Choice between Nissan Note And Toyota Vitz - a classic dilemma for those looking for a compact, economical and reliable hatchback. Both models have long gained popularity in the secondary market, but each has its own strengths and weaknesses. Note attracts with its spacious interior and unusual design, and Vitz famous for its legendary Japanese reliability and low fuel consumption.
In this article, we will conduct a detailed comparison of key parameters: from technical characteristics to cost of ownership. You will find out which car better suited for the city, and which one is for long trips, where maintenance is more economical, and what “pitfalls” both models hide. The analysis is based on manufacturer data, owner reviews and expert tests.
1. Technical characteristics: engines and transmissions
Both models offer a wide choice of powertrains, but with different accents. Toyota Vitz traditionally focused on maximum efficiency, while Nissan Note focuses on dynamics and comfort.
Basic versions Vitz are equipped with a 1.0-liter engine (1KR-FE) with a power of 69 hp, which, when paired with a CVT or manual transmission, shows consumption of the entire 4.2 l/100 km in a mixed cycle. Top modifications receive a 1.3-liter unit (1NR-FE) with 99 hp. - this is enough for confident overtaking, but the dynamics remain modest: acceleration to 100 km/h takes 11.5 sec.
Nissan Note, in turn, offers a 1.2-liter engine (HR12DE) with 80 hp. with the system DIG-S (direct injection), which develops more torque with a smaller displacement. Paired with a variator Xtronic this motor provides flow 4.9 l/100 km - slightly higher than Vitz, but the dynamics are better: acceleration to 100 km/h in 10.9 sec. There are also versions with a 1.5-liter engine (HR15DE) with 110 hp, which can already be called “hot hatchbacks”.
- 🔧 Vitz: 1.0 (69 hp), 1.3 (99 hp); Manual transmission/variator; consumption from 4.2 l
- 🚗 Note: 1.2 (80 hp), 1.5 (110 hp); Manual transmission/variator
Xtronic; consumption from 4.9 l - ⚡ Dynamics: Note is faster by 0.6-1.2 seconds in acceleration to 100 km/h
- ⛽ Economical: Vitz is the leader in fuel consumption in the city
- 1.0 l (maximum efficiency)
- 1.2 l (balance of power and consumption)
- 1.3 l (best dynamics)
- 1.5 l (sporty character)
- I don't care about power, what matters is reliability.
2. Dimensions and spaciousness of the cabin: who is more practical?
Despite similar external dimensions, the internal space of the cars is organized differently. Nissan Note benefits from the original interior layout and high roof, which makes it one of the most spacious in its class B-segment.
Length Note — 4100 mm, width - 1695 mm, and the height reaches 1550 mm (y Vitz — 1510 mm). Thanks to this, your head does not rest against the ceiling, and rear passengers get 5 cm more headroom. Trunk volume Note also more: 354 l against 251 l at Vitz. With the seats folded down the difference is even more noticeable: 1146 l vs 500 l.
Toyota Vitz It compensates for this with a more ergonomic driving position and better sound insulation. The seats here are harder, which not everyone likes, but they support the body better over long distances. Back row Vitz already - three adults will feel cramped, whereas in Note this is less critical.
| Parameter | Nissan Note | Toyota Vitz |
|---|---|---|
| Length/width/height, mm | 4100/1695/1550 | 3900/1695/1510 |
| Wheelbase, mm | 2600 | 2510 |
| Trunk volume, l | 354 (1146 with seats folded) | 251 (500 with seats folded) |
| Rear legroom, mm | 850 | 800 |
⚠️ Attention: If you often have to transport large loads (for example, a baby stroller or bicycle), pay attention to Nissan Note with system Flexi Board — it allows you to transform the luggage compartment into 18 different configurations.
3. Reliability and cost of maintenance
Here Toyota Vitz traditionally considered the undisputed leader. Japanese taxi drivers often choose this model for its resource 400+ thousand km with regular maintenance. Series engines 1KR And 1NR are known for their “indestructibility”, and gearboxes (especially manual ones) last for decades.
U Nissan Note the situation is more complicated. CVT Xtronic requires careful handling and mandatory oil change every 60 thousand km (otherwise the risk of breakdown after 150 thousand km increases significantly). Manual gearboxes are more reliable, but they are also inferior in terms of service life to transmissions Toyota. As for engines, the 1.2-liter HR12DE with proper operation, it runs 300+ thousand km, but is sensitive to the quality of the oil.
- 🔧 Vitz: engine life - 400-500 thousand km; the variator can withstand 200-250 thousand km
- 🚗 Note: engine life - 300-350 thousand km; the variator requires an oil change every 60 thousand km
- 💰 Maintenance cost: Vitz is 15-20% cheaper due to the availability of spare parts
- ⚠️ Typical Note problems: oil seal leaks, suspension wear after 100 thousand km
Before buying a Nissan Note with a CVT, be sure to check the service history - if the oil has not been changed every 60 thousand km, be prepared for expensive repairs (from 80 thousand rubles)
4. Controllability and comfort on the road
Toyota Vitz is famous for its “predictability”: the steering is light but informative, and the suspension perfectly smoothes out uneven road surfaces. The car holds its trajectory well at high speeds, although it is prone to slight roll in corners due to the soft settings of the shock absorbers.
Nissan Note offers sportier handling - the steering is sharper and the suspension is stiffer. This appeals to younger drivers, but may disappoint those who value a smooth ride. At speeds higher 120 km/h Note starts to “walk” along the strip due to the high body and short wheelbase. But in the city it is more maneuverable due to its smaller turning radius (4.7 m against 5.0 m at Vitz).
Leader in sound insulation Toyota — in the salon Vitz 20% quieter at speed 100 km/h. U Note The weak point is wind noise insulation: on the highway you can hear the whistle of the door seals.
How to check the suspension before purchasing?
Please note:
- Play in the steering (allow a minimum clearance of up to 10 degrees)
- Knocks when driving over speed bumps (most often the racks or bushings are to blame)
- Uneven tire wear (indicates wheel alignment problems)
- Shock absorber leaks (there should be no oil leaks on the body)
5. Safety: crash tests and assistance systems
In terms of security Toyota Vitz looks preferable. In crash tests JNCAP (2015) model received 5 stars for the protection of adult passengers and 4 stars for the protection of children. Nissan Note in similar tests scored 10% less points due to the less rigid body.
Both cars are equipped with a standard set of safety systems:
- ABS + EBD
- Airbags (2 front + side)
- VSC (stability control) Vitz And ESP at Note
However Vitz offers in top trim levels Toyota Safety Sense (since 2017), which includes:
- Automatic emergency braking
- Lane keeping system
- Adaptive cruise control
U Nissan Note similar options appeared only in restyled versions after 2018.
⚠️ Attention: When buying used Nissan Note Before the 2016 model year, check the operation of the seat belts - there have been cases of spontaneous activation of the pretensioners due to corrosion of the contacts.
6. Secondary market prices and cost of ownership
The cost of cars depends greatly on the year of manufacture and mileage, but in general Toyota Vitz 10-15% more expensive due to higher demand. For example, in 2026, prices on the Russian market are as follows:
| Model and year | Mileage, thousand km | Price, rub. |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota Vitz 1.3 (2017) | 80-100 | 950 000 — 1 100 000 |
| Nissan Note 1.2 (2017) | 80-100 | 850 000 — 950 000 |
| Toyota Vitz 1.0 (2015) | 120-150 | 700 000 — 800 000 |
| Nissan Note 1.5 (2016) | 120-150 | 750 000 — 850 000 |
As for the cost of ownership, it also wins here Vitz:
- Insurance 5-10% cheaper due to lower theft statistics
- Spare parts more widespread (especially body parts)
- Consumables (oil, filters) are 15% cheaper
The only point where Nissan Note more economical - it's power tax. For example, for the 1.2-liter version (80 hp) it will be 1200 rub/year, whereas for the 1.3-liter Vitz (99 hp) - already 2250 rub/year.
Odometer mileage (check with service book)
Condition of the body (foci of rust under the seals)
CVT operation (slippage, jerking during acceleration)
Exhaust color (blue smoke = oil in combustion chamber)
Suspension condition (knocking, play, uneven tire wear) -->
7. Owner reviews: pros and cons
Analysis of reviews on sites Drive2, Auto.ru And Drom.ru shows that the owners Toyota Vitz The car is often praised for:
- 🛡️ Reliability (many people drive without major repairs after 300 thousand km)
- ⛽ Economical (real consumption 5.0-5.5 l/100 km in the city)
- 🔧 Cheap service (spare parts are 20-30% cheaper than European competitors)
Main complaints about Vitz:
- Cramped interior for tall passengers
- Poor sound insulation in basic versions
- Hard seats (not everyone likes them)
Owners Nissan Note note the following advantages:
- Spacious interior and large trunk
-Bright dynamics (especially with the 1.5-liter engine)
- Original design (youth like it)
Among the disadvantages most often mentioned are:
- Problems with the variator due to untimely maintenance
- Expensive original spare parts (for example, a headlight costs 25 thousand rubles versus 15 thousand rubles for Vitz)
- Weak corrosion resistance of the body (arches and sills rust)
If you need a car “for every day” with minimal repair costs, choose Toyota Vitz. If space and dynamics are your priority, and you're willing to pay more attention to maintenance, then the Nissan Note is a great option.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Nissan Note and Toyota Vitz
Which car is best for a family with a child?
Nissan Note more practical thanks to a larger trunk (accommodates a stroller) and a high seating position, which makes it easier to fit a child into a car seat. However Toyota Vitz safer due to a more rigid body and better crash test results.
If space is your priority, take it Note. If security is Vitz.
Is it possible to install gas on these cars?
Technically yes, but there are some nuances:
- On Vitz 1.0 HBO is not recommended - the engine is too weak for the additional load.
- Note 1.2 And Vitz 1.3 They tolerate gas normally, but require ECU adjustments.
- CVT Nissan is sensitive to changes in dynamics, therefore, after installing LPG, its service life may be reduced by 10-15%.
The best option for gas is Nissan Note 1.5 with manual gearbox.
Which car is cheaper to operate per 100 thousand km?
Calculation for cars produced in 2016 with a mileage of 100 thousand km (average data):
| Expense item | Toyota Vitz 1.3 | Nissan Note 1.2 |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel (5.5 l/100 km, 95 petrol) | 275,000 rub. | RUB 295,000 |
| Maintenance (oil, filters, consumables) | 45,000 rub. | 55,000 rub. |
| Repair (medium) | 30,000 rub. | 60,000 rub. |
| Insurance (CASCO+OSAGO) | 80,000 rub. | 90,000 rub. |
| TOTAL | 430,000 rub. | 500,000 rub. |
Vitz more economical for 70,000 rub. per 100 thousand kilometers.
Which car is easier to sell on the secondary market?
Toyota Vitz more liquid - demand for it is consistently high, especially for versions with a manual transmission. The average sales time is 2-3 weeks. Nissan Note It takes longer to sell (3-5 weeks), but versions with a CVT and full power accessories find buyers faster.
The difference in resale price after 3 years of ownership can reach 100-150 thousand rubles. in favor Vitz.
Which model is best for a taxi?
Optimal choice - Toyota Vitz 1.3 with CVT for the following reasons:
- Minimum fuel consumption (5.0 l/100 km in the city)
- Long engine life (400+ thousand km)
- Low cost of maintenance
- Good liquidity during resale
Nissan Note less suitable due to problems with the variator during intensive use and higher fuel consumption.