Small car lovers have a lot of options to choose from in the market. So, whenever people want to buy a compact car, they get confused because of the vast selection with regard to their corresponding features and models. However, Toyota’s Vitz and Aqua could be great options. In this article, we are comparing the Toyota Vitz vs Toyota Aqua in trying to simplify your decision-making. Please follow through.
N.B: Prices are reflective of average BE FORWARD pricing as of May 2021.
Toyota Vitz Toyota Aqua
Capacity/Doors 5 seats/3-5 doors 5 seats/3-5 doors
Torque 206 Nm at 4000 RPM 111 Nm
Top Speed 180 km/h 180 km/h
0-100 km/h 11.7 sec – 15.3 sec 10.7 sec
Max Power (109 bhp - 81 kW why do you mix units? If you use bhp
use it throughout. Now you have bhp, kW and HP!
Use one throughout) at 6000 RPM75 HP - 98 HP
Engine 1.0 – 1.5L 1.5L
Fuel Tank Capacity 42 Litres 36 Litres
Key Features ABS, Curtain Airbags, EBD, SRS Airbags, TRC, VSC, A/C,
CD/Radio playerCD Player, Radio, A/C, Airbag, ABS, Power Steering,
Keyless Entry
Gearbox CVT CVT
Fuel Consumption 18km/L - 21.8km/L (here you have used km/L) 35.4 KM/L - 37.0 KM/L (here you have used KM/L.
Use KM/L or km/l throughout)
Length x Width x Height 3.88×1.69×1.53 m 3.99×1.69×1.44 m
BE FORWARD PRICE USD 850 – 11,910 USD 1,800 – 20,770
Exterior
Toyota Vitz Exterior
Standard exterior features of the 2020 Vitz model include daytime running lights, power-adjustable side mirrors with signal lights, and 15-inch steel wheels with plastic caps.
Door (4 doors)
The Vitz/Yaris is available in a four-door hatchback body as standard, with a two-door model available and a four-door sedan offered in selective markets.
Transmission
The Vitz comes standard with a six-speed automatic transmission, with a five-speed manual transmission available.
Body
The Vitz is a small hatchback with a length of 155.3 inches, a width of 66.7 inches, a height of 59.1 inches, and a wheelbase of 98.8 inches.
Toyota Aqua Exterior
The Toyota Aqua is a compact hatchback built by Toyota. Standard exterior features include LED headlights and DRLs, a rear spoiler, body-colored power-adjustable wing mirrors with signal lights, and steel rims with plastic caps.
Door (4 doors)
As standard, the Aqua comes with a four-door compact hatchback styling.
Length
The exterior dimensions of the 2021 Aqua include a wheelbase of 102.4 inches, length of 161.2 inches, width of 66.7 inches, and height of 59.3 inches.
Interior
Toyota Vitz Interior
Standard interior features of the Vitz include a supportive height-adjustable driver’s seat, a rake-and-reach steering wheel, a standard 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and an easy reach and control air-con.
Space
Although compact, the Vitz can accommodate six-footers comfortably, but headroom could be better.
Storage options include a cubby hole ahead of the shift stick enough to handle a mobile phone, a glovebox with a small tray above it, a bin under the front center armrest, small door pockets, and jacket pockets.
Trunk or luggage compartment
The cargo area is average, enough to accommodate a couple of bags. If extra space is required, the 60/40 split rear seats can be folded flat to maximize the cargo area.
Toyota Aqua Interior
Regarding its size, the interior of the 2022 Aqua has enough space to comfortably accommodate 4 six-footers or 5 medium-built passengers. The front seats are supportive and well-cushioned, while at the rear, the seats offer enough comfort. There is plenty of legroom and headroom throughout.
The dash styling
The dash styling is enticing. Atop the center console is a 10.5-inch infotainment display with a digital instrument cluster next to it with a three-spoke steering wheel with plenty of controls that altogether give the cabin a modern feel.
The cargo area is enough to accommodate a couple of days of groceries.
Fuel efficiency
Toyota Vitz Fuel efficiency
The Vitz is powered by a ground-breaking efficient hybrid system that pairs a 1.5-liter (M15A-FXE) three-cylinder engine with two electric motors with power sent to the wheels via a CVT transmission. Charge is stored on a smaller, lighter, but powerful battery.
This hybrid system has an average fuel consumption of 25 km/l.
Toyota Aqua Fuel efficiency
The 2021 Toyota Aqua is powered by a hybrid (HEV) system that it shares with its sibling the Toyota Yaris/Vitz. This system pairs a highly efficient 90hp 1.5-liter (M15A-FXE) Dynamic Force three-cylinder engine with dual electric (80hp) motors that are driven by a high-output bipolar nickel-hydrogen battery with more electric-only kilometers when fully charged. The system produces a combined 116hp with an average fuel consumption rating of 35.8 km/l.
Power is sent to the front wheels as standard via a CVT transmission or to all four wheels via the available E-Four 4WD system.
Price
Toyota Vitz Price
| 2005 | US$1290 ~ US$4790 |
| 2010 | US$1260 ~ US$9650 |
| 2014 | US$2330 ~US$5020 |
| 2020 | US$6130 ~ US$9510 |
Toyota Aqua Price
| 2012 | US$1980 ~ US$13,110 |
| 2014 | US$2280 ~ US$14,020 |
| 2018 | US$3140 ~ US$17,030 |
| 2022 | US$10,340 ~ US$20,910 |
Writer’s perspective
Toyota Vitz Performance
The Toyota Vitz is only available with a 1.5-liter three-cylinder petrol engine as standard. Pressing hard the accelerator, you get an instant response, thanks to its responsive hybrid system.
It takes 9.1 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 100km/h.
Its sole CVT transmission is responsive but holds back the engine resulting in the revs approaching the redline. Pushing it much harder can be quite noisy.
The combination of standard 16-inch wheels with average suspensions results in a firm ride.
The Toyota Vitz is a nice compact car that is also very frugal.
It’s a great car for those who want more kilometers per liter as a tradeoff for power.
Toyota Aqua Performance
The 2021 Toyota Aqua offers a good balance of handling and stability uncommon in compact hatchbacks. Underneath it comes fitted with a well-tuned suspension system that soaks up bumps and potholes guaranteeing a comfortable ride.
The 2021 Aqua’s steering system utilizes a Power-assisted rack-and-pinion that makes the steering light and responsive with good feedback.
The 2021 Aqua is a great buy, especially for those looking for a compact, reliable, and fuel-efficient car. Its small size and agility make it perfect for urban driving and maneuvering in tight areas, without compromising its comfortable and practical driving experience.
The Aqua is efficient and affordable, but its frugality leaves it with less power.
Between the Aqua and its sibling the Vitz, it’s difficult to recommend one over the other, but this time I’ll go for the Aqua, as it’s more compact, more efficient, and looks more modern.
Is Vitz and Yaris the Same?
The Toyota Vitz and Toyota Yaris are more or less the same car, designated for different markets.
The Vitz nameplate is used in Japan with the Yaris nameplate used in other markets outside of Japan.
Design-wise there are a few notable differences which may include headlights and taillight which are more fancy on the Vitz than the Yaris.
Inside, they are almost identical, but the instrument cluster has the speedo labeled in kilometers per hour on the Vitz vs miles per hour on the Yaris.
Under the hood, they both feature the same powerplant.
The Verdict
The Vitz and Aqua are subcompact cars built by Toyota, with the latest generation (fourth-generation Vitz and second-generation Aqua) built on the same platform.
They are both ideal cars that will be a great choice for buyers looking for more kilometers per liter, reliability, affordability, and practicality.
The base models of the Vitz and Aqua go neck to neck as the buyer’s car of choice, but the Aqua is way ahead in terms of sales.
Need to buy a high-quality Toyota Aqua or Toyota Vitz from Japan? The choice is yours. Purchase now through our store BE FORWARD.
I am a car enthusiast and experienced freelance car writer with over 5 years in automotive journalism. Recognized for delivering engaging and informative content across diverse websites and blogs, prominently featured on platforms like BE FORWARD. A passion for cars, coupled with a proven track record of insightful articles, showcasing a deep understanding of the industry.
With over 5 years of writing expertise in the automotive domain, I specialize in comprehensive coverage of car-related topics. My portfolio spans engaging reviews, up-to-date news, and in-depth features, showcasing a versatile understanding of the automotive landscape. This experience reflects my commitment to delivering insightful content that captivates readers across a broad spectrum of car enthusiasts and general audiences.
My favorite car is the Range Rover Sport for its luxurious design, powerful performance, and unparalleled comfort on and off-road.
