Choosing between the TOTO Drake and the Kohler Highline Arc is one of the most common toilet dilemmas you’ll face when upgrading your bathroom.
Both are top-rated, widely recommended, and priced within reach — but they take completely different approaches to flushing, cleaning, and long-term value.
| Feature | TOTO Drake MS776124CEFG | Kohler Highline Arc K-78279 |
|---|---|---|
| Image |  |
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| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 28⅜” x 17¾” x 30⅛” | 30⅜” x 18-1/16″ x 29-9/16″ |
| Flush System | TORNADO FLUSH (dual nozzle, rimless) | Class Five canister flush (gravity-fed) |
| Water Use | 1.28 GPF (WaterSense certified) | 1.28 GPF (WaterSense certified) |
| Bowl Coating | CEFIONTECT ion-barrier glaze | Standard vitreous china |
| Seat Height | Universal Height (16⅛” rim, ADA-compliant) | Comfort Height (chair-height, ADA-compliant) |
| WASHLET Compatibility | Yes — WASHLET+ ready | No direct WASHLET+ support |
| What’s Included | Bowl, tank, SoftClose seat | Bowl, tank, seat, wax ring, hardware (Complete Solution) |
| Buy Now |  |
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1. TOTO Drake Two-Piece Elongated 1.28 GPF Universal Height Toilet (MS776124CEFG#01)
The TOTO Drake has been the gold standard in residential toilets for years, and this latest generation shows exactly why.
It pairs TOTO’s signature TORNADO FLUSH technology with CEFIONTECT ceramic glaze for a cleaning system that genuinely reduces how often you need to scrub.
Features
- TORNADO FLUSH uses dual nozzles and a rimless bowl to create a centrifugal water swirl that rinses the entire bowl surface
- CEFIONTECT ionic barrier glaze keeps waste from sticking to the ceramic, so less scrubbing is needed between cleans
- Universal Height rim sits at 16⅛” — taller than standard, easier to stand up from, and ADA-compliant
- WASHLET+ ready — the bowl has a channel to conceal the bidet supply line and power cord for a clean, integrated look
- SoftClose seat included — no more slamming lids
- WaterSense certified at 1.28 GPF
Pros
- Exceptionally clean flush — the rimless design eliminates the under-rim hiding spots where bacteria tend to accumulate
- CEFIONTECT glaze keeps the bowl looking cleaner for longer between scrubs
- Quiet flushing — the TORNADO FLUSH is noticeably quieter than conventional gravity flush systems
- Perfect platform for adding a bidet seat later — purpose-built WASHLET+ compatibility
- Proven reliability with a huge install base and widely available parts
Cons
- Wax ring, flange bolts, and supply line are sold separately — the box isn’t a complete install kit
- Not available in as many color options as Kohler
If you care about long-term bowl hygiene, bidet upgrade potential, and quieter flushing, the Drake is the clear choice.
Check its current price on Amazon
2. Kohler Highline Arc Two-Piece Elongated 1.28 GPF Comfort Height Toilet (K-78279-0)
The Kohler Highline Arc is Kohler’s best-selling toilet line for good reason — it delivers reliable, no-fuss performance at an accessible price point.
It’s distinguished by its elegant flared tank design and comes as a true Complete Solution, meaning you can take it out of the box and install it without a separate hardware run.
Features
- Class Five canister flush valve — the canister design allows 90% of water in the tank to flow into the bowl immediately, maximizing flush power
- Comfort Height seating at chair height — easier on knees and hips for most adults, and ADA-compliant
- Complete Solution package includes bowl, tank, slow-close seat, wax ring, and floor hardware — everything you need to install
- Elegant flared arc tank design that stands out from standard boxy two-piece toilets
- Left-hand polished chrome trip lever included
- Standard 12″ rough-in, three-bolt quick-connect installation
Pros
- Truly complete out-of-the-box — no separate shopping trip for hardware
- Strong, reliable gravity flush — Class Five technology handles solid waste well in real-world conditions
- Distinctive tank silhouette — looks noticeably more premium than a standard two-piece toilet
- Widely available at major retailers, making parts easy to find
- Great value for the overall package included
Cons
- Standard vitreous china with no specialized glaze — requires more frequent scrubbing than CEFIONTECT-coated bowls
- No WASHLET+ compatibility — adding a bidet seat is possible but the supply line and cord won’t have a dedicated routing channel
- Slightly louder flush than the TORNADO FLUSH system
If you want a complete, stylish, fuss-free toilet that you can install in one trip, the Highline Arc delivers exceptional value.
Check its current price on Amazon
Head-to-Head: Flush Performance
The TOTO Drake uses the TORNADO FLUSH system — a rimless, dual-nozzle design that sends water spinning in a centrifugal pattern around the bowl.
This means every inch of the bowl surface gets rinsed with each flush, not just the bottom.
The Kohler Highline Arc uses the Class Five canister flush, which opens 90% of the tank at once to release a powerful gravity-driven torrent.
It handles waste removal reliably and is virtually clog-free in normal household use.
Winner: TOTO Drake — The rimless TORNADO FLUSH not only clears waste more efficiently but also eliminates the under-rim area where bacteria and mineral deposits typically hide.
Head-to-Head: Bowl Cleanliness
The Drake’s CEFIONTECT glaze is one of its biggest practical advantages over the Kohler.
CEFIONTECT creates an ion-barrier on the ceramic surface that makes waste slide off rather than adhere.
Over weeks and months of use, you’ll notice you need to scrub the Drake bowl less frequently — a real-world benefit that matters if you prefer a lower-maintenance bathroom.
The Kohler Highline Arc uses standard vitreous china.
It’s a quality surface, but without a specialized coating, residue sticks more readily and cleaning needs to happen more often.
Winner: TOTO Drake — CEFIONTECT glaze gives the Drake a measurable, long-term hygiene advantage.
Head-to-Head: Bidet Compatibility
If you’re planning to add a bidet seat now or in the future, the TOTO Drake was engineered with that in mind.
Its WASHLET+ ready design includes a channel molded into the bowl that hides the bidet supply line and power cord for a seamless, built-in look — no visible cords running down the side of the tank.
You can explore the full range of bidet seats that pair with the Drake, from the entry-level TOTO A100 up to the premium TOTO WASHLET S550e.
The Kohler Highline Arc can physically accommodate most standard bidet seats, but it has no dedicated cord or supply line routing — so the installation will look less clean.
Winner: TOTO Drake — Unmatched if bidet integration matters to you.
Head-to-Head: Installation & What’s in the Box
This is where the Kohler Highline Arc pulls ahead clearly.
The Complete Solution package includes the bowl, tank, slow-close seat, wax ring, and all floor mounting hardware.
You buy one box and you have everything you need to get it installed.
The TOTO Drake includes the bowl, tank, and SoftClose seat — but you’ll need to purchase the wax ring, mounting bolts, and water supply line separately.
For most homeowners or plumbers, this is a minor inconvenience.
But if you’re doing a quick DIY install or want zero surprises, the Kohler wins on convenience.
Winner: Kohler Highline Arc — The Complete Solution package removes the friction from installation day.
Head-to-Head: Design & Aesthetics
The Kohler Highline Arc earns its name from the elegant curved profile of its tank.
That flared arc silhouette gives it a distinctly more designed look than a standard two-piece toilet — it adds visual character to a bathroom without going into luxury territory.
The TOTO Drake is clean and contemporary but more utilitarian in profile.
It has a classic tall-tank two-piece look that works with any bathroom decor but doesn’t make a strong visual statement on its own.
If bathroom aesthetics are a priority, the Highline Arc edges ahead.
Winner: Kohler Highline Arc — More visual personality without a premium price.
Verdict — Which One Should You Buy?
Both of these toilets are genuinely excellent, and you won’t regret either one.
But they serve different priorities.
Buy the TOTO Drake if: you want the superior flush system, a self-cleaning bowl surface, quieter operation, and a toilet that’s purpose-built to pair with a bidet seat down the line.
The Drake is the better long-term investment for anyone who values hygiene, low maintenance, and smart bathroom upgrades.
Buy the Kohler Highline Arc if: you want an attractive toilet with a distinctive tank design, an everything-included install package, and a dependable flush system from a trusted American brand — all at a competitive price.
It’s the right pick for straightforward bathroom upgrades where installation simplicity and design aesthetics matter.
FAQ
Is the TOTO Drake compatible with any bidet seat?
Yes — the Drake is physically compatible with most aftermarket bidet seats, and it’s specifically designed as WASHLET+ ready for TOTO’s own bidet seat lineup.
WASHLET+ models have a dedicated cord and supply line channel built into the bowl for a clean, cord-hidden look.
If you’re exploring options, check out the bidet seat comparison guide to find the right match.
Does the Kohler Highline Arc need a separate wax ring?
No — the Kohler Highline Arc K-78279 is sold as a Complete Solution package that includes the wax ring, floor mounting hardware, slow-close seat, and everything else you need for installation.
It’s one of the key advantages it has over the TOTO Drake, which requires purchasing those items separately.
Which toilet is easier to keep clean?
The TOTO Drake has a meaningful advantage here.
Its CEFIONTECT ionic barrier glaze prevents waste from adhering to the ceramic surface, so residue washes off more easily with each flush.
The rimless TORNADO FLUSH bowl design also eliminates the hard-to-reach under-rim area where grime and bacteria typically build up in conventional toilets.
The Kohler Highline Arc uses standard vitreous china, which requires more frequent scrubbing.
Can I install either of these toilets myself?
Yes — both are standard two-piece floor-mount toilets with 12″ rough-in and straightforward installation.
Neither requires special plumbing skills beyond what a confident DIYer can handle.
The Kohler Highline Arc’s Complete Solution package gives it a slight edge in DIY convenience since everything is in one box.
For both toilets, you’ll want to have a set of adjustable pliers, a wrench, and a level handy.
Conclusion
The TOTO Drake and Kohler Highline Arc are two of the most reliable toilets you can buy in their price range — but they’re built for slightly different buyers.
The Drake wins on flush technology, bowl hygiene, and bidet integration.
The Highline Arc wins on installation convenience, design character, and what’s included in the box.
If you want a toilet that does more with less cleaning effort — and leaves the door open for a bidet seat upgrade later — the TOTO Drake is the smarter long-term pick.
If you want a beautiful, fully equipped toilet that you can install today without a second trip to the hardware store, the Kohler Highline Arc is outstanding value.
Whichever you choose, you’re getting a proven performer that will serve your household well for years.
Check out the best toilet and bidet combinations if you’re interested in taking your bathroom upgrade even further.
