Toyota Glanza: The Toyota Glanza is constantly updating itself as Japan’s means to the premium hatchback one can have.
The newest edition, which debuted in 2025, also evolves to maintain (while updating) Toyota’s strong reliability reputation, with newfound design cues and technological updates that ensure it can continue to compete in a crowded marketplace.
Design and Styling
The updated Glanza will get a sharper-looking front end with Toyota’s aggressive design language at the forefront.
The stylish LED headlamp with integrated DRLs merges with the chromed-surrounded grille for a bold new look.
From the side, clean lines continue with new 16-inch alloy wheels, the rear is stylishly adorned with wrap-around tail lights and the strong, contrasting bumper give its rear a perfect modern finish.
The Glanza, offered in six funky color choices, including the new Azure Blue, has achieved a fine balance between subtle sophistication and hipster quotient.
Interior Comfort and Features
It’s quite a premium feel on the inside of the Glanza, for the segment it competes in. The cabin comes in a dual-tone black and beige colour with soft-touch material for frequently touched areas.
The new dashboard sports a nine-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The semi-digital instrument cluster is easy to read and understand, as is the flat-bottom steering wheel which adds a sporty feel.
Seat comfort is a priority here with seats that are well-bolstered, provide good under-thigh support on long drives and are built with great cushioning to ensure passenger comfort.
Room in the rear is fine for two adults, with a trip of any duration potentially less pleasant for third. And the 318 liters of boot space accommodates daily requisites well – 60:40 split-folding rear seats extend cargo flexibility as required.
Performance and Efficiency
As for the performance, the Glanza has the same options under the hood.
The entry level model is powered by 1.2-litre naturally-aspirated engine outputting 88 horsepower and 113 Nm of torque whereas there are upper variants adopting a mild-hybrid system for a minor bump of power and slightly better fuel economy.
Transmission options are a slick 5-speed manual and a much better CVT automatic.
The ride quality speaks to Toyota’s skill at tuning suspensions — the vehicle soaks up road blemishes well yet stays composed on the highway.
The Glanza is no enthusiast’s toy, but it can easily handle city driving, with light steering and good visibility making short work of city commutes.
Safety and Technology
Toyota has not made any sacrifices on the safety front as well, offering the Glanza with six airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, hill-start assist and a rear parking camera with sensors.
And the inclusion of bonus ADAS features (“ADAS portfolio” is in fact a standard on higher trims) like lane departure warning and autonomous emergency braking in an affordable, sub-$25k car is an incredible proposition in this class.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Famous Toyota dependability & service coverage
Well-tuned suspension offers a comfortable ride.
Great fuel economy for the mild-hybrid system
Staging as Secondary Equipment Offers more comprehensive safety package than segment standards
Soft-touch plastics and good build quality inside the cabin
Cons:
Wraps are a dollar or two more expensive than some of its competitors
The engine is tuned for efficiency rather than excitement.
Limited space for three adults in the back seat
Some premium features reserved for upper trims
Not as stylistically-striking as some competitors
Toyota Glanza: Value Proposition
The Toyota Glanza is a fitting choice for customers who want the Toyota brand, for its heavy-duty brand value, in a smaller and quality driven package.
Although not the cheapest in its class, the Glanza merits its premium pricing with good fit-and-finish, well thought out features and stellar after sales.
20/31Glanza For city slickers and small families who prize reliability and a touch of class over out and out glamour, it’s hard to argue against the Glanza.