Short answer: Buy the TOTO Aquia IV if you want a dual-flush toilet at a lower price. Buy the TOTO Nexus if you want a one-piece toilet with a simpler, easier-to-wipe design.
The TOTO Aquia vs Nexus debate comes down to flush options, shape and budget. Both use TOTO's Tornado Flush and the same easy-clean glaze. Nobody enjoys scrubbing, so that matters.
This guide compares real specs from TOTO product listings at major retailers. We use no guesswork. Where a fact is unclear, we say so.
Who This Comparison Is For
You may be replacing an old toilet or planning a bathroom upgrade. Either way, you want a toilet that flushes well and fits your space.
Before you compare, confirm these three basics:
- Your rough-in distance (the wall-to-drain measurement).
- Your available depth and clearance in front of the bowl.
- Whether you plan to add a bidet seat later.
TOTO Aquia vs Nexus at a Glance
This table uses the Aquia IV (the current Aquia line) and the one-piece Nexus. Listings come from retailers that sell TOTO products.
| Feature | TOTO Aquia IV | TOTO Nexus |
|---|---|---|
| Flush type | Dual flush: 1.28 and 0.9 GPF (some kits list 0.8) | Single flush: 1.28 GPF |
| Flush system | Dynamax Tornado Flush | Tornado Flush |
| Design | Two-piece or one-piece, fully skirted | One-piece, skirted |
| Rough-in | 12" (10" or 14" with adapter) | 12" (14" optional) |
| Bidet seat | WASHLET+ compatible | WASHLET+ compatible |
| Auto flush | Ready on select models | Compatible |
| Warranty listed | 1 year limited | 1 year limited |
Sources: Aquia IV listing (Walmart), Everflow Bidets, and Bidet King.
Flush Performance and Water Use
How the Tornado Flush works
TOTO describes Tornado Flush as a hole-free rim with two nozzles. The nozzles create a centrifugal, cyclonic rinse. This design aims to clean the bowl in one flush, according to Ferguson's TOTO listing.
Water use compared
The EPA says toilets can use 1.28 gallons per flush or less. That is 20 percent below the 1.6 GPF federal standard, per the EPA WaterSense toilet page.
The same page notes dual-flush users can save more with the reduced setting. That is the Aquia's real edge. The Nexus offers one flush volume only.
Noise
TOTO says the Aquia IV's inner bowl design reduces water flow resistance and turbulence. The result is a quieter flush, per Everflow's product page. We found no decibel test for either toilet, so treat that as a manufacturer claim.
Design, Size and Cleaning
- Aquia IV (two-piece): 15.6" wide, 27.6" deep, and 29.6" tall including the tank, per Dimensions.com.
- Nexus (one-piece): 17.5" wide, 28.56" deep, and 27" tall, per Staples Advantage.
- Cleaning: Both are skirted, so the side of the base is smooth. Fewer crevices mean fewer places for grime.
- Leaks: A one-piece toilet has no tank bolts or gasket to fail, per Bay Plumbing Supply.
The Aquia IV is slimmer and a little shorter in depth. That helps in tight bathrooms. The Nexus is wider but its one-piece body is easy to wipe down.
Pack a measuring tape before you shop. Minimum clearance in front of a toilet is 24 inches, and 36 inches is recommended, per Dimensions.com.
Shared Technology: CEFIONTECT and WASHLET+
Both toilets offer CEFIONTECT on select models. TOTO describes it as a ceramic glaze that stops waste from sticking. Check the model code, because not every version includes it.
Both also work with TOTO WASHLET+ bidet seats. The Aquia IV may need adapter 9AU321-A when you install a WASHLET, per Everflow. The Nexus lists WASHLET+ compatibility out of the box.
Price: What You Actually Pay
Prices change daily, so treat these as examples. They come from retailer listings seen during research.
| Model | Listing type | Example price |
|---|---|---|
| Aquia IV CST446CEMG | Two-piece with seat | $687.80 |
| Aquia IV CT446CEGN | Bowl only (listed on sale) | $367.83 |
| Nexus MS642124CEFG | One-piece with seat | $1,188.00 |
| Nexus MS442124CEFG | Two-piece with seat | $848.70 |
Source: Walmart marketplace listings. Third-party sellers set these prices. Compare them with TOTO dealers before buying.
The pattern is clear. The Aquia IV usually costs less. A one-piece Nexus costs more for its sleeker build.
Pros and Cons
TOTO Aquia IV
- Pros: Dual flush, lower example price, slimmer profile.
- Cons: Two-piece versions have a tank seam to clean. The bidet adapter may be extra.
TOTO Nexus
- Pros: One-piece look, no tank leak points, Auto Flush compatible.
- Cons: Single flush only. Higher example price.
Which One Should You Buy?
Use this quick checklist.
- Choose the Aquia IV if you want to save water with a reduced flush.
- Choose the Aquia IV if your budget is tight.
- Choose the Nexus if you prefer a one-piece toilet.
- Choose the Nexus if you hate cleaning around bolts and seams.
- Choose either if you plan to add a WASHLET+ later.
A good toilet is not glamorous. It just needs to work every single day. Both of these do that job well.
Cost Savings Worth Knowing
The EPA says the average family can save $170 per year by replacing old toilets with WaterSense models. See the EPA WaterSense page.
TOTO lists the Aquia IV as meeting WaterSense standards. We did not find a WaterSense claim on the Nexus listings we reviewed. Check the product label or the EPA database before buying.
Planning Your Bathroom Upgrade
A new toilet often sits inside a larger project. These guides may help:
- A Guide to Planning a Stress-Free Home Renovation
- Why More Homeowners Are Ditching Their Bathtubs for Showers
- Home Renovation Ideas for More Functional Living Space
- Why a Deep Cleaning Session Might Be the Reset Your Home Needs
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the TOTO Aquia better than the Nexus?
Neither wins everywhere. The Aquia IV offers dual flush and usually costs less. The Nexus offers a one-piece design.
Does the TOTO Nexus have dual flush?
No. The Nexus listings we reviewed show a single 1.28 GPF flush.
What rough-in do both toilets need?
Both ship for a 12-inch rough-in. The Aquia IV can adapt to 10 or 14 inches with a separate part. The Nexus lists 14 inches as optional.
Can I add a bidet seat to either toilet?
Yes. Both list WASHLET+ compatibility. Confirm the exact model and any adapter first.
How long is the warranty?
Retailer listings for both show a one-year limited warranty. Read TOTO's current terms before you buy.
Sources
Short answer: Buy the TOTO Aquia IV if you want a dual-flush toilet at a lower price. Buy the TOTO Nexus if you want a one-piece toilet with a simpler, easier-to-wipe design.
The TOTO Aquia vs Nexus debate comes down to flush options, shape and budget. Both use TOTO's Tornado Flush and the same easy-clean glaze. Nobody enjoys scrubbing, so that matters.
This guide compares real specs from TOTO product listings at major retailers. We use no guesswork. Where a fact is unclear, we say so.
Who This Comparison Is For
You may be replacing an old toilet or planning a bathroom upgrade. Either way, you want a toilet that flushes well and fits your space.
Before you compare, confirm these three basics:
- Your rough-in distance (the wall-to-drain measurement).
- Your available depth and clearance in front of the bowl.
- Whether you plan to add a bidet seat later.
TOTO Aquia vs Nexus at a Glance
This table uses the Aquia IV (the current Aquia line) and the one-piece Nexus. Listings come from retailers that sell TOTO products.
| Feature | TOTO Aquia IV | TOTO Nexus |
|---|---|---|
| Flush type | Dual flush: 1.28 and 0.9 GPF (some kits list 0.8) | Single flush: 1.28 GPF |
| Flush system | Dynamax Tornado Flush | Tornado Flush |
| Design | Two-piece or one-piece, fully skirted | One-piece, skirted |
| Rough-in | 12" (10" or 14" with adapter) | 12" (14" optional) |
| Bidet seat | WASHLET+ compatible | WASHLET+ compatible |
| Auto flush | Ready on select models | Compatible |
| Warranty listed | 1 year limited | 1 year limited |
Sources: Aquia IV listing (Walmart), Everflow Bidets, and Bidet King.
Flush Performance and Water Use
How the Tornado Flush works
TOTO describes Tornado Flush as a hole-free rim with two nozzles. The nozzles create a centrifugal, cyclonic rinse. This design aims to clean the bowl in one flush, according to Ferguson's TOTO listing.
Water use compared
The EPA says toilets can use 1.28 gallons per flush or less. That is 20 percent below the 1.6 GPF federal standard, per the EPA WaterSense toilet page.
The same page notes dual-flush users can save more with the reduced setting. That is the Aquia's real edge. The Nexus offers one flush volume only.
Noise
TOTO says the Aquia IV's inner bowl design reduces water flow resistance and turbulence. The result is a quieter flush, per Everflow's product page. We found no decibel test for either toilet, so treat that as a manufacturer claim.
Design, Size and Cleaning
- Aquia IV (two-piece): 15.6" wide, 27.6" deep, and 29.6" tall including the tank, per Dimensions.com.
- Nexus (one-piece): 17.5" wide, 28.56" deep, and 27" tall, per Staples Advantage.
- Cleaning: Both are skirted, so the side of the base is smooth. Fewer crevices mean fewer places for grime.
- Leaks: A one-piece toilet has no tank bolts or gasket to fail, per Bay Plumbing Supply.
The Aquia IV is slimmer and a little shorter in depth. That helps in tight bathrooms. The Nexus is wider but its one-piece body is easy to wipe down.
Pack a measuring tape before you shop. Minimum clearance in front of a toilet is 24 inches, and 36 inches is recommended, per Dimensions.com.
Shared Technology: CEFIONTECT and WASHLET+
Both toilets offer CEFIONTECT on select models. TOTO describes it as a ceramic glaze that stops waste from sticking. Check the model code, because not every version includes it.
Both also work with TOTO WASHLET+ bidet seats. The Aquia IV may need adapter 9AU321-A when you install a WASHLET, per Everflow. The Nexus lists WASHLET+ compatibility out of the box.
Price: What You Actually Pay
Prices change daily, so treat these as examples. They come from retailer listings seen during research.
| Model | Listing type | Example price |
|---|---|---|
| Aquia IV CST446CEMG | Two-piece with seat | $687.80 |
| Aquia IV CT446CEGN | Bowl only (listed on sale) | $367.83 |
| Nexus MS642124CEFG | One-piece with seat | $1,188.00 |
| Nexus MS442124CEFG | Two-piece with seat | $848.70 |
Source: Walmart marketplace listings. Third-party sellers set these prices. Compare them with TOTO dealers before buying.
The pattern is clear. The Aquia IV usually costs less. A one-piece Nexus costs more for its sleeker build.
Pros and Cons
TOTO Aquia IV
- Pros: Dual flush, lower example price, slimmer profile.
- Cons: Two-piece versions have a tank seam to clean. The bidet adapter may be extra.
TOTO Nexus
- Pros: One-piece look, no tank leak points, Auto Flush compatible.
- Cons: Single flush only. Higher example price.
Which One Should You Buy?
Use this quick checklist.
- Choose the Aquia IV if you want to save water with a reduced flush.
- Choose the Aquia IV if your budget is tight.
- Choose the Nexus if you prefer a one-piece toilet.
- Choose the Nexus if you hate cleaning around bolts and seams.
- Choose either if you plan to add a WASHLET+ later.
A good toilet is not glamorous. It just needs to work every single day. Both of these do that job well.
Cost Savings Worth Knowing
The EPA says the average family can save $170 per year by replacing old toilets with WaterSense models. See the EPA WaterSense page.
TOTO lists the Aquia IV as meeting WaterSense standards. We did not find a WaterSense claim on the Nexus listings we reviewed. Check the product label or the EPA database before buying.
Planning Your Bathroom Upgrade
A new toilet often sits inside a larger project. These guides may help:
- A Guide to Planning a Stress-Free Home Renovation
- Why More Homeowners Are Ditching Their Bathtubs for Showers
- Home Renovation Ideas for More Functional Living Space
- Why a Deep Cleaning Session Might Be the Reset Your Home Needs
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the TOTO Aquia better than the Nexus?
Neither wins everywhere. The Aquia IV offers dual flush and usually costs less. The Nexus offers a one-piece design.
Does the TOTO Nexus have dual flush?
No. The Nexus listings we reviewed show a single 1.28 GPF flush.
What rough-in do both toilets need?
Both ship for a 12-inch rough-in. The Aquia IV can adapt to 10 or 14 inches with a separate part. The Nexus lists 14 inches as optional.
Can I add a bidet seat to either toilet?
Yes. Both list WASHLET+ compatibility. Confirm the exact model and any adapter first.
How long is the warranty?
Retailer listings for both show a one-year limited warranty. Read TOTO's current terms before you buy.
Sources
