2026 Toyota Ativ: Everything you need to know 

The launch of the Toyota Ativ is upon us, happening in just a little over a week from the time of this writing. We know you’re excited and want to know more, and we can finally tell you everything you’ll need and want to know.

For starters, the Ativ will not be replacing the third generation Vios. Instead, the two models will be sold alongside each other with the former slotting above, and priced slightly higher.

There are a total of four variants across three grades which were formerly the higher trims for the Vios lineup. These are as follows, along with their prices:

• Ativ 1.3 E M/T – Php 916,000
• Ativ 1.3 E CVT – Php 980,000
• Ativ 1.5 G CVT – Php 1,069,000
• Ativ 1.5 HEV CVT – Php 1,198,000

By now we already all know that the Ativ rides on the Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA) platform which also underpins models such as the Yaris Cross, Avanza, Veloz, and Raize. It is also badged as Vios Ativ, signifying its relation to the extremely popular nameplate, while still being sold as a separate model.

Size-wise, the new Toyota Ativ is slightly larger than the Vios, measuring at 4,425mm long (+5mm), 1,750mm wide (+10mm), and 1,480mm tall (+5mm). The wheelbase has also been lengthened at 2,620mm (+70mm).

How about standard equipment? Starting from the base 1.3 E M/T, it already gets quite the feature list. 

That gets full LED headlights, halogen taillights, six-spoke two-tone 16-inch alloy wheels, power adjustable side mirrors, a black and brown interior with fabric seats, a tilt and telescopic steering wheel, a nine-inch touchscreen infotainment system with (wired) Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a six-speaker audio system, a seven-inch digital instrument cluster, automatic climate control, push button start, and dual USB-A ports for the front and rear passengers, each. The 1.3 E CVT adds rear aircon vents.

The mid-grade 1.5 G CVT takes it up a notch with automatic headlights, full LED taillights, two-tone 10-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels, gloss black exterior trim, and power folding side mirrors.

Finally, the top-spec 1.5 HEV CVT gets gunmetal gray exterior trim, eight-spoke two-tone 16-inch alloy wheels with a more aerodynamic design, sequential rear turn signals, rear disc brakes, a black and gray interior with leather seats, a larger 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a front Type C USB port (+three USB-A), a wireless phone charger, and an electronic parking brake with auto-hold.

Standard color options for the new Toyota Ativ are Gray Metallic, Metal Stream Metallic (1.3 E only), and Attitude Black Mica (1.5 HEV only). 

Both the 1.5 G and HEV have the option of Scarlet SE or Platinum White Pearl, which command an additional Php 15,000 (G) or Php 10,000 (HEV). The HEV also exclusively gets an Attitude Black Mica roof.

Powering all three Ativ grades are very familiar powertrain options, carried-over from the third generation Vios, as well as other DNGA-based Toyota products.

Starting with the entry-level E trims, they get a 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine (1NR-VE), making 98 horsepower and 122Nm of torque, mated to either a five-speed manual transmission or CVT. 

The mid-grade G trim then gets a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine (2NR-VE), producing 106 horsepower and 138Nm, also mated to a CVT. 

Topping-off the range is a new hybrid option. Shared with the Yaris Cross, this combines a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine (2NR-VEX), and an electric motor and lithium-ion battery. The engine alone produces 91 horsepower and 121Nm, with a total system output of 111 horsepower, also mated to a CVT.

As for safety, the 1.3 E grades get dual front airbags, anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), stability control, hill-start assist, traction control, and a reverse camera. The G adds side and side curtain airbags, front and rear parking sensors and a 360-degree camera.

Both G and HEV grades also benefit from the Toyota Safety Sense suite of advanced driver-assist systems (ADAS). The G gets blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while the HEV adds a pre-collision system, automatic high beam, lane tracing assist, lane departure alert, and adaptive cruise control.

Like with all other Toyota vehicles, buyers of the new Ativ will be able to take advantage of a five-year or 140,000km vehicle warranty, subject to specific terms and conditions. Buyers of the 1.5 HEV CVT variant will also receive an additional eight-year or 100,000km battery warranty.

Sales of the new Toyota Ativ begin this month, and if you already want to see it in the flesh, it’ll be launching at the BGC Amphitheater, Bonifacio High Street, Taguig City on October 24 (Friday), and will be on display there until October 26 (Sunday).

Now that we all know its exact specifications and features, do you think the new Toyota Ativ has what it takes to continue the legacy of the country’s bestselling Vios nameplate?

_{Photos by Sam Surla}