A few months ago, it was reported that the Toyota Vios will soon get a hybrid version. However, more recent developments from Thailand have mentioned that its world premiere is coming sooner than later.
How much sooner, you ask? Per Thai automotive publication AutolifeThailand, the car will debut on August 21, 2025. While it won’t be the first hybrid in its class, the electrified Vios should make Toyota’s hybrid portfolio even bigger.
Also known as the Yaris Ativ in Thailand, its main rival is the Honda City e:HEV. At the same time, the Vios hybrid is also aimed at the BYD Seal 5 DM-i that was recently introduced over there. Size-wise, it’s the toe to toe with the Honda, but much smaller than the Seal 5 DM-i, but expect prices in Thailand to be close together.
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More specs will be given on the launch date, but we’re expecting it to still look similar to the standard Vios/Yaris Ativ. Exterior changes will likely be relegated to a few hybrid HEV badges here and there, but not much else. Toyota isn’t exactly shouty about its hybrid tech, and we there’s a good chance it’ll be the same for the hybridized Vios.
As the redesigned Toyota Vios uses a Daihatsu platform, there are two likely powertrain options for the hybrid model. The first one could be lifted from the Raize hybrid with its 1.2-liter, three-cylinder engine mated to a single electric motor that makes 105hp.
The second possible engine might come straight from the Yaris Cross S HEV. If so, that would be a 1.5-liter engine that’s still mated to a single motor. Power does rise to 109hp with the electric motor alone making 141Nm. Either way, both configurations are mated to an e-CVT.
We’ll have more info come August 21. By then, we’ll know the exact engine it will use, as well as the final power and torque figures. As for the local launch, it’s been three years since the fourth-generation Vios was first shown to the world. We’re still waiting for it, and we’re genuinely wondering if we’ll even get the redesigned version in the Philippines.
