Choosing between the TOTO Drake and Kohler Cimarron is one of the most common dilemmas in the mid-range toilet market.
Both are proven performers, but they take very different approaches — and knowing which one fits your bathroom could save you a lot of frustration down the line.
| Feature | TOTO Drake (CST776CEFG#01) | Kohler Cimarron (K-3589-0) |
|---|---|---|
| Image |  |
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| Dimensions (L × W × H) | 28⅜” × 15¼” × 30⅛” | 28¾” × 17⅝” × 30¾” |
| Flush System | Tornado Flush (dual-nozzle) | AquaPiston / Class Five |
| Water Usage | 1.28 GPF | 1.6 GPF |
| Bowl Shape | Elongated | Elongated |
| Seat Height | Universal Height (ADA) | Comfort Height (ADA) |
| Surface Coating | CEFIONTECT glaze | Standard vitreous china |
| WASHLET Compatible | Yes (WASHLET+ ready) | Standard seat only |
| Buy Now |  |
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1. TOTO Drake Two-Piece Elongated 1.28 GPF Toilet (CST776CEFG#01)
The TOTO Drake has been a gold-standard two-piece toilet for decades — and this Universal Height version with CEFIONTECT glaze and Tornado Flush keeps it firmly at the top.
It flushes at 1.28 gallons per flush, making it one of the most water-efficient toilets in its class without any compromise in power.
Features
- Tornado Flush system with dual-nozzle centrifugal bowl rinse
- CEFIONTECT ultra-smooth ceramic glaze minimizes waste adhesion
- Universal Height (ADA compliant) for comfort across a wide range of users
- 1.28 GPF — WaterSense certified, California CEC and CALGreen compliant
- WASHLET+ ready — conceals cords and hoses for a clean bidet seat installation
- Elongated bowl, 12″ rough-in, left-hand chrome trip lever
Pros
- Outstanding water efficiency saves thousands of gallons per year
- CEFIONTECT glaze dramatically reduces how often you need to scrub
- WASHLET+ compatibility means you can upgrade to a bidet seat with no visible wiring
- Proven long-term reliability from one of the world’s top toilet manufacturers
- Rimless design eliminates hard-to-reach bacteria buildup under the rim
Cons
- Seat sold separately — adds cost
- Supply line and wax ring not included
- Slightly narrower tank than the Cimarron
The Drake is the toilet to choose if you want Japanese-engineered precision, a cleaner bowl with less effort, and the flexibility to add a heated bidet seat down the road without dealing with visible cables.
Check its current price on Amazon
2. Kohler Cimarron Comfort Height Two-Piece Elongated 1.6 GPF Toilet (K-3589-0)
The Kohler Cimarron has built a massive following thanks to its dead-reliable AquaPiston flushing system and classic Comfort Height design that fits seamlessly into almost any bathroom aesthetic.
It’s a workhorse toilet that scores near the top of independent bulk-flushing tests — including a 1,000-gram MaP rating — which is higher than most competitors.
Features
- AquaPiston canister flush valve with 360-degree water flow into the bowl
- Class Five flushing technology rated up to 1,000 grams in MaP testing
- Comfort Height bowl positioning for chair-height ease of use (ADA compliant)
- 1.6 GPF — single flush, powerful gravity-assisted performance
- Classic two-piece elongated design with easy curves
- Standard 12″ rough-in, DryLock installation system
Pros
- Exceptional bulk-flushing performance — among the best in class
- AquaPiston canister has 90% less exposed seal material than a standard flapper for fewer leaks
- Widely available at major home improvement retailers for easy access to parts
- Attractive, versatile curves that complement both traditional and modern bathrooms
- Light-touch actuation requires minimal effort to flush
Cons
- 1.6 GPF uses noticeably more water per flush than the Drake
- No special ceramic glaze — bowl requires more frequent cleaning
- Not WASHLET+ compatible — cord concealment requires extra workarounds for electric bidet seats
- Gap between tank and bowl in two-piece design can be harder to clean
The Cimarron is the pick for households that want bulletproof flushing performance and classic American styling — particularly where high bulk-waste clearance is a priority.
Check its current price on Amazon
Head-to-Head: Flushing Power
This is the category most buyers focus on first — and it’s closer than you’d expect.
The TOTO Drake uses a rimless Tornado Flush with dual nozzles that create a powerful swirling rinse across the entire bowl surface.
It scores around 800 grams on the MaP (Maximum Performance) flush test, which is very strong.
The Kohler Cimarron hits up to 1,000 grams on the same test, giving it a measurable edge for households that routinely deal with heavy loads.
That said, the Drake’s centrifugal action does a noticeably better job of keeping the bowl walls clean between flushes — so “flushing power” and “bowl cleanliness” aren’t the same thing.
Winner: Kohler Cimarron for raw bulk performance; TOTO Drake for day-to-day bowl cleanliness.
Head-to-Head: Water Efficiency
This one isn’t close.
The TOTO Drake uses 1.28 GPF — WaterSense certified and California-compliant.
The Kohler Cimarron uses 1.6 GPF — which is still considered low-flow, but adds up to a significant difference over time.
At roughly 5 flushes per day, the Cimarron uses about 1.32 more gallons per day than the Drake.
Over a year that’s nearly 500 extra gallons per toilet — money your water bill will notice.
If you care about saving water (and you can read more about why that matters at our bidet toilet seat comparison), the Drake wins convincingly here.
Winner: TOTO Drake
Head-to-Head: Cleaning & Maintenance
The TOTO Drake’s CEFIONTECT glaze is a genuine game-changer.
It creates an ultra-smooth ceramic surface that prevents waste and staining from bonding to the bowl — meaning you need to scrub significantly less often.
The Kohler Cimarron uses standard vitreous china without a special glaze.
It stays clean between flushes if you flush consistently, but stubborn staining builds up faster and requires more regular attention.
If you’ve ever had to deal with hard water deposits or ring stains, the Drake’s glaze will make a visible difference in how much time you spend cleaning.
Winner: TOTO Drake
Head-to-Head: Bidet Compatibility
If you’re planning to pair your new toilet with a bidet seat — which is increasingly popular, as you can see from our guide on the best toilets with bidet — this comparison matters a lot.
The TOTO Drake is WASHLET+ ready, which means the power cord and water supply hose from a compatible TOTO bidet seat are routed internally through the toilet and tank.
The result is a completely clean, seamless look with no visible wires or hoses.
The Kohler Cimarron accepts standard elongated bidet seats but doesn’t offer any built-in cord management.
You’ll need to route cords externally or use a cord cover kit.
If pairing with a heated bidet seat or exploring options from our best bidet brands guide, the Drake’s integration advantage is significant.
Winner: TOTO Drake
Head-to-Head: Value & Installation
Both toilets install on a standard 12″ rough-in and are considered straightforward DIY installs.
The Kohler Cimarron features the DryLock system that simplifies tank-to-bowl connection and helps prevent floor water leakage during installation — a nice touch for first-timers.
The TOTO Drake doesn’t include a seat, supply line, or wax ring.
Neither does the Cimarron, so the accessory situation is comparable.
Where value diverges is long-term: the Drake’s water savings and reduced cleaning frequency make it more economical over a 5- or 10-year ownership period.
Winner: Tie (Drake wins long-term; Cimarron is friendlier to install for beginners)
Verdict — Which One Should You Buy?
Both are excellent toilets from respected brands.
But they serve slightly different buyers.
Buy the TOTO Drake if…
You want the best balance of water efficiency, bowl cleanliness, and future bidet compatibility.
The Drake is the smarter long-term investment — especially if you’re interested in pairing it with a bidet seat like a TOTO WASHLET.
Its CEFIONTECT glaze means less scrubbing, and 1.28 GPF means real water savings year after year.
Buy the Kohler Cimarron if…
You prioritize maximum bulk-flushing power above everything else and aren’t planning to add a bidet seat.
The Cimarron’s 1,000-gram MaP score is genuinely impressive, and its wide availability makes replacement parts easy to find for decades to come.
It’s also a great fit for households that want a proven, no-fuss toilet without navigating WASHLET compatibility charts.
FAQ
Is the TOTO Drake worth the extra cost over the Kohler Cimarron?
For most buyers, yes.
The Drake’s CEFIONTECT glaze and 1.28 GPF efficiency reduce both your cleaning time and your water bill — and if you ever want to add a bidet seat, the WASHLET+ compatibility makes installation far cleaner.
Over 5–10 years, those savings and conveniences often outweigh the upfront price difference.
Which toilet flushes better — the TOTO Drake or Kohler Cimarron?
In raw bulk-flushing tests, the Kohler Cimarron scores higher — up to 1,000 grams versus the Drake’s approximately 800 grams.
However, the Drake’s Tornado Flush does a better job of keeping the bowl walls rinsed clean on every flush, which means fewer visible stains between cleanings.
Both are clog-resistant and reliable for daily household use.
Can I add a bidet seat to either toilet?
Yes, both accept standard elongated bidet seats.
However, the TOTO Drake is WASHLET+ ready, which allows compatible TOTO bidet seats to conceal their power cords and water lines inside the toilet for a seamless look.
The Kohler Cimarron will work with any standard bidet seat, but cords will be visible unless you add a cover kit.
You can explore more about toilet and bidet pairings in our guide to the highest rated bidet toilets.
Are both toilets ADA compliant?
Yes.
The TOTO Drake in Universal Height sits at approximately 16⅛” bowl height, which meets ADA requirements.
The Kohler Cimarron in Comfort Height sits at 16½”–17″, also ADA compliant.
Both make sitting down and standing up easier for a wider range of users, including seniors and those with mobility concerns — something we cover in depth in our best bidets for seniors guide.
Conclusion
The TOTO Drake and Kohler Cimarron are both excellent toilets — and you genuinely can’t go wrong with either.
But if you’re choosing for the long haul, the TOTO Drake edges ahead.
Its water efficiency, CEFIONTECT glaze, and WASHLET+ compatibility make it the more future-proof toilet — especially for anyone interested in pairing it with a bidet seat or looking to reduce their environmental footprint.
The Kohler Cimarron earns its place for households that want bulletproof bulk-flushing performance and the backing of a major American brand with parts available everywhere.
Whichever you choose, both toilets will serve you well for years to come.
And if you’re still on the fence about adding a bidet seat to your setup, take a look at our bidet toilet seat comparison chart — it makes the decision a lot easier.
