Toyota Vios Hybrid vs Honda City Hybrid: Choosing the right hybrid sedan

The competition in the B-segment hybrid sedan market has intensified with UMW Toyota launching its highly-awaited Vios Hybrid Electric, which stands head-to-head against the well-established Honda City Hybrid (RS e:HEV). Both sedans share the same core mission of providing electrified mobility options with excellent fuel efficiency and lower emissions.

In today’s story, we will compare these two hybrid sedans in terms of pricing, drivetrain technology, features, and overall value, helping prospective buyers make informed decisions. 

Toyota Vios Hybrid vs Honda City Hybrid: Price

Toyota Vios Hybrid		Honda City Hybrid
Toyota Vios 1.5 HEV	RM 103,900	Honda City e:HEV RS	RM 111,900
Toyota Vios 1.5 HEV GR Sport	RM 109,900

UMW Toyota offers the Vios Hybrid in two variants - standard 1.5 HEV and 1.5 HEV GR Sport, priced at RM 103,900 and RM 109,900, respectively. The City Hybrid, on the other hand, retails for RM 111,900. This means the Toyota sedan undercuts the Honda sedan by a few thousand ringgit, offering a strong value proposition.

Toyota Vios Hybrid vs Honda City Hybrid: Dimensions 

Dimensions	Toyota Vios HEV	Honda City e:HEV RS
Length	4,425 mm	4,589 mm
Width	1,740 mm	1,748 mm
Height	1,480 mm	1,467 mm
Wheelbase	2,620 mm	2,600 mm
Boot capacity	460 litres	410 litres

Size-wise, the electrified City is 164 mm longer and slightly wider than the electrified Vios, indicating a slightly more spacious cabin. However, when it comes to height and wheelbase, the Vios has a marginally taller stature and an extended wheelbase, which possibly translates into more headroom and legroom.

In terms of boot capacity, the Vios outperforms the City with 50 litres of extra space, projecting it as a more practical option for family trips or when loading bulky items.

Toyota Vios Hybrid vs Honda City Hybrid: Engine and performance

Specs	Toyota Vios HEV	Honda City e:HEV RS
Drivetrain	1.5-litre Atkinson-cycle engine with an e-motor	1.5-litre Atkinson-cycle DOHC i-VTEC engine with two e-motors
Combined output	111 PS	109 PS and 253 Nm
Transmission	e-CVT	e-CVT
Fuel efficiency	3.6 litre per km (27.8 km per litre)	3.6 litre per km (27.8 km per litre)

At the core of the City hybrid, we can find Honda’s intelligent Multi-Mode Drive (i-MMD) hybrid system combining the 1.5-litre Atkinson-cycle DOHC i-VTEC engine with two electric motors, which makes a combined system output of 109 PS and a peak torque of 253 Nm. Also part of this innovative powertrain is an intelligent power unit paired with a lithium-ion battery that efficiently manages energy distribution between electric motors and the engine. Paired with an e-CVT gearbox, it promises impressive torque for quick responsiveness (with a torque of up to 253 Nm). The fuel efficiency is rated at 3.6 litres per 100 km.

The Vios hybrid uses Toyota’s fourth-gen series-parallel hybrid system, which comprises a 91 PS/121 Nm 1.5-litre Atkinson-cycle engine, an 80 PS/141 Nm e-motor and a 0.7 kWh lithium-ion battery. It delivers a combined output of 111 PS and a fuel consumption of 3.6 litres per 100 km (27.8 kmpl). Compared to Honda’s two-motor hybrid technology, it is simpler and more cost-effective as it emphasises efficiency rather than outright performance. 

Overall, both systems are highly efficient and offer a reliable cruising experience. Honda focuses on strong torque and smooth transitions, while Toyota prioritises electric-first responsiveness and refinement.

Toyota Vios Hybrid vs Honda City Hybrid: Features

Here’s a quick feature-wise comparison of the two Japanese hybrid sedans -

Specs	Toyota Vios HEV	Honda City e:HEV RS
Headlights	Automatic LED headlamps with Follow-Me-Home function	Auto LED headlights
DRLs	LED	LED
Tail lights	LED with sequential turn signal	LED tail lights (modern combi lights
Side mirrors	Power-adjustable with auto-fold, integrated indicators & Blind Spot Monitor)	Body-coloured power-fold mirrors with integrated indicators
Wheels	16-inch alloy wheels (standard); 17-inch GR-Sport wheels	16-inch alloy wheels (dual-tone sporty design)
Instrument cluster	7-inch digital cluster with hybrid-specific graphics	7-inch TFT meter, RS-themed
Infotainment	10.1-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto	8-inch Display Audio with wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
Speakers	6	4
Keyless entry and push start button	Yes	Yes
Electronic Parking Brake	Yes	Yes
Air Conditioning	Auto climate control with rear vents	Auto climate control with rear vents
Airbags	6	6
Camera	3D Panoramic View Monitor	360-degree view camera
ADAS pack	Toyota Safety Sense - Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Departure Prevention, Lane Keeping Control, Auto High Beam, Adaptive Cruise Control and Front Departure Alert	Honda Sensing suite - Lead Car Departure Notification, Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning, Collision Mitigation Braking System, Lane Keep Assist System, Road Departure Mitigation, Lane Departure Warning, Auto High Beam and Low Speed Follow

The table reveals that both sedans are well-loaded with features, promising a comfortable driving experience. 

Summary 

Both the Toyota Vios Hybrid and Honda City Hybrid are excellent choices in the B-segment hybrid sedan category, each bringing its own strengths to the table. When it comes to choosing one, prospective buyers need to check out their personal preferences and need to make the best choice. 

• The Toyota Vios HEV is a value-oriented choice backed by Toyota’s reliable hybrid legacy and a comprehensive equipment package, offering everyday efficiency and practicality.
• The Honda City RS e:HEV is a refined, drive-focused choice, backed by Honda’s advanced e:HEV hybrid, offering hybrid benefits with an engaging driving experience.

Also read: Breaking down Malaysia’s automotive trends 2025: Top Cars, Brands, and EVs