A spec-driven head-to-head between two of TOTO's most popular toilets, the two-piece Drake and the one-piece UltraMax II, compared on published MaP flush-test scores, EPA WaterSense listings, manufacturer specifications and aggregated owner reviews, so you can pick the right TOTO for your bathroom, your budget and your drain line.
Research updated June 2026.
Buy the TOTO Drake if value matters most: it posts the same perfect 1,000 gram MaP score as the UltraMax II for less money, just in a two-piece body with an exposed trapway. Buy the UltraMax II if you want a sleek, easy-clean one-piece with a skirted look, a standard SoftClose seat, CeFiONtect glaze included and better water efficiency at 1.28 GPF, with no flush-power trade-off at all.
The TOTO Drake and the TOTO UltraMax II are two of the most recommended toilets the brand makes, and they show up constantly on shortlists for the best flushing toilets you can buy. They share the same maker, the same perfect 1,000 gram MaP flush score, and a lot of the same internal engineering. Yet they are built for different buyers. The Drake is a two-piece workhorse aimed at people who want the lowest price without giving up flush power. The UltraMax II is a one-piece designed for a cleaner look, easier cleaning and a more refined experience. Picking between them is less about which flushes harder, since neither does, and more about which fits what you value in design, water use and price.
This comparison does not rely on marketing. It lines up published TOTO specifications, MaP (Maximum Performance) flush-test gram scores, EPA WaterSense listings, trapway and flush-valve dimensions, bowl heights and the patterns in aggregated owner reviews. Both toilets top out at the same 1,000 gram MaP score, so the real separation comes from the details: water use, shape, cleaning, seat and price. For the broadest cross-brand ranking of flush power, the pillar guide to the best flushing toilets places both TOTO models alongside Kohler, American Standard, Woodbridge and Gerber. This page stays focused on the Drake versus UltraMax II decision.
We do not test toilets in a lab. We compare manufacturer specifications, published MaP flush-test gram scores, EPA WaterSense listings, flush-valve and trapway dimensions, bowl height, glaze and trim features and aggregated owner ratings across major retailers. Where one model clearly suits a use case better, we say so plainly rather than crowning a single universal winner.
A side-by-side look at the two toilets in their most common, widely sold configurations: the Drake with the elongated 1.6 GPF bowl and the UltraMax II at 1.28 GPF, both elongated and comfort height. Higher MaP grams means more waste cleared per flush. The tinted cell shows which model tends to lead on that row.
| Spec | TOTO Drake | TOTO UltraMax II |
|---|---|---|
| MaP flush score | 1,000 g (1.6 GPF) | 1,000 g (1.28 GPF) |
| Water per flush (GPF) | 1.6 gal (1.28 option) | 1.28 gal |
| Flush system | G-Max siphon jet | Double Cyclone |
| Trapway diameter | 2.125 in (fully glazed) | 2.125 in (fully glazed) |
| One or two piece | Two piece | One piece |
| Skirted design | No (exposed trapway) | Yes (concealed) |
| Bowl shape | Elongated | Elongated |
| Bowl height | Universal Height (chair height) | Universal Height (chair height) |
| Seat included | Often sold separately | SoftClose seat included |
| CeFiONtect glaze | Available on select models | Standard |
| Rough-in | 12 in | 12 in |
| WaterSense certified | Yes (1.28 version) | Yes |
| Typical owner rating | 4.7 / 5 | 4.7 / 5 |
The table shows where these two TOTO models genuinely diverge, and flush power is not one of them. The Drake in its 1.6 GPF form posts a perfect 1,000 gram MaP score, the highest in the test, which is why it is a fixture on best-flushing lists. The UltraMax II runs at 1.28 GPF and matches that same 1,000 gram MaP score, reaching the maximum rating while using noticeably less water per flush. What actually separates them is everything around the flush: the UltraMax II hides its trapway behind a skirted one-piece body that is far easier to wipe down, and ships with a SoftClose seat and TOTO's CeFiONtect glaze as standard, while the Drake is a two-piece with an exposed trapway and a lower price. Both share the same fully glazed 2.125 inch trapway and the same comfort-height elongated bowl, so the everyday feel of sitting and clearing waste is very close. The decision is essentially value and raw water use versus one-piece design, cleaning and included features.
The Drake is the pick when top-tier flush performance and proven reliability matter, but you do not want to pay a one-piece premium for it.
The Drake's headline is its flush. The 1.6 GPF version uses TOTO's G-Max siphon system with a large 3 inch flush valve and a wide siphon jet, and it earns a perfect 1,000 gram MaP score, the maximum the test awards. That means it reliably clears a large solid load in one flush, which is exactly why plumbers and high-traffic households favor it. The UltraMax II matches that same 1,000 gram ceiling on 1.28 GPF, so the Drake's real advantage is not raw flush power, it is that you get the identical top-tier score while costing noticeably less than the one-piece. If maximum flush performance for the lowest price is your top priority, the Drake wins this matchup on value, not on grams.
Because the Drake is a two-piece, the tank and bowl ship and install separately, which makes it lighter to carry, easier to maneuver up stairs and simpler to service. Its G-Max flush valve and fill valve are among the most common TOTO parts in circulation, so flappers, seals and internals are easy to source years down the line. Owner reviews consistently praise the Drake's longevity and trouble-free operation, and the model has been in production long enough that its reliability is well documented. For a rental, a busy family bathroom or anyone who wants the least fussy long-term ownership, the Drake is the practical choice.
If you are choosing on flush performance alone, the Drake and UltraMax II are a dead heat, both at 1,000 grams, so the 1.6 GPF Drake wins on price rather than power and is the value champion of TOTO's lineup. The only reason to look past it is that the exposed trapway and seam between tank and bowl take more effort to clean, and you usually buy the seat separately. For a guest bath or a showpiece, that is where the UltraMax II earns its premium.
The UltraMax II is the pick when a refined look, simpler cleaning, water efficiency and an included soft-close seat matter to you, all without giving up any flush power versus the Drake.
The UltraMax II is a one-piece with a skirted, concealed trapway, which removes the two biggest dirt traps on a conventional toilet: the seam where the tank meets the bowl, and the contoured ridges of an exposed trapway. The smooth sides wipe down in seconds. On top of that, TOTO's CeFiONtect glaze comes standard, an ultra-smooth ceramic finish that gives waste and minerals less to cling to, so the bowl stays cleaner between scrubs. The Drake can be ordered with CeFiONtect on select models, but on the UltraMax II it is part of the package. For anyone who hates cleaning toilets, this model is built to minimize it.
At 1.28 GPF, the UltraMax II uses 20 percent less water than the standard 1.6 GPF Drake, and it carries the EPA WaterSense label for that efficiency. Over years of use that adds up on a water bill, and it qualifies for rebates in regions that offer them. The UltraMax II also uses TOTO's Double Cyclone flush, which sends water through two nozzles rather than a rim of holes to create a strong, efficient swirl with less water. Visually, the seamless one-piece body sits lower and looks more deliberate in a finished bathroom. For a powder room, a master bath or a remodel where appearance counts, the UltraMax II is the more elegant choice.
If you love the Drake's flush power but want a 1.28 GPF version, TOTO sells the Drake in a WaterSense-certified 1.28 GPF configuration that pairs the proven two-piece body with lower water use. And if you want a one-piece with even stronger flushing than the UltraMax II, look at the Double Cyclone-equipped Drake II. Check current options on Amazon: TOTO Drake 1.28 GPF and TOTO Drake II.
Both are excellent TOTO toilets with the same comfort-height elongated bowl and the same fully glazed 2.125 inch trapway. Here is each one broken down on its own terms.
The Drake's 1.6 GPF version posts a perfect 1,000 gram MaP score, matching the UltraMax II's ceiling, and costs less, making it the value flush-power champion of the TOTO line.
The Drake uses TOTO's long-proven G-Max flush, a gravity siphon system with a large flush valve and a wide jet that pulls waste through the fully glazed 2.125 inch trapway with real force. Aggregated owner reviews lean strongly positive, repeatedly citing few or no clogs and years of trouble-free use.
The trade-offs are cosmetic and minor. The two-piece body has an exposed trapway and a tank-to-bowl seam that take more effort to clean, and on most configurations the seat is sold separately. If you can live with that, you are getting one of the strongest flushes available for the money.
For a main bathroom that has to handle heavy daily use without callbacks, the 1.6 GPF Drake is the safe, smart buy. If your area restricts you to 1.28 GPF or you want the water savings, order the 1.28 GPF Drake instead and you keep most of the flush power with less water.
The UltraMax II is a skirted one-piece that hides its trapway, ships with a SoftClose seat and CeFiONtect glaze, and uses just 1.28 GPF while still posting a perfect 1,000 gram MaP flush.
The UltraMax II uses TOTO's Double Cyclone flush, which routes water through two powerful nozzles instead of a ring of rim holes, creating a tight, efficient swirl that cleans the bowl well on only 1.28 gallons. CeFiONtect glaze and the skirted body make it one of the lowest-maintenance toilets to keep spotless, a point owner reviews mention often.
The catch is that a one-piece is heavier to install and harder to maneuver, and it costs more than the Drake. What it does not give up is flush power: at 1,000 grams its MaP score matches the Drake's ceiling exactly, so heavy-load households do not need to compromise on clog resistance to get the one-piece look.
The UltraMax II is the toilet to buy when the bathroom is part of the design. The seamless body, included soft-close seat and easy-clean glaze make it feel like a more finished, premium fixture than the Drake, and it does this without sacrificing a single gram of flush power versus the Drake's 1.6 GPF version. Pay the premium for the look and the lower cleaning effort, since flush strength is not the trade-off it used to be.
The exact questions buyers search before choosing between these two TOTO toilets, answered directly.
Flush strength is measured by MaP, the Maximum Performance test that records how many grams of solid waste a toilet clears in a single flush. The Drake's G-Max siphon and large 3 inch flush valve earn the maximum 1,000 gram rating, and the UltraMax II's Double Cyclone system matches that same 1,000 gram ceiling. Since the scores are identical, there is no headroom advantage either way; the practical difference is that the UltraMax II hits the same number using less water per flush.
If you measure value as flush performance for the price, the Drake wins clearly. It delivers TOTO's top flush, tied with the UltraMax II, at the lowest price in the lineup. The UltraMax II is not overpriced, but its premium pays for design, easier cleaning, water efficiency and the included seat rather than for more flushing power, since the flush power is already equal. Decide which of those benefits you actually want before paying the difference.
One-piece toilets have no seam between tank and bowl, so there are fewer crevices to trap grime, and the UltraMax II's skirted body makes it even easier to wipe down. Two-piece toilets ship in separate, lighter boxes, install more easily in tight spaces and up stairs, and cost less. For a deeper look at this trade-off across brands, the dedicated breakdown of one-piece versus two-piece designs covers it, but between these two specific models the choice is the Drake for value and the UltraMax II for cleaning and style.
MaP testing measures grams of waste cleared in one flush, and experts generally consider 350 grams the minimum for acceptable performance, 500 to 600 grams good, and 800 grams and up excellent. A 1,000 gram score means a toilet clears essentially any realistic household load in one flush. By that standard both the Drake and the UltraMax II sit at the top of the scale, so flushing will not be a weak point with either.
The rough-in is the distance from the finished wall to the center of the drain, and 12 inches is standard. Both the Drake and the UltraMax II are built for that dimension, use a 12-inch rough-in, and share the same comfort-height elongated bowl, so swapping one for the other in an existing layout is straightforward. Measure your rough-in before ordering, since a mismatch is the most common reason a new toilet does not fit.
No TOTO comparison is complete without the brands TOTO is measured against.
TOTO is widely regarded as the benchmark for flush engineering, and both the Drake and the UltraMax II are reasons why. Against Kohler, the design and finish leader, TOTO tends to win on flush data while Kohler competes on styling, and the TOTO vs Kohler comparison breaks that matchup down in full. Kohler's own popular models face off in the Kohler Highline vs Cimarron comparison. On the value side, American Standard and Gerber post strong MaP scores for less money, and the Kohler vs American Standard comparison and the American Standard Champion 4 vs Cadet 3 comparison show how those mainstream options stack up. Brands like Woodbridge, Swiss Madison and Gerber round out the budget and value tiers. Among all of them, TOTO's Drake and UltraMax II remain two of the most consistently recommended single-flush performers.
If you are cross-shopping brands and flush power is the deciding factor, the 1.6 GPF Drake is hard to beat at its price, rivaling pressure-assisted models without the noise. If you want a premium one-piece and are comparing against Kohler's Santa Rosa or American Standard's skirted models, the UltraMax II's CeFiONtect glaze and Double Cyclone flush give it a real edge in cleaning and efficiency.
The decision comes down to a few clear trade-offs. Work through these and the right TOTO becomes obvious.
Pick the Drake if value is your top priority, if the toilet goes in a busy main or family bathroom, if you want the easiest model to service and find parts for, or if you are buying for a rental or a build where price matters. The 1.6 GPF version gives you the maximum 1,000 gram MaP flush for the lowest price, and the 1.28 GPF version keeps that same score while meeting water-efficiency rules. You give up the seamless look and usually buy the seat separately, but you are not giving up any flush power to save money.
Pick the UltraMax II if the bathroom is part of the design, if you want the easiest toilet to keep clean, if water efficiency and a quiet, refined flush matter, or if you want a soft-close seat and premium glaze included without buying extras. The skirted one-piece body and CeFiONtect glaze cut down cleaning time, and the 1.28 GPF Double Cyclone flush matches the Drake's full 1,000 gram MaP score while using less water. You pay more for the design and included features, not to make up for weaker flushing.
Whichever you choose, you get the same comfort-height elongated bowl, the same fully glazed 2.125 inch trapway that resists clogs, the same TOTO build quality and reliability, and the same strong owner ratings. Both are easy single-flush toilets that clear waste well and last for years. There is no bad outcome here, only the one that fits your bathroom.
For most buyers replacing a tired toilet in a working bathroom, the 1.6 GPF Drake is the recommendation: the same top flush power as the UltraMax II, at the lowest price, and easiest to live with. Reserve the UltraMax II for the bathroom you actually look at and clean often, where its seamless body and easy-clean glaze justify the extra cost, not because it flushes any harder. Match the model to the room, not the other way around.
Both are among the best toilets TOTO makes, and you cannot go wrong with either. Both post a perfect 1,000 gram MaP score, so the split is not about flush power at all: the Drake is the value champion, reaching that same maximum score in its 1.6 GPF form for the lowest price in the comparison, ideal for high-traffic bathrooms, rentals and anyone who wants top-tier performance per dollar. The UltraMax II is the design, cleaning and efficiency pick, a skirted one-piece with CeFiONtect glaze, a Double Cyclone flush that matches the Drake's flush score on less water, an included SoftClose seat and 1.28 GPF water use, ideal for finished bathrooms where looks and low maintenance matter. Decide whether you are buying value or buying refinement, and the choice makes itself. Whichever you pick, you get the same top-tier flush, a fully glazed 2.125 inch trapway, comfort-height elongated bowl and TOTO reliability.
For the best value on a perfect 1,000 gram flush, buy the TOTO Drake and start with the 1.6 GPF version, or the 1.28 GPF Drake if you want the water savings. For a sleek, easy-clean one-piece with the identical 1,000 gram flush, an included soft-close seat and premium glaze, buy the UltraMax II. Both clear waste reliably at the maximum MaP rating, both carry strong owner ratings, and both deliver TOTO's proven engineering. Choose the Drake for price, the UltraMax II for refinement.
They flush equally well. The Drake's 1.6 GPF version posts a perfect 1,000 gram MaP score, the highest the test awards, thanks to TOTO's G-Max siphon and a large 3 inch flush valve. The UltraMax II posts the same 1,000 grams at 1.28 GPF, reaching the identical maximum score on less water. Both clear waste reliably for everyday use with equal headroom for heavy loads.
The Drake is usually the cheaper of the two. It is a two-piece, which costs less to make and ship, and it often does not include the seat. The UltraMax II is a one-piece with a SoftClose seat and CeFiONtect glaze included as standard, so it carries a higher price. Prices change often and both go on sale, so check the current price on Amazon for each before deciding.
Yes. The UltraMax II ships with TOTO's SoftClose seat included in the box, which closes slowly and quietly rather than slamming. The Drake, by contrast, is most often sold without a seat, so you buy one separately. That included seat is part of what justifies the UltraMax II's higher price, since a quality TOTO seat is an added cost on the Drake.
G-Max, used in the Drake, is a gravity siphon system with a large flush valve and a wide jet that delivers maximum flush power, which is why the 1.6 GPF Drake hits a 1,000 gram MaP score. Double Cyclone, used in the UltraMax II, sends water through two nozzles instead of rim holes to create an efficient swirl that reaches the same 1,000 gram score on just 1.28 gallons. G-Max delivers its power with more water, Double Cyclone delivers equal power more efficiently and adds bowl-cleaning action.
Yes. TOTO offers the Drake in a WaterSense-certified 1.28 GPF configuration in addition to the classic 1.6 GPF model. The 1.28 GPF Drake uses less water and meets stricter efficiency rules while keeping the proven two-piece body and most of the flush strength. If you like the Drake but want lower water use, the 1.28 GPF version is the one to buy.
The UltraMax II is WaterSense certified because it uses 1.28 GPF, which meets the EPA's efficiency standard of 1.28 gallons or less. The Drake's 1.28 GPF version is also WaterSense certified, but the standard 1.6 GPF Drake is not, since it uses more than the WaterSense threshold. If certification and water rebates matter to you, choose the UltraMax II or the 1.28 GPF Drake.
The UltraMax II is easier to clean. As a skirted one-piece it has no tank-to-bowl seam and a smooth concealed trapway, so there are far fewer crevices to trap grime, and CeFiONtect glaze comes standard to keep the bowl smooth. The Drake's two-piece body has an exposed trapway and a seam that take more effort to wipe down. For minimal cleaning effort, the UltraMax II is the clear winner.
The Drake is easier to install. As a two-piece it ships in separate, lighter boxes, so the tank and bowl are easier to carry, maneuver in a tight bathroom and lift up stairs. The UltraMax II is a single heavy one-piece that takes two people to position safely. Both use a standard 12-inch rough-in and bolt down the same way, so the difference is mainly weight and handling.
Yes. Both the Drake and the UltraMax II in their common configurations use TOTO's Universal Height, a comfort or chair height that sits taller than a standard toilet and is easier on the knees, and both use an elongated bowl for more sitting room. So the everyday seated experience is essentially identical between the two. The differences are in the flush, the body style and the water use, not the ergonomics.
They are equally good at preventing clogs. Both share a fully glazed 2.125 inch trapway, which is wide and smooth so waste passes through easily, and both post the identical 1,000 gram MaP score, the maximum the test measures. Neither has a headroom advantage over the other for heavy loads, so pick based on price and design rather than clog resistance.
CeFiONtect is an ultra-smooth ceramic glaze that gives waste, minerals and bacteria less to cling to, so the bowl stays cleaner between scrubs and needs less water and effort to rinse clean. It is standard on the UltraMax II and available on select Drake models. It does not replace cleaning, but owner reviews consistently note that glazed bowls stay cleaner longer. If low maintenance matters, it is a worthwhile feature.
Both are gravity-fed siphon toilets, so they are quiet compared with pressure-assisted models. The UltraMax II's Double Cyclone flush is often described as a smooth, quiet swirl, while the Drake's G-Max flush is a touch more forceful and noticeable but still far quieter than a pressure-assist toilet. Neither will be jarring in a normal bathroom, so noise is not a strong reason to pick one over the other.
Yes. TOTO is a major brand with widely available replacement parts, and the Drake in particular uses the very common G-Max flush valve and fill valve, so flappers, seals and internals are easy to source for years. The UltraMax II's parts are also readily available through retailers and TOTO's network. As a two-piece with the most common internals, the Drake is marginally easier to service over its lifetime.
The Drake. Its lower price, easy two-piece installation and simple serviceability make it the practical choice for rentals, basements, busy family bathrooms and any space that sees heavy use, without any compromise on flush power since it matches the UltraMax II's 1,000 gram score. The maximum-rated flush minimizes clog callbacks, and replacement parts are easy to find. Save the UltraMax II for a finished bathroom where appearance and easy cleaning matter more than cost.
The UltraMax II. Its seamless skirted one-piece body, included SoftClose seat, CeFiONtect glaze and efficient 1.28 GPF flush make it feel like a more finished, premium fixture, which suits a master bath, a powder room or a remodel where the toilet is on display. The 1,000 gram flush matches the Drake's maximum score, so residential performance is never in question. You pay more, but you get a cleaner look and less cleaning effort, not more flushing power.
Yes. The standard Drake uses the 1.6 GPF G-Max flush (with a 1.28 GPF option), while the Drake II is a fully redesigned two-piece that uses the 1.28 GPF Double Cyclone flush and a lower-profile tank. The Drake II is closer to the UltraMax II in flush technology and water use but in a two-piece body. If you want Double Cyclone efficiency in a two-piece, the Drake II is the model to compare.
Against Kohler, TOTO generally leads on flush data while Kohler competes on styling, and against American Standard and Gerber, both TOTO models flush as hard or harder but cost more. TOTO is widely treated as the flush-engineering benchmark, and the Drake and UltraMax II are two reasons why. For value buyers, mainstream brands offer strong MaP scores for less, but for proven single-flush performance TOTO is hard to beat.
Both are offered primarily in Cotton White, with select finishes such as Colonial White, Sedona Beige and Ebony available on some configurations depending on the model and retailer. White is the most common and most widely stocked choice for both. If you need a specific color to match an existing bathroom, confirm the finish is available for the exact model and configuration before ordering.
How we rank & our data sources
We do not run physical lab tests. Rankings are built from published, verifiable data and real owner feedback, never paid placement.
Researched by Marcus Bell · Last updated August 14, 2026 · Our review method
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