What is the difference between a Toyota Auris and a Toyota Blade?
The Auris is a global compact hatchback derived from the Corolla platform, widely sold across Europe and other regions, with hybrid options. The Blade is a Japan‑market compact hatch with distinct styling and packaging that was not commonly exported. This article breaks down how they differ in market presence, size, powertrains, and technology.
Overview of the two models
What is the Toyota Auris?
The Auris was introduced as a European-focused compact hatch built on the Corolla platform. It served as the global successor to the Corolla Hatchback in several markets and evolved through multiple generations. A major selling point in many regions was the availability of hybrid powertrains, using Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive, alongside traditional petrol and diesel options. In most markets, the Auris name was eventually phased out in favor of the Corolla Hatchback, particularly after 2019.
What is the Toyota Blade?
The Blade was a Japan‑market compact hatch introduced in the early to mid‑2000s. It offered a distinct styling and packaging approach tailored to domestic tastes and did not see broad international sales. In its era, it was typically powered by conventional petrol engines and did not feature a hybrid option, reflecting the technology lineup common to many Japan‑market Toyotas at the time.
Key differences at a glance
The following list highlights the main, practical distinctions a prospective buyer or observer would notice when comparing the Auris to the Blade.
- Market presence and availability: Auris was sold globally (notably in Europe and other regions) under the Corolla family name; Blade was a Japan-only model with limited or no official export history.
- Platform and size: Auris sits on the Corolla-based global C-platform and is classified as a compact five-door hatch; Blade was a smaller, city-oriented hatch built for Japan with its own packaging requirements.
- Powertrain options: Auris offered petrol, diesel, and hybrid variants; Blade generally offered petrol engines and did not routinely offer a hybrid option in its production period.
- Drivetrain and handling: Auris models included front-wheel drive with some all-wheel‑drive variants on certain trims/engines; Blade was typically front-wheel drive with standard transmission choices for its era.
- Design and features: Auris reflects Toyota’s global design language and later advanced tech packages; Blade reflected Japan‑market styling cues and era-specific interior/equipment choices.
In short, the Auris is a globally available, hybrid-capable compact hatch built on the Corolla platform, while the Blade is a Japan‑only, smaller hatch with different packaging and no traditional hybrid option in its time.
Powertrains, technology, and trims
This second list compares engines, electrification, and notable tech features across the two models, as they were typically offered by their respective markets.
- Auris powertrains: petrol and diesel engines were offered, with a prominent hybrid option (Hybrid Synergy Drive) in many trims; some markets also had AWD variants for certain engines.
- Blade powertrains: primarily petrol engines common to Japanese compact cars of the era; no widespread hybrid option and standard manual/automatic transmissions typical of its class.
- Technology and safety features: later Auris generations introduced more advanced safety and driver-assistance packages (in line with Toyota’s global Safety Sense offerings); Blade (being an earlier Japan-market model) featured era-appropriate tech and fewer autonomous safety features.
Overall, the Auris emphasizes electrified options and modern tech in a global package, while the Blade centers on a Japan‑specific compact experience with simpler powertrains and older tech by comparison.
Which one might suit you?
If you want a car with broad parts availability, a wide service network, and a proven hybrid option, the Auris (or its successor, the Corolla Hatchback in many markets) is the practical choice. If you are shopping in Japan and value a smaller, city-oriented hatch with Japan‑specific styling and packaging, the Blade could be of interest, though you may face limited availability and parts outside Japan.
Summary
The Toyota Auris is a globally sold compact hatchback derived from the Corolla, widely available with petrol, diesel, and hybrid powertrains, and later rebranded as the Corolla Hatchback in many markets. The Toyota Blade is a Japan‑market, smaller compact hatch with distinct styling and packaging, typically lacking a hybrid option and not commonly exported. For most buyers today, the Auris/Corolla Hatchback family provides broader support and electrified options, while the Blade remains a niche, Japan‑only historical model.
What replaced the Toyota Blade?
Toyota discontinued the Blade in April 2012, ahead of the replacement of the Auris, without a direct successor.
Is the Toyota Yaris the same as the Auris?
Yaris dimensions. At less than four metres long, the Yaris is one of the more compact superminis you can buy. It measures 3,950mm long, 1,695mm wide and 1,510mm tall. The Auris is also slightly smaller than the average family hatchback, at 4,275mm long, 1,760mm wide and 1,460mm tall.
What is special about the Toyota Blade?
With the 6 speed Automatic, Toyota made this vehicle easy to drive and put a strong focus on comfort. Not wanting to sacrifice control, the Blades are fitted with paddle shifters, allowing you to wiz through those twisty back roads at ease.
How does the blade compare to the Auris?
“General build quality is excellent in the Blade's interior more than the Auris and there are some classy touches such as dual-zone air conditioning and push-button start. There is a lot to like about the Blade cabin, it is purposeful, spacious and comfortable but not particularly sporty,” the site states.
