While both the Toyota Raize and the Honda WR-V are priced similarly in Indonesia, it is uncertain whether the WR-V will experience similar success in Malaysia. Nonetheless, AutoFun, a trusted Indonesian automotive website, has conducted a detailed comparison between the two SUVs to determine which is the better option.

Although AutoFun has yet to publish its verdict on the driving impressions, their photo post offers a comprehensive comparison of the Toyota Raize and Honda WR-V. The post highlights the features and specifications of both vehicles, allowing readers to make an informed decision when choosing between the two.

Style – Aggressive or conservative?

The Honda WR-V made its global debut in Indonesia and is a regional product developed by the Honda R&D Asia Pacific team based in Thailand. Due to its development in the region, the WR-V has a more local feel than other models made for developing markets, such as the Toyota Raize.

Also read: All-new 2023 Honda WR-V debuts in Indonesia - Can it win over the Ativa?

In contrast, the Raize is mainly developed in Japan and made its global appearance before being sold overseas. If you're a fan of Japanese design, the Raize may appeal to you. Similarly, the Perodua Ativa (Specs | News), despite being a Malaysian product, is based on a model developed for the Japanese domestic market.

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The Honda WR-V is built on the same platform as the 7-seater BR-V, but Honda has given the smaller SUV a distinct yet familiar design. The WR-V looks elegant and posh, with smooth and sharp lines in front that resemble a mix of the Civic and City. The compact lines continue around the side, taking inspiration from the HR-V, including the "hidden" rear door handles. The rear has a simple design but gives the WR-V more character than the BR-V.

On the other hand, the Toyota Raize has a more aggressive design, with hints of Toyota's other SUVs such as the RAV4. Even without the GR aero kit, the Raize has a distinct and sporty look. However, the blue Raize shown in these photos is the top-of-the-line GR Sport variant, and the aero kits are only available for that variant. Additionally, it comes with advanced safety features, which we will discuss in the next part of this article.

Also read: From Karawang with love: CKD Indonesia Honda WR-V set for ASEAN export, includes Thailand

While some may find the aggressive body kits of the Raize to be too much, those who opt for the highest-spec Raize will have to accept the look. In contrast, the WR-V has a more subtle design, even on its top-of-the-line variant.

Also read: The most popular Daihatsu Rocky (Perodua Ativa) variant in Indonesia is also the most expensive

Features – Similarly equipped but the Raize has some advantage

The compact SUV market in Indonesia is gaining traction, and the Honda WR-V has made a grand entrance, surpassing the Toyota Raize and Daihatsu Rocky as the best-selling compact SUV in Indonesia. The Honda WR-V is a regional product that was developed by the Honda R&D Asia Pacific team in Thailand, giving it a distinct local feel compared to the Raize, which was primarily developed in Japan.

Also read: Honda WR-V, more powerful than Ativa, adds Sensing, sub-RM 90k possible for Malaysia?

The WR-V shares the same platform as the 7-seater BR-V but has a distinct yet familiar design that looks posh and elegant. In contrast, the Raize has a sporty and aggressive design, inspired by Toyota's other SUVs, such as the RAV4. The WR-V is available in three variants, and the RS with Honda Sensing is the top variant, priced from IDR 309.9 million (~RM 94k). Meanwhile, the blue Raize is the GR Sport with TSS variant, priced from IDR 302.5 million (~RM 88k).

Despite the price difference, both SUVs offer similar equipment in their highest grades, such as push-start ignition buttons, digital air-conditioning, and 17-inch alloy wheels. However, there are differences in features, such as the WR-V having leather seats and a smaller 7-inch head unit, while the Raize has fabric and leather combination seats and a larger 9-inch head unit.

Also read: 5 things the Perodua Ativa needs to improve on – Long term review #10

Both the WR-V and Raize come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity and six airbags. However, the WR-V has the additional feature of auto high beam (AHB) and a Honda LaneWatch camera, while the Raize has regular blind-spot monitors (BSM). On the other hand, both models have adaptive cruise control (ACC), lane departure assist, and autonomous emergency braking (AEB) on their highest variants.

Also read: A mini HR-V, Malaysia-bound Honda WR-V awarded 5-star ASEAN NCAP crash test rating

Engine and performance – WR-V is more powerful

When it comes to engine options, the Toyota Raize stands out as it offers two different petrol engines in Indonesia. The first one is a naturally-aspirated 1.2-litre WA-VE 3-cylinder engine that generates 88 PS of power and 113 Nm of torque. The second option is a turbocharged 1.0-litre 1KR-VET 3-cylinder engine that delivers 98 PS of power and 140 Nm of torque. Both engines come with a choice of a 5-speed manual transmission or a D-CVT automatic transmission. However, the turbo unit paired with a D-CVT is the only available combination to get all the advanced features in the GR Sport variant.

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In contrast, the Honda WR-V is only available with one engine option - a naturally-aspirated 1.5-litre i-VTEC DOHC engine that produces 121 PS of power and 145 Nm of torque. It is mated to a CVT-type automatic gearbox. Despite having only one engine option, the WR-V has an advantage over its competitors such as the Nissan Magnite and Kia Sonet, due to its larger and more powerful engine.

While the Raize offers a choice between two engines, the WR-V's single engine option provides it with power supremacy in the Indonesian compact SUV market. The WR-V's engine size and power contribute to its rise in sales, making it a popular choice among buyers.

Conclusion

The Indo-spec Honda WR-V is a popular compact SUV in Indonesia, with sales figures indicating its popularity among Indonesian buyers. The name "WR-V" stands for "Winsome Runabout Vehicle," according to Honda. Meanwhile, the Toyota Raize, which has been on the market longer, competes well against the WR-V. Both SUVs have their own advantages, making it difficult to declare a clear winner.

Also read: 2023 Honda WR-V outsold Perodua Ativa's Indo twins Rocky and Raize in December 2022

In terms of design and power, the WR-V has a fresh and powerful look, while the Raize is cheaper and has slightly more features. However, it is worth noting that both SUVs have similar merits, and choosing between them depends on personal preference.

When the WR-V becomes available in Malaysia, it could be a viable option to consider as an alternative to the popular Perodua Ativa. However, it may not overtake the Ativa in terms of sales, as it has in Indonesia. Overall, the choice between the two vehicles depends on the individual's needs and preferences.

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