Verdict
At RM106,800, the Aion ES saves RM38,000 against the Corolla and cuts annual road tax from RM279 to RM70. Its 55.2-kWh battery has a 442-km range figure, while the 136-hp motor supplies 225 Nm, 53 Nm more than Toyota's 1.8-litre petrol unit. It is also 180 mm longer and 100 mm wider. The Corolla counters with a 470-litre boot, 20 litres ahead, 5-star ratings from Euro NCAP, ANCAP and ASEAN NCAP, plus a 360-degree camera and adaptive cruise control with steering assist. Charging access is the deciding factor.
Pick the Aion ES if you can charge regularly and want 442 km of EV range, 225 Nm and RM70 annual road tax.
Pick the Toyota Corolla if you want its 470-litre boot, 5-star crash ratings and listed 360-degree camera with adaptive cruise control.
Key differences
- Power and torque: Aion ES 136 hp and 225 Nm; Toyota Corolla 137 hp and 172 Nm.
- Length: Aion ES 4,810 mm; Toyota Corolla 4,630 mm.
- Wheelbase: Aion ES 2,750 mm; Toyota Corolla 2,700 mm.
- Boot space: Aion ES 450 litres; Toyota Corolla 470 litres.
- Annual road tax: Aion ES RM70; Toyota Corolla RM279.
- Warranty: Aion ES eight years/160,000 km; Toyota Corolla five years/unlimited mileage.
ES
- 442-km EV range from a 55.2-kWh battery
- 225 Nm motor torque
- Eight-year manufacturer warranty
- 450-litre boot is 20 litres smaller
- Warranty mileage is capped at 160,000 km versus unlimited mileage
Corolla
- 470-litre boot
- 5-star Euro NCAP, ANCAP and ASEAN NCAP ratings
- 360-degree camera and adaptive cruise control with steering assist
- RM279 annual road tax versus RM70
- Five-year warranty versus eight years
- 172 Nm is 53 Nm below the Aion ES
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM106,800✓ | RM144,800 |
| Body type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Segment | C-Segment | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM70✓ | RM279 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 400V architecture | 16-valve DOHC, naturally-aspirated with variable valve timing |
| Capacity | — | 1,798 cc |
| Horsepower | — | 137 hp at 6,400 rpm |
| Torque | — | 172 Nm at 4,000 rpm |
| Cylinder Arrangement | — | Inline 4 |
| Fuel | Electric | Petrol |
| Bore × Stroke | — | 80.5 mm × 88.3 mm |
| Compression Ratio | — | 10 |
| Number of Motors | 1 | — |
| Motor Horsepower | 136 hp | — |
| Motor Torque | 225 Nm | — |
| Battery Capacity | 55.2 kWh | — |
| EV Range | 442 km | — |
| Charging Rate (AC) | 6.6 kW | — |
| Charging Rate (DC) | 60 kW | — |
| V2L | 3.3 kW | — |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Single Ratio Automatic | CVT Automatic |
| Transmission Name | — | 7 Speed Sequential Shiftmatic CVT |
| Transmission Manufacturer | — | Aisin |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,810 mm | 4,630 mm |
| Width | 1,880 mm | 1,780 mm |
| Height | 1,545 mm | 1,435 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,750 mm | 2,700 mm |
| Weight | — | 1,365 kg |
| Fuel Tank | — | 50 litres |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 450 litres | 470 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 215/55 R17 | 225/45R17 |
| Rear Tyre | 215/55 R17 | 225/45R17 |
| Spare Tyre | — | Full-size 17" Alloy |
| Factory Tyres | — | Dunlop SP Sport Maxx 050 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | China (CBU) | Thailand (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | — | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | — | Double Wishbone |
| Front Wheels | 17 | 17" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 17 | 17" Alloy |
| Steering | — | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| EuroNCAP | — | 5 stars |
| ANCAP | — | 5 stars |
| ASEAN NCAP | — | 5 stars |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | — | 7 (Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Driver's Knee, Front and Rear Curtain) |
| ABS/EBD | — | ✓ |
| Stability Control | — | ✓ |
| Alarm | — | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | — | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | — | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | — | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | — | 5 Three-point |
| ISOFIX | — | Available on two outer rear passenger seats |
| Lane-keeping Assist | — | No |
| Seatbelt Reminder | — | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | — | Bi-LED Projector with Auto High Beam |
| Taillamps | — | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | — | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | — | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | — | 8-way Power Adjustable Driver's Seat, Manual Adjustable Passenger Seat |
| Rear Seats | — | 60:40 Split-folding with Centre Armrest |
| Front Air-con | — | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | — | Rear Vents |
| Power Sockets | — | 1 Front |
| Interior Lighting | — | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | — | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | — | 9.0" Infotainment Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and 6 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | — | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch |
| Engine Start | — | Keyless Push Button Start |
| Locks | — | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | — | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | Adaptive Cruise Control with Steering Assist and Stop and Go |
| Tiptronic | — | ✓ |
| Paddle Shift | — | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | — | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | — | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | — | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | — | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Front | — | 2 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | — | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | — | Yes, With 360 Degree Camera |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | — | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | — | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | — | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | — | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 160,000 km | Unlimited✓ |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 8 years✓ | 5 years |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used ES & Corolla for sale
ES vs Corolla FAQ
Is the Aion ES or Toyota Corolla better?
The Aion ES is the better choice for regular charging, 442 km EV range and lower road tax. The Corolla is better if its 470-litre boot, documented 5-star ratings and 360-degree camera matter more.
What is the price difference?
The Toyota Corolla costs RM38,000 more than the Aion ES.
Which has the longer warranty?
The Aion ES has the longer time-based warranty at eight years, against five years for the Corolla. However, the Corolla warranty has unlimited mileage, while the Aion ES is capped at 160,000 km.
