Toyota Vios is the stalwart of Malaysia B-segment sedan arena. It has been a reliable companion for many over the years and keeping it up to date with the market taste and needs, Toyota gives it timely updates. The ongoing Vios was launched in January 2019, after getting previewed at the 2019 Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show. For the 2019 model year, Toyota added more kit and gave the sedan a whole new look. And in less than two years later, Toyota Malaysia has introduced the all-new 2020 Vios facelift model with revised styling, cabin and safety features.

Also Read: 2020 Toyota Vios: Pre-launch booking, specs, and other details

With the two models arriving at such short intervals, it got us wondering how similar or different they are. So, let’s get started with the exterior design.

Toyota Vios Exterior: 2019 vs 2020

The one major and most prominent difference between the two cars can be spotted on the front fascia. While the two models feature the same grille and headlight setup, the 2020 Vios features a large mouth with the grille and lower intake merged into one single unit. Though a small change, it gives the Vios a whole new look. Also, the placement of the daytime running lights is changed - say bye-bye to LED DRLs integrated into the lower grille and hi to the sleek LED units outlining the headlamps. The bumper and fog lamp housing is also new in the 2020 model matching the now rugged front profile of the car.

The side profile remains more or less the same with an identical set of wheels, chrome door handles, OVRMs with turn indicators, shark fin antenna and sharp crease lines running from front to rear door.

Likewise, the rear end also seems to be carried forward with the same tailgate spoiler, wraparound LED taillights, and sleek reflectors.

Toyota Vios Interior: 2019 vs 2020

Toyota has not shared the full cabin image of the 2020 Vios, however, its official website does show some of the equipment on offer. The 2020 Vios offers the following features - automatic air-con system, new electrochromic rear-view mirror, drive mode switch, an Optitron meter panel with multi-info display, paddle shifter, large 7-inch touch head display with Android Auto & Apple CarPlay support, and UMWT’s Vehicle Telematics System. Also, available as an optional feature is a wireless charger.

As for the 2019 Vios standard kit, it included keyless entry, push-button start, automatic air-con system, two USB ports at the rear, a 2-DIN CD/radio head unit with four speakers and Bluetooth.

Overall, the 2020 Vios cabin gains on the standard feature front. Will update the revisions, as Toyota Malaysia reveals more details on the sedan.

Toyota Vios Engine specs: 2019 vs 2020

Though Toyota has not revealed any information on the power unit setup. However, rumours and market experts suggest that the new model will run on the same tried and tested 107PS/140Nm 1.5-litre Dual VVT-i four-cylinder mill that powers the ongoing Vios. On the transmission front, the CVT with seven-speed mode unit is expected to be carried forward.

Toyota Vios Safety: 2019 VS 2020

Another major area after design, where the 2020 Vios model gains over the 2019 model is safety. The upcoming version is enabled with Toyota Safety Sense suite that comprises of safety and driver assistance systems like -

Pre-collision system - it warns the driver using a camera and radar, it works from 15 kmph and provides autonomous emergency braking
Lane departure alert - it works from 50 kmph and warns the driver of unintended lane change

In addition, the 2020 Vios comes with vehicle stability control, blind-spot monitor with rear-cross traffic alert and front/rear digital video recorders, 3d 360-degree panoramic view monitor, and hill-start assist control. Also expected are standard seven-airbags carried forward from the 2019 model.

Toyota Vios Price & Variants: 2019 vs 2020

Like the 2019 Vios, the 2020 model will be offered in three trim options - base J, mid-spec E, and range-topping G. As for the new Vios price, the automaker has shared the sedan’s estimated retail price, which is as follows

2020 Toyota Vios J	RM75,701
2020 Toyota Vios E	RM85,674
2020 Toyota Vios G	RM89,232

Compared to the ongoing Vios, the upcoming version’s base J trim is RM 400 cheaper, while the E and G variants are RM 5,600 and RM 3,100 pricer than before.

Toyota Vios 2019 vs 2020: Conclusion

The upcoming 2020 Vios model is redesigned to look more aggressive than before, carries an upgraded standard & optional feature kit along with an improved safety pack. While the variants remain unchanged, the price fluctuates slightly. We are not sure about the engine specs, however, a carried forward 1.5-litre mill won’t be a bad idea.

Also Read: 2020 Toyota Yaris details revealed, estimated price starts at RM 71,688