The number one mistake buyers make in the TOTO vs Kohler vs American Standard toilets debate is treating it as a horse race where one brand dominates across the board. Each brand wins in specific conditions and loses badly in others.
After two decades installing and servicing all three in rental properties, single-family homes, and commercial settings, the truth I’ve seen on job sites is clear: pick the wrong brand for your situation and you’ll be calling a plumber — or shopping again — within five years.
For most homeowners who want the lowest long-term maintenance cost with WaterSense efficiency, the TOTO Drake is the right call. If you’re renovating multiple bathrooms on a budget and want wide parts availability at any hardware store, the Kohler Cimarron delivers reliable performance at a lower entry price.
When clog prevention in a heavy-use household is the absolute priority and you’re willing to pay more per flush in water usage, the American Standard Champion 4 is the only toilet in this comparison with a 10-year limited warranty and a 4-inch flush valve no competitor matches.
⚠️ The Most Common Mistake When Comparing These Three Brands
Buyers compare these brands based entirely on price-per-unit and miss the most important variable: total cost of ownership over 10 years. TOTO’s 1.28 GPF WaterSense models save approximately 5 gallons per day versus older 1.6 GPF toilets — that’s 1,825 gallons annually per toilet at roughly $0.006 per gallon in most US markets.
Across a decade, a single TOTO Drake saves $109 in water costs over an American Standard Champion 4 at 1.6 GPF. In a home with two bathrooms, that’s $218 you never factor into the “cheaper” brand’s sticker price. Run the actual numbers before you decide.
| Quick Picks — TOTO vs Kohler vs American Standard | ||||
| Pick | Model | Flush Tech | GPF | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🥇 Best Overall | TOTO Drake (CST776CSFG#01) | Tornado Flush + CEFIONTECT | 1.6 GPF | Amazon |
| 🥈 Best Budget | Kohler Cimarron (K-3609-0) | AquaPiston / Class Five | 1.28 GPF | Amazon |
| 🥉 Best for Clog Prevention | American Standard Champion 4 (2034314.020) | 4-inch piston-action valve | 1.6 GPF | Amazon |
TOTO Drake — Best Overall for Flush Reliability and Long-Term Ownership
| TOTO Drake CST776CSFG#01 — Specifications | |
| Flush System | Tornado Flush — dual-nozzle centrifugal action, rimless bowl |
| Flush Volume (GPF) | 1.6 GPF (WaterSense 1.28 GPF version also available) |
| Flush Valve Size | 3-inch wide flush valve |
| Fill Valve | TOTO tower-style fill valve (TOTO-specific replacement) |
| Bowl Shape | Elongated |
| Bowl Height | Universal Height (~16.5″ rim) — ADA compliant |
| Overall Dimensions | 29.5″ L × 17.75″ W × 30″ H (approx.) |
| Trapway Size | 2-1/8″ fully glazed trapway |
| Rough-In | 12″ standard (10″ model available) |
| Seat / Wax Ring | Seat sold separately; wax ring sold separately |
| Warranty | 1-year limited (USA), lifetime on vitreous china |
The TOTO Drake belongs in a specific type of bathroom: one occupied by people who are done dealing with plungers, rim jets clogged with mineral deposits, and stained bowls that never look clean regardless of how much they scrub. The Tornado Flush system uses two nozzles positioned to push water in a full centrifugal sweep around the bowl — not a straight downward dump like most American designs.
Pair that Tornado Flush with the CEFIONTECT ceramic glaze, and the bowl surface is smooth at a near-microscopic level, meaning waste has almost nothing to grip. Plumbers I know personally have installed upward of 40 Drake models in a single year without a single callback on flush performance.
The user this toilet is built for is a homeowner who prioritizes quality over the lowest sticker price and wants a toilet that performs identically on day one and year eight. TOTO has a track record of consistent manufacturing quality out of its Japanese facilities.
What the Drake does especially well — compared to both Kohler and American Standard — is bowl cleanliness between scrubs. The rimless design eliminates the under-rim harbor points where bacteria and mineral scale accumulate in conventional toilets. When you factor in reduced cleaning chemical usage and time, that CEFIONTECT glaze pays real dividends.
The Drake’s Universal Height positions the rim at approximately 16.5 inches from the floor — the same range as a standard chair — which the vast majority of adults find more comfortable than the 14–15 inch standard height. The model sold on Amazon as B0999Q23WQ is the 1.6 GPF Universal Height version with CEFIONTECT, priced at roughly $300–$380 depending on current availability. The 1.28 GPF WaterSense-certified version (CST776CEFG#01) is available for slightly less and qualifies for water utility rebates in most US markets.
Limitation: TOTO’s 1-year limited warranty on mechanical components is the shortest in this comparison — American Standard’s Champion 4 comes with a 10-year limited warranty and Kohler offers a lifetime warranty on its porcelain. TOTO’s warranty covers labor costs for zero days after installation; you’re responsible for the plumber’s time from day one. For rental property owners who need warranty protection over years of tenant use, this is a real calculation to make before buying.
- Tornado Flush provides 360° centrifugal bowl rinse
- CEFIONTECT glaze dramatically reduces cleaning frequency
- Rimless design eliminates under-rim mineral buildup
- WaterSense 1.28 GPF version saves ~1,825 gallons/year vs 1.6 GPF
- ADA-compliant Universal Height fits most adults
- Available in 10-inch rough-in for older home installations
- WASHLET+ compatible for bidet seat upgrade
- Shortest warranty in this comparison — 1 year on mechanical parts
- Seat sold separately adds $40–$90 to total cost
- TOTO-specific fill valve requires TOTO replacement parts
- Higher purchase price than Kohler Cimarron by $80–$120
- Fewer color options than Kohler’s extensive collection
Kohler Cimarron — Best for Style Variety, Parts Availability, and Budget Buyers
Where the TOTO Drake wins on technology, the Kohler Cimarron wins on accessibility — it’s the toilet you can service with parts from any hardware store at 7pm on a Sunday when something goes wrong.
| Kohler Cimarron K-3609-0 — Specifications | |
| Flush System | AquaPiston canister — Class Five flushing technology |
| Flush Volume (GPF) | 1.28 GPF — WaterSense certified |
| Flush Valve Size | 3-inch canister flush valve (AquaPiston) |
| Fill Valve | Kohler fill valve — widely available as Kohler replacement part |
| Bowl Shape | Elongated |
| Bowl Height | Comfort Height (~16.5″ rim) — chair-height, ADA capable |
| Overall Dimensions | 29.75″ L × 18.25″ W × 31″ H (approx.) |
| Trapway Size | 2-1/8″ glazed trapway |
| Rough-In | 12″ standard |
| Seat / Wax Ring | Seat sold separately; wax ring not included |
| Warranty | Lifetime limited warranty on toilet and mechanical parts |
Kohler’s AquaPiston canister flush valve is the specific reason the Cimarron performs better than its $220–$280 price point suggests. Rather than a traditional rubber flapper that degrades over time and can hang partially open — the cause of most running toilet issues — the AquaPiston uses a sealed canister that opens from 360 degrees around the valve.
This design exposes 90% less seal material to water contact, which Kohler’s own data shows significantly reduces the conditions that lead to leaks. In practical terms, the Cimarron just runs. I’ve seen Cimarrons installed in vacation properties stay trouble-free for 10-plus years without a single service call.
This toilet is the right choice when you’re equipping multiple bathrooms on a renovation budget, managing a rental portfolio, or installing in a guest bath that won’t see heavy daily use. The MaP score on the Cimarron reaches 1,000 grams — the same maximum score as the American Standard Champion 4 — while using only 1.28 GPF compared to the Champion 4’s 1.6 GPF.
When flush performance is equal and water savings matter, that difference adds up to roughly 37,960 fewer gallons flushed per year in a household of five across both toilets combined.
Kohler also offers the Cimarron in more than a dozen configurations — skirted trapway versions, right-hand trip lever options, and the Cimarron 360 with Revolution 360 swirl technology — giving contractors and designers flexibility that neither TOTO nor American Standard match at this price tier. When a client wants a consistent look across kitchen faucets, sinks, and bathroom fixtures, Kohler’s coordinated collections make that easier than either competitor.
Limitation: The Cimarron’s standard bowl lacks any proprietary bowl glaze technology equivalent to TOTO’s CEFIONTECT. Under-rim buildup and bowl staining require more frequent cleaning compared to the Drake. Several Amazon reviewers have noted occasional skid marks post-flush — not a clog concern, but a bowl cleanliness issue that TOTO’s rimless design and CEFIONTECT coating eliminate. If a self-cleaning bowl experience matters, Kohler’s more premium models (Corbelle, San Souci) address this; the base Cimarron does not.
- Lifetime limited warranty — strongest in this comparison
- AquaPiston canister — 90% less seal material exposed to water
- 1,000g MaP score at WaterSense-efficient 1.28 GPF
- Replacement parts at Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Ace Hardware
- Multiple configuration variants for design flexibility
- $80–$120 less than the TOTO Drake at most retailers
- Chair-height comfort positioning — same as ADA standard
- No bowl glaze technology — stains more readily than TOTO
- Conventional rim design traps mineral deposits over time
- Seat sold separately — adds $35–$80 to true cost
- Some users report occasional post-flush bowl marks
- 3-inch trapway — smaller than Champion 4’s 2-3/8-inch bore
American Standard Champion 4 — Best for Clog-Resistant Performance in Heavy-Use Homes
After the flush performance and warranty questions are answered, the conversation about TOTO vs Kohler vs American Standard toilets always comes back to one question the other two brands can’t answer the same way: what happens with five people, a lot of toilet paper, and zero tolerance for plunging?
| American Standard Champion 4 (2034314.020) — Specifications | |
| Flush System | 4-inch piston-action accelerator flush valve — siphon jet bowl |
| Flush Volume (GPF) | 1.6 GPF (NOT WaterSense certified at this GPF) |
| Flush Valve Size | 4-inch — largest in the industry; 125% larger than standard 2-inch valves |
| Fill Valve | American Standard fill valve — Champion 4-specific |
| Bowl Shape | Elongated |
| Bowl Height | Chair Height — 16.5″ rim to floor |
| Overall Dimensions | 30″ L × 17.5″ W × 29″ H (one-piece form factor) |
| Trapway Size | 2-3/8-inch fully glazed trapway — widest in this comparison |
| Rough-In | 12″ standard |
| Seat / Wax Ring | Soft-close seat included; wax ring sold separately |
| Warranty | 10-year limited — longest of the three brands |
American Standard’s marketing claims that the Champion 4 can flush a bucket of golf balls. That’s a gimmick — but the engineering behind it is not. The 4-inch flush valve is genuinely the largest in the residential toilet market, producing a volume and velocity of water movement no 3-inch competitor can replicate in a single flush.
Combined with the 2-3/8-inch fully glazed trapway — wider than both the TOTO Drake and the Kohler Cimarron at 2-1/8 inches — the Champion 4 eliminates clogs through sheer mechanical advantage rather than bowl technology.
This one-piece toilet is the right call for households with four or more people, homes with older drain lines that have reduced capacity from decades of scale buildup, or any household where clog anxiety is a real quality-of-life issue. The one-piece construction eliminates the tank-to-bowl gasket — the spot where two-piece toilets most commonly develop slow leaks after years of use.
The EverClean antimicrobial surface on the vitreous china inhibits bacterial growth, which matters in bathrooms used heavily. At $480–$560 on Amazon, it’s priced between the Kohler and TOTO, but the included soft-close seat and 10-year warranty cover the gap.
The 10-year limited warranty specifically covers mechanical components and tank/bowl integrity — a meaningful differentiator when you’re installing toilets in a home you plan to stay in for a decade. TOTO covers mechanical parts for 1 year. Kohler offers a lifetime warranty on the china but conditions mechanical coverage on proper installation and use. American Standard’s 10-year mechanical coverage is straightforward and documented in writing.
Limitation: The Champion 4 at 1.6 GPF is not WaterSense certified and cannot be legally sold or shipped to California, Colorado, Texas, New York, New Jersey, Georgia, Rhode Island, Maine, or Washington due to state water efficiency regulations. If you live in any of those states, this model is simply not an option — you’d need to look at American Standard’s Champion PRO 1.28 GPF instead. The 1.6 GPF also means higher annual water bills compared to TOTO’s 1.28 GPF WaterSense models.
- 4-inch flush valve — unmatched clog prevention in this class
- 2-3/8-inch trapway — widest bore of the three models
- 10-year limited warranty — longest of any brand here
- Soft-close seat included — saves $40–$80 vs TOTO and Kohler
- One-piece construction eliminates tank-to-bowl gasket failure
- EverClean antimicrobial surface on vitreous china
- 1,000g MaP score — maximum performance rating
- NOT sold in CA, CO, TX, NY, NJ, GA, RI, ME, or WA at 1.6 GPF
- Uses more water — 1.6 GPF vs 1.28 GPF for TOTO and Kohler
- Heavy one-piece unit — typically requires two-person installation
- No bowl-cleaning technology comparable to TOTO’s CEFIONTECT
- Some reports of tank hardware corrosion over time
What Most Brand Comparisons Miss: Warranty, State Restrictions, and the Real Cost of Ownership
Every review of TOTO vs Kohler vs American Standard toilets covers flush volume and bowl shape. What almost none of them cover is the three factors that actually determine which brand serves you better over a decade: warranty coverage depth, state-level purchase restrictions, and the true cost difference when you account for water usage across years.
Warranty Depth: What Each Brand Actually Covers
Kohler’s lifetime limited warranty is the broadest on paper — it covers the porcelain and mechanical components for the life of the original purchaser. However, “limited” means it excludes damage from improper installation, hard water corrosion, and seal wear in some conditions — all common in real-world use.
TOTO’s 1-year warranty on mechanical parts is the weakest in this field, but TOTO’s track record for reliability means that 1-year window rarely gets exercised. American Standard’s 10-year mechanical coverage is the most useful for homeowners who install and forget — it provides documented protection across a realistic ownership window without requiring you to keep a receipt for 30 years like Kohler’s lifetime coverage implies.
State Purchase Restrictions: A Decision-Maker Many Buyers Don’t Know About
If you are in California, Colorado, Texas, New York, New Jersey, Georgia, Rhode Island, Maine, or Washington, the American Standard Champion 4 at 1.6 GPF cannot be legally shipped to your address. That takes this model off the table entirely for roughly 40% of the US population.
Both TOTO and Kohler offer 1.28 GPF WaterSense-certified models that are legal in all 50 states. If you’re in a restricted state, the TOTO Drake (WaterSense CST776CEFG#01) and the Kohler Cimarron at 1.28 GPF are your only options from this comparison, and the Drake becomes the clear winner on technology.
The Water Cost Calculation Nobody Runs
At the US average water rate of approximately $0.006 per gallon and an average of 5 flushes per person per day, a household of four people using a TOTO Drake at 1.28 GPF spends approximately $56 per toilet per year in water costs. The same household with an American Standard Champion 4 at 1.6 GPF spends approximately $70 per toilet per year — a $14 annual difference. Over 10 years, that’s $140 per toilet.
In a two-bathroom home, that’s $280 in additional water costs baked into choosing the Champion 4 over the TOTO Drake. At the same time, the Champion 4 includes a soft-close seat ($40–$80 value) that TOTO and Kohler don’t include — partially offsetting the difference. Run these numbers for your household size before making a final decision.
🔄 When the Answer Flips — When TOTO Loses This Decision
The TOTO Drake is the right toilet for most situations — but not all. If you are managing a rental property and your tenants are not going to maintain a toilet with care, TOTO’s proprietary fill valve becomes a real problem. When something breaks at 9pm on a Friday, the repair requires a TOTO-specific part — not the universal Fluidmaster 400A that any hardware store carries and any handyman can install in 15 minutes.
In that context, the Kohler Cimarron’s universal-compatible AquaPiston and widely available Kohler parts make it a smarter management choice. Similarly, if your household includes young children who flush excessive amounts of toilet paper and you live outside a water-restricted state, the Champion 4’s 4-inch valve and 2-3/8-inch trapway mechanically reduce your clog exposure in a way no bowl glaze or flush pattern replicates.
Head-to-Head: TOTO Drake vs Kohler Cimarron vs American Standard Champion 4
| Decision Factor | TOTO Drake | Kohler Cimarron | AS Champion 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flush Valve Size | 3-inch | 3-inch canister | 4-inch ✅ |
| Trapway Bore | 2-1/8 inch | 2-1/8 inch | 2-3/8 inch ✅ |
| GPF / Water Use | 1.28 or 1.6 ✅ | 1.28 WaterSense ✅ | 1.6 only (this model) |
| Bowl Glaze Tech | CEFIONTECT ✅ | Standard glaze | EverClean (antimicrobial) |
| Warranty (Mechanical) | 1 year | Lifetime ✅ | 10 year |
| Seat Included | ❌ Sold separately | ❌ Sold separately | ✅ Included |
| Parts Availability | TOTO-specific only | Universal + Kohler ✅ | AS-specific (widely stocked) |
| All-State Legal at 1.28 | ✅ (1.28 version) | ✅ | ❌ Restricted in 9 states |
| Amazon Price Range | $300–$380 | $220–$280 ✅ | $480–$560 |
| MaP Score | 800–1,000g (model variant) ✅ | 1,000g ✅ | 1,000g ✅ |
Frequently Asked Questions — TOTO vs Kohler vs American Standard Toilets
Which is better: TOTO vs Kohler vs American Standard toilets for most homeowners?
For most homeowners prioritizing low maintenance and long-term bowl cleanliness, the TOTO Drake is the best choice among these three brands. Its Tornado Flush and CEFIONTECT ceramic glaze produce a level of bowl cleanliness and clog resistance that neither Kohler nor American Standard replicates at comparable price points. If budget is the primary driver and parts availability matters — particularly for DIY repairs — the Kohler Cimarron with its lifetime warranty and universal-compatible components is the smarter long-term investment at $220–$280 on Amazon.
Does TOTO really flush better than American Standard and Kohler?
In terms of bulk waste removal, all three models in this comparison achieve a 1,000g MaP score — the maximum rating. Where TOTO wins on flush performance is bowl rinse: the Tornado Flush system’s centrifugal water movement cleans the entire bowl surface with each flush in a way that conventional siphon jet designs from Kohler and American Standard do not replicate.
TOTO flushes differently, not just more powerfully. American Standard wins on raw volume moved — its 4-inch valve dumps water faster than any 3-inch competitor — which is why the Champion 4 is the clog-prevention champion even though all three score equally on the MaP test.
How do the warranties compare between TOTO, Kohler, and American Standard?
This is where the three brands differ most significantly. Kohler offers a lifetime limited warranty on both the vitreous china and mechanical components — the broadest coverage on paper. American Standard’s Champion 4 backs mechanical components for 10 years — the most useful mid-range coverage for homeowners. TOTO’s 1-year mechanical warranty is the shortest, but TOTO’s reliability record means most owners never invoke it.
For rental property owners who need documented coverage, Kohler’s lifetime warranty is the most compelling. For primary homeowner use, the difference between TOTO’s 1-year and Kohler’s lifetime coverage is largely theoretical given the Drake’s low service rate.
Is the American Standard Champion 4 legal to buy in my state?
The American Standard Champion 4 at 1.6 GPF — model 2034314.020 — cannot be legally sold or shipped to California, Colorado, Texas, New York, New Jersey, Georgia, Rhode Island, Maine, or Washington. These states have adopted water efficiency standards requiring 1.28 GPF or lower for new toilet installations.
If you live in one of those states, your options from this comparison are the TOTO Drake (1.28 GPF version, CST776CEFG#01) or the Kohler Cimarron at 1.28 GPF. American Standard does offer a Champion PRO model at 1.28 GPF that qualifies in restricted states, but that is a separate product from the Champion 4 reviewed here.
Which brand is easier to repair — TOTO, Kohler, or American Standard?
Kohler is the easiest to repair in an emergency situation because its AquaPiston fill and flush valves are sold at Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Ace Hardware nationwide. A universal Fluidmaster fill valve also fits most Kohler toilet tanks, meaning a $12 replacement part from any hardware store can restore full function in 20 minutes.
American Standard Champion 4 parts are widely stocked at major retailers, though the 4-inch flush valve is Champion-specific. TOTO requires TOTO-specific replacement parts ordered from a plumbing supply house or online, creating a repair window of one to three days in most markets — a meaningful inconvenience in a single-bathroom home.
What is the price difference between TOTO, Kohler, and American Standard toilets?
At retail on Amazon, the Kohler Cimarron K-3609-0 runs $220–$280 and does not include a seat, adding $35–$80 to the true cost. The TOTO Drake in either 1.28 or 1.6 GPF configuration runs $300–$380 without a seat, putting the real cost at $340–$460 with a compatible TOTO seat.
The American Standard Champion 4 (2034314.020) runs $480–$560 and includes a soft-close seat, making its all-in cost the closest to the TOTO Drake with seat factored in. Kohler remains the lowest-entry option for buyers equipping multiple bathrooms at once.
Which toilet is best for seniors or people with mobility limitations?
All three models reviewed here offer comfort or Universal Height seating — the rim sits at approximately 16.5 inches from the floor, meeting ADA accessibility standards. For seniors who want a bidet seat upgrade for additional hygiene independence, the TOTO Drake’s WASHLET+ compatibility is a distinct advantage.
TOTO’s WASHLET bidet seats connect with concealed cord routing that eliminates floor tripping hazards. The Kohler Cimarron can accept aftermarket bidet seats but lacks the integrated WASHLET+ channel. If bidet functionality is a priority for mobility-limited users, the TOTO Drake is the clear choice to build that system around.
🏆 Verdict — Which Brand Should You Choose?
If you want the best long-term performance, minimal cleaning, and live in any US state → buy the TOTO Drake. The Tornado Flush and CEFIONTECT glaze are the only combination in this price tier that addresses both flush performance and bowl self-cleaning in a single system. The short warranty is the trade-off; TOTO’s reliability record makes it a theoretical concern rather than a practical one for most buyers.
If you’re equipping multiple bathrooms on a budget, managing a rental property, or want a lifetime warranty with hardware-store parts availability → buy the Kohler Cimarron. At $220–$280 with a lifetime warranty and 1,000g MaP score at 1.28 GPF, no comparable toilet delivers as much reliable value at this price.
If you have four or more people in the household, older drain lines, or a history of clogging problems — and you live outside the nine restricted states → buy the American Standard Champion 4. No residential toilet on the market moves waste more effectively through a 4-inch valve and 2-3/8-inch trapway, and the 10-year warranty covers the mechanical risks your household will put it through.
TOTO Drake vs American Standard Champion vs Kohler Cimarron: Flush Performance Explained
When buyers compare the TOTO Drake vs American Standard Champion vs Kohler Cimarron on flush performance, the starting point is always the MaP score — all three hit 1,000 grams, the maximum rating. Where they diverge is in how they achieve that score and what happens to the bowl after each flush.
American Standard moves the most water the fastest through its 4-inch piston-action valve, making it the most aggressive single-flush waste mover in this group. The Kohler Cimarron’s AquaPiston canister design enters the bowl from 360 degrees for consistent water spread, reliably clearing waste without the piston action of the Champion 4.
TOTO’s Tornado Flush is the only system of the three that actively cleans the bowl surface with each flush cycle rather than just moving waste through. The dual-nozzle centrifugal action pushes water horizontally around the bowl interior in a circular pattern, scrubbing the entire surface rather than directing water downward. This is why TOTO owners report less visible bowl staining and reduced cleaning frequency compared to both Kohler and American Standard users — not because TOTO flushes harder, but because TOTO flushes smarter.
For a deeper look at the best flushing toilets across all brands or a comparison of the best TOTO toilets across the full product line, those guides cover flush technology in even greater detail for buyers who want to go deeper on engineering specifics before purchasing.
Kohler Highline vs TOTO Drake vs American Standard Champion: Which Two-Piece Toilet Wins?
The Kohler Highline is the most frequently mentioned alternative when buyers research the Kohler Cimarron. The Highline uses the same AquaPiston and Class Five flush technology as the Cimarron in a slightly more traditional silhouette that many homeowners find fits classical bathroom designs better.
At $170–$220 on Amazon depending on variant, the Highline is $50–$60 cheaper than the Cimarron while delivering the same flush performance and the same lifetime warranty. The trade-off is a slightly less refined styling profile compared to the Cimarron’s curved lines.
Against the TOTO Drake, both Kohler options lose on bowl technology — neither the Highline nor the Cimarron has anything close to CEFIONTECT, and neither uses a rimless bowl design. Against the American Standard Champion 4, both Kohler two-piece models use less water (1.28 GPF) but have smaller trapways (2-1/8 inch vs 2-3/8 inch).
For buyers choosing strictly between two-piece options, the TOTO Drake wins on technology and the Kohler Highline wins on price. The American Standard Champion 4, as a one-piece design, isn’t a direct apples-to-apples comparison with these two-piece options.
The full breakdown of the best two-piece toilets across all brands and a dedicated guide to the best Kohler toilets cover both the Highline and Cimarron in comparison with TOTO and American Standard alternatives in greater depth.
Water-Efficient Toilets: TOTO, Kohler, and American Standard WaterSense Options Compared
WaterSense certification from the EPA requires toilets to flush at 1.28 GPF or lower while meeting performance standards equivalent to higher-volume designs. Both TOTO and Kohler offer WaterSense-certified versions of the Drake and Cimarron at 1.28 GPF without any performance compromise — both achieve 1,000g MaP scores at the lower water volume.
American Standard’s Champion 4 at 1.6 GPF does not qualify for WaterSense — which is why it’s restricted in nine high-regulation states. American Standard does offer a separate WaterSense line — the Champion PRO at 1.28 GPF — but that is a different product from the Champion 4 reviewed in this article.
For buyers who qualify for water utility rebates — and many US utilities offer $25–$100 per toilet replaced with a WaterSense model — choosing the TOTO Drake (1.28 GPF) or Kohler Cimarron (1.28 GPF) can recover a meaningful portion of the purchase price within the first year.
Check your local water utility’s rebate program before purchasing: the savings are often enough to push the TOTO Drake below the effective price of the Kohler Cimarron after rebate.
The complete guide to the best dual-flush toilets covers WaterSense options that allow per-flush water volume selection — including models from all three brands. The TOTO vs Kohler vs American Standard toilets comparison above covers the single-flush flagship from each brand; dual-flush options from the same manufacturers offer additional water efficiency at similar price points for buyers in water-restricted states.
