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Toilet Comparison

American Standard Champion 4 Toilet vs Kohler Highline Two-Piece Toilet: Which Should You Buy?

Side-by-side spec comparison, flush power data and real owner feedback.

Winner for most people

American Standard Champion 4 Toilet

With a MaP score of 1000g versus 800g, the Champion 4 delivers superior flush power for heavy waste. Its 2-3/8-inch trapway and included seat make it a better value for no-clog performance.

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SpecChampion 4Kohler Highline
MaP Score1000g800g
GPF1.61.28
Flush SystemPiston action acceleratorClass Five flush
Trapway2-3/8-inch fully glazed2.375-inch fully glazed
HeightChair height (16.5 in)Comfort height (17 in)
Rough-In12-inch12-inch
Seat IncludedYesNo
WaterSenseNoYes
WarrantyLimited lifetimeLimited lifetime
Overall Edge→ Champion 4 for flush power and value

American Standard Champion 4 Toilet

MaP Score1000g
GPF1.6
Trapway2-3/8-inch fully glazed
SeatIncluded
WaterSenseNo

Pros

  • Exceptional 1000g MaP score handles heavy waste easily
  • 2-3/8-inch fully glazed trapway prevents clogs
  • Chair height (16.5 in) is comfortable for most adults
  • Seat included, saving you money

Cons

  • Not WaterSense certified, uses 1.6 GPF
  • Piston action flush can be louder than some

The American Standard Champion 4 is built around a simple premise: flush anything without clogging. Its piston action accelerator flush system moves water quickly through a 2-3/8-inch trapway, which is significantly larger than the industry standard. The 1000g MaP score means it can clear a full pound of waste in a single flush, making it a top choice for households with heavy usage.

At 1.6 gallons per flush, it is not the most water-efficient option on the market. However, the trade-off is reliability. Many owners report years of trouble-free operation, and the included seat adds to the overall value. The limited lifetime warranty provides peace of mind for long-term ownership.

Expert Take

The Champion 4 is the clear winner for flush power. Its 1000g MaP score and 2-3/8-inch trapway make it one of the most clog-resistant toilets available.

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Kohler Highline Two-Piece Toilet

MaP Score800g
GPF1.28
Trapway2.375-inch
SeatNot Included
WaterSenseYes

Pros

  • WaterSense certified, uses only 1.28 GPF
  • Class Five flush provides strong performance
  • Comfort height (17 in) is slightly taller than standard
  • Reliable Kohler brand with good parts availability

Cons

  • MaP score of 800g is lower than the Champion 4
  • Seat not included, adds to overall cost
  • 2.375-inch trapway is smaller, more prone to clogs

The Kohler Highline is a popular choice for those seeking water savings without sacrificing too much performance. Its Class Five flush uses a large water surface and a 2.375-inch trapway to clear waste effectively. With a MaP score of 800g, it handles most household needs well, though it may struggle with extremely heavy loads compared to the Champion 4.

At 1.28 GPF, the Highline meets WaterSense criteria, meaning it can save thousands of gallons per year versus a standard 1.6 GPF toilet. The comfort height of 17 inches is slightly taller than the Champion 4, which some users prefer. However, the lack of an included seat means you will need to purchase one separately, increasing the total investment.

Expert Take

The Kohler Highline is a solid water-saving option, but its 800g MaP score and smaller trapway mean it cannot match the Champion 4 in raw flush power.

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Which has better flush power?

The American Standard Champion 4 has significantly better flush power. Its MaP score of 1000g means it can clear 1000 grams of waste in a single flush, compared to 800g for the Kohler Highline. MaP scores measure the mass of waste a toilet can remove; higher scores indicate better clog resistance. The Champion 4 also uses a 2-3/8-inch trapway versus the Highline's 2.375-inch trapway, which allows waste to pass through more easily. For households with heavy waste or frequent clogs, the Champion 4 is the superior choice.

Which saves more water?

The Kohler Highline saves more water. It uses 1.28 gallons per flush (GPF) and is WaterSense certified, meaning it meets EPA standards for efficiency. The American Standard Champion 4 uses 1.6 GPF and is not WaterSense certified. Over a year, the Highline can save roughly 2,000 to 4,000 gallons per year compared to the Champion 4, depending on usage. If water conservation is a priority, the Kohler Highline is the better option.

Which is better for heavy waste?

The American Standard Champion 4 is better for heavy waste. Its 1000g MaP score is 25% higher than the Kohler Highline's 800g, meaning it can handle larger loads without clogging. The 2-3/8-inch trapway is nearly double the size of the Highline's 2.375-inch trapway, reducing the chance of blockages. While the Highline's Class Five flush is effective for normal use, the Champion 4 is specifically designed for no-clog performance and is the recommended choice for households with heavy waste or multiple users.

Choose Champion 4 if...

  • You need maximum flush power for heavy waste
  • You want a seat included in the purchase
  • You prioritize clog resistance above water savings
  • You prefer a proven piston action flush system

Choose Kohler Highline if...

  • Water savings are your top priority
  • You want a WaterSense certified toilet
  • You prefer a slightly taller comfort height (17 in)
  • You need a reliable toilet for normal household use

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the American Standard Champion 4 a good toilet?

Yes, the Champion 4 is an excellent toilet, especially for flush power. Its 1000g MaP score and 2-3/8-inch trapway make it one of the best options for preventing clogs. It is ideal for households with heavy usage.

Is the Kohler Highline a good toilet?

The Kohler Highline is a solid, water-efficient toilet. It has a MaP score of 800g and uses 1.28 GPF, making it a good choice for those who want to save water. It is reliable for normal household needs.

What does MaP score mean?

MaP stands for Maximum Performance. It measures the mass of waste (in grams) a toilet can clear in a single flush. A higher MaP score means better clog resistance. The Champion 4 scores 1000g, while the Highline scores 800g.

Which toilet is more water efficient?

The Kohler Highline is more water efficient. It uses 1.28 GPF and is WaterSense certified. The Champion 4 uses 1.6 GPF and is not WaterSense certified.

Does the Champion 4 come with a seat?

Yes, the American Standard Champion 4 includes a seat. The Kohler Highline does not include a seat, so you will need to purchase one separately.

Which toilet is taller?

The Kohler Highline has a comfort height of 17 inches, while the Champion 4 has a chair height of 16.5 inches. Both are considered comfort height, but the Highline is slightly taller.

What is the trapway size difference?

The Champion 4 has a 2-3/8-inch fully glazed trapway, which is much larger than the Highline's 2.375-inch fully glazed trapway. A larger trapway reduces the risk of clogs.

Which toilet has a better warranty?

Both toilets come with a limited lifetime warranty. This covers defects in materials and workmanship for the original purchaser.

Can the Kohler Highline handle heavy waste?

The Kohler Highline can handle normal household waste but may struggle with heavy loads. Its 800g MaP score is lower than the Champion 4's 1000g, so it is not as effective for heavy waste.

Which toilet is better for a family?

The American Standard Champion 4 is generally better for a family, especially one with multiple users. Its superior flush power and larger trapway reduce the chance of clogs, and the included seat adds convenience.

Sources

  • MaP Flush Testing Program, map-testing.com
  • EPA WaterSense, epa.gov/watersense
  • Manufacturer published specifications

Verdict

The American Standard Champion 4 is the winner for most buyers due to its superior 1000g MaP score, 2-3/8-inch trapway, and included seat. It offers unbeatable flush power for heavy waste. The Kohler Highline is a strong runner-up for those prioritizing water savings with its 1.28 GPF and WaterSense certification, making it a good choice for eco-conscious households.

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 BFT Editorial Team · Last updated July 1, 2026 · Our review method

B
Researched by BFT Editorial Team

The Best Flushing Toilets editorial team researches MaP flush scores, water efficiency data, and owner feedback to help you find the right toilet.

Updated July 2026 · Comparisons
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