Choosing between the TOTO Drake II and UltraMax II is one of the most common toilet dilemmas you’ll face in this price range.
Both offer the same legendary TOTO flush technology, but the differences matter — and the right pick depends entirely on your bathroom and priorities.
| Feature | TOTO Drake II | TOTO UltraMax II |
|---|---|---|
| Image |  |
 |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 28.5″ x 16.5″ x 30″ | 28.4″ x 16.6″ x 28.75″ |
| Design | Two-piece | One-piece |
| Flush System | TORNADO FLUSH | TORNADO FLUSH |
| Water Usage | 1.28 GPF | 1.28 GPF |
| Bowl Shape | Elongated | Elongated |
| CEFIONTECT Glaze | Yes | Yes |
| WASHLET+ Ready | Yes (T40) | Yes (T40) |
| Buy Now |  |
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1. TOTO Drake II Two-Piece Elongated 1.28 GPF Universal Height Toilet
The TOTO Drake II is one of the most popular two-piece toilets on the market, trusted by homeowners and plumbers alike for its rock-solid reliability.
It delivers everything you’d expect from TOTO — powerful TORNADO FLUSH, CEFIONTECT glaze, and WASHLET+ compatibility — wrapped in a high-profile tank design that fits a traditional or transitional bathroom.
Features
- TORNADO FLUSH with dual-nozzle centrifugal rinsing action
- CEFIONTECT ceramic glaze that prevents waste from adhering
- Universal Height (ADA compliant) for seated comfort across users
- WASHLET+ T40 ready — hides supply line and power cord in bowl channel
- WaterSense certified at 1.28 GPF
- Includes SoftClose seat (SS124)
- 12-inch rough-in; left-hand trip lever
Pros
- More affordable than the UltraMax II
- Tank and bowl ship separately — easier to maneuver during installation
- Wide availability of replacement parts
- Compatible with all TOTO WASHLET+ bidet seats (S2, S5, S7, S7A)
Cons
- Tank-bowl gap requires more frequent cleaning
- Slightly taller overall profile than the UltraMax II
- Two-piece aesthetic is less sleek compared to one-piece designs
If you’re looking to upgrade your toilet without breaking the bank and want full compatibility with a TOTO WASHLET bidet seat, the Drake II is the smart choice.
Check its current price on Amazon
2. TOTO UltraMax II One-Piece Elongated 1.28 GPF Universal Height Toilet
The TOTO UltraMax II is the sleeker, premium sibling — a seamless one-piece toilet that brings a modern, high-end look to any bathroom.
By eliminating the gap between tank and bowl, TOTO created a toilet that’s not only visually stunning but also significantly easier to keep clean, with no crevices for grime to hide.
Features
- Seamless one-piece construction — no tank-to-bowl joint
- TORNADO FLUSH with hole-free rim design and dual nozzles
- CEFIONTECT glaze for a smooth, particle-resistant surface
- Universal Height (ADA compliant) with elongated bowl
- WASHLET+ T40 ready with concealed cord/supply channel
- WaterSense certified at 1.28 GPF
- Includes SoftClose seat (SS124)
Pros
- One-piece design is far easier to clean — no joint gaps
- More polished, contemporary appearance
- No risk of tank-to-bowl gasket leaks over time
- Same flush power and WASHLET+ compatibility as the Drake II
Cons
- Higher price tag than the Drake II
- Heavier and harder to maneuver during installation (single unit)
- Lower overall height than the Drake II (tank sits at 28.75″ vs 30″)
If a seamless, spa-like bathroom aesthetic is important to you — and you don’t mind paying a premium for easier maintenance — the UltraMax II is worth every dollar.
Check its current price on Amazon
Flush Performance
Both toilets use the exact same TORNADO FLUSH technology — a rimless, hole-free design with dual nozzles that generate a powerful centrifugal rinse across the entire bowl surface.
You’re getting identical flushing performance from both.
At 1.28 GPF, both are WaterSense certified, meaning they use 20% less water than a standard 1.6 GPF toilet without sacrificing power.
If you’re researching how TOTO’s flush systems compare to integrated bidet toilets, you’ll see this technology consistently leads the field.
Winner: Tie.
Design and Cleaning
This is where the two toilets diverge most significantly.
The Drake II is a traditional two-piece design, meaning the tank and bowl are separate units joined by a gasket and bolts.
That joint is a cleaning challenge — bacteria and grime accumulate in the seam between tank and bowl over time, no matter how diligently you clean.
The UltraMax II eliminates that problem entirely.
Its one-piece body has no gaps, no gaskets, and no hidden crevices.
A quick wipe-down covers the entire surface — which is a big deal if you care about hygiene.
If you’ve ever compared all-in-one toilet designs vs. seat add-ons, you already know how much the integrated approach matters for cleanliness.
Winner: TOTO UltraMax II.
Installation
Ironically, the two-piece Drake II is easier to install despite being the less premium toilet.
Because the tank and bowl ship and move separately, you’re never wrestling a 100+ pound unit through tight bathroom doorways or narrow hallways.
The UltraMax II, by contrast, is one heavy, awkward piece.
You’ll likely want a second person (or a professional) to handle it.
Both toilets use a standard 12-inch rough-in, so fitting them into most bathrooms isn’t an issue.
Winner: TOTO Drake II.
WASHLET Compatibility
Both toilets are fully WASHLET+ T40 ready, meaning they have a dedicated channel on the bowl surface to conceal the bidet seat’s supply line and power cord.
This gives you a clean, integrated look when pairing either toilet with a TOTO WASHLET bidet seat.
Compatible seats include the S2, S5, S7, and S7A — covering everything from entry-level to luxury.
If you’re weighing which bidet seat to pair with your new toilet, the bidet toilet seat comparison chart on this site is a great place to start.
Winner: Tie.
Value for Money
The Drake II typically costs less than the UltraMax II — sometimes by a meaningful margin.
If your budget is the deciding factor, the Drake II gives you identical flush performance and WASHLET+ capability for a lower outlay.
That said, the UltraMax II’s superior cleanability, longer-lasting one-piece construction (no gasket to fail), and premium aesthetics make it a better long-term investment if you can absorb the higher upfront cost.
Winner: TOTO Drake II (budget) / TOTO UltraMax II (long-term value).
Verdict — Which One Should You Buy?
Buy the TOTO Drake II if… you want powerful TOTO performance at a lower price, you prefer easier solo installation, you’re on a budget, or you’re simply replacing an existing two-piece toilet and don’t need a design upgrade.
Buy the TOTO UltraMax II if… you want the cleanest possible look and the easiest maintenance routine, you’re doing a full bathroom renovation, you’re pairing the toilet with a premium heated WASHLET seat and want everything to look intentional, or you simply want the best TOTO has to offer short of a Neorest.
Both toilets are excellent.
Neither will disappoint you on flushing power, water efficiency, or WASHLET compatibility.
The choice comes down to budget vs. aesthetics — and how much you hate scrubbing tank-bowl joints.
FAQ
Is the TOTO Drake II being discontinued?
No. As of 2026, both the TOTO Drake II and UltraMax II are current, actively sold models available through major retailers and online. There are no discontinuation notices for either toilet.
Can I add a WASHLET bidet seat to either of these toilets?
Yes — both the Drake II and UltraMax II are T40 WASHLET+ compatible. You can pair them with the TOTO S2, S5, S7, or S7A bidet seats. The WASHLET+ system conceals the power cord and supply line inside the bowl channel for a seamless look. If you’re unsure which seat to choose, check the bidet seat comparison guide.
Which is easier to clean — the Drake II or UltraMax II?
The UltraMax II is considerably easier to clean. Its one-piece design eliminates the gap between tank and bowl where dirt and bacteria tend to accumulate in two-piece toilets. The CEFIONTECT glaze on both models helps keep bowl surfaces clean, but the UltraMax II wins on overall maintenance.
Do both toilets come with a toilet seat?
Yes. Both the Drake II (MS454124CEFG#01) and the UltraMax II (MS604124CEFG#01) include the TOTO SS124 SoftClose seat in the box. You don’t need to purchase a seat separately — though you can always upgrade to a full WASHLET bidet seat for a complete hygiene upgrade.
Conclusion
The TOTO Drake II and UltraMax II are two of the most reliable, water-efficient toilets you can buy — and you genuinely cannot go wrong with either.
If price is your priority, the Drake II delivers the same TOTO flush magic in a traditional two-piece form.
If you want the cleanest lines, the easiest maintenance, and a bathroom that looks like it belongs in a luxury hotel, the UltraMax II is the upgrade worth making.
Whichever you choose, consider pairing it with a TOTO WASHLET seat to complete the experience — the difference between a standard bidet and a WASHLET is something you’ll feel on day one.
For more help finding the right bidet seat for your new toilet, explore the best bidets with dryers or check the full highest-rated bidet toilet guide to see how these models fit into the wider TOTO lineup.
