comparison of four small crossover/SUV models — the Perodua Ativa (Malaysia), Toyota Raize, Daihatsu Rocky and Subaru Rex — showing their key specs, strengths & trade-offs.
Perodua Ativa
Key specs & features:
- Length / width / height: 4,065 × 1,710 × 1,635 mm; wheelbase 2,525 mm. perodua.com.my+1
- Ground clearance: 200 mm. perodua.com.my+1
- Engine: 1.0 litre turbo (998 cc) producing ~98 PS and 140 Nm torque (2,400–4,000 rpm). perodua.com.my+2Car Crave Malaysia+2
- Transmission: D-CVT (automatic) in Malaysia specification. perodua.com.my+1
- Safety: Awarded 5-star by ASEAN NCAP (83.4 points) under new 2021-2025 protocol. Carz
- Features include: 6 airbags, ABS + EBD, ESC, front departure alert, pedal mis-operation control, lane departure warning, etc. Paul Tan’s Automotive News+1
- Safety assist (ASA 3.0) includes AEB (autonomous emergency braking) up to 120 km/h (vehicles) and up to 60 km/h (pedestrians), plus detection of motorcycles/cyclists. AutoBuzz.my+1
Strengths: - Very strong safety suite for the price point.
- Good ground clearance for rougher roads.
- Turbo engine brings more punch than many naturally aspirated small engines.
Trade-offs / Things to check: - Because it’s a compact SUV, space (rear seats/boot) may be more constrained than larger SUVs.
- CVT + small turbo three-cylinder setup: some owners report the engine sound and ride feel may not match premium expectations. Reddit+1
- Higher variants with many features cost more — value for money needs to be checked relative to alternatives.
Toyota Raize
Key specs & features (ASEAN / Brunei etc):
- Dimensions: 4,030 × 1,710 × 1,635 mm (length × width × height) approx. Wheelbase also ~2,525 mm. toyota.com.bn+1
- Engine: 1.0 litre turbo (998 cc) producing 98 PS / 140 Nm in spec listed. toyota.com.bn
- Also in some markets a 1.2 litre naturally aspirated version: around 88 PS / 113 Nm. Paul Tan’s Automotive News
- Transmission: CVT (in many markets) or automatic. beyondautos.com+1
Strengths: - Very similar platform/engine to Ativa and Rocky (see below), meaning proven architecture.
- Toyota brand may bring after-sales confidence.
Trade-offs / Things to check: - In markets where the 1.2 litre NA engine is used, power is less than the 1.0T version — worth checking which version your region has.
- Like many compact SUVs, rear seat space and cargo may be modest compared with larger competitors.
Daihatsu Rocky
Key specs & features (Indonesia / ASEAN):
- Dimensions: 4,030 × 1,710 × 1,635 mm; wheelbase 2,525 mm; ground clearance 200 mm. toyota.com.bn+1
- Engine options (for Indonesian market):
- 1.0 litre turbo (998 cc) 3-cyl producing ~97.9 PS and torque ~140 Nm. daihatsu.co.id+1
- 1.2 litre naturally aspirated (1,198 cc) producing ~88 PS. daihatsuastrido.co.id+1
- Platform: DNGA (Daihatsu New Global Architecture) shared with Raize/Ativa. daihatsu.co.id
Strengths: - Multiple engine choices (turbo + NA) allow some flexibility for cost vs performance.
- Modern platform with good packaging for compact SUV size.
Trade-offs / Things to check: - If you pick the 1.2 litre NA version, you are giving up some of the “turbo punch”.
- The premium / top variant pricing may climb — check local market pricing.
- After-sales / parts accessibility may differ depending on region.
Subaru Rex
Key specs & features:
- Essentially a rebadged Daihatsu Rocky for Japan market. Motor1.com+1
- Dimensions: 3,995 mm length × 1,695 mm width × 1,620 mm height; wheelbase 2,525 mm. Motor1.com
- Engine (Japan spec): 1.2 litre naturally aspirated 3-cyl (87 horsepower/113 Nm) in one version. Motor1.com
- Note: though similar in architecture, the Rex is somewhat smaller width & height in Japanese spec compared with the ASEAN versions.
Strengths: - Subaru branding could bring additional perceived value; interesting for niche buyers who like less common models.
- Good fuel economy expectation in Japan spec (lighter weight, smaller maybe). Motor1.com
Trade-offs / Things to check: - If you’re in Europe/Sweden (you’re in Stockholm, Sweden) — availability and compatibility (import, parts, servicing) may be more complex.
- Performance in this spec is lower compared to the turbo versions of its siblings.
- Width is slightly narrower, height slightly lower — may translate into slightly less “presence” or space.
Comparative Summary & My Thoughts
| Model | Engine / Performance | Space/Dimensions | Safety / Features | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ativa | 1.0 L Turbo (~98 PS / 140 Nm) | 4,065 mm length; good ground clearance 200 mm | 5-star ASEAN NCAP, full safety assist suite | Value-focused small SUV, Malaysia spec |
| Raize | 1.0 L Turbo (~98 PS) or 1.2 L NA (~88 PS) | 4,030 mm length | Similar twin architecture | Those wanting Toyota badge + versatility |
| Rocky | 1.0 L Turbo or 1.2 L NA | Similar dims to Raize | Modern platform, flexible engine choices | Balanced alternative between specs & cost |
| Rex | 1.2 L NA (~87 PS) | Slightly smaller width & height in Japan spec | Interesting niche model | For someone wanting something less common, maybe import scenario |
My take:
- If you’re looking for the strongest “bang for buck” in the segment and you are in a market where the turbo version is available (and servicing/parts are good) — the Ativa or Rocky (turbo version) make a compelling case.
- If brand/reliability perception is high for you, the Raize with Toyota badge may appeal.
- If you are looking further afield (e.g., Sweden/Europe import) then the Rex might be interesting, but you’ll need to consider servicing/parts/left-hand drive, etc.
- Always check local market specification: engine version (turbo vs NA), features, safety rating, price, after-sales support.
- Also consider what your primary use will be: city vs highway vs rough roads. Ground clearance, engine torque, etc matter.