A thorough comparison of the Suzuki “Fronx” and Toyota “Raize” sold in Japan

Suzuki’s Indian subsidiary, Maruti Suzuki India, launched the new crossover SUV “FRONX” in India on April 24, 2023. The new SUV, which Suzuki will launch in the Japanese market in September 2024, is attracting attention as a strong rival to Toyota’s compact SUV, the Raize. We’ve compared the two cars based on the currently known specifications.

About the new Suzuki “Fronx”

The Suzuki Frontus is built on Suzuki’s latest Heartect platform, measuring 3,995mm long, 1,765mm wide, 1,550mm high, and featuring a 2,520mm wheelbase. It’s 5mm longer, 20mm wider, and 50mm taller than the Suzuki Baleno, which shares the same wheelbase. Its front end resembles the Grand Vitara’s, with split headlights, a chrome insert in the grille, and an aluminum-style skid plate. Its 17-inch aluminum wheels, pronounced fenders and rear shoulders give it a sportier profile. At the rear, the sloping rear glass, covered by a roof spoiler, marks Suzuki’s first foray into the coupe-SUV trend. The model also features full-width LED taillights and a sizable aluminum-style skid plate that doubles as a diffuser.

The dual-tone dashboard is similar to that of the Suzuki Baleno, but with a forged metal-like matte finish and high-gloss silver inserts for a slightly more premium feel. The 9-inch touchscreen for infotainment is wirelessly compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Other features include a head-up display, a 360-degree camera, a wireless charging pad, an Arkamys audio system, rear-seat air conditioning vents, six airbags, and a suite of connected car features.

About the new Toyota “Raize”

The hybrid system employs the ” e-SMART HYBRID ” concept. It features a newly developed 1.2L inline 3-cylinder engine (WA-VEX) and a motor . This engine utilizes a long stroke and a ” high tumble straight port ” design for efficient, rapid combustion, achieving a maximum thermal efficiency of 40%.  The engine is dedicated to power generation . The resulting electricity is used for 100% motor-powered driving in a series hybrid configuration. The vehicle boasts an impressive WLCT mode fuel economy of 28.0km/L (2WD), compared to the 1.0L inline 3-cylinder turbo engine’s WLCT mode fuel economy of 18.6km/L, making the hybrid engine a perfect choice for fuel economy. Furthermore, the vehicle offers driving performance comparable to that of a 1.5L engine. A ” Smart Pedal (S-PDL)” driving mode is also available. Sound insulation and vibration-damping materials are optimally positioned throughout the body to reduce road and wind noise. The gasoline model uses a newly developed 1.2L inline 3-cylinder engine (WA-VE) in 2WD, achieving a fuel economy of 20.7km/L in WLTC mode , while the 4WD model uses the conventional 1.0L inline 3-cylinder turbo engine. The top grade “Z” and hybrid vehicles are equipped with an ” electric parking brake ” and ” auto brake hold “. The preventive safety function “Smart Assist” is standard equipment on all vehicles, and collision warning and collision avoidance support functions that enable pedestrian detection at night and sign recognition functions (no entry/maximum speed/stop sign) have been added.

Suzuki “FRONX” VS Toyota “Raize” body size comparison

The Suzuki “Fronx” is larger in body size , with a length of ±0mm, a width of +70mm, and a height of -70mm. The Yaris Cross has a wheelbase of -5mm. There is a big difference in the overall width, and the overall height is therefore lower.

Personally, I find a total length of under 4,000mm and a width of 1,765mm to be quite unusual for a Japanese car, and I find it very appealing. The reason is that a width of 1,695mm or more looks cooler. Furthermore, cars under 4,000mm in length are easier to maneuver, and the minimum turning radius is the same for both, at 4.9-5.0m, so there shouldn’t be any driving problems. Of course, it remains to be seen whether this car will be accepted in Japan, as its width does not fit within the commonly-used “5-number” size. There seems to be less awareness of vehicle width than in the past, and even popular cars like the Prius and Yaris Cross do not fit within the “5-number” size.

Suzuki “FRONX” vs Toyota “Raize” engine comparison

Gasoline engine comparison

Hybrid engine comparison

Suzuki Front Points

The starting price is likely to be low. (In India, the gasoline version is priced from 746,500 Indian rupees (approximately 1.34 million yen), while the hybrid version is priced from 972,500 Indian rupees (approximately 1.74 million yen).) This seems like a good deal considering the body size and design. However, since it is a Japanese model, it is expected to start at 1.98 million yen, considering the different equipment. The engine will inevitably be a mild hybrid or gasoline engine, so the Raize Raize will differ from the e-SMART HYBRID.

Price battle! What to choose based on cost performance?

• Fronx: 1.98 million yen (estimated)
• Rise: From 1,707,000 yen

The Fronx is produced in India, which keeps costs down and allows for attractive pricing. The Raize is also relatively reasonably priced among compact SUVs, but the Fronx can be purchased at an even more affordable price.

If price is a priority, Rise is the winner!

Fuel economy showdown! Which is easier on the budget?

• FRONX: 17.0km/L (WLTC mode fuel economy, Indian spec)
• Raize: 28.0km/L (WLTC mode fuel economy)

The Fronx offers excellent fuel economy thanks to its lightweight body and efficient engine.

The Raize also achieves low fuel consumption of over 28km/L in its hybrid model, but the Fronx wins out in the gasoline model category.

If fuel economy is a priority, we recommend the Raize!

Design showdown! Which do you prefer?

• FRONX: A sporty design characterized by sharp headlights and a bold grille.
• Rise: An SUV-like design characterized by angular shapes and powerful lines.

Design is a matter of personal preference, but the Fronx gives off an urban and stylish impression, while the Rise gives off a tough impression that looks great outdoors.

If you’re choosing a design, choose one that suits your lifestyle!

Driving performance showdown! How fun is it to drive?

• FRONX: Characterized by light handling and brisk acceleration.
• Rise: Features a stable ride and powerful acceleration.

The Fronx is equipped with a 1.0L turbo engine, allowing for a sporty driving experience.

The Raize is equipped with a 1.2L engine or a 1.0L turbo engine, providing powerful driving performance.

If you’re looking for driving pleasure, we recommend the Fronx!

Interior space showdown! Which is more spacious and comfortable?

• FRONX: Class-leading spacious interior and roomy back seats.
• Raize: Despite its compact body, it offers ample interior space.

Despite its compact body measuring less than 4m in length, the Fronx offers a spacious interior that is among the best in its class.

The Raize also has ample legroom in the rear seats and ample luggage space.

If you’re looking for spaciousness, we recommend Fronx!

Safety performance showdown! Which one is safer to ride?

• FRONX: Comes standard with the advanced safety equipment “Suzuki Safety Support.”
• Raize: Comes standard with the preventive safety package “Smart Assist.”

Both models come equipped with the latest safety features as standard, ensuring high levels of safety performance.

If you’re choosing based on safety performance, it’s hard to choose!

Final words

The Raize is equipped with an e-SMART HYBRID and boasts excellent fuel economy of 28.0km/L in WLTC mode, while the Fronx is a mild hybrid, so it’s expected to achieve a fuel economy of around 17km/L (because the XBEE, which has roughly the same specifications, achieves 18.2km/L (2WD)). The Fronx’s WLTC mode fuel economy of 28.0km/L wins out. However, the Fronx is certainly not without its appeal, with its spacious body size and design. And considering that sales will inevitably be slowed down in 2024 due to Daihatsu’s fraud scandal, the timing of the Fronx’s domestic launch seems very good.