Toyota Isis: Which Version to Buy and Why
The Toyota Isis version to choose depends mainly on whether you value the lighter FWD configuration, the extra traction of AWD, or the stronger 2.0 CVT engine. The model is a Compact Van produced from September 2004 through December 2017, with one generation and a restyling. The original generation offers three versions, while the restyling offers eight.
The Toyota Isis version to choose depends mainly on whether you value the lighter FWD configuration, the extra traction of AWD, or the stronger 2.0 CVT engine. The model is a Compact Van produced from September 2004 through December 2017, with one generation and a restyling. The original generation offers three versions, while the restyling offers eight. The clearest all-round choice on the supplied specifications is the restyled 2.0 CVT with 158 hp, 196 Nm, FWD, and a 1,460 kg kerb weight. Buyers prioritizing lower weight can consider the restyled 1.8 CVT with 144 hp, FWD, and a 1,430 kg kerb weight. For AWD, the decision is between several 1.8 CVT versions and the 2.0 CVT with 158 hp.
Toyota Isis generations and the changes that matter
The original Toyota Isis generation ran from September 2004 to April 2007 as a Compact Van with three versions. Its range consists of a 1.8 AT with 132 hp and FWD, plus two 2.0 CVT versions with 155 hp: one FWD and one AWD. The principal choice is therefore between the 4-speed Automatic transmission of the 1.8 AT and the Variable transmission of both 2.0 CVT versions. The original 2.0 CVT models also provide the only measured acceleration and maximum-speed figures in the supplied data.
The restyling ran from May 2007 to December 2017 and retained the Compact Van body. Its eight listed versions broaden the choice considerably: five 1.8 CVT entries producing from 130 to 144 hp and three 2.0 CVT entries producing from 152 to 158 hp. Every restyled version uses a Variable gearbox, while both FWD and AWD remain available. Compared with the original 2.0 CVT’s 1,998 cc direct-injection engine, the restyled 2.0 CVT entries use 1,986 cc engines with distributed multi-point injection. Restyled ground clearance is consistently 160 mm, whereas the original AWD 2.0 CVT has 155 mm.
Toyota Isis specs and engine comparison
Identical version names are distinguished below by power, drive, and—where necessary—displacement or kerb weight.
| Period and exact version | Power | Torque | Displacement | Fuel | Cylinders and layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Original 1.8 AT | 132 hp | 170 Nm | 1,794 cc | Gasoline, 92 | 4, Inline | No | Automatic, 4 | FWD |
| Original 2.0 CVT, FWD | 155 hp | 192 Nm | 1,998 cc | Gasoline, 92 | 4, Inline | No | Variable | FWD |
| Original 2.0 CVT, AWD | 155 hp | 192 Nm | 1,998 cc | Gasoline, 92 | 4, Inline | No | Variable | AWD |
| Restyled 1.8 CVT, 144 hp, 1,794 cc | 144 hp | 176 Nm | 1,794 cc | Gasoline, 95 | 4, Inline | No | Variable | AWD |
| Restyled 1.8 CVT, 130 hp | 130 hp | 161 Nm | 1,797 cc | Gasoline, 95 | 4, Inline | No | Variable | AWD |
| Restyled 1.8 CVT, 133 hp | 133 hp | 164 Nm | 1,797 cc | Gasoline, 95 | 4, Inline | No | Variable | AWD |
| Restyled 1.8 CVT, 143 hp | 143 hp | 173 Nm | 1,797 cc | Gasoline, 95 | 4, Inline | No | Variable | FWD |
| Restyled 1.8 CVT, 144 hp, 1,797 cc | 144 hp | 176 Nm | 1,797 cc | Gasoline, 95 | 4, Inline | No | Variable | FWD |
| Restyled 2.0 CVT, 152 hp | 152 hp | 193 Nm | 1,986 cc | Gasoline, 95 | 4, Inline | No | Variable | FWD |
| Restyled 2.0 CVT, 158 hp, AWD | 158 hp | 196 Nm | 1,986 cc | Gasoline, 95 | 4, Inline | No | Variable | AWD |
| Restyled 2.0 CVT, 158 hp, FWD | 158 hp | 196 Nm | 1,986 cc | Gasoline, 95 | 4, Inline | No | Variable | FWD |
The original 1.8 AT produces approximately 73.6 hp per litre. The original 2.0 CVT produces approximately 77.6 hp per litre. Among the restyled models, specific output ranges from approximately 72.3 hp per litre for the 130 hp 1.8 CVT to approximately 80.3 hp per litre for the 144 hp, 1,794 cc 1.8 CVT. The restyled 158 hp 2.0 CVT produces approximately 79.6 hp per litre.
Torque also separates the choices. Restyled 1.8 CVT output spans 161–176 Nm, while the restyled 2.0 CVT range provides 193–196 Nm. Moving from the 144 hp, 176 Nm FWD 1.8 CVT to the 158 hp, 196 Nm FWD 2.0 CVT adds 14 hp and 20 Nm, while kerb weight rises by 30 kg. Moving from the original 1.8 AT to the original FWD 2.0 CVT adds 23 hp and 22 Nm, but also adds 80 kg.
Toyota Isis performance, fuel consumption and MPG
Measured performance is available only for the two original 2.0 CVT versions. The 155 hp FWD 2.0 CVT accelerates from 0–100 km/h in 10 seconds and reaches 180 km/h. The 155 hp AWD 2.0 CVT reaches 100 km/h in 11 seconds and also has a maximum speed of 180 km/h. With equal power and torque, the FWD version is 1 second quicker and 90 kg lighter.
Acceleration and maximum speed for the original 1.8 AT are not measured. Acceleration and maximum speed for every restyled 1.8 CVT and 2.0 CVT version are also not measured.
Toyota Isis fuel consumption, MPG, and separate city, highway, or combined economy figures are not measured for any listed version. Consequently, the data cannot support a claim that one engine is more economical than another. Every version has a 60-litre fuel tank. The original versions specify 92 fuel, while all restyled versions specify 95 fuel.
Toyota Isis dimensions, weight and ground clearance
Exterior dimensions and wheel sizes are not measured for any listed Toyota Isis version. Kerb weight, gross weight, ground clearance, and fuel-tank capacity are available for comparison.
| Period and exact version | Kerb weight | Gross weight | Ground clearance | Fuel tank | Wheel sizes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Original 1.8 AT | 1,400 kg | not measured | 160 mm | 60 L | not measured |
| Original 2.0 CVT, FWD | 1,480 kg | 1,900 kg | 160 mm | 60 L | not measured |
| Original 2.0 CVT, AWD | 1,570 kg | 1,900 kg | 155 mm | 60 L | not measured |
| Restyled 1.8 CVT, 144 hp, 1,794 cc, AWD | 1,520 kg | 1,905 kg | 160 mm | 60 L | not measured |
| Restyled 1.8 CVT, 130 hp, AWD | 1,540 kg | 1,925 kg | 160 mm | 60 L | not measured |
| Restyled 1.8 CVT, 133 hp, AWD | 1,520 kg | 1,905 kg | 160 mm | 60 L | not measured |
| Restyled 1.8 CVT, 143 hp, FWD | 1,440 kg | 1,825 kg | 160 mm | 60 L | not measured |
| Restyled 1.8 CVT, 144 hp, 1,797 cc, FWD | 1,430 kg | 1,815 kg | 160 mm | 60 L | not measured |
| Restyled 2.0 CVT, 152 hp, FWD | 1,470 kg | 1,855 kg | 160 mm | 60 L | not measured |
| Restyled 2.0 CVT, 158 hp, AWD | 1,460 kg | 1,845 kg | 160 mm | 60 L | not measured |
| Restyled 2.0 CVT, 158 hp, FWD | 1,460 kg | 1,845 kg | 160 mm | 60 L | not measured |
Weight per horsepower helps clarify the comparison. The original 1.8 AT carries approximately 10.6 kg per hp, compared with approximately 9.5 kg per hp for the original FWD 2.0 CVT and approximately 10.1 kg per hp for the original AWD 2.0 CVT. The strongest restyled ratio belongs to both 158 hp 2.0 CVT entries at approximately 9.2 kg per hp. The lightest restyled model is the 144 hp, 1,797 cc FWD 1.8 CVT at 1,430 kg, or approximately 9.9 kg per hp. The restyled 130 hp AWD 1.8 CVT has the highest figure at approximately 11.8 kg per hp.
Toyota Isis problems and reliability: what the data can establish
Problems, reliability records, servicing requirements, engine-oil capacity, engine mounting details, and engine-number locations are not measured in the supplied data. It would therefore be misleading to rank the 1.8 AT, 1.8 CVT, or 2.0 CVT by reliability. The specifications can show differences in engine output, injection type, transmission, drive, braking equipment, and weight, but they cannot establish repair frequency or ownership cost.
All listed versions use an independent spring front suspension and ventilated disc front brakes. The original models have a semi-independent spring rear suspension. Restyled models have a semi-independent torsion rear suspension. Rear brakes vary: some versions use Drum brakes and others use Disc brakes, so a prospective buyer should match the exact power-and-drive specification rather than relying on the shared version name alone.
Which Toyota Isis version should you buy?
For the strongest power-to-weight result, choose a restyled 2.0 CVT with 158 hp. Both listed 158 hp versions weigh 1,460 kg, produce 196 Nm, and work out to approximately 9.2 kg per hp. One is FWD and the other is AWD, making the drive system the deciding specification. Measured acceleration and fuel consumption are not available for either.
For a lighter FWD alternative, the restyled 1.8 CVT with 144 hp, 176 Nm, 1,797 cc, and a 1,430 kg kerb weight is the standout. It is 30 kg lighter than the 158 hp FWD 2.0 CVT, although the 2.0 CVT supplies 14 hp and 20 Nm more. The 143 hp FWD 1.8 CVT is 10 kg heavier and produces 1 hp and 3 Nm less than the 144 hp FWD entry.
For AWD with the best listed output, select the restyled 2.0 CVT with 158 hp and 196 Nm. Compared with the 144 hp, 1,794 cc AWD 1.8 CVT, it supplies 14 hp and 20 Nm more while its listed kerb weight is 60 kg lower. Compared with the 130 hp AWD 1.8 CVT, it provides 28 hp and 35 Nm more and is 80 kg lighter.
Among the original models, the FWD 2.0 CVT has the strongest numerical case. It matches the AWD 2.0 CVT’s 155 hp, 192 Nm, and 180 km/h maximum speed, but weighs 90 kg less and reaches 100 km/h 1 second sooner. Choose the original AWD 2.0 CVT when AWD is the required feature; choose the original 1.8 AT when the exact requirement is a 4-speed Automatic rather than a Variable gearbox.
No price or sale data is supplied, so the extra purchase cost of any version is not measured. What a step up buys can still be stated precisely: more power and torque, a different drive system, a different gearbox in the original range, or a lower weight-to-power figure. On those measurements, the restyled 158 hp 2.0 CVT is the performance-oriented choice, the restyled 144 hp FWD 1.8 CVT is the lighter alternative, and the original 155 hp FWD 2.0 CVT is the only choice combining the quicker measured 0–100 km/h result with the lower weight of the two original 2.0 CVT versions.