It has been revealed that Toyota’s new SUV, the Raize Space, is scheduled for release around August 2027. The arrival of this seven-seater SUV, positioned as a premium model of the current compact SUV, the Raize, has attracted the attention of many car enthusiasts. Is the new Raize Space really worth the wait? Let’s take a closer look.
What is the new Rise Space? Basic Overview
Toyota Raize
Development status as seen through trademark registrations
Its existence became clear when Toyota applied for a trademark for “Rise Space” with the Japan Patent Office in December 2022. At the same time, Daihatsu also applied for a trademark for “Rocky Space,” and it is expected that it will be developed under both brands.
Background to the development delay
It was originally scheduled to be released in 2024, but due to a major review of the new car development project following Daihatsu’s certification fraud issue, the release date has been postponed to around June to August 2027. This delay is having a major impact on the entire industry, but on the flip side, it may result in a more complete vehicle being released.
Expected specs for the new Rise Space
Toyota Raize Space
Body size and passenger capacity
- Length x width x height : 4,395mm x 1,730mm x 1,700mm (estimated)
- Wheelbase : 2,625mm (estimated)
- Seating capacity : 7 people (3-row seats)
- Compared to the current Raize : Length +400mm, width +35mm, height +80mm
The size will be significantly increased from the current Raize (3,995mm x 1,695mm x 1,620mm) and is expected to be designed to comfortably seat seven people.
Powertrain and fuel economy
Hybrid model (attention)
- System : e-SMART HYBRID
- Engine : 1.2L inline 3-cylinder gasoline engine
- Motor output : 78kW (106ps)
- Maximum system output : 106ps
- Fuel economy : 24km/L (WLTC mode, estimated)
- Drive system : FF
Gasoline model
- Engine : 1.0L inline 3-cylinder gasoline turbo
- Maximum output : 98ps/14.3kgm
- Transmission : D-CVT
- Drive system : FF/4WD
Adopts the latest platform “DNGA”
The new Raize Space will adopt Daihatsu’s new generation platform, DNGA (Daihatsu New Global Architecture), which is expected to bring the following benefits:
- Improved safety : Significant improvements in collision safety performance
- Improved comfort : reduced vibration and noise
- Improved fuel efficiency : Lightweight and efficient packaging
- Improved dynamics : excellent handling characteristics
Attractive points of the new Rise Space
1. The rarity of a compact seven-seater SUV
In the domestic market, there are very few compact 7-seater SUVs. The new Raize Space is expected to have the following features:
- Easy to handle : With a total width of 1.73m, it can be used in multi-story parking lots.
- Economy : Pricing expected to start from the 2 million yen range
- Practicality : Suitable for a wide range of uses, from everyday use to leisure activities
2. SUV-style three-row seat vehicle
Conventional three-row seat vehicles have mostly had a minivan-like design, but the new Rise Space:
- Powerful SUV design : styling that inherits the DNA of the current Raize
- An exterior that satisfies the desire to own : Positioning the concept car “DN Multi-Six” as a production version
- Active lifestyle : Designed for the outdoors
3. Advanced Hybrid System
With the adoption of the e-SMART HYBRID system:
- Excellent fuel economy : 24km/L despite seating seven
- Quiet : Series hybrid for quiet driving
- Acceleration performance : Powerful acceleration from the motor
- Environmental performance : Significant reduction in CO2 emissions
Comparison with competing vehicles
Differentiation from the Toyota Sienta
- Sienta : 4,260mm x 1,695mm x 1,695mm (7-seater)
- Rise space : 4,395mm x 1,730mm x 1,700mm (estimated)
The Rise space is slightly larger and is expected to have a more SUV-like styling.
Comparison with Honda Freed
FREED AIR
- Freed : 4,265mm x 1,695mm x 1,710mm
- Price range : Approximately 2.3 million to 3.2 million yen
The Rise Space will have a stronger SUV feel and may be priced slightly lower.
Should I wait for the new Rise Space? Decision points
Characteristics of people you should wait for
1. People looking for a seven-seater SUV
- Large families : Three generations living together or families with many children
- Leisure use : Often travels with friends and family
- Prioritizing SUV design : Preferring SUV style over minivans
2. Fuel-efficient users
- Waiting for the hybrid : Hopes for the high fuel efficiency of the e-SMART HYBRID
- Emphasis on economy : Want to keep running costs down
- Environmental awareness : Concern about CO2 emissions
3. People who seek the latest technology
- Advanced safety features : Expected to be equipped with the latest Toyota Safety Sense
- Connected features : latest infotainment system
- Comfort features : High-quality ride thanks to the DNGA platform
Characteristics of people who should consider buying now
1. People with an urgent need
- Vehicle inspection is about to expire : Maintenance costs for the current car are high
- Lifestyle changes : job change, moving, changes in family structure
- Breakdown risk : Concerns about the reliability of your current car
2. People for whom the current model is sufficient
- Families of 5 or less : The current Rise or Rocky is sufficient
- Budget-conscious : late 2 million to 3 million yen range
- Needed Now : Reasons why you can’t wait 3 years or more
Things to know before the release
1. Possible price increases
- Inflation impact : Rising raw material and labor costs
- Technology installed : Cost increase due to adoption of latest technology
- Exchange rate impact : Fluctuations in parts procurement costs
2. Initial quality concerns
- New car risk : Possibility of quality issues in the early stages of release
- Waiting for improvement : Improvement in a minor change in 1-2 years
- Resale value : Trade-in price of the original model
3. Evolution of competing vehicles
- Response to other companies : Launch of new models by rival manufacturers
- Technological Innovation : Advances in Automotive Technology in Three Years
- Market changes : Trend changes in the SUV market
Future schedule for release in August 2027
2025
- Final development stage : various tests on prototypes
- Production preparation : Building a production line at the factory
2026
- Mass production prototype : Final specifications confirmed
- Marketing begins : advertising and promotion activities
First half of 2027
- Official announcement : detailed specifications and price announced
- Pre-orders begin : Orders begin at dealerships
Summary: Is the new Raize Space worth the wait?
People who recommend waiting
- For those who require a 7-seater SUV
- People who prioritize fuel efficiency
- People seeking the latest technology and safety equipment
- People who are fine with their current car until 2027
People who should consider another car now
- People who urgently need a car
- Those who want to keep their budget under 2 million yen
- A five-seater is enough
- Those who cannot wait for more than three years
Overall Judgment
The new Toyota Raize Space is sure to attract a lot of attention as a compact 7-seater SUV, a rare sight in Japan. It has many attractive features, including excellent fuel efficiency thanks to the e-SMART HYBRID system, high quality thanks to the DNGA platform, and a competitive price expected to start from around 2 million yen.
However, you’ll have to wait about three years until the new model is released in August 2027, and the entire automotive industry may undergo significant changes during that time. We recommend that you decide whether to wait or not based on a comprehensive assessment of factors such as the condition of your current car, your family composition, your budget, and the urgency of the situation.
It would be a good idea to regularly check for the latest information and reconsider your purchase as the release date approaches. We hope that the arrival of the new Raize Space will revitalize the domestic compact 3-row SUV market.
