Choosing between the TOTO Aquia IV and the TOTO Drake is one of the most common toilet dilemmas you’ll face when upgrading your bathroom.
Both are top-tier options from TOTO, but they serve very different buyers — and by the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly which one is right for you.
| Feature | TOTO Aquia IV One-Piece | TOTO Drake Two-Piece |
|---|---|---|
| Image |  |
 |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 28.5″ x 16.75″ x 30″ | 28.38″ x 17.19″ x 29″ |
| Design | One-piece skirted | Two-piece classic |
| Flush System | DYNAMAX Tornado Flush | Tornado Flush |
| Flush Type | Dual Flush (1.28 / 0.9 GPF) | Single Flush (1.28 GPF) |
| Trapway | Fully skirted (concealed) | Exposed trapway |
| CEFIONTECT Glaze | Yes | Yes (select models) |
| WASHLET+ Compatible | Yes | Yes |
| Buy Now |  |
 |
1. TOTO Aquia IV One-Piece Elongated Dual Flush Toilet
The TOTO Aquia IV is TOTO’s most sophisticated everyday toilet — a fully skirted, one-piece design that brings a sleek, modern aesthetic into any bathroom.
It runs on a DYNAMAX Tornado Flush system with 360-degree cleaning power, using dual-flush options of 1.28 GPF for solids and a miserly 0.9 GPF for liquids.
Features
- One-piece skirted construction — no exposed trapway, nowhere for grime to hide
- DYNAMAX Tornado Flush with 360-degree bowl rinse for thorough cleaning
- Dual-flush push-button (1.28 / 0.9 GPF) on top of the tank
- CEFIONTECT ceramic glaze prevents waste from sticking to the bowl
- WASHLET+ ready — cord and hose are concealed within the bowl channel
- Universal Height for comfortable seating across all users
- Includes SoftClose seat
- WaterSense and CALGreen certified
Pros
- Stunning, contemporary design that elevates the entire bathroom
- Dual-flush saves significantly more water than a single-flush toilet
- Easier to clean — the skirted base means no crevices around the trapway
- Quieter flush thanks to the enhanced inner bowl design
- WASHLET+ cord concealment gives the cleanest possible look if you add a bidet seat
Cons
- Higher upfront cost than the Drake two-piece
- Heavier than a two-piece — may require two people for installation
- Push-button flush is not ADA-compliant (lever flush is required for ADA)
If you want a toilet that looks like it belongs in a luxury showroom and saves water every single day, the Aquia IV is exactly what you’ve been looking for.
The skirted design pairs beautifully with TOTO WASHLET bidet seats — check out our TOTO C5 vs C200 comparison to find the perfect match for it.
Check its current price on Amazon
2. TOTO Drake Two-Piece Elongated 1.28 GPF Tornado Flush Toilet
The TOTO Drake is arguably the most trusted toilet TOTO has ever built — a two-piece, no-nonsense workhorse that has earned its reputation over decades of near-perfect customer reviews.
It uses a Tornado Flush system with a powerful 3-inch flush valve and dual nozzles that create a centrifugal cleaning action, all while using just 1.28 GPF.
Features
- Two-piece construction with classic high-profile design
- Tornado Flush with dual nozzles and 3-inch flush valve
- Single flush at 1.28 GPF — WaterSense certified
- CEFIONTECT ceramic glaze (select models) to resist waste adhesion
- WASHLET+ compatible for seamless bidet seat integration
- Available in Universal Height for ADA compliance
- Includes SoftClose seat
- Chrome trip lever for easy, familiar flushing
Pros
- Decades-proven reliability — one of the most reviewed toilets in the market
- Lower cost than the Aquia IV, yet still premium quality
- Easier to handle and install due to its two-piece structure
- Widely available and easy to find replacement parts if ever needed
- Chrome lever flush makes it fully ADA-compliant in Universal Height models
Cons
- Exposed trapway makes it slightly harder to clean around the base
- Single flush — no water-saving dual-flush option
- Less contemporary in appearance compared to the Aquia IV’s skirted look
If you want a toilet that’s going to perform flawlessly for 20+ years without any drama, the Drake is one of the safest investments you can make for your home.
It’s also ideal as a base for a bidet seat upgrade — our guide to the best bidets for existing toilets can help you pick the right one to pair with it.
Check its current price on Amazon
Head-to-Head: Design and Aesthetics
The Aquia IV wins this category decisively.
Its fully skirted one-piece design conceals the trapway completely, creating a seamless, sculptural look that feels more like a piece of furniture than a plumbing fixture.
The Drake, while still a handsome toilet, wears its two-piece identity openly — the exposed trapway and visible seam between tank and bowl are unmistakably traditional.
If your bathroom is modern or minimalist, the Aquia IV fits in effortlessly.
If your bathroom has a more classic, traditional aesthetic, the Drake actually looks right at home.
Winner: TOTO Aquia IV
Head-to-Head: Flushing Performance
Both toilets use TOTO’s Tornado Flush technology — but they’re not identical.
The Aquia IV uses the newer DYNAMAX Tornado Flush, which delivers a 360-degree cleaning rinse that is notably quieter and more thorough.
The Drake uses TOTO’s original Tornado Flush with dual nozzles and a 3-inch flush valve, which has an outstanding real-world track record for clearing large loads in a single flush — ask anyone who owns one.
For sheer raw flushing power in a single flush, many users give the edge to the Drake.
For quietness, thoroughness of bowl rinse, and water efficiency, the Aquia IV’s dual-flush DYNAMAX system takes the lead.
Winner: Tie — Drake for power, Aquia IV for efficiency and quietness
Head-to-Head: Water Efficiency
This is where the Aquia IV pulls ahead significantly.
With its dual-flush push-button, you can choose 0.9 GPF for liquid waste — well below the Drake’s fixed 1.28 GPF single flush.
Over weeks and months of daily use, that difference adds up to real savings on your water bill.
If you’re environmentally conscious or want to keep household water use low, the Aquia IV’s dual-flush system is a meaningful advantage.
You can read more about how water efficiency in your bathroom can save money long-term in our piece on bidets vs wet wipes and why smarter bathroom choices compound over time.
Winner: TOTO Aquia IV
Head-to-Head: Ease of Cleaning
The Aquia IV is significantly easier to clean.
The fully skirted base means there is no exposed trapway, no ridges, and no tight corners around the base where dirt, dust, and bacteria accumulate.
The Drake’s exposed trapway requires more attention — a brush has to navigate around the curved base area with every thorough clean.
Both bowls benefit from CEFIONTECT glaze, which minimizes waste from sticking to ceramic surfaces, so the bowl interiors are comparably easy to maintain.
If low-maintenance cleaning is a priority for you, the one-piece Aquia IV is the clear choice.
Winner: TOTO Aquia IV
Head-to-Head: Installation and Value
The Drake is easier to install.
Because it’s a two-piece toilet, you handle the bowl and tank separately — each component is lighter and easier to maneuver in a tight bathroom space.
The Aquia IV’s one-piece construction is heavier and bulkier, and most people find it easier with two pairs of hands.
On value, the Drake costs notably less upfront.
If budget is a primary concern, the Drake gives you exceptional TOTO quality at a more accessible price point.
That said, if you plan to add a WASHLET bidet seat — and our bidet toilet vs bidet seat guide will help you think that through — the Aquia IV’s cord-concealing WASHLET+ channel makes for a far cleaner finished installation.
Winner: Drake for budget and ease of install; Aquia IV for finished aesthetics with a WASHLET
Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
Buy the TOTO Aquia IV if…
You want a modern, design-forward bathroom with a sleek skirted toilet that’s easier to clean and saves more water every day.
You’re planning to pair it with a TOTO WASHLET bidet seat — check out the TOTO C2 vs C5 comparison and our full bidet toilet seat comparison chart to find the best match.
You value long-term water savings and don’t mind investing a bit more upfront.
Buy the TOTO Drake if…
You want a toilet with a near-legendary track record, easier installation, and a lower purchase price.
You have a more traditional bathroom aesthetic or need a reliable, no-fuss replacement that fits exactly where your old toilet sat.
You want full ADA compliance with a lever flush on a Universal Height model.
Either way, both toilets will serve you exceptionally well for decades — and both are excellent platforms for a WASHLET upgrade if you want to explore the world of the best bidets for home use.
FAQ
Is the TOTO Aquia IV better than the TOTO Drake?
It depends on your priorities.
The Aquia IV is better for water efficiency, modern design, and ease of cleaning.
The Drake is better for raw flushing reliability, budget, and ease of installation.
Both are among the best toilets you can buy in their respective price ranges.
Does the TOTO Drake come in a one-piece version?
TOTO does not offer the Drake in a traditional skirted one-piece configuration.
If you want a one-piece toilet from TOTO, the Aquia IV is the most popular option — while the TOTO Legato and TOTO Ultramax II are other solid alternatives worth exploring alongside the highest-rated bidet toilets on the market.
Can I add a WASHLET bidet seat to both the Aquia IV and the Drake?
Yes — both toilets are WASHLET+ compatible, meaning they have a concealed channel on the bowl surface to hide the bidet seat’s cord and supply hose.
For help choosing the right WASHLET, our TOTO C5 vs C200 comparison and bidet vs washlet guide are great starting points.
Is the TOTO Aquia IV dual flush worth it?
Absolutely.
Using 0.9 GPF for liquid waste versus the Drake’s 1.28 GPF may not sound dramatic, but across multiple flushes per day and multiple users, the water savings are meaningful over months and years.
For anyone looking to reduce their household water footprint, the dual-flush system is one of the most practical features the Aquia IV offers.
Conclusion
The TOTO Aquia IV and TOTO Drake are both exceptional toilets — but they’re built for different buyers.
The Aquia IV is the choice for you if you want a stunning, modern, low-maintenance bathroom with a water-saving dual-flush system and the cleanest possible WASHLET installation.
The Drake is the choice for you if you want a proven, affordable, and straightforward toilet with decades of reputation behind it and simple two-person installation.
Whichever you choose, you’re getting TOTO quality — and that means a toilet built to last.
If you’re planning to upgrade with a bidet seat next, explore our guides to the best heated bidet toilet seats, the best bidets under $500, and best bidets with dryers to complete your bathroom transformation.
