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Toilet Comparison

TOTO Drake Two-Piece 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

TOTO Drake Two-Piece Toilet

The TOTO Drake wins decisively with a MaP score of 1000g vs 800g for the Kohler Highline, meaning it handles 25% more waste per flush while using the same 1.28 GPF water consumption.

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SpecTOTO DrakeKohler Highline
MaP Score1000g800g
GPF1.281.28
Flush SystemG-Max siphon jetClass Five flush
Trapway3-inch fully glazed2.375-inch fully glazed
HeightUniversal (16.5 in)Comfort height (17 in)
Rough-In12-inch12-inch
Seat IncludedNoNo
WaterSenseYesYes
Warranty1 yearLimited lifetime
Overall Edge→ TOTO Drake for superior flush power and trapway size

TOTO Drake Two-Piece Toilet

MaP Score1000g
GPF1.28
Flush TypeG-Max siphon jet
Trapway3-inch
HeightUniversal 16.5 in

Pros

  • Highest MaP score of 1000g for exceptional waste clearance
  • Large 3-inch fully glazed trapway reduces clog risk
  • Quiet G-Max siphon jet flush operation
  • Universal height suits most adults comfortably

Cons

  • Only 1-year warranty compared to Kohler's lifetime
  • Seat not included, requires separate purchase

The TOTO Drake is widely regarded as one of the most reliable two-piece toilets on the market. Its G-Max siphon jet flush system uses a 3-inch trapway that moves waste quickly through the bowl, and the MaP score of 1000 grams means it can handle heavy loads without double flushing. The 1.28 GPF meets WaterSense standards, so you save water without sacrificing performance.

Owners frequently note that the Drake rarely clogs, even in busy households. The universal height of 16.5 inches is a comfortable middle ground between standard and comfort height options. While the short warranty is a downside, the toilet's build quality and track record make it a top choice for those who prioritize flush performance above all else.

Expert Take

The TOTO Drake is the clear winner for flush power, with a MaP score that exceeds most competitors and a trapway that minimizes maintenance.

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Kohler Highline Two-Piece Toilet

MaP Score800g
GPF1.28
Flush TypeClass Five flush
Trapway2.375-inch
HeightComfort height 17 in

Pros

  • Limited lifetime warranty provides long-term peace of mind
  • Comfort height of 17 inches is easier for taller users
  • Class Five flush is effective and relatively quiet
  • WaterSense certified for water efficiency

Cons

  • MaP score of 800g is lower than the Drake
  • Smaller 2.375-inch trapway may clog more often
  • Seat not included, adding to initial cost

The Kohler Highline is a solid value-oriented two-piece toilet that balances performance with affordability. Its Class Five flush system uses a 2.375-inch fully glazed trapway to clear waste, and the 800g MaP score is adequate for most household needs. The 17-inch comfort height is slightly taller than the Drake, which some users with mobility concerns may prefer.

Kohler backs this toilet with a limited lifetime warranty, which is a significant advantage over TOTO's 1-year coverage. However, the smaller trapway and lower MaP score mean it may not handle heavy waste as reliably as the Drake. For typical daily use in a standard bathroom, the Highline performs well, but it is not the best choice for high-demand situations.

Expert Take

The Kohler Highline is a dependable budget-friendly option, but its lower MaP score and smaller trapway make it less capable than the TOTO Drake for heavy waste.

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Which has better flush power?

The TOTO Drake has significantly better flush power. Its MaP score of 1000 grams means it can clear up to 1000 grams of waste in a single flush, while the Kohler Highline's MaP score of 800 grams handles 200 grams less. The MaP (Maximum Performance) score is an industry-standard test that measures how much waste a toilet can flush at once. The Drake's 3-inch fully glazed trapway also allows waste to pass through more easily than the Highline's 2.375-inch trapway. In real-world terms, the Drake is 25% more capable at handling heavy loads, making it the clear winner for flush power.

Which saves more water?

Both toilets use exactly the same amount of water per flush: 1.28 gallons per flush (GPF). Both are also WaterSense certified, meaning they meet EPA standards for water efficiency. However, the TOTO Drake achieves this water savings while delivering a higher MaP score, so it is more efficient in terms of waste cleared per gallon. The Kohler Highline uses the same water but flushes less waste. For pure water conservation, they are equal, but the Drake offers better performance for the same water usage.

Which is better for households with heavy waste?

The TOTO Drake is the better choice for households with heavy waste. Its 1000g MaP score is 200g higher than the Kohler Highline, and the 3-inch trapway is significantly larger than the 2.375-inch trapway. This combination means the Drake is far less likely to clog when dealing with large waste loads. For families with multiple users or those who need a toilet that can handle tough flushes without double flushing, the Drake is the superior option. The Highline may suffice for light use, but it is not recommended for heavy waste scenarios.

Choose TOTO Drake if...

  • You need the highest flush power with a MaP score of 1000g
  • You want a larger 3-inch trapway to prevent clogs
  • You prefer a quieter siphon jet flush system
  • Flush performance is your top priority over warranty length

Choose Kohler Highline if...

  • You value a limited lifetime warranty for long-term coverage
  • You prefer a 17-inch comfort height for taller users
  • You have a tighter budget and want a reliable value option
  • Your household has light to moderate waste loads

Frequently Asked Questions

What does MaP score mean and why is 1000g better than 800g?

MaP stands for Maximum Performance and measures the grams of waste a toilet can flush in a single test. A score of 1000g means the toilet can clear 1000 grams of waste, while 800g handles 800 grams. Higher scores indicate better clog resistance and fewer double flushes.

Do both toilets include a seat?

No, neither the TOTO Drake nor the Kohler Highline includes a seat. You will need to purchase a seat separately for either model.

Which toilet has a better warranty?

The Kohler Highline offers a limited lifetime warranty, while the TOTO Drake comes with only a 1-year warranty. Kohler's warranty is significantly better for long-term coverage.

Are both toilets WaterSense certified?

Yes, both the TOTO Drake and Kohler Highline are WaterSense certified, meaning they use 1.28 GPF or less and meet EPA water efficiency standards.

What is the difference in height between the two toilets?

The TOTO Drake has a universal height of 16.5 inches, while the Kohler Highline has a comfort height of 17 inches. The Highline is slightly taller, which may be easier for taller individuals or those with mobility issues.

Which toilet is less likely to clog?

The TOTO Drake is less likely to clog due to its larger 3-inch fully glazed trapway and higher MaP score of 1000g. The Kohler Highline's smaller 2.375-inch trapway is more prone to blockages.

Can I use either toilet with a 10-inch rough-in?

Both toilets are designed for a 12-inch rough-in. They are not compatible with 10-inch rough-in installations without modification.

Which toilet is quieter during flushing?

The TOTO Drake uses a G-Max siphon jet flush system, which is generally quieter than the Kohler Highline's Class Five flush. The Drake produces a smooth, low-noise flush.

Sources

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

Verdict

The TOTO Drake is the clear winner for most buyers due to its superior MaP score of 1000g and larger 3-inch trapway, offering better flush power and clog resistance at the same water usage. The Kohler Highline is a solid budget alternative with a better warranty and slightly taller height, but it cannot match the Drake's performance for heavy waste.

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 June 30, 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 June 2026 · Comparisons
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