Choosing between the TOTO Drake vs Nexus can feel tricky when both are top-rated TOTO toilets with powerful flushing technology.
This guide breaks down every key difference so you can pick the one that fits your bathroom — and your lifestyle — perfectly.
| Feature | TOTO Drake (CST776CEFG) | TOTO Nexus (MS642124CEFG) |
|---|---|---|
| Image |  |
 |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 28⅜” x 17½” x 30⅛” | 28⅜” x 17½” x 27″ |
| Configuration | Two-piece | One-piece skirted |
| Flush System | TORNADO FLUSH, 1.28 GPF | TORNADO FLUSH, 1.28 GPF |
| Bowl Shape | Elongated | Elongated |
| Seat Height | Universal Height (16⅛” to rim) | Universal Height (17-9/16″ with seat) |
| CEFIONTECT Glaze | Yes | Yes |
| Seat Included | No (sold separately) | Yes (SoftClose seat included) |
| WASHLET+ Ready | Yes (with MS776124CEFG) | Yes |
| Buy Now |  |
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1. TOTO Drake Two-Piece Elongated 1.28 GPF Universal Height Toilet with CEFIONTECT
The TOTO Drake is one of the most popular toilets in North America — and for good reason.
It combines TOTO’s TORNADO FLUSH technology with CEFIONTECT ceramic glaze in a classic two-piece design that fits virtually any bathroom and budget.
Features
- TORNADO FLUSH rimless, hole-free design with dual nozzles creates centrifugal washing action
- CEFIONTECT ultra-smooth glaze prevents waste from sticking to ceramic surfaces
- Universal Height design (16⅛” rim height) meets ADA requirements
- Elongated bowl for added comfort
- 1.28 GPF WaterSense certified — saves approximately 1,825+ gallons per year
- 12″ rough-in, left-hand chrome trip lever
- WASHLET-ready for bidet seat upgrades
Pros
- Lower price point than the Nexus
- Widely available parts and accessories
- Excellent flush performance — rarely clogs
- Flexible WASHLET compatibility including the full S-series lineup
- Well-established reputation with thousands of verified reviews
Cons
- Two-piece design creates a gap between tank and bowl that can collect grime
- Seat not included — adds to total cost
- Less modern aesthetic compared to the skirted Nexus
The Drake is the workhorse of the TOTO lineup — reliable, powerful, and easy to live with.
If you want a high-performance TOTO toilet that pairs beautifully with a bidet seat, this is your most cost-effective entry point.
Check its current price on Amazon
2. TOTO Nexus One-Piece Elongated 1.28 GPF Universal Height Toilet with CEFIONTECT
The TOTO Nexus is a sleek, modern step up from the Drake — offering the same core flush technology in a seamless one-piece skirted design.
It’s designed for buyers who want premium aesthetics, easier cleaning, and a fully polished bathroom look without moving into full smart-toilet territory.
Features
- One-piece, fully skirted design conceals trapway for a streamlined look
- TORNADO FLUSH 1.28 GPF system with dual nozzles and hole-free rim
- CEFIONTECT ceramic glaze for easy cleaning and stain resistance
- Universal Height with seat height of 17-9/16″ — comfortable for all ages
- SoftClose seat included — no extra purchase needed
- WASHLET+ ready (T40 compatible) for concealed bidet integration
- 12″ rough-in (14″ with adapter sold separately)
- ADA compliant, EPA WaterSense certified
Pros
- No gap between tank and bowl — far easier to clean
- Skirted design hides trapway for a modern, polished look
- SoftClose seat is included out of the box
- WASHLET+ compatibility allows fully concealed bidet wiring
- One-piece construction eliminates risk of tank-to-bowl leaks
Cons
- Higher price than the Drake
- Heavier and slightly more complex to install (one-piece ships as a single unit)
- Fewer color options than the Drake lineup
The Nexus is the toilet for you if you want your bathroom to look magazine-worthy.
It pairs especially well with a WASHLET+ bidet combo — the hidden wiring capability keeps everything neat and seamless.
Check its current price on Amazon
Design and Aesthetics: Nexus Wins
The Drake is a classic two-piece toilet — functional and timeless, but the gap between tank and bowl is visible.
The Nexus features a fully skirted, one-piece silhouette with no exposed trapway or tank seam.
If bathroom design matters to you — and especially if you’re renovating — the Nexus looks dramatically more polished.
The Drake pairs well with any decor, but the Nexus looks like it belongs in a showroom.
Winner: TOTO Nexus
Cleaning and Maintenance: Nexus Wins
The two-piece Drake has a seam where the tank meets the bowl — that gap collects dust, mildew, and grime over time.
The Nexus one-piece design eliminates that seam entirely, and the skirted trapway means you don’t need to reach behind the bowl to clean.
Both use CEFIONTECT glaze, which helps keep the bowl cleaner between scrubs.
But when it comes to day-to-day maintenance, the Nexus is simply easier.
Anyone who spends time researching home bathroom hygiene will tell you a skirted one-piece is a game-changer to keep clean.
Winner: TOTO Nexus
Flush Performance: It’s a Tie
Both toilets use the exact same TORNADO FLUSH system at 1.28 GPF.
Both feature TOTO’s dual-nozzle, rimless design that creates a centrifugal washing action covering the entire bowl surface.
Both carry WaterSense certification and are approved for California’s CEC and CALGreen standards.
There is no practical difference in how these two toilets flush — they perform identically.
If flush power is your main concern, you can safely choose either toilet.
Winner: Tie
WASHLET and Bidet Compatibility: Nexus Has the Edge
Both toilets support TOTO’s WASHLET bidet seats.
However, the Nexus is specifically designed as WASHLET+ ready (T40 compatible), meaning the power cord and water supply hose are routed through a concealed channel inside the bowl.
This gives the Nexus a much cleaner installation when paired with a WASHLET bidet seat.
The Drake can also accept WASHLET+ seats, but only in the WASHLET+ version of the model (MS776124CEFG) — the base CST776CEFG bowl reviewed here requires visible wiring unless you opt for the WASHLET+ variant.
If seamless bidet integration is important to you, the Nexus has the built-in advantage.
Winner: TOTO Nexus (for WASHLET+ integration)
Value for Money: Drake Wins
The Drake consistently sells for significantly less than the Nexus.
The Drake also includes tank, bowl, and hardware — everything you need to install except the seat and wax ring.
The Nexus includes a SoftClose seat, which partially offsets its higher price.
But if you’re on a tighter budget or simply want outstanding performance without the premium design price tag, the Drake is exceptional value.
It’s the same TORNADO FLUSH, same CEFIONTECT glaze, same Universal Height comfort — at a lower cost.
Winner: TOTO Drake
Installation: Drake Wins
Two-piece toilets are generally easier to transport and install than one-piece toilets.
The Drake ships as two separate boxes — tank and bowl — making it easier to handle, especially in tight spaces.
The Nexus ships as one heavy, single unit.
If you’re doing a DIY install, the Drake is more manageable.
For a professional installation, the difference is minimal — but the Drake still earns the nod here.
Winner: TOTO Drake
Verdict — Which One Should You Buy?
Both are outstanding toilets from one of the most trusted names in bathroom fixtures.
Your decision really comes down to how much design and convenience matter versus how much you want to spend.
Buy the TOTO Drake if…
You want the best flush performance for the lowest price.
You’re not upgrading your entire bathroom aesthetic and just want a reliable, long-lasting toilet.
You plan to add a bidet seat for an existing toilet and don’t need hidden wiring.
You prefer DIY installation and want a lighter, easier-to-handle option.
Buy the TOTO Nexus if…
You’re renovating or want your bathroom to look sleek and modern.
You hate cleaning around toilet tank seams and trapways.
You want a fully concealed WASHLET+ installation for a spa-like setup.
You’re comfortable spending more for a polished, all-in-one premium toilet.
If you want to explore the full range of what TOTO’s bidet seat lineup can offer alongside these toilets, check out our highest-rated bidet toilet guide for inspiration.
FAQ
Is the TOTO Drake or Nexus better for a bidet seat?
Both support TOTO WASHLET bidet seats.
The Nexus has an advantage if you want WASHLET+ concealed wiring — it routes the power cord and water supply through a hidden channel.
The Drake is also fully compatible with the broad TOTO bidet brand lineup, but visible wiring is typical unless you choose the WASHLET+ version.
What is the difference between the TOTO Drake and Drake II?
The Drake II is a different model with a slightly updated bowl shape and different WASHLET compatibility.
The standard Drake (CST776CEFG) reviewed here is the current production model and remains TOTO’s best-selling two-piece toilet.
Both use TORNADO FLUSH and CEFIONTECT — the Drake II is typically paired with specific WASHLET seats.
Does the TOTO Nexus include a toilet seat?
Yes — the TOTO Nexus (MS642124CEFG) comes with a SoftClose seat already included.
The TOTO Drake does not include a seat, which is worth factoring into your total budget.
If you plan to add a bidet toilet seat or WASHLET, you’d be replacing any included seat anyway.
Can seniors use both the Drake and Nexus comfortably?
Yes — both toilets feature TOTO’s Universal Height design, which is taller than standard toilets and much easier to sit down on and stand up from.
Both are ADA compliant.
If ease of use for older adults is a priority, either toilet works well — and adding a bidet seat is an especially helpful upgrade for seniors using bidets.
Conclusion
The TOTO Drake vs Nexus comparison doesn’t have a wrong answer — both are excellent toilets built to last.
The Drake wins on price, ease of installation, and sheer value.
The Nexus wins on aesthetics, cleaning convenience, and seamless WASHLET+ integration.
If you want the most polished bathroom possible, go with the Nexus.
If you want the best toilet for the money, the Drake delivers everything that matters at a lower cost.
Either way, you’re upgrading to a TOTO — and that’s always a smart choice.
For more help choosing the right accessories, explore our guides on bidets with warm air dryers and the full bidet toilet seat comparison chart.
