Choosing between the TOTO Drake, Nexus, and Aquia IV can feel overwhelming — each toilet brings something different to your bathroom.
Whether you’re after budget-friendly reliability, sleek one-piece style, or best-in-class water savings, this breakdown helps you decide.
| Feature | TOTO Drake (CST776CEG) | TOTO Nexus (MS642124CEFG) | TOTO Aquia IV (MS646234CEMFGN) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Image |  |
 |
 |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 28″ x 19″ x 30″ | 29.75″ x 14.5″ x 29.5″ | 29.75″ x 15.5″ x 28.4″ |
| Design | Two-piece, non-skirted | One-piece, fully skirted | One-piece, fully skirted |
| Flush System | TORNADO FLUSH® | TORNADO FLUSH® | DYNAMAX TORNADO FLUSH® |
| Water Usage | 1.28 GPF (single flush) | 1.28 GPF (single flush) | 1.28 / 0.9 GPF (dual flush) |
| Height | Standard Height | Universal Height | Universal Height |
| CEFIONTECT Glaze | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| WASHLET+ Ready | Yes (seat sold separately) | Yes (SoftClose seat included) | Yes (SoftClose seat included) |
| Buy Now |  |
 |
|
1. TOTO Drake Two-Piece Elongated 1.28 GPF Toilet
The TOTO Drake is the brand’s most popular and best-selling toilet model for good reason.
It delivers proven TORNADO FLUSH® technology in a classic two-piece design that’s easy to install and even easier to maintain — making it the go-to choice for whole-home renovations and budget-conscious upgrades alike.
Features
- TORNADO FLUSH® dual-nozzle centrifugal rinsing action for powerful, efficient cleaning
- CEFIONTECT® ceramic glaze that prevents waste from sticking to the bowl surface
- 1.28 GPF WaterSense-certified single flush — standard height bowl
- 12-inch rough-in with left-hand chrome trip lever included
- WASHLET+ ready for easy bidet seat upgrade; tank and bowl with hardware included
Pros
- Most affordable option of the three — great value for the features you get
- Non-skirted design allows easy access to trapway for service and repairs
- Widely available and heavily reviewed — a trusted, time-tested model
- Compatible with a huge range of TOTO WASHLET bidet seats
Cons
- Two-piece design has a seam between tank and bowl that can collect dust and grime
- Standard height may not suit taller users or those with mobility needs
- Single flush only — no water-saving half-flush option like the Aquia IV
- Seat not included — you’ll need to purchase separately
The Drake is the right call if you want a workhorse toilet that performs flawlessly every single time without overcomplicating your bathroom setup.
If you’re also planning to add a bidet seat for home use, the Drake’s WASHLET+ compatibility makes the upgrade seamless.
Check its current price on Amazon
2. TOTO Nexus One-Piece Elongated 1.28 GPF Universal Height Toilet
The TOTO Nexus is where TOTO’s design language really starts to shine.
It’s a fully skirted one-piece toilet that looks more expensive than it is — and the gap-free construction means there’s nowhere for dirt or odors to hide, making your bathroom dramatically easier to keep clean.
Features
- One-piece skirted design with concealed trapway for a sleek, modern profile
- TORNADO FLUSH® 1.28 GPF rimless, hole-free bowl rinsing system
- CEFIONTECT® ceramic glaze for effortless bowl maintenance
- Universal Height for comfortable seating across a wide range of users
- TOTO T40 WASHLET+ compatible with Auto Flush capability; SoftClose SS124 seat included
Pros
- One-piece design means no gap between tank and bowl — simpler and faster to clean
- Fully skirted base eliminates hard-to-reach areas around the base
- Universal Height feels more like a chair — better for adults and seniors
- SoftClose seat included right out of the box
Cons
- Higher upfront cost than the Drake
- Single flush only — no dual-flush water savings like the Aquia IV
- Skirted base can make it harder to access the trapway if repairs are needed
- Heavier and bulkier to install compared to two-piece designs
The Nexus is the toilet for you if design and ease of cleaning matter as much as performance.
It pairs beautifully with any of the top-rated bidet seats, and the SoftClose seat included means you’re fully equipped from day one.
Check its current price on Amazon
3. TOTO Aquia IV One-Piece Elongated Dual Flush 1.28/0.9 GPF Universal Height Toilet
The TOTO Aquia IV takes everything the Nexus offers and adds TOTO’s best water-conservation technology in a one-piece package.
The dual-flush push-button system on top of the tank lets you choose between 0.9 GPF for liquids and 1.28 GPF for solids — a difference that adds up to thousands of gallons saved per year.
Features
- DYNAMAX TORNADO FLUSH® with 360° cleaning power — quieter and more thorough than standard TORNADO FLUSH
- Dual flush: 0.9 GPF (liquid waste) and 1.28 GPF (solid waste) via chrome center push button
- Fully skirted one-piece design with CEFIONTECT® glaze
- Universal Height, ADA compliant, and EPA WaterSense certified
- TOTO T40 WASHLET+ compatible; SoftClose SS234 seat included; adaptable to 10″, 12″, or 14″ rough-in
Pros
- Best water savings of the three — saves up to 4,250 gallons per year vs. 1.6 GPF toilets
- DYNAMAX TORNADO FLUSH is quieter and cleans more of the bowl surface than the standard version
- Full rough-in flexibility with 10″, 12″, and 14″ adapter options — great for renovations
- One-piece skirted design just as easy to clean as the Nexus
Cons
- Highest price point of the three
- Push-button dual flush can feel unfamiliar for users switching from a standard lever
- Heavier unit — may need two people for installation
- Premium features may be more than some buyers need for a straightforward bathroom upgrade
If you care about water bills, environmental impact, or simply want the most advanced toilet in this lineup, the Aquia IV delivers.
It’s also the ideal companion if you’re planning to pair it with a higher-end toilet and bidet combo setup.
Check its current price on Amazon
Flush Performance: TORNADO FLUSH vs DYNAMAX TORNADO FLUSH
All three toilets flush powerfully, but there’s a meaningful difference between the Drake and Nexus versus the Aquia IV.
The Drake and Nexus both use TOTO’s standard TORNADO FLUSH® — a dual-nozzle, rimless system that creates a strong centrifugal swirl to clean the bowl.
The Aquia IV steps it up with DYNAMAX TORNADO FLUSH®, which adds a 360° cleaning arc, covers more of the bowl surface, and operates more quietly than the standard system.
Winner: Aquia IV — the 360° DYNAMAX coverage and quieter operation make a real difference, especially in open-plan homes or at night.
Design and Cleaning Ease: One-Piece vs Two-Piece
The Drake’s two-piece design is the most traditional — you get a visible tank-to-bowl seam, a separate lid, and an exposed trapway.
That seam traps grime over time and requires extra effort to keep clean.
The Nexus and Aquia IV are both one-piece skirted toilets, meaning the tank and bowl are fused and the entire base is covered.
There are no gaps, no exposed trapway crevices, and no awkward spots behind the toilet that your mop can’t reach.
Winner: Nexus and Aquia IV (tied) — if cleaning simplicity matters to you, both one-piece models win hands down.
Water Efficiency: Single Flush vs Dual Flush
The Drake and Nexus both flush at a fixed 1.28 GPF — already WaterSense certified and well below the old 1.6 GPF standard.
The Aquia IV adds a second option: a 0.9 GPF flush for liquid waste, activated by one button press on the tank top.
TOTO estimates this dual-flush system saves an average household 9–12 gallons of water per day — roughly 4,250 gallons per year.
If you’re in a high water-cost area or simply want to reduce your household footprint, that adds up fast.
Winner: Aquia IV — no contest on water savings.
Seat Height and Comfort: Standard vs Universal
The Drake sits at standard height — lower to the floor, closer to a natural squatting posture, and typically better suited for shorter users or children.
Both the Nexus and Aquia IV use TOTO’s Universal Height — a slightly taller seat position that mirrors the height of a standard chair.
Universal Height is easier to sit down on and stand up from, which is why it’s typically recommended for adults, seniors, and anyone with knee or hip concerns.
If you’re looking for the best fit for an aging parent or someone with mobility needs, this matters — and it’s one reason the best bidets for seniors pair best with Universal Height toilets like the Nexus and Aquia IV.
Winner: Nexus and Aquia IV (tied) — Universal Height is the more comfortable long-term choice for most adults.
Value for Money: Which Gives You the Most?
The Drake is the budget leader — no question about it.
You get TOTO’s proven flushing technology, CEFIONTECT glaze, and full WASHLET compatibility at the lowest price point of the three.
The Nexus sits in the middle — you pay more, but you get a one-piece skirted design, Universal Height, and a SoftClose seat included.
The Aquia IV is the premium pick — the highest price, but also the best flushing system, dual flush water savings, rough-in adaptability, and a SoftClose seat.
Winner: Drake for budget buyers, Aquia IV for long-term value.
Verdict — Which One Should You Buy?
Buy the TOTO Drake if… you want a reliable, affordable, easy-to-install toilet that handles any bathroom without fuss.
It’s perfect for rental properties, second bathrooms, or anyone upgrading from an older low-efficiency toilet without wanting to spend a premium.
Its two-piece design also makes it simpler to transport and install solo, and it works with every TOTO WASHLET bidet seat on the market.
Buy the TOTO Nexus if… design and cleaning simplicity are your top priorities.
The skirted one-piece look makes your bathroom feel more modern and upscale, and the Universal Height makes daily use more comfortable.
It’s the right call for a primary bathroom remodel where aesthetics count.
Buy the TOTO Aquia IV if… you want the best overall toilet in this comparison.
The dual flush saves real money over time, the DYNAMAX flushing system is quieter and more effective, and the rough-in flexibility makes it ideal for renovation projects.
If you’re also planning to explore options like bidet toilets vs bidet seats, the Aquia IV’s WASHLET+ ready design makes it easy to build out a full smart bathroom setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which TOTO toilet is easiest to install — Drake, Nexus, or Aquia IV?
The Drake is easiest to install because it’s a two-piece toilet with a lighter, modular design — you carry the tank and bowl separately.
The Nexus and Aquia IV are heavier one-piece units that typically require two people to position and mount safely.
Q: Can I add a TOTO WASHLET bidet seat to any of these toilets?
Yes — all three are WASHLET+ ready, meaning they’re designed to work seamlessly with TOTO’s T40 WASHLET+ bidet seat lineup.
The supply cord and power connection are concealed within the toilet design for a clean, integrated look.
If you’re unsure which seat to pair with your new toilet, our guide to the best bidets for home use covers the top options at every price point.
Q: Is the dual flush on the Aquia IV harder to use than a standard lever?
Not at all — the Aquia IV uses a chrome push-button on top of the tank, with two clearly sized buttons.
The smaller button triggers the 0.9 GPF flush for liquid waste, and the larger button delivers the full 1.28 GPF flush for solids.
Most users adapt within the first day, and many find it more intuitive than a side lever once they’re used to it.
Q: Which toilet is best if I have a small bathroom?
All three fit a standard 12-inch rough-in, but the Aquia IV also adapts to 10″ and 14″ rough-ins with optional TOTO adapters — giving it the most installation flexibility.
The skirted bases of the Nexus and Aquia IV also make small bathrooms look less cluttered because there’s no exposed plumbing or trapway to draw the eye.
For more ideas on making the most of a compact bathroom setup, check out our guide to the best bidets for existing toilets.
Conclusion
All three of these TOTO toilets are excellent — you really can’t go wrong with any of them.
The TOTO Drake wins on price and simplicity — it’s a proven performer that delivers TOTO-quality flushing at the most accessible cost.
The TOTO Nexus wins on design and cleaning convenience — the one-piece skirted body is a major quality-of-life upgrade for anyone tired of scrubbing behind a traditional two-piece toilet.
The TOTO Aquia IV is the overall best pick — combining a sleek one-piece design, the most advanced flushing system, meaningful water savings, and the flexibility to fit almost any bathroom configuration.
If you’re building out a full smart bathroom with a WASHLET bidet seat, check out our roundup of the highest rated bidet toilets and best toilets with bidet seats to see how these models compare against the wider field.
Whichever TOTO toilet you choose, you’re getting Japanese engineering, water-saving performance, and a bathroom upgrade that will last for decades.
