[3] Suggestions for making a larger vehicle were turned down by Ono, citing their expertise in developing kei cars.

[16] It is built on Daihatsu's DNGA platform and internally grouped as an A-segment vehicle, positioned below the Yaris Cross.

With its width under 1.7 metres (66.9 in), the Japanese-spec Rocky is compliant with the Japanese government's dimension regulations regarding compact cars which reduce tax liability.

Daihatsu invested Rp 1.7 trillion for the production tooling for their Karawang assembly plant, achieving around 70 percent of locally produced parts.

Astra Daihatsu Styling (ADS) package and Advanced Safety Assist (ASA) driver-assistance system are also available as an option.

[15] The name Raize is derived from a combination of the words rise and raise, which according to Toyota, signifies an "active car that energises everyday life".

In November 2021, similar to the Rocky, the 1KR-VET engine option for regular front-wheel drive models was replaced by the WA-VE unit.

[26] The Raize is exported to various Asian markets, including Cambodia,[27] Brunei,[28] Vietnam,[29] the UAE,[30] Kuwait,[31] Oman.

[33] The Raize is available in some Latin America markets, as Mexico,[34] where it is only available in a single grade, XLE with a 1KR-VET engine, mated to either a 5-speed manual or a CVT.

Sharing the identical styling (except emblems) with the Rocky, it is offered in G and Z grade levels with a WA-VE engine mated to a CVT.

This is due to the distinct design of the bumpers and a different suspension setup specific to the Ativa which rode higher and firmer.

In D-CVT, unlike traditional units, the transmission does not rely solely on belt drive, but also combining it with split gears.

Daihatsu claimed the D-CVT was the world's first split-gear CVT system and would achieve improved fuel efficiency, acceleration feel and quietness.

[45] For the hybrid-electric variant, the WA-VEX engine acts as a generator for the E1A electric motor that is mechanically connected to the driving wheels, which produces 78 kW (105 hp; 106 PS) and 170 N⋅m (130 lb⋅ft) of torque.

The company stated that the affected units may have had a faulty ECU that may see "improper power generation", in which the internal combustion engine could stop while the vehicle is being driven.

[50] In March 2022, another recall was issued for the Indonesian market Rocky and Raize, which both models received improper welding on the front fender aprons.