2023 Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid vs Toyota Avanza Comparison: Spec Sheet Battle

The 2023 Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid is now out for the Philippine market. And by the way it is specced and priced, it is positioned to be one of the most affordable hybrid-powered family haulers in the market right now.  

Let's compare their specs to see which is better on paper

But how does it fare against existing, internal combustion-only MPVs in the local market? Well to find out, we’re pitting the Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid GLX against the Toyota Avanza G. We picked those two as they’re both top-spec trims, and they represent the best of what the Ertiga Hybrid and Avanza can offer to prospective buyers.  

To begin this comparison between the Ertiga Hybrid and the Avanza, let’s go over their dimensions. This might be deemed crucial, since vehicle sizes may give a clue as to how spacious they are inside.  

For the all-new 2023 Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid GLX, it has a length of 4,395mm, a width of 1,735mm, and a height of 1,690mm. It also has a wheelbase length of 2,740mm, and a ground clearance of 180mm. 

The Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid GLX

The Toyota Avanza G meanwhile, has a total length of 4,395mm, a width of 1,730mm, and a height of 1,700mm. It then gets a wheelbase that spans 2,750mm, and a ground clearance of 190mm. 

The Avanza G is as long as the Ertiga Hybrid GLX. However, the Suzuki is a bit wider, whereas the Toyota model is taller. The Avanza then features a longer wheelbase and slightly more in the way of ground clearance. 

Concerning exterior equipment like lights, both the Ertiga Hybrid GLX and the Avanza G both get front fog lamps and LED taillights.  

The Toyota Avanza G

The Toyota model does get better exterior lighting equipment overall, due to having LED headlamps. Contrast that to the Ertiga Hybrid, which sports halogens. The pair on the Suzuki model does have an automatic function though. 

Both the Ertiga Hybrid GLX and the Avanza G are equipped with a rear window defogger, power folding and power adjustable side mirrors, as well as a rear reflector. The Suzuki model does get a set of mud flaps which aren’t available on the Toyota. On the flipside, the Avanza G gets a rear spoiler.  

Wrapping up the look of the Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid GLX is a set of polished 15-inch alloy wheels. The Toyota Avanza G on the other hand gets a larger set of 16-inch wheels.  

When it comes to passenger capacity, both the Ertiga Hybrid GLX and the Avanza G can accommodate up to seven occupants. This makes both models function well as family cars.  

Both models also feature fabric-clad seats, manually adjustable front seats, a 50:50 split-folding third row, an ample amount of cup holders, as well as a 60:40 split folding second row.  

The one on the Toyota does have the ability to be folded down via its “Long Sofa” mode. The Suzuki model in turn lacks this feature.  

With regards to driver-centric features, the Ertiga Hybrid GLX gets a leather-wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel, while the Avanza G gets a more conventionally shaped urethane wheel. The one on the Toyota does get tilt and telescopic adjustment, while the Suzuki model is tilt-only. 

The Ertiga Hybrid's second row seats

Both MPVs also get an analog gauge cluster that’s paired with a digital multi-information display trip computer. These two also get a push-to-start button, and physical knobs and buttons for their front and rear manual air-conditioning systems.  

On the center of the dash of the Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid GLX is a 10-inch touchscreen with Smartlink phone linking, Bluetooth, and USB connectivity, along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It is then connected to four speakers. 

The Avanza's second row seats

The Toyota Avanza G on the other hand, gets a slightly smaller but more capable 8-inch head unit also with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and USB. 

The all-new Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid’s biggest selling point is its mild-hybrid powertrain comprising a 1.5-liter gasoline engine, an integrated starter generator (ISG), and a lithium-ion battery. All in all, this system can make up to 103 horsepower and 138 Nm of torque. Available gearboxes for the Ertiga Hybrid include a five-speed manual for the GA and GL, and a four-speed automatic gearbox for the GL and GLX.  

The Ertiga Hybrid's 1.5-liter inline-4 gasoline engine that's paired with an ISG

The Toyota model in turn is a gasoline-only vehicle that utilizes a 1.5-liter inline-4 engine. At the most, it can make up to 105 horsepower and 138 Nm of torque. It is also available with a five-speed manual gearbox, but its higher-spec trims like the G uses a continuously variable transmission (CVT). 

The Toyota Avanza G's 1.5-liter inline-4 gasoline engine

Both MPV models are front-wheel-drive. But as mentioned above, the automatic option for the Toyota is a CVT, whereas the Suzuki uses a more traditional torque converter automatic. The Toyota also offers a slightly more powerful engine, though their maximum torque figures are identical.  

The Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid GLX brings what you’d expect from a modern vehicle. It comes with dual-front airbags, anti-lock braking, stability control, hill-hold control, ISOFIX child seat anchors, cruise control, a security alarm, rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, and an engine immobilizer. 

All the features mentioned above are also present on the Toyota Avanza G. The catch is, the Toyota model gets a total of six airbags, which is a whole lot more compared to the Suzuki model. 

Furthermore, the Avanza G gets blind-spot monitoring and rear-cross traffic alert, which aren’t present on the top-spec Ertiga Hybrid GLX.  

The Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid presents a huge opportunity for Suzuki Philippines. Due to its affordable pricing, it might be the automaker's prime weapon in finally convincing those who are still on the fence regarding hybrid vehicles. 

The Ertiga Hybrid from the rear

Hybrid vehicles, even as a “mild-hybrid” like the new Ertiga, might also offer better fuel economy figures compared to its gasoline-only competitors.  

Do note though that as far as on-board tech and safety is concerned, the gasoline-only Toyota Avanza still has several great qualities going for it. For instance, it gets a more comprehensive safety kit than the Suzuki model. It also gets a pair of better headlamps. 

The Avanza's rear end

Like most of our comparisons though, we encourage would-be buyers to treat this as a guide of sorts. And yes, it is always a good idea to give each competing vehicle a good ol’ test drive to see which will suit your needs better. 

For more car news, and more car comparisons, keep it here on Philkotse.