If you’re in the market for a new toilet, you may be wondering how the Kohler Intrepid and Cimarron models compare. As two of Kohler’s most popular toilet lines, both offer high-quality construction, powerful flushing, and appealing styles.
But there are some key differences that set them apart.
In this detailed comparison guide, we’ll examine the pros, cons, features, and performance of the Kohler Intrepid and Cimarron toilets. We’ll look at flush power, bowl shape, seat height, water usage, prices, colors, and more.
By the end, you’ll have all the info you need to decide which Kohler toilet is right for your bathroom.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Kohler Intrepid | Kohler Cimarron |
| Flushing Technology | Class Five | AquaPiston |
| Water Usage | 1.28 gpf | 1.28 gpf |
| Trapway Size | 2-3/8″ | 2-1/8″ |
| Bowl Shape Options | Round-front, elongated | Round-front, elongated |
| Seat Height Options | Standard, chair height | Standard, chair height |
| Seat | Quiet-close Grip-Tight Q3 | Quiet-close Brevia |
| Colors Available | 7 colors | 7 colors |
| Style | Contemporary | Traditional |
| Configuration | One-piece, two-piece | One-piece, two-piece |
Kohler Intrepid Toilet Overview
The Kohler Intrepid toilet line features a classic, elegant style combined with robust flushing power. Available in both round-front and elongated bowl shapes, the Intrepid toilets come in a range of heights from standard to comfort height.
Some of the key features and benefits of Kohler Intrepid toilets include:
- Powerful flushing: Intrepid toilets use Kohler’s Class Five flushing technology, which provides strong siphon jet flushing action to clear waste in a single flush. The extra-wide 2-3/8″ trapway helps prevent clogs.
- Low water usage: Intrepid toilets are WaterSense certified to use 1.28 gallons per flush (gpf), meeting EPA standards for water efficiency. This saves water without sacrificing performance.
- Chair height seating: Many Intrepid models are available in a chair height (16-1/2” from floor to seat) for improved comfort and accessibility.
- Durable construction: These toilets feature vitreous china construction with a durable glazed trapway. The trip lever is made from durable zinc.
- Quiet-close seat: Intrepid toilets come with the quiet-close Grip-Tight Q3 toilet seat, which prevents slamming.
- Range of colors: Choose from seven different color options to match your bathroom decor, including white, dune, biscuit, almond, ice gray, sandbar, and black black.
Kohler Cimarron Toilet Overview
The Cimarron is another popular Kohler toilet line featuring a streamlined, modern design. Like the Intrepid, Cimarron models offer both round-front and elongated bowl options in multiple heights.
Here are some of the main features and pros of the Cimarron toilet:
- Efficient 1.28 gpf flush: Cimarron toilets include Kohler’s AquaPiston canister flush valve, providing a strong siphon jet flush using just 1.28 gallons per flush. This meets EPA WaterSense criteria.
- Powerful cleaning: The flush valves extra-wide 2-1/8” trapway and glazed flush channels provide forceful bulk waste removal.
- Right-height options: Select Cimarron models come in a comfort height (16-1/2” from floor to seat) for easy sitting and standing. Standard height (14-1/2”) models are also available.
- Ergonomic seat: The toilet includes Kohler’s ergonomically-designed Brevia Quiet-Close seat, which prevents slamming. The shape offers added comfort.
- Durable build: The vitreous china construction and polished chrome trip lever ensure long-lasting quality and performance.
- Simple installation: Cimarron toilets have a 12″ rough-in, designed for simple installation and replacement.
- Color choices: Like the Intrepid, Cimarron toilets come in seven color options: white, dune, almond, biscuit, sandbar, ice grey, and black black.
Key Differences Between Kohler Intrepid And Cimarron Toilets
Now that we’ve covered the main features and benefits of each toilet line, let’s compare them across some key categories.
- Flush Performance
When it comes to flush performance, the Kohler Intrepid and Cimarron are quite evenly matched. They both offer excellent bulk waste removal thanks to wide, fully-glazed trapways and strong siphon jet flushing action.
The key difference lies in the flushing mechanism.
Intrepid toilets use Kohler’s Class Five flushing technology with a canister-style flush valve that unleashes water from all sides of the bowl for maximum power.
Cimarron toilets employ AquaPiston technology where water flows through an exposed flush valve in the tank.
This provides a fast, powerful downhill flow into the bowl.
Both Intrepid and Cimarron toilets are WaterSense certified to consume just 1.28 gpf, so there’s no clear winner when it comes to water efficiency. Overall, the flushing performance of both models is exemplary and suitable even for busy households.
- Bowl Shape
Kohler offers both the Intrepid and Cimarron toilet lines in two bowl shapes:
- Round-front bowl
- Elongated bowl
The main difference is that elongated bowls are 2” longer from front to back than round-front models.
Elongated bowls provide some extra room and comfort, especially for adult users. The extended shape creates more surface area, leaving additional space for your thighs while seated. This makes an elongated toilet a smart choice for comfort.
Round-front bowls have a more compact footprint. They can fit in smaller bathrooms and leave more floor space. The round shape is also easier for younger children to sit on.
Both Intrepid and Cimarron models are available in round-front or elongated bowls, so you can choose the shape that fits your bathroom and preferences. Go with elongated for maximum comfort or round-front to save space.
- Seat Height
Standard toilet seat height from floor to seat is about 14-1/2”. This can be challenging for some users to get on and off the toilet.
Both the Intrepid and Cimarron lines offer chair height models with a seat height of 16-1/2”. This is closer to the height of a typical chair, making sitting and standing easier.
Here are some details on the available seat heights:
Intrepid
- Standard height – 14-3/8″
- Chair height (comfort height) – 16-1/2″
Cimarron
- Standard height – 14-1/2″
- Chair height (comfort height) – 16-1/2″
For maximum comfort and accessibility, the chair height Intrepid and Cimarron models are great choices. But standard height options are also available if you need a lower seat height.
- Water Usage
Thanks to EPA WaterSense certification, all Kohler Intrepid and Cimarron toilets use just 1.28 gallons per flush. This represents at least a 20% reduction in water usage compared to standard 1.6 gpf toilets.
The low-flow siphon jet flush design provides substantial water savings without sacrificing performance. This makes both the Intrepid and Cimarron very water efficient, high-performance choices.
When it comes to water usage, these two Kohler toilet lines are equally matched. You’ll get significant water savings with either model.
- Prices
As Kohler’s luxury and standard toilet lines respectively, the Intrepid generally costs more than the Cimarron. Here are some typical prices:
Kohler Intrepid Toilets
- Round-front: $390 – $620
- Elongated: $430 – $700
Kohler Cimarron Toilets
- Round-front: $270 – $470
- Elongated: $300 – $500
The Intrepid line ranges from about $100 to over $200 more than comparable Cimarron models. The price difference reflects the Intrepid’s premium styling and features. But the Cimarron still provides excellent performance and reliability at a more budget-friendly price point.
- Colors Available
You can choose from seven different color options for both the Intrepid and Cimarron toilet lines:
- White
- Dune
- Almond
- Biscuit
- Sandbar
- Ice Grey
- Black Black
This wide selection allows you to match the toilet to your existing bathroom color scheme or decor. The color palettes are identical between both models.
White is the most popular choice as it matches any bath decor. But the additional color options like almond, biscuit, and sandbar allow you to coordinate with softer color palettes. The Black Black finish provides a modern, striking look.
- Style & Design
When it comes to looks, the Intrepid toilet line showcases a more refined, contemporary style compared to the understated Cimarron.
Intrepid toilets feature sleeker curves and proportions for a sophisticated silhouette. Decorative design accents like subtle ridges on the tank enhance the high-style aesthetic. These toilets make a bold statement.
Cimarron toilets have a more muted, minimalist look. The simple, architectural shapes blend seamlessly into any bath decor. It’s a versatile, flexible design that disappears into the background.
Both Intrepid and Cimarron toilets are available in one or two-piece configurations. The main difference is that two-piece toilets have a separate tank that sits on top of the bowl. This provides a little more flexibility for installation.
One-piece toilets feature a seamless design where the tank and bowl are molded as a single unit. This provides a sleek, continuous look.
- Maintenance and Care
To keep either Intrepid or Cimarron toilets performing their best, follow these tips:
- Clean the toilet bowl frequently with a soft scrub brush and bathroom cleaner. Avoid abrasive cleaners.
- Use a toilet brush to scrub under the rim to remove stains and mineral buildup.
- Descale the toilet every 6 months using white vinegar or a commercial descaling solution. This prevents mineral deposits.
- Avoid drop-in cleaners that sit in the tank as they can damage flap valves and other components.
- Check for leaks yearly and make sure connections are tight.
- Tighten the toilet seat mounting nuts if the seat becomes loose.
- Replace the flapper seal every 2-3 years for optimal flushing.
Both the Intrepid and Cimarron feature durable, vitreous china construction and are designed for years of reliable performance with proper care.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Kohler’s most powerful flushing toilets include:
Kohler Highline Class Five: The extra-wide flush valve and fully glazed trapway provide maximum bulk waste removal.
Kohler Cimarron: AquaPiston technology creates a robust siphon flush using only 1.28 gpf.
Kohler Wellworth Dual Flush: Offers both a 1.6 gpf full flush and 0.8 gpf light flush. Ideal for removing solid waste.
Kohler Persuade Curv: The elongated bowl shape and Class Five system offer exceptional waste clearing power.
Kohler Santa Rosa: Despite the compact size, it packs a strong 1.28 gpf flush.
Some of Kohler’s top-rated toilet models include:
Kohler Santa Rosa – A great combination of value, power, and water savings.
Kohler Cimarron – Powerful AquaPiston flushing hides in a streamlined design.
Kohler Highline – Classic style with extra flushing muscle from Class Five technology.
Kohler Wellworth – Workhorse performance and durability at an affordable price point.
Kohler Tresham – Stylish curves and clean lines with robust siphon jet power.
Yes, the Kohler Cimarron toilet is designed to operate quietly. Key features that minimize noise include:
1. AquaPiston canister – Provides a smooth, laminar water flow into the bowl.
2. Brevia seat – The quiet-close seat prevents loud slamming.
3. Tank insulation – Reduces sound reverberation from the tank into the bathroom.
4. WaterSense-certified – Low-flow flush reduces refill noise.
So whether flushing or refilling, the Cimarron toilet won’t create excessive noise. The quiet operation makes it ideal for both residential and commercial bathrooms.
No, the Kohler Cimarron utilizes AquaPiston flushing technology rather than Kohler’s Class Five system. But it still provides robust siphon jet flushing power using only 1.28 gallons per flush. Key Class Five differences include:
Flush valve location – Class Five valves surround the rim while AquaPiston is center-mounted.
Water delivery – Class Five 360-degree water flow vs. AquaPiston’s uni-directional flow.
Trapway size – Slightly wider (2-3/8″) trapway on Class Five models.
So while not designated as Class Five, the Cimarron toilet still has exceptional flushing capabilities. The AquaPiston system exceeds maximum MaP flush performance ratings.
Final Thoughts
Now that we’ve compared the Kohler Intrepid and Cimarron across all the key categories, which one reigns supreme?
For those seeking a stylish, powerful toilet with premium features, the Kohler Intrepid stands out as the winner. The elegant design makes a bold statement while the Class Five flushing system provides maximum cleaning power.
Added perks like a quiet-close seat, range of heights, and wide color selection justify the higher price.
But for shoppers on a budget, the Kohler Cimarron gets top marks as an affordable high-performance pick. You still get robust flushing power and water savings in a streamlined, fuss-free design.
Easy maintenance and a lower price make the Cimarron hard to beat for value.
Ultimately, it comes down to your needs and bathroom vision. The Intrepid brings upscale style and performance, while the Cimarron delivers solid function at a more accessible price point. Both are great options that will serve you reliably for years.
