Toyota IST vs Vitz – Subcompact Hatchback Comparison

As you may have noticed, there are so many subcompact hatchbacks on the market today that it can be difficult to make the right buying decision. Here at BE FORWARD, we offer dozens of the top subcompact hatchbacks, but two of our best selling models are the Toyota IST and the Toyota Vitz.

Both of these cars are great options for the urban commuter or the small family looking to save money on fuel without sacrificing performance and long-term durability, but just what are the similarities and differences between them? We take a closer look in this Toyota IST and Toyota Vitz review.

Toyota IST vs Vitz Quick Side-by-Side Comparison

How well do the Toyota IST and Vitz compare with each other? Let’s take a look at their engine performance, fuel economy and features.

Toyota ISTToyota Vitz
Engine Performance109hp110hp
Fuel Consumption15km/L -

18km/L
15.2km/L -

23km/L
Key FeaturesKeyless Entry

ABS

Power Windows
Keyless Entry

Keyless Start

Power Windows & Locks
Capacity5 Passengers5 Passengers
DrivetrainFWD

AWD
FWD

AWD
BE FORWARD Price

(Click Prices to Shop)
$300 -

$5,200
$700 -

$5,000

Overview & Pricing Comparison

Toyota IST

Used 2007 Toyota IST

BROWSE LOW-COST USED TOYOTA IST MODELS

The Toyota IST was introduced in 2002 to offer young buyers a flexible, sporty hatchback that could accommodate gear for an extended trip, look good for a night on the town, or carry a small family anywhere they might need to go. Production of the Toyota IST ended in 2016 after two generations.

The 2007 Toyota IST was the last model of the first generation or also one of the first units from the second generation. In this case, we are going to look at the first units of the second generation. The 2007 IST was sold globally under a variety of badges including the Scion xA, the Scion xD, and the Toyota xA. The 2007 units that were part of the second generation were also sold in Europe as a mini MPV named the Toyota Urban Cruiser.

How Much is a Used Toyota IST?

Depending on the model grade and year, the average cost of a used Toyota IST ranges between $1,200 and $3,000.

Recommended Toyota IST Model Years

Toyota IST 2004

Toyota IST 2005

Toyota IST 2008

Toyota Vitz

Used 2007 Toyota Vitz

BROWSE LOW-COST USED TOYOTA VITZ MODELS

Toyota introduced the Toyota Vitz for the 1999 model year. It is sold globally and is badged as the Toyota Yaris, the Toyota Echo, and the Daihatsu Charade. The Toyota Vitz is specifically designed for young urban drivers who want a flexible car for their everyday driving needs. Available as both a three-door and a five-door hatchback, the 2007 Toyota Vitz is more than capable of handling congested urban traffic or tackling open roads during road trips and holidays.

How Much is a Used Toyota Vitz?

Depending on the model grade and year, the average cost of a used Toyota Vitz ranges between $700 and $5,000.

Recommended Toyota Vitz Model Years

Toyota Vitz 2000

Toyota Vitz 2008

Toyota Vitz 2012


 

Key Features

Toyota IST

Used-2007-Toyota-IST-Interior-BE-FORWARD
Above: Interior of a used 2007 Toyota IST

The 2007 Toyota IST is offered in just two trim levels. The 150 X and the 150 G feature the smaller engine, while the 180 G is the only level that is powered by the larger engine. The trim levels offer a wide variety of standard and optional equipment. The equipment list includes: ABS; air conditioning; power windows, locks, mirrors and steering; a six-speaker audio system with a CD player; a rear wiper; rear defroster; a 60/40-split-folding rear seat; satellite radio; alloy wheels; a roof rack; and keyless entry.

Toyota Vitz

Used-2007-Toyota-Vitz-Interior-BE-FORWARD
Above: Interior of a used 2007 Toyota Vitz

The creature and tech comforts that you can find in 2007 Vitz include: air-conditioning, a tilt steering wheel, a rear window defroster, a 60/40-split folding rear seat, a CD/MP3 player with an auxiliary jack, alloy wheels, foglamps, keyless entry and start, power windows and locks, and LED head and tail lamps.


 

Engine & Fuel Efficiency Comparison

Toyota IST

Used-2007-Toyota-IST-Engine-BE-FORWARD
Above: Engine of a used 2007 Toyota IST

The second generation 2007 Toyota IST can be powered by either of two petrol engines. The first 1,496 cc I4 that is capable of 109 bhp and 141 N-m of torque at 4,200 rpm. The only gearbox option is a CVT, but the IST is available in both FWD and AWD. Units equipped with the 1,496 cc engine and FWD have the Japanese model code DBA-NCP 110, while the cars equipped with the same engine and AWD have the Japanese model code DBA-NCP 115.

The second engine option is a 1,797 cc I4 capable of 132 bhp and 168 N-m of torque. The 1,797 cc powerplant is paired to a four-speed automatic and is only available in FWD. The cars equipped with the 1,797 cc engine have the Japanese model code DBA-ZSP 110.

The 2007 Toyota IST is well known for its outstanding fuel economy. If you opt for the 1,496 cc engine and FWD, you can see an average fuel economy of around 18 km/l. Should you opt for the same engine, but AWD instead, the IST offers average fuel numbers of 16.6 km/l. On top of added power, the larger engine offers drivers 15.4 km/l.

Toyota Vitz

Used-2007-Toyota-Vitz-Engine-BE-FORWARD
Above: Engine of a used 2007 Toyota Vitz

The Toyota Vitz entered its second generation for the 2005 model year. The second generation was a complete redesign of the exterior, and the engine offerings were also updated. The 2007 Toyota Vitz is part of this second generation. The 2007 Vitz can be powered by three inline petrol engines, with the base model powered by a 996 cc I3 that offers 71 bhp. Next up is a 1,296 cc I4 capable of 87 bhp, followed by a 1,498 cc I4 that produces 110 bhp. The 996 cc and 1,498 cc engines are paired to a CVT, while the 1,296 cc is mated to a four-speed automatic.

The Vitz is available in FWD and AWD. A Toyota Vitz equipped with the 996 cc engine/CVT combination and the Intelligent trim package is able to achieve 24.5 km/l. A 2007 Toyota Vitz equipped with the 996 cc engine will have the Japanese model code DBA-KSP90. A Vitz equipped with the 1,296 cc engine and FWD will have the model code DBA-SCP90, while those equipped with that engine and AWD have the model code CBA-NCP95. Finally, the units with the 1,498 cc engine will have the Japanese model code DBA-NCP91.

The 2007 Toyota Vitz is offered in seven trim levels: F, U, B, RS, Ayr, B Intelligent, and F Intelligent. The Intelligent packages feature Toyota’s Intelligent idling stop system for better fuel economy. On average, the Toyota Vitz offers a fuel economy of around 15.2km/L to 23km/L in certain grades.


 

Toyota IST vs. Toyota Vitz: Which is the Better Choice?

As we compared the 2007 Toyota IST and the 2007 Toyota Vitz, it became apparent that both are superb subcompact hatchbacks. Both can be similarly equipped and are backed by the legendary durability of Toyota. Legroom and cargo space are similar, but the 2007 Toyota Vitz sets itself apart in fuel economy numbers, while the Toyota IST comes out with the lower overall price.

Ultimately, offering the Intelligent system in the B and F trim levels in addition to its superb fuel economy, the Toyota Vitz begins to surface as the better choice for drivers who often drive long commutes. The Toyota Vitz is also often the hatchback of choice across many African countries, making spare parts very easy and affordable to find. For used car buyers on an initial budget, however, the IST is also a very reasonable choice.

Looking for even more hatchbacks to compare? Be sure to check out our other similar articles below for even more information on the high-quality hatchbacks found on BE FORWARD!

BROWSE ALL LOW-COST USED TOYOTA MODELS

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