Toyota Raize: Why This Crossover is Trending Right Now?

In mid-2025, the Toyota Raize has once again become a hot topic in Pakistan’s automotive circles. We saw a spike in Toyota Raize searches on PakWheels, and it’s trending on social media as well. Despite its petite size, the Raize packs a punch with its well-built design, quality features and superior fuel efficiency, making it ideal for urban use. Let’s dive into what the Raize is, its unique background, and the key reasons Pakistani car buyers and enthusiasts are talking about it again.

Some Quick Information:

Here’s some quick information you might need to know first if you are not aware of this car model:

• Average price in Pakistan: Rs. 5.7-6.2 million for the 2020-21 model G package (base trim).
• Engine: 998cc with turbo, 96 HP and 140 Nm torque
• Fuel economy: 15-16 Kmpl
• Body type: Compact Crossover

From Rocky to Raize: A Rebranding Phenomenon

One interesting fact about the Raize is its international identity. The vehicle was initially designed in Japan by Daihatsu (a Toyota subsidiary) and sold under the name of Rocky. Toyota then rebadged it as the Toyota Raize for its own dealerships. It didn’t stop there – this model has also been sold as the Subaru Rex in Japan and the Perodua Ativa in Malaysia, with only minor styling and emblem changes. Since its launch in 2019, it has undergone over four rebadges, making it one of the most rebadged cars in history.

Platform of Toyota Raize

The Raize was built on the DNGA (Daihatsu New Global Architecture) platform – a modern, lightweight platform introduced in 2019 for small cars. This platform was co-developed by Toyota and its subsidiary Daihatsu to achieve high levels of rigidity, safety, and performance in compact vehicles. 

In 2020, the Raize became the second-best-selling car model in Japan (just behind the Toyota Yaris). Such success in a demanding market like Japan signalled that Toyota had a winner on its hands – a compact SUV that delivered big value.

1.0L Engine in the SUV Body

A significant reason the Toyota Raize is so popular is its efficient yet robust powertrain. The Raize has three engine options: a 1.2L naturally aspirated engine, a 1.2L Hybrid engine, or a 1.0L turbo engine. In Pakistan, 1.0L turbo is the most common engine trim. This engine option in a crossover body may seem underpowered, but Toyota claims it delivers the enjoyment of a 1.5L engine due to its D-CVT transmission and turbocharged powertrain.

However, as the saying goes, ‘there’s no replacement for displacement’. A 1.0L engine will remain a bit underpowered in a crossover body. Although on-paper figures show it produces 96 HP and 140 Nm of torque, it’s sufficient for in-city driving. However, on the highway during overtaking, you’ll feel the struggle of the engine.

Fuel Economy is a Major Factor in Popularity

Fuel economy is a key selling point. In city driving, the Raize can easily achieve around 14–18 km per litre (under light-footed driving), which is excellent for an SUV-like vehicle. Official figures in other markets back this up – for example, Toyota Philippines quotes about 17–19 km/L for the Raize depending on variant. These numbers rival or beat many smaller cars. 

Option to Disengage Turbo

Another intriguing feature is the ability to control turbo engagement. In many turbocharged cars, the turbo automatically activates when the engine reaches a certain RPM, leaving the driver without direct control over its operation. However, the Raize is among those cars that offer the option to disable the turbo through its Eco mode.

Safety and Comfort Beyond Its Class

Another reason the Raize is creating buzz is its feature-loaded package for the price. Despite being a compact vehicle, Toyota has crammed it with technology and safety gear typically seen in higher segments.

Even the standard safety features are comprehensive: six airbags (and some Japanese models come with 8 airbags), traction and stability control, ABS brakes with EBD, hill-start assist, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, front/rear parking sensors, and even a 360-degree around-view camera. 

These are features virtually unheard of in locally assembled cars of a similar price, especially if it’s from a local Japanese brand . For context, some popular Pakistani vehicles still offer at most 2 airbags and lack any advanced driver aids.

Visual Designs from RAV4

Visually, the Raize also benefits from Toyota’s latest design language. The interior design language is up-to-date, and it’s aesthetically pleasing. There’s a three-spoke steering wheel, soft touch dashboard, matte silver touch-ups on the AC grills and handle bars and red accents in the lower side of the centre console and in the seat linings that look pleasing to the eyes.

Value for Money: Raize vs. Its Competitors

Perhaps one of the reasons behind the Toyota Raize’s popularity in the Pakistani market is the perceived value it provides for its price. Consider the price scenarios in mid-2025: a well-kept used 2020-21 Toyota Raize G package (1000cc Turbo) sells for roughly PKR 5.5–6.2 million (depending on condition and auction grade). For around the same budget, you could buy a used 2022 Toyota Corolla Altis 1.6 or a brand-new, smaller sedan or hatchback, such as the Honda City. But when comparing features, the Raize wins in every category.

However, as the saying goes, ‘everything comes at a cost,’ and in this case, the trade-off is the lack of warranty and official manufacturer support. Cars like the Honda City or other options alike will be brand new, offering an official 5-year warranty and full manufacturer support, whereas this isn’t the case with the Raize. Even a 2022 Corolla will still have several years of warranty remaining, along with complete support from Indus Toyota.

Coming to Chinese opponents, a brand-new locally assembled crossover can cost anywhere from PKR 8–10 million, more than a Raize, yet may not offer the same fuel efficiency or the brand image of Toyota. 

Chinese-origin crossovers do offer appealing features and can be purchased in a used condition (2020-21 model) within the same budget as a used 2020 or 2021 Raize. Often, these vehicles may provide better value for money; however, the Pakistani market has distinct preferences. 

The Toyota brand carries significant weight in Pakistan, influencing many buyers to choose a slightly older Toyota over a newer Chinese vehicle, primarily due to perceived reliability and resale value. 

Nevertheless, for buyers who prioritise official warranty coverage and comprehensive manufacturer support over resale value, a Chinese crossover can be an equally attractive option.

The Bottom Line: Why the Raize is Trending Again

Summing up, the Toyota Raize has become the talk of the town in Pakistan because it checks a lot of boxes that matter in 2025’s economic and automotive climate:

• Excellent Fuel Efficiency: It delivers mileage of ~15+ km/L
• Advanced Features: From safety (6-8 airbags, auto braking, lane assist) to comfort (digital displays, DNGA architecture), the Raize offers a premium experience in a compact package.
• Affordability (for What It Offers): It undercuts or matches the price of far less equipped local cars. Thanks to lower import duties for 1000cc engines.
• Toyota Reliability and Resale: Backed by the Toyota brand’s reputation, it inspires more confidence than newer entrants. Parts and service, while not as straightforward as a locally produced Corolla, are still manageable due to Toyota’s global presence and the shared Daihatsu network.
• Urban-Friendly SUV: It’s the right size for Pakistani cities – easier to park and drive than big SUVs, yet more practical and “trendy” than a small sedan or hatchback.

Ultimately, the definition of the “best” car varies significantly from person to person. Buyers who view a car purchase primarily as an investment and prioritise resale value often lean toward brands like Toyota. For them, a used imported Toyota Raize, priced around 6 million PKR and offering good features, might be an appealing choice.

On the other hand, those who value both warranty coverage and strong resale prospects typically prefer locally assembled options from established Japanese brands.

Meanwhile, buyers who prioritise overall value for money and comprehensive features, and for whom resale value is less of a concern, may find Chinese-origin crossovers, whether new or gently used, equally attractive options.