Comparison: Toyota Raize XLE vs Limited

Saudi Arabia : The Toyota Raize was originally revealed to the world back in late 2019 as a compact SUV. It would surprise many to learn that the Raize traces its existence back to the Daihatsu brand. It’s, in fact, based on the Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA).

The Raize is the only Toyota SUV or crossover that utilizes this Daihatsu platform, making it quite unique. In the Saudi market, the Toyota Raize goes up against cars such as the Nissan Kicks, Kia Sonet, and Hyundai Venue. The market might be inundated with small crossovers, but it’s the Toyota badge that matters, right?

Price Comparison

1. Once you’ve made up your mind to buy a Toyota Raize, your options are easy. There are just two variants of the Raize available in Saudi Arabia. The base variant is called the XLE, and it’s priced at SAR 67,045. This makes the entry-level pricing of this Toyota crossover lower than that of its Hyundai counterpart.
2. The top variant of the Toyota Raize is called the Limited, which is priced at SAR 73,715. Even at the high end, the Raize continues to be cheaper than the Venue. That being said, the lower price tag of the Toyota does equate to it being less well-equipped. Unfortunately, this would be a continuous theme with the Raize.

Given the brand’s relevance in Saudi Arabia, finding a Toyota dealership across this vast nation is relatively easy. The official distributor of new Toyota cars in KSA is Abdul Latif Jameel Motors. They have showrooms present in all the major cities – including Riyadh, Dammam, Jeddah, Safwa, Yanbu, etc.

Dimensions Comparison

Let’s now look at how the two variants of the Toyota Raize match up in terms of their exterior dimensions. The most obvious difference between the two is attributed to their wheels.

Dimensions	Toyota Raize XLE	Toyota Raize Limited
Length	4,030 mm	4,030 mm
Width	1,710 mm	1,710 mm
Height	1,635 mm	1,635 mm
Wheelbase	2,525 mm	2,525 mm
Weight	970 kg	980 kg
Fuel capacity	36 liters	36 liters
Boot capacity	369 liters	369 liters
Wheel size	16 inches	17 inches

In some emerging markets, the Raize is sold as a sub-4-meter SUV. However, the version sold in Saudi Arabia is slightly longer and therefore looks better proportioned. The sharply styled front fascia of the Toyota Raize is inarguably its best design aspect, followed by the dual-tone finish. The bulging taillights with a connected black bar look decent, too.

The squatted rear of the Raize makes its stance look a bit awkward from some angles, though. Even the ground clearance of this ‘compact SUV’ is a mere 185 mm, which isn’t all that much. Essentially, the Toyota Raize is very much a raised hatchback with SUV-ish styling cues. Its compact dimensions do make pottering around town a non-issue.

Drivetrain and Performance Comparison

Keeping it simple, Toyota offers two powertrain options with the Raize in Saudi Arabia. Similarly, there’s only one transmission option available.

Specs	Toyota Raize 1.2	Toyota Raize 1.0T
Engine	1.2-liter naturally-aspirated three-cylinder	1.0-liter turbocharged three-cylinder
Gearbox	CVT	CVT
Drive System	FWD	FWD
Power	87 hp	97 hp
Torque	113 Nm	140 Nm
Mileage	21.7 kmpl (4.6 L/100 km)	20.6 kmpl (4.8 L/100 km)
Top Speed	160 kmph (appx.)	170 kmph (appx.)
0-100 kmph	11.5 sec	10 sec

 

The N/A petrol engine in the Raize remains smooth and jerk-free when utilized gingerly. Push it hard, and this motor immediately feels out of its element. The CVT further highlights the lack of grunt, bringing on its characteristic groan that such gearboxes are infamous for. However, this engine & gearbox combo results in an impressive fuel consumption figure.

The best engine option with the Raize has to be the turbo-petrol engine – it sure feels more appropriate. It’s also the quicker version here, which means you wouldn’t be too frustrated while trying to overtake. The fuel economy is good, and so is the ride quality, even over minor road undulations and imperfections.

Features Comparison

As mentioned earlier, the Toyota Raize isn’t the most feature-packed car in its segment. However, what can one expect to find before entering the cabin? Let’s find out.

Exterior Features	Toyota Raize XLE	Toyota Raize Limited
Automatic LED headlights	No	Yes (w/ sequential turn indicators)
LED DRLs	No	Yes
Front foglights	Yes	Yes
Powered ORVMs	Yes	Yes
Keyless entry	Yes	Yes
‘Turbo’ emblem	No	Yes
Rear spoiler	Yes	Yes

 Stepping inside the Toyota Raize, the simple cabin design means fewer distractions whilst driving. This is matched with a similarly minimalistic equipment list, which can even feel spartan and outdated.

Interior Technologies	Toyota Raize XLE	Toyota Raize Limited
Power windows	Yes	Yes
Multi-information display	Yes	Yes
Touchscreen infotainment	Yes (7-inch)	Yes (8-inch)
USB ports	Yes	Yes
Apple CarPlay	Yes	Yes
Drive mode selector	Yes	Yes
Sound system	Yes (4-speaker audio)	Yes (4-speaker audio)

Following a similar theme, the high-tech features of the Toyota Raize are few and unsurprisingly mediocre. So, what kind of creature comforts can you find here? Well, not a whole lot. The differences between the two variants here are almost negligible.

Comfort Offerings	Toyota Raize XLE	Toyota Raize Limited
Sunvisors w/ vanity mirrors	Yes	Yes
Height-adjustable driver’s seat	Yes	Yes
Front armrest	Yes	Yes
Air-conditioning	Yes	Yes
Floor lighting	No	Yes
Multi-function steering wheel	Yes	Yes
Leather-wrapped steering wheel	No	Yes

 

 There are no advanced driver assistance systems or even cruise control with the Toyota Raize. However, there are just enough safety nannies to prevent you from getting into too much trouble.

Safety Systems	Toyota Raize XLE	Toyota Raize Limited
Tire-pressure monitoring	Yes	Yes
Rearview camera	Yes	Yes
Airbags	Yes (2)	Yes (2)
Parking sensors	Yes (rear only)	Yes (front & rear)
ABS w/ EBD	Yes	Yes
Vehicle stability control	Yes	Yes
Hill-start assist	Yes	Yes

Conclusion

For a modern car in 2025, the Toyota Raize is missing several key features that are common in several cheaper cars. Some of the expected features here would be cruise control, at least four airbags, automatic climate control, etc. None of these are offered on the Raize even as optional extras!

The driving experience is fine for an urban runabout, but nothing to write home about. Being a Toyota, long-term reliability and resale value should be good. But in all honesty, the Toyota Raize is hard to recommend as a new purchase. The misses here are too hard to brush under the rug.