Verdict
At RM83,888, the Nissan Almera costs RM6,712 less than the RM90,600 Toyota Vios, yet its 1.0-litre turbo produces 152 Nm from 2,600 rpm against the Vios’ 138 Nm at 4,200 rpm. The Vios counters with six airbags, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, steering correction and a 3D panoramic camera. It is also rated at 5.2 L/100 km versus 5.4 L/100 km. The Nissan is the budget-conscious pick; the Toyota is the more comprehensively equipped family sedan.
Pick the Nissan Almera if the RM6,712 saving, 152 Nm turbo torque and 482-litre boot matter more than advanced safety equipment.
Pick the Toyota Vios if you want six airbags, active safety assists, rear air vents and a 3D panoramic camera.
Key differences
- Price: Nissan Almera RM83,888; Toyota Vios RM90,600.
- Torque: Nissan Almera 152 Nm at 2,600 rpm; Toyota Vios 138 Nm at 4,200 rpm.
- Rated fuel economy: Nissan Almera 5.4 L/100 km; Toyota Vios 5.2 L/100 km.
- Airbags: Nissan Almera 2; Toyota Vios 6.
- Boot space: Nissan Almera 482 litres; Toyota Vios 475 litres.
- Fuel tank: Nissan Almera 35 litres; Toyota Vios 40 litres.
Almera
- RM6,712 lower purchase price
- 152 Nm from 2,600 rpm
- 482-litre boot and telescopic steering adjustment
- Only two airbags versus the Vios’ six
- No blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert or lane steering correction
- No reverse camera or rear air vents
Vios
- Six airbags and five-star ASEAN NCAP rating
- Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and steering correction
- 3D panoramic camera, rear vents and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
- RM6,712 pricier to buy
- 138 Nm arrives at 4,200 rpm, later and lower than the Almera’s 152 Nm
- 475-litre boot is 7 litres smaller
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM83,888✓ | RM90,600 |
| Body type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Segment | B-Segment | B-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM20✓ | RM90 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 12-valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Variable Valve Timing | 16-valve DOHC, Naturally-aspirated with Dual Variable Valve Timing |
| Capacity | 999 cc | 1,496 cc |
| Horsepower | 99 hp at 5,000 rpm | 104 hp at 6,000 rpm✓ |
| Torque | 152 Nm at 2,600 rpm✓ | 138 Nm at 4,200 rpm |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline 3 | Inline 4 |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore × Stroke | 72.2 mm × 81.3 mm | 72.5 mm × 90.6 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 9.5 | 11.5 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | CVT Automatic | CVT Automatic |
| Transmission Name | Xtronic CVT | CVT with 7-speed Sequential Shiftmatic |
| Gears | 1 | — |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Jatco | Akashi Kikai |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| Rated Economy | 5.4 L/100 km | 5.2 L/100 km✓ |
| Top Speed | — | 180 km/h |
| Co2 | 125 g/km | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,495 mm | 4,425 mm |
| Width | 1,740 mm | 1,740 mm |
| Height | 1,460 mm | 1,480 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,620 mm | 2,620 mm |
| Weight | 1,090 kg | 1,015 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 35 litres | 40 litres |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 482 litres✓ | 475 litres |
| Front Tyre | 195/65R15 | 195/60R16 |
| Rear Tyre | 195/65R15 | 195/60R16 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | Full-size 16" Alloy |
| Factory Tyres | Bridgestone Ecopia EP150 | Toyo Proxes CR1 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion Beam | Torsion Beam |
| Front Wheels | 15" Alloy | 16" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 15" Alloy | 16" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| ASEAN NCAP | — | 5 stars |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 2 (Driver and Passenger) | 6 (Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain) |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | — | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | — | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available for 2 Outer Rear Seats | Available on Two Outer Rear Passenger Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | Yes, Pre-collision Braking |
| Lane-keeping Assist | No | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | Front Seats Only | All Seats |
| Safety Notes | — | Front Departure Alert, Pedal Misoperation Control, Rear Cross Traffic Alert |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Halogen Reflector | LED Reflector |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | — | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | ✓ | — |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | — |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Manual Adjustable | Manual Adjustable |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding | Fixed Bench |
| Front Air-con | Manual Single-zone | Single-zone Manual |
| Rear Air-con | — | Rear Vents |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Front USB, 1 Rear USB | 1 Front, 1 Front USB, 2 Rear USB |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | Radio with 4 Speakers | 9" Touchscreen Display Audio with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 4 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Driver Side Auto Up and Down with Anti-pinch | Four Windows, Driver's Side Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | — |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Front | — | 2 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 2 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | — | Yes, with 3D Panoramic View Monitor |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Electroluminescent Analogue | Electroluminescent Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Handbrake | Handbrake |
| Convenience Notes | — | Qi Wireless Charger, Premium Solar and Security Tint, Front Digital Video Recorder |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
| Warranty Notes | 5 Times Free Service | — |
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 Almera & Vios for sale
Almera vs Vios FAQ
Is the Nissan Almera or Toyota Vios better?
The Toyota Vios is the better-equipped choice, with six airbags, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane steering correction and a 3D panoramic camera. Choose the Nissan Almera instead if lower purchase cost, lower RM20 road tax and stronger low-rpm torque take priority.
What is the price difference?
The Toyota Vios costs RM6,712 more than the Nissan Almera: RM90,600 versus RM83,888.
Which has the stronger engine?
The Nissan Almera has more torque: 152 Nm at 2,600 rpm versus the Toyota Vios’ 138 Nm at 4,200 rpm. The Vios has slightly more peak power, at 104 hp versus 99 hp.
