With 2022 coming to an end and carmakers preparing themselves for 2023, It seems that Japanese carmaker Toyota had one last surprise for its Indian audience. Yes, the Japanese carmaker has launched another product in India. This time it’s the much-awaited Toyota Innova Hycross.
After getting to know its feature list. It seems the new Kia Carnival, Mahindra XUV700, Kia Carens, Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, and XL6 rival comes with a mouth-watering price tag of ₹18.30 lakhs (Ex-showroom).
However, this is just for its base variant; the top-spec ZX variant powered by a strong hybrid powertrain comes with a price tag of ₹28.97lakhs (Ex-showroom).
What do we get to see under its hood?
- It uses the brand’s monocoque chassis underpinned by Toyota’s TNGA-C platform.
- Under its redesigned hood, we see a 2.0L pure petrol engine.
- This petrol mill pushes out 172hp of power with a peak torque of 205Nm while paired with a single CVT transmission.
- It also uses the iconic Atkinson cycle, better known as the Miller cycle, for better fuel efficiency.
- If run on battery, it offers a fuel efficiency of 23.24kpl; while running on the motor, it does offer a claimed fuel efficiency of 16.13kpl.
- Another thing to notice is that Toyota only offers the strong hybrid with the top-spec variants i.e- VX, ZX, and ZX (O). While the non-hybrid powertrain will only be offered with the base trims i.e- G and GX.
Is there anything new on the feature front?
Okay, so there’s a lot to talk about its feature as this happens to a new generation of the Innova. So let’s start with the interior.
- The interior of the Innova Hycross is nothing like its previous generation. As it gets a complete makeover.
- The new interior gets a multi-layered dashboard with horizontal lines, which paves the way for its AC vents.
- Between those lines stands a floating 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with a stack of HVAC control, adding more character to its front layout.
- The interior is smothered with soft-touch leather, also reserved for the top-spec variants only.
- Another feature reserved for the top-end trims is the dual-tone brown and black finish, which compliments the dark chestnut leather seats.
- Sadly, the lower variants only get the standard black fabric upholstery.
- Stepping into the second row, we get to ottoman-style captain seats for the second-row passengers.
- Look up, and you will find rood-mounted AC vents, a panoramic sunroof, and roof-mounted ambient lighting.
- Although, we do get to see some first-in-segment features like heated seats, rear sunshades, electrochromic IRVM, and Multi-zone climate control.
- There also sits a 17.8 cm TFT Instrument Cluster, 9 Speaker JBL System, 360° Degree Camera View, and 8 -Way Powered Driver Seat with Memory Function.
- Now, coming to its exterior, we tend to see a completely new design language inspired by another Toyota MPV sold in foreign markets.
- We do get to see first-in-segment dual-function DRLs, which does the job of a DRL as well as an indicator.
- Other out-of-the-box features include a new hexagonal grille, surface-emitting LED tail lamps, tri-eye LED headlamps, 18-inch super chrome alloy wheels, and a sporty rear spoiler.
- Well, that’s not all on the first-in-segment feature list; we also get a powered tailgate which eases the hassle of pulling the boot lid down.
Do we get any connected car features?
Well, With the Toyota Innova Hycross you get multiple connected car features such as.
- Engine immobilizer
- Remote Vehicle Ignition
- Vehicle Health Report
- Remote Lock/Unlock
- Remote AC Control
What about Safety?
No car could get any safer, As with other standard safety features, The Innova Hycross also debuts with Toyota’s ADAS tech called Toyota Safety Sense. The Level-1 ADAS featured on the Innova Hycross includes features like:
- lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and a pre-collision system.
- While the basic safety list includes three-point seat belts, six airbags, ABS with EBD, Traction Control, ESP, and auto high beam.
Is it better than its rivals?
Before coming to the final verdict, let’s get to know its rivals, which are the Mahindra XUV700, the Kia Carnival & Carens, Hyundai Alcazar, and Maruti Suzuki Ertiga/ XL6, the Mahindra Scorpio N. All these cars come with a 7 seater layout and hence are worthy in every sense to rival the Innova Hycross.
Now, coming to the final verdict, Finding a car that offers a perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and performance is surely a tedious task. However, the Innova Hycross offers all 3, but all these features are reserved for the top-line trims, for which you will have to shed over 25 lakhs and the too (Ex-showroom).
Another thing to notice is that this is the first time Toyota has introduced ADAS tech in any of its cars in India. This clearly means that it will have some downsides, As seen with the Mahindra XUV700.
