2023 Toyota Vios 1.5E AT Review

2023 Toyota Vios 1.5E AT is a versatile family car, featuring the standard TSS safety system across the lineup, upgraded intelligent configurations, and spacious interior, balancing practicality with driving pleasure.

RM 89,600

2023 Toyota Vios 1.5E AT

Segment

B-Segment

Body Type

Sedan

Capacity(L)

1.5

Engine Power(PS)

106

Engine Torque(Nm)

138

Transmission

CVT

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Review

User Review

Specs

The B-segment sedan market has always been the first choice for family users and young commuters in Malaysia, requiring a balance of practicality and a wealth of basic features. The 2023 Toyota Vios 1.5E AT, as a popular model in this segment, now comes with the standard TSS safety system, upgraded intelligent features, and a longer wheelbase. Our focus during this test drive was to verify whether its overall performance lives up to its positioning as a "versatile family car."

From the exterior, the new car maintains Toyota's signature sharp design language. The large trapezoidal front grille paired with the blackened lower bumper gives the vehicle a more sporty appearance compared to the previous model. The body lines are sleek, with a waistline running across both sides from the hood to the rear, complemented by 16-inch multi-spoke wheels, enhancing the car's proportions visually. The LED taillights at the rear feature a smoked finish, offering high recognition when lit, while the chrome trim below the rear bumper adds a touch of refinement. The front headlights use LED light sources and support automatic activation, making them more convenient for everyday use.

Inside, the interior adopts a symmetrical layout, with a central console wrapped in soft-touch materials for a comfortable feel. The 9-inch floating central touchscreen serves as the visual focal point, supporting wireless CarPlay and Android Auto with smooth, lag-free operation. The multifunction steering wheel has media and Bluetooth phone controls on the left side, while the right side adjusts the driving assistance systems. Paddle shifters are also equipped behind, enhancing driving enjoyment. The instrument panel features a 4.2-inch TFT screen, displaying information such as speed, fuel consumption, and safety system status, which is clear and easy to read. The standard HUD head-up display system can project speed and navigation information, reducing the need to look away while driving.

In terms of space, the vehicle measures at 4425mm/1740mm/1480mm in length, width, and height respectively, with a wheelbase of 2620mm, placing it in the upper-middle range among its class. The front seats support 6-way electric adjustment for the driver's seat and 4-way manual adjustment for the passenger seat. Once adjusted, the headroom offers about a one-fist-two-finger margin, and legroom is ample. In the rear, with two adult passengers seated, the legroom measures about two fists, and the headroom remains at one fist. The minimal center tunnel protrusion ensures the comfort of a third passenger as well. The trunk offers a storage capacity of 475 liters, accommodating up to three 20-inch suitcases, and the rear seats can be folded down in a 60:40 split, allowing for the storage of longer items. Interior storage spaces are plentiful, with door pockets fitting two water bottles each, and ample capacity in the center armrest box and glove compartment for everyday needs.

The powertrain consists of a 1.5L naturally aspirated engine, delivering a maximum power output of 78kW (106PS) and a maximum torque of 138N·m, paired with a CVT transmission. The throttle response is quick at start-up, offering decent acceleration with light pedal pressure, making it suitable for city commuting. At low and medium speeds, the transmission provides smooth operations with no noticeable jerks. When accelerating with heavy throttle input, the engine speed rises quickly, delivering linear power output, but its high-speed acceleration is average, requiring drivers to anticipate overtaking distances on highways. There are ECO and SPORT driving modes available; ECO mode offers a gentler power output, making it ideal for fuel-efficient driving, while SPORT mode brings a more responsive throttle, and the addition of paddle shifters adds an interactive driving experience.

The chassis adopts front MacPherson independent suspension and rear torsion beam non-independent suspension, which is tuned for comfort. When passing over speed bumps or uneven roads, the suspension filters out most minor vibrations, keeping the body stable. During high-speed cornering, body roll is controlled within a reasonable range, the steering wheel is accurate with minimal play, giving the driver enough confidence. The braking system consists of front ventilated discs and rear drum brakes. The brake pedal feels linear, with moderate braking force in the initial phase and sufficient braking power in the latter phase. During emergency braking, the body does not experience significant deviation.

In terms of fuel consumption, during our combined test on urban roads (around 30% congested sections) and highways (about 70%), the fuel consumption was 5.8L per 100 kilometers, slightly higher than the official 5.2L, but given actual road conditions, the performance is still excellent. Noise control performance is quite good, with the interior remaining quiet below 60km/h, and tire and wind noise not being noticeable; when driving at 120km/h on the highway, wind noise increases slightly but does not affect normal conversation. The seat cushioning is thick and provides moderate support, making long rides not easily tiring.

Safety features are a highlight of the 2023 Vios 1.5E AT, with the TSS 3.0 system as standard across all models. This includes features like Forward Collision Warning, Active Braking, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Assistance, and full-range Adaptive Cruise Control. In testing, the Forward Collision Warning system responds sensitively, issuing timely alerts when getting too close to the vehicle ahead. The Active Braking function can effectively prevent collisions at speeds below 30km/h. The 360-degree panoramic camera delivers high clarity, combined with front and rear parking sensors, enabling clear visibility of surrounding obstacles when parking, making it easy for novice drivers to maneuver. The safety system includes six airbags, covering the front and rear heads as well as sides, providing comprehensive protection for passengers.

In summary, the core advantages of the 2023 Toyota Vios 1.5E AT are its rich safety features, spacious interior, and balanced performance. Compared to other vehicles in the same class, its standard TSS system and six airbags offer greater competitiveness in safety. The 9-inch touchscreen and HUD head-up display also enhance its sense of technology. It is suitable for families who value safety and practicality, as well as young professionals requiring a daily commuter car. If you're looking for a worry-free, safe, and spacious B-segment sedan, the Vios 1.5E AT is a great choice.

Pros

The appearance design is eye-catching, large blackened grille with LED headlights, high recognition, approved by friends

The CVT gearbox is smoothly tuned, no jerks when following traffic in congestion, and sufficient power for uphill driving

Fuel consumption is excellent, about 5.5-6L/100km in the city, 4.8-5L on the highway, low refueling costs

Cons

The rear brake uses drum brakes, which some owners mind, believing disc brakes feel more reliable

The rear design is conservative, lacking a youthful feel compared to competing models, and the rims are not sporty enough

The interior has many plastic components, with average texture and lacking soft materials to enhance the sense of class

Overall Rating

4.3

Excellent

From 5 Reviews

Section Rating

Performance

4.4 / 5

Interior Design

4.4 / 5

Safety

4.0 / 5

Exterior Design

4.6 / 5

Showing 5 reviews

5 Excellent

GLC43

Owner of 2023 Toyota Vios 1.5E AT

As the owner of the 2023 Vios 1.5E AT, after driving it for almost half a year, I’d like to share my real experience in Malaysia! First of all, I must praise the exterior — Toyota’s redesign this time perfectly fits my taste! The large blacked-out grille at the front, paired with LED headlights, makes it particularly eye-catching in the traffic of KL (Kuala Lumpur). My friends all say it looks like a mini Camry. Every time I park in front of Pavilion, I can't help but take another glance. Full 5 stars for this! The performance is even more surprising. Although it’s a 1.5 naturally aspirated engine, the CVT gearbox is tuned very smoothly. There’s no jerkiness when following traffic on Jalan Ampang’s congested roads. Last week I drove up to Genting Highlands, and the power was sufficient for climbing hills. Pressing the accelerator gives enough boost for overtaking. Plus, the fuel consumption is really low! It’s only about 5.5L in city driving, which is much more fuel-efficient compared to my old car. On highways, it’s even more enjoyable — stable at 120km/h. Performance absolutely deserves 5 stars! As for safety, there are 6 airbags, 360-degree cameras, autonomous emergency braking, and other features. Last time on the LDP Highway, the car in front suddenly braked, and the AEB system intervened immediately. It gave me a scare but saved the car, which is very reassuring. However, I have to deduct 1 star because the rear brakes are drum brakes. It just feels like disc brakes would provide more confidence, even though daily usage has no issues. Overall, 4 stars seem fair. All in all, this car is really practical for Malaysian road conditions. It excels in looks, performance, and fuel efficiency, while the safety features are dependable. Totally worth the RM80,000+ spent!

5 Excellent

PoloGTI

Owner of 2023 Toyota Vios 1.5E AT

As the owner of the 2023 Vios 1.5E AT in Malaysia for almost half a year, let’s start with the exterior — giving it 4 stars is really fair! The large lower grille on the front along with the LED headlights gives off a spirited look. The side profile is smooth, especially with the 16-inch wheels paired with 195mm width tires; driving on asphalt roads in the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur doesn't look cheap at all. However, the rear design is a bit "conservative", lacking the youthful vibe compared to the same class Honda City. When parked at a café in SS15, a friend even joked that it looked like a "steady office worker," so deducting one star is quite reasonable~ Now, let's praise the performance! Giving it 5 stars is entirely "well-deserved"! I commute daily on the LDP highway, and during traffic jams in the morning rush hour, the CVT gearbox is exceptionally smooth. Pressing the accelerator doesn’t feel jerky, making tailing other cars super easy. Last week, I took my family to the foothills of Genting Highlands, and the 1.5L naturally aspirated engine provided sufficient power for climbing; reaching 4000 rpm, you could feel the 138N·m torque, and overtaking wasn’t a problem. The most surprising part is the fuel consumption — officially, it states 5.2L/100km, but based on my actual usage, it’s about 6L in city traffic, and on the highway, it’s impressively only 4.8L! Last time I filled up the 40L fuel tank, it lasted the round trip from KL to Penang without hitting empty. In Malaysia, where fuel is over RM2.2, this fuel efficiency is incredibly economical and makes you want to cry with joy! In conclusion, while the looks may not be "stunning," it's pleasing to the eye, and the performance perfectly meets the needs of Malaysian car owners — smooth, fuel-efficient, and powerful enough. It’s truly fantastic for daily use!

4 Excellent

CX30

Owner of 2023 Toyota Vios 1.5E AT

As a 2023 Vios 1.5E AT owner, I've been driving it for more than six months, and the experience in both city and highway driving in Malaysia has been pretty good! The exterior definitely deserves full marks — the large blacked-out front grille paired with LED headlights makes it very distinctive in KL traffic. The continuous taillights at the rear are also very recognizable when lit up at night. Every time I park it at Pavilion, I can’t help but take another look. My friends all say it looks way younger than the previous model! As for performance, I’d give it 4 stars. The 1.5L naturally aspirated engine paired with CVT feels very smooth when driving through traffic-heavy roads like Jalan Bukit Bintang in the city. Its acceleration is not sluggish, and overtaking is more than sufficient. Driving at 120km/h on the highway to Malacca feels very stable, but when you try to push it above that, the power becomes slightly weaker. However, it’s perfectly adequate for daily commuting. Fuel efficiency is also satisfying — it consumes about 6L/100km in city traffic and around 5L on the highway. A full tank costing RM50 can last me for about a week, which is quite economical. For the interior, I’d rate it 4 stars. The 9-inch infotainment screen with wireless CarPlay is very convenient, allowing me to navigate and listen to music without plugging in any cables. The seats are fabric but provide good support, so even on long drives my back doesn’t feel tired. The rear seating space is sufficient for my 175cm height, and it’s not cramped even with three friends sitting together. However, the use of plastic materials could be improved as they feel somewhat cheap to the touch. Adding more soft-touch materials would make it even better. Safety-wise, I’d also give it 4 stars. With 6 airbags and features like automatic emergency braking and lane departure assist, the safety setup is comprehensive. Once, when a car in front of me on the LDP highway braked suddenly, the automatic braking system activated immediately and stopped the car for me, giving me quite a scare! The 360-degree camera is very helpful for finding street parking spots in KL, and even new drivers don't need to worry about accidentally grazing other vehicles. The only downside is that the rear brakes are drum brakes, but it hasn’t really been an issue in daily use as they are still quite responsive. Overall, for this price point, getting such a well-equipped car with such high aesthetics makes it very suitable for young people in Malaysia for daily commuting!

4 Excellent

TCR_Leon

Owner of 2023 Toyota Vios 1.5E AT

As the owner of the 2023 Vios 1.5E AT, having driven it for almost 4000 kilometers in three months, let me share some points that I’ve focused on~ Giving 4 out of 5 for the exterior is quite fair — the large trapezoidal grille at the front paired with LED headlights makes it stand out during the morning rush hour traffic in KL. The side profile features a waistline extending from the front to the taillights, making the body look significantly more elongated compared to the previous version. When parked under the apartment building, a neighbor even asked if it's a newly released model. However, if the wheels were multi-spoke, the visual effect would feel sportier, which is a slight pity and the reason I deducted 1 point. When it comes to safety, I feel quite assured, especially because Malaysia has frequent rainy weather, and unexpected situations often occur on highways. For instance, during one occasion on the North-South Highway, the car in front braked suddenly, and my Vios immediately activated the automatic braking, helping me avoid a rear-end collision. When reversing in narrow alleys in Penang, the 360-degree camera along with the front and rear sensors helps prevent scraping against parked motorcycles. With six airbags and a vehicle stability system, I feel much more confident when taking my family out. The only feature I wish for is an automatic parking system, which would make it much more convenient for my novice wife to use. In terms of performance, it’s completely adequate for daily commuting. I mainly drive around KL city, and the CVT gearbox provides very smooth transitions, ensuring there’s no jerking when following traffic in jams. During weekend trips to mid-hill areas in Genting, the hill-start assist feature helps me start with ease, and while the 1.5L engine isn’t exceptionally powerful, stepping on the gas harder during overtakes still gets the job done. Fuel consumption is around 5.5L/100km, which is slightly higher than the official data. However, given the frequent start-stop traffic in the city, I’m already very satisfied. A full tank covers over 700 kilometers, so I don’t need to visit the petrol station frequently. Overall, this car performs very balanced under Malaysian road conditions, making it suitable for daily family use~

4 Excellent

JazzGK5

Owner of 2023 Toyota Vios 1.5E AT

As the owner of the 2023 Vios 1.5E AT, after driving it for almost half a year, what I want to praise the most is its appearance! The weather in Malaysia is hot, and the roads are crowded, but every time I park at the LRT station or in a shopping mall parking lot in Johor Bahru, people passing by always take another look — the large front grille paired with LED headlights looks much sharper than the old model. The side waistline runs smoothly from the front to the rear, and coupled with the 16-inch wheels, it doesn't look like a B-segment car of this price range at all. My friends even asked if I had paid extra for a sports package; it really boosts my vanity! As for safety, I feel quite assured. Last month, when I was on Jalan Ampang in Kuala Lumpur, I encountered an emergency: the Myvi in front of me suddenly braked sharply. Before I could react, the car’s automatic braking system alerted with a “beep beep” sound and started decelerating automatically. Although it didn’t come to a complete stop, at least I didn’t rear-end that car. Later, I checked the manual and found out that it was the Forward Collision Warning function in action. When driving on highways or mountain roads along the East Coast Highway, the vehicle stability control system is also very responsive. On rainy days or when avoiding motorcycles, the steering wheel remains steady. However, I must deduct a point because once, when reversing in a narrow street in George Town, Penang, even though the 360-degree camera was clear, the radar’s alert was slightly delayed, and I almost grazed a utility pole. If the radar response was faster, it would have been perfect. Overall, on Malaysian roads, this car has an outstanding appearance and commendable safety features, making it suitable for daily commuting or taking the family to Genting Highlands on weekends!