Spec Check: Toyota Raize vs Kia Stonic vs Ford EcoSport
We put the upcoming Toyota Raize in a comparo against the Kia Stonic and Ford EcoSport
We already know that the Toyota Raize is set to make its local debut soon. With the vehicle’s details, specs, and pricing already leaked, interested customers have already shown interest in what will be Toyota’s smallest crossover yet in the Philippine market.
But which models will be its closest competitors? To find out, we pitted the Toyota Raize against two of its nearest rivals; the Ford EcoSport and the Kia Stonic. With almost similar dimensions, features, and prices, we’re curious if the Raize can give the competition a run for their money.
Sizing them up
Let’s start by measuring each crossover bumper to bumper. Beginning with the smallest vehicle, the Raize measures 4030mm long, 1710mm wide, 1610mm tall, and has a 2525mm wheelbase. When it comes to ground clearance, the Raize has 200mm at its lowest point on the undercarriage.
Next up is the Stonic which is slightly larger than the Raize. It’s 4100mm long, 1735mm wide, and 1533mm tall. The Stonic also has a 2570mm wheelbase, along with a ground clearance of 185mm. So while it may be longer and wider than the Raize, the Stonic is actually shorter and has lesser ground clearance than Toyota’s upcoming mini crossover.
Last but definitely not least is the Ford EcoSport. While it may be the Blue Oval’s smallest crossover, it’s actually the biggest in this comparo. Its exterior dimensions measure 4325mm long, 1765mm wide, and 1656mm tall. It may be the longest, but it has the shortest wheelbase which only measures 2519mm. The EcoSport bounces back, however, with its 209mm ground clearance - making it the tallest out of the three.
Looking at the figures, and it’s clear that the EcoSport is the biggest of them all. But this is likely due to the fact that the EcoSport is the only one that has a tailgate-mounted spare - giving it a longer body. Remove that, and we won’t be surprised if Ford’s smallest crossover will have a similar length as its closest rivals.
Packed to the brim
These three vehicles may be small, but that doesn’t mean they’re short in features. As with most new cars nowadays, automakers usually pack them with loads and loads of features and amenities.
While the Raize has yet to be launched in the country, we do know that it will come with several amenities. All variants will have a touchscreen infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, steering wheel audio controls, a multi-info display, a full-size spare wheel, and a push-button style air-conditioning panel.
On higher-grade models, the Raize may come with automatic climate control, auto-folding side mirrors, leather upholstery, LED headlights, a digital instrument panel, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, paddle shifters, a larger 9-inch touchscreen (8-inch comes standard), and a six-speaker sound system instead of the regular four-speaker.
As for the Stonic, all variants get an 8-inch touchscreen system. It comes with USB, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, along with six speakers. It also gets a reverse camera, a multi-info display, steering wheel audio controls, 60:40 split-folding rear seats, keyless entry, and halogen projector headlights.
Other available extras on the top-of-the-line version of the Stonic include automatic climate control, smart keyless entry, push-button start, a height-adjustable driver’s seat, rear parking sensors, and LED daytime running lights.
Over to the EcoSport, all models are fitted with a touchscreen infotainment system with SYNC 3. All are fitted with Bluetooth, USB, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, as well as AM/FM radio. The Titanium versions come with 7 speakers while the Trend variants come with just a 4-speaker system.
Other available features on the EcoSport include HID projector headlights, satellite navigation, automatic climate control, smart keyless entry with push-button start, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, steering wheel audio controls, power sunroof, 60:40 split rear seats, reverse camera with rear parking sensors, and a cooled glovebox.
Looking at the available features each crossover has, and it’s safe to say that they are fully loaded. However, it will come down to pricing to see which one offers the most bang for buck value.
Turbo vs N/A
Given that these vehicles are relatively small, it’s no wonder that they’re powered by similarly small engines. However, some get the added benefit of forced induction.
Beginning with the Raize, it gets a choice between a 1.2-liter naturally-aspirated three-cylinder and a 1.0-liter turbocharged inline-three. The former puts out 88 PS with 113 Nm of torque, while the latter puts out a bit more at 98 PS plus 140 Nm of torque. Depending on the variant chosen, the Raize can come with either a five-speed manual or a CVT.
The Stonic is the only crossover in this spec check that’s available with just one engine. Under the hood is a 1.4-liter naturally-aspirated inline-four that makes 100 PS and 132 Nm of torque when paired to a six-speed automatic. When equipped with a five-speed manual transmission, however, power is only rated at 95 PS while torque remains the same.
Over to the EcoSport, and it’s available with two three-cylinder engines like the Raize. First is the 1.5-liter naturally-aspirated three-cylinder that produces 123 PS along with 150 Nm of torque. It can be paired to either a five-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. Then there’s the 1.0-liter EcoBoost three-cylinder turbo which has 125 PS plus 170 Nm of torque. Unlike the 1.5-liter mill, this one is exclusively married to a six-speed automatic transmission.
The Raize’s engines are definitely not powerful, but if it doesn't weigh that much, it should be alright. What's more important especially when it comes to this particular segment is how fuel efficient the Raize will be.
Value For Money
So we’ve seen what the Raize, Stonic, and EcoSport have to offer. Almost all of them have plenty of features available, along with a choice between turbo power and naturally-aspirated engines. But most of you are asking what are the prices for each?
For the Raize, its price range starts at PHP 746,000 for the 1.2 E MT. It’s then followed by the 1.2 E CVT which will retail for PHP 816,000. Next is the 1.2 G CVT which will have a sticker price of PHP 906,000. Last but not least is the 1.0 Turbo CVT which will sell for PHP 1,031,000.
Moving to the Stonic, and it’s available in three variants. The base model LX MT begins at PHP 765,000 while the LX AT is selling for PHP 865,000. The top-of-the-line EX AT has an SRP of PHP 955,000.
If you prefer the EcoSport, the 1.5 Trend MT starts at just PHP 750,000. If you prefer the Trend with an automatic, that one goes for PHP 998,000. As for the 1.5 Titanium AT, it has a sticker price of PHP 1,100,000. But if you want the range-topping 1.0 EcoBoost Titanium, it’s currently retailing for PHP 1,190,000.
Looking at the prices, it seems the Kia Stonic offers the most bang for buck value as it’s the only one that doesn’t breach the PHP 1 million mark. However, the Stonic has the least number of variants available, which could limit its appeal. Meanwhile, the Raize and EcoSport have plenty of models available - which could attract more buyers.
If you’re in the market for a small crossover today and you can only pick from the Raize, Stonic, and EcoSport, which one would you choose? Let us know in the comments.
