2023 vs 2021 Toyota Vios: Here’s What’s New

• Toyota Vios Pricing in Malaysia
• Want a Heavily Discounted Toyota Vios?
• Engine & Performance
• Built on an All-New Platform
• Exterior 
• Lights
• Aero Kit
• Colors
• Dimensions
• Interior
• Interior Changes across the Vios Range
• New Features Only on The G Variant
• Safety Features
• Get a Used 2021 Toyota Vios at a Bargain

The Toyota Vios is one of the top-selling B-segment sedans in Malaysia for good reason. It’s always been affordable, reliable, and spacious, making it a top choice for young professionals and families alike.

Toyota has launched the new 2023 Vios with a host of improvements. So how does it stack up to the prior generation from 2021? Is the higher price of the Toyota Vios worth it for Malaysians? Let’s dive into it.

Toyota Vios Pricing in Malaysia

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, we should note that the Toyota Vios now only comes in two variants; the lower 1.5E and the range-topping 1.5G variants. The base 1.5J variant has been dropped resulting in a much higher starting price for the car but that also translates to more kit and refinement. Here’s a quick comparison of the Toyota Vios prices in Malaysia.

Want a Heavily Discounted Toyota Vios?

As the price of the Vios has risen by more than RM4,000 within the variants, many would argue that it’s no longer an affordable car. Fortunately, you can still enjoy the reliability and practicality of a Toyota Vios by going the pre-owned route with CARSOME. We have a large selection of Toyota Vios models with additional discounts of up to RM4500.

Check out our inventory but be quick so you don’t miss out on the best Vios deals!

Engine & Performance

Now that we got the price out of the way, let’s look at the engine. The 2023 Toyota Vios is powered by a 2NR-VE 1.5-liter naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine with DOHC (dual overhead cam) and dual VVT-i (dual variable valve timing-intelligent). Although it has the same displacement as the 2NR-FE used in the outgoing 2021 model, the new engine has slightly lower output figures of 106 PS and 138 Nm (down by 1 Ps and 2 Nm).

The engine drives the front wheels via a new D-CVT (dual-mode continuously variable transmission) which combines a belt and gear drive to give the 2023 Vios better acceleration, fuel efficiency, and comfort. The CVT comes with seven virtual speeds, and, new in the G variant are paddle shifters – perfect for some sporty weekend driving.

Built on an All-New Platform

The biggest improvement in the 2023 Toyota Vios is its new platform – the DNGA (Daihatsu New Global Architecture). This platform utilizes a continuous frame design and high-tensile materials resulting in increased rigidity and a curb weight that’s 100kg lower than the outgoing 2021 Vios.

These contribute to better handling and stability on the road making the Vios now better to drive. The new platform also contributes to lowered cabin NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness), and with its longer wheelbase, allows for more legroom inside.

Read More: History of Toyota: The Largest Carmaker in the World

Exterior 

The new Vios also sports a fastback body and a cleaner front face adorned with a large intake grille that makes the car look sportier and more grown up than the previous model. Not only that, but it also has functional side air vents that channel air into the front wheel wells to cool the brakes, a feature we don’t see on cars at this price point.

Lights

Like in the previous model, both E and G variants get LED lights all around with headlights equipped with auto on/off, follow-me-home functions, and sharp L-shaped DRLs (daytime running lights) for that extra presence on the road. Both variants get LED tail lights like in the previous model but the G now has sequential turn signals, something we usually see on luxury vehicles and aftermarket light kits.

Aero Kit

To further accentuate its sporty styling, the 2023 Vios comes with an aero kit as standard that includes a black front bumper lip, side skirts, a boot lid lip spoiler, and a rear bumper diffuser. If you wanted an aero kit for the 2021 Vios, you’d have had to pay Toyota an additional RM2,500 for that.

Colors

In terms of colors, the new Vios comes in five shades. Platinum White Pearl and Silver Metallic are carried forward from the previous model while new this generation are Spicy Scarlet, Nebula Blue Metallic, and Attitude Black. The two colors dropped from the lineup are Dark Blue Metallic and Red Mica Metallic.

Dimensions

The new DNGA platform doesn’t just affect the driving dynamics and comfort but also results in a slightly bigger car.

Read More: Should Fresh Grads Get a Used Car As a Safer Bet?

Interior

The new increased price of the Toyota Vios in Malaysia is reflected well in all the improvements you’ll find in its interior. The cabin is now more refined and spacious making it more comfortable than before.

Interior Changes across the Vios Range

New features that are shared across the range are rear air vents, a wireless charger (was optional in the previous model), sunglass holder, and a larger nine-inch display infotainment system. However, Toyota has now omitted the armrest for rear passengers and the rear seats no longer fold down, so you can’t carry exceptionally long items in the Vios anymore.

The boot has also shrunk from 506L to 475L, although the boot now has a hidden storage below the main space to store smaller items such as your shoes or other valuables. Also worth noting is, in place of a spare tire, there’s now a tire repair kit.

New Features Only on The G Variant

A welcome new feature in the 2023 Vios is the tilt and telescopic leather-wrapped steering wheel in the range-topping G variant which allows you to get into the perfect driving position. Other new features on the Vios G variant include a seven-inch TFT multi-information display (MID), a 64-color ambient lighting, and electronic parking brake with auto brake hold. There are also more soft-touch materials all around from the leather-wrapped dashboard to the driver’s knee padding.

Safety Features

Safety-wise, the 2021 Toyota Vios is no slouch as it has all the passive and active safety features you need including some advanced Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) features. The 2023 Vios carries over all of those features which include an ISOFIX tether system, front DVR (digital video recorder) with smartphone connectivity, pre-collision system (PCS), lane departure warning (LDW), and a 3D panoramic view monitor, just to name a few.

Both the E and G variants also get a three-year Toyota vehicle telematics system (VTS) subscription which allows you to track and control some functions of the car directly on your smartphone.

What’s new in this generation are additional TSS features which are lane keeping control (LKC), auto high beam (AHB), and adaptive cruise control (ACC). However, these are only available on the top G variant.

Read More: Top Car Safety Features Invented by Women That May Have Saved Your Life

Get a Used 2021 Toyota Vios at a Bargain

The 2023 Toyota Vios brings with it a long list of upgrades from the new platform to all-around refinements. That said, previous generations of the Vios still offer great value, especially in terms of reliability and space. In fact, you can get this 2021 Toyota Vios E in excellent condition from CARSOME if you’re quick enough.

If you’re looking for even better deals, we have a selection of Vios models with big discounts of up to RM4,500 waiting for you. Each car is CARSOME Certified which means they’ve been through a 175-point inspection and professional refurbishment to ensure they’re safe, comfortable, and gorgeous enough for discerning buyers like you.

Looking for another car? Visit CARSOME today or download our app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.

Devan Sundralingam

Devan is a long-time writer who has dabbled in different fields from media to marketing. He enjoys some virtual driving on Forza Horizon and likes reading about various topics including cars.

Keyword: 2023 vs 2021 Toyota Vios: Here’s What’s New