Toyota Taisor Review – Is It the Right Choice for Trinidad and Tobago’s Roads?
The Toyota Taisor is a compact crossover SUV introduced for the Indian market and now making its way into markets like Trinidad and Tobago through foreign used car dealers. Manufactured in India, the Taisor has an eye-catching design and urban appeal, but it comes with some notable weak points—especially when driven on Trinidad and Tobago’s challenging road conditions.
India-Made Toyota Taisor: Budget-Friendly but Compromised
The Toyota Taisor is built in India, in partnership with Suzuki, and shares its platform with the Maruti Suzuki Fronx. It is offered with either a 1.0L turbocharged petrol engine or a 1.2L naturally aspirated engine, both paired with manual or automatic gearboxes.
While this model is affordable and fuel-efficient, the India-made Taisor falls short in areas such as durability, engine strength, and suspension quality—which are critical for driving in Trinidad and Tobago’s rough road conditions, including potholes, uneven surfaces, and hilly terrains.
Comparison: Japan-Made Toyota vs India-Made Taisor
| Feature |
Japan-Made Toyota Vehicles |
India-Made Toyota Taisor |
| Build Quality |
Strong frame, corrosion resistant |
Lighter frame, basic steel |
| Suspension Durability |
Designed for rough roads |
Softer suspension, less durable |
| Engine Performance |
Balanced power and efficiency |
Small 1000cc engine lacks power |
| Ride Comfort |
Stable and refined |
Less comfort on rough surfaces |
| Interior Quality |
Premium finish |
Basic materials |
Toyota Taisor Weak Points (Important for T&T Drivers)
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Underpowered Engine for a Big Body
The Taisor looks like an SUV, but it runs on a small 1000cc engine. In real-world use—especially on hilly or rough roads in Trinidad and Tobago—the vehicle feels sluggish and lacks acceleration. The engine struggles under load, making it a poor choice for power-demanding situations.
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Light Build and Poor Suspension for Bad Roads
The suspension and frame of the India-made Taisor are not ideal for Trinidad’s bumpy and pothole-filled roads. You may experience discomfort on uneven terrain, and long-term durability may be compromised.
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Low Stability at High Speeds
Due to the light body and small engine, the Taisor can feel unstable at highway speeds, especially on winding roads or with crosswinds—common in rural and coastal areas of T&T.
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Interior Materials Feel Cheap
The cabin is designed for budget buyers, with hard plastics and minimal cushioning, which doesn’t stand up well to wear and tear from everyday family use or commercial driving.
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Not Built for Harsh Environments
Unlike Japan-made Toyotas which are designed for all-weather and rugged use, the Taisor is meant for smooth urban driving. This becomes a major drawback in Trinidad and Tobago, where vehicles need to withstand bad road conditions, heat, and high humidity.
Final Thoughts: Should You Buy a Taisor in Trinidad and Tobago?
While the Toyota Taisor offers great fuel economy, a modern design, and affordable pricing, it’s not the most suitable option for the road conditions in Trinidad and Tobago. The underpowered engine, soft suspension, and light build make it less durable and comfortable compared to Japan-imported models like the Toyota Raize or Yaris Cross.
If you're a buyer in T&T looking for a reliable vehicle for local driving—especially in areas with poor infrastructure—consider spending a bit more for a Japan-made Toyota, which offers better long-term performance and build quality.