air-con vents at the back

The weather in the Philippines could be difficult, especially during the summer season. And having no dedicated air-con vents for every passenger is a disappointment, to be honest. Also, the air-con vents in front could take time cooling the entire cabin. Nevertheless, it all falls on whether the Toyota Raize's air conditioning system is capable enough to cool the car in a short time.

Also Read: Why Toyota Raize Gets Phenomenal Popularity in the Philippines?