Toyota Raize: A game-changer in the UAE's compact SUV market

In a world of ever-expanding SUV options, the Toyota Raize emerges as a fresh contender, set to make waves in the UAE's compact SUV market. This subcompact crossover SUV, produced by Toyota since 2019, marks Toyota's entry into the highly practical and competitive compact SUV segment. 

Al-Futtaim Toyota offers the Raize in two variants in Malaysia - 1.2L Raize E and 1.0L Raize Turbo G. The base 1.2-litre model has a starting price of AED 61,900 and presents an enticing blend of performance and economy while the 1.0-litre model, priced at AED 66,900 offers an efficient and spirited ride.

This newcomer to the automotive scene showcases Toyota's unwavering commitment to reliability, practicality, and innovation. With each iteration, the Raize has evolved, offering enhanced style, advanced features, and heightened agility. We will now explore its key features and highlights which make it a game changer in the competitive landscape of the UAE market, making it a compelling choice for UAE drivers.

Competitive pricing

One of the standout features of the Toyota Raize is its competitive pricing strategy. In a segment where budget-friendliness is often a decisive factor, the Raize emerges as an attractive choice for value-conscious UAE customers. Starting at just AED 61,900 for the 1.2-litre model and AED 66,900 for the 1.0-litre variant, it offers a compelling proposition.

This pricing approach places it in direct competition with other popular compact SUVs like the Nissan Kicks, Kia Seltos, and Kia Soul. While it remains budget-friendly, the Raize doesn't compromise on quality, comfort, or performance, making it a noteworthy contender in the competitive compact SUV landscape.

Attractive exterior design

The 2023 Toyota Raize shines with an eye-catching exterior design that harmoniously blends aesthetics with practicality. At the front, it proudly showcases Toyota's iconic grille, flanked by halogen or LED headlights, which are complemented by daytime running lights and front fog lights. On the sides, the Raize rolls on striking 16 or 17-inch wheels, and its body-coloured door handles add to its sleek appearance. The power-folding and adjustable side mirrors come with integrated turn signals, enhancing both style and safety. 

Angular bumper corners emphasize strength and width, while black garnishes create the lifted appearance of an SUV. Moving to the rear, you'll find LED tail lights, rear fog lights, and a roof spoiler equipped with a brake light. The liftgate cargo access and the sporty exhaust system complete the rear profile. Compact yet muscular, the Raize measures around four meters in length, providing additional luggage space and safety features associated with an SUV while maintaining the advantages of a compact and easily manoeuvrable vehicle. With a range of captivating exterior colours like black, grey, red, silver, yellow, and turquoise, the Raize allows you to express your personality on the road.

Spacious and modern cabin

Step inside the Toyota Raize, and you'll discover a spacious and modern cabin designed for comfort and convenience. Despite its compact dimensions, the interior offers ample headroom and legroom, ensuring a comfortable journey for all occupants. The seats, with their wide cushions and supportive side bolsters, provide optimal comfort, whether you're on a short commute or a long road trip.

The interior design reflects a sense of playfulness and modernity with high-quality details like plating and red accents. The instrument panel is thoughtfully designed to provide an outstanding field of view from the driver's seat, promoting safety and ease of use.

The spacious cabin doesn't compromise on versatility, as it boasts 60/40 split and foldable rear seats, providing flexible cargo space when needed. With its compact body and cleverly designed storage solutions, including a movable deck board, the Raize ensures that your storage needs are met. When the deck board is in its low position, the vehicle offers a class-leading luggage capacity of 369 litres, making it perfect for both daily commuting and weekend getaways.

Advanced technologies and features

The Toyota Raize impresses with its advanced technologies and features, enhancing the driving experience and connectivity for both driver and passengers. The cockpit-style layout promotes greater driving enjoyment, with operational elements thoughtfully positioned to ensure ease of use.

The infotainment system, featuring a 7 or 8-inch touchscreen, keeps you connected on the go. It includes a navigation system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, USB ports, and a 4-speaker sound system. Whether you need navigation assistance, want to stream your favourite music, or stay connected with your smartphone, Raize's infotainment system has you covered.

Comprehensive safety

The Toyota Raize prioritizes safety with advanced features like a pre-collision system, lane departure alert, adaptive cruise control, and multiple airbags. Stability control systems, ABS, and tire pressure monitoring enhance safety further. Additionally, the Toyota Raize offers the peace of mind of the ISOFIX safety system for securely attaching baby seats.

Conclusion

In the fiercely competitive compact SUV market of the UAE, the Toyota Raize stands out as a game-changer. With its attractive pricing backed by a spacious and modern cabin, advanced technologies, comprehensive safety, and enjoyable performance, it's a compelling choice for those seeking a versatile and stylish vehicle.

Also read: Nissan Altima vs Toyota Camry: Which sedan should you choose?