The Bengaluru traffic crawled along at its usual reluctant pace as I maneuvered the 2025 Toyota Taisor through the city’s tech corridors. Amidst the honking chaos, the Taisor stood out—not just for its agility in tight spaces but for its serene cabin that shielded me from the urban commotion.
Three years after its debut as Toyota’s badge-engineered version of the Maruti Suzuki Fronx, the Taisor has undergone a major update. No longer just a rebadged model, the 2025 version has evolved into a compact SUV with a distinct Toyota identity. But does it do enough to justify its existence in a fiercely competitive segment? Let’s look in.
Table of Contents
Design
Toyota has made notable changes to set the Taisor apart from the Fronx. The 2025 update introduces a wider, more pronounced front grille with horizontal slats, replacing the honeycomb pattern of its Maruti counterpart.
The redesigned LED headlamps feature a distinctive C-shaped light signature, instantly recognizable at night. The sportier front bumper gets larger fog lamp housings finished in piano black on higher trims.
The side profile retains the coupe-SUV silhouette, but the new 16-inch dual-tone alloy wheels add a touch of uniqueness. At the rear, the updated Taisor sports connected LED tail lamps, a reworked bumper with a silver skid plate, and dual exhaust tips (functional on turbo variants, decorative on others).
Toyota-exclusive colors like Spiced Sage, an olive green with metallic flakes, and Midnight Indigo, a deep blue-black, give the Taisor its own visual appeal. These details help differentiate it from the Fronx, addressing a key complaint from the previous model.
Interior
Inside, the dashboard layout is shared with the Fronx, but Toyota has introduced premium trim elements. Higher trims feature a leather-wrapped steering wheel, gear lever, and door handles. The seats combine fabric and leatherette with copper-colored contrast stitching, adding a refined touch.
The infotainment system has been upgraded to a 9-inch touchscreen with Toyota’s latest interface, improving responsiveness and usability. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard on all but the base variant, making connectivity seamless.
A 7-inch digital instrument cluster replaces analog dials on higher trims, offering real-time efficiency metrics and customizable display options. Toyota’s connected car suite, T-Connect, now includes remote engine start, vehicle tracking, and driving behavior analysis. The first year is complimentary, with a ₹3,999 subscription fee for three years.
One standout addition is Toyota Safety Sense Lite, featuring lane departure warning, automatic high beam, and forward collision warning. While it lacks autonomous emergency braking, it marks a step forward for safety in this segment.
Performance
The 2025 Taisor retains its two engine options with minor refinements. The 1.2-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine produces 90 horsepower and 113 Nm of torque, paired with either a 5-speed manual or an automated manual transmission (AMT). It delivers a claimed 21.58 km/l for the manual variant and 20.89 km/l for the AMT.
The 1.0-liter turbocharged petrol engine generates 100 horsepower and 148 Nm of torque, available with either a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic. This engine offers a claimed 20.01 km/l with the manual and 19.35 km/l with the automatic transmission.
Toyota has recalibrated both powertrains for smoother throttle response and better low-end torque. The AMT variant sees improved shift smoothness, making city driving more comfortable. The turbocharged manual variant, during real-world testing, delivered 16.8 km/l in Bengaluru’s mixed driving conditions.
Ride and Handling
Toyota has softened the suspension setup compared to both the previous Taisor and the Fronx, making for a more comfortable ride over rough roads. While this does introduce slight body roll, the trade-off is worthwhile for a car primarily meant for urban driving.
Steering calibration is now more progressive, offering better weight distribution at higher speeds. With a tight 4.8-meter turning radius, navigating city streets is effortless. Enhanced sound insulation reduces wind and road noise, contributing to a refined driving experience.
Practicality
Space inside the Taisor is adequate for four adults. Rear legroom remains at a comfortable 861mm, but the sloping roofline slightly compromises headroom for taller passengers.
The boot space stands at 308 liters with all seats in place and expands to 1,062 liters with the rear seats folded in a 60:40 split. While not class-leading, these figures prove sufficient for urban driving needs.
The center console now has a sliding armrest with hidden storage, while door pockets easily hold 1-liter bottles. Higher trims get a dual-level boot floor for better cargo organization.
Safety
Toyota has enhanced the Taisor’s safety package significantly. Six airbags are now standard across all trims, along with ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, and hill hold assist.
Higher trims include Toyota Safety Sense Lite, which adds lane departure warning and forward collision warning. A reverse camera with dynamic guidelines is available on all but the base variant, aiding parking maneuvers.
While the Taisor has not yet been tested under Global NCAP’s latest protocols, Toyota claims that its structure meets safety standards well above the required limits.
Ownership and Pricing
Toyota’s reputation for reliability remains a key advantage. The company offers a standard 3-year/100,000 km warranty, extendable to 5-year/220,000 km. Toyota also claims up to 40% lower maintenance costs compared to competitors.
The Taisor is priced between ₹7.99 lakh and ₹13.39 lakh (ex-showroom), placing it in direct competition with the Maruti Suzuki Fronx, Nissan Magnite, and Renault Kiger. While it carries a slight price premium over the Fronx, buyers gain Toyota’s brand value, superior suspension tuning, and a more comfortable ride.
The 2025 Toyota Taisor proves that badge engineering doesn’t have to be uninspired. While still rooted in the Fronx platform, Toyota has successfully infused its own character, making the Taisor a more compelling offering.
With enhanced safety, better ride comfort, and Toyota’s trusted after-sales support, the Taisor carves out its own space in the competitive compact SUV market.
FAQs
What is the price of the 2025 Toyota Taisor?
The price ranges from ₹7.99 lakh to ₹13.39 lakh (ex-showroom).
What are the engine options in the Taisor?
It comes with a 1.2L NA petrol and a 1.0L turbo petrol engine.
Does the Taisor have Toyota Safety Sense?
Yes, the Taisor features Toyota Safety Sense Lite on higher trims.
What is the mileage of the Toyota Taisor?
It offers up to 21.58 km/l for the NA petrol and 20.01 km/l for the turbo.
Is the Toyota Taisor different from the Maruti Fronx?
Yes, Toyota has improved the suspension, styling, and features.
