Toyota Innova Hycross

When you lay eyes on the exterior of the Innova HyCross, you’ll witness a profound shift in design, pushing it into contemporary and chic terrains. It wouldn’t be surprising if it’s momentarily mistaken for a robust SUV, especially with its assertive front profile drawing cues from the latest Toyota Hilux pick-up. A hexagonal-shaped honeycomb mesh grille framed by generous chrome highlights dominates the front. LED DRLs and LED headlamps flank this centerpiece, all contained within sharply creased contours that add a dynamic edge. The ‘T’ logo confidently sits in the middle, flanked by chrome-finished ‘Innova’ lettering on the hood. The bumpers are no slouch either, robustly designed and integrated with more chrome to emphasize its SUV persona.

The side profile holds true to its MPV heritage but adds a dash of flair with its new 18-inch alloy wheels and tapered rear end. The smaller windows and a sweeping roofline further accentuate its SUV characteristics. Toyota has also reduced the quarter glass for the third row, perhaps to match the vehicle’s now sportier aesthetic. But what truly sets it apart are the squarish and heavily flared wheel arches that give it a robust look while also freeing up interior space. With the ‘Hybrid’ label tastefully displayed, there is no mistaking this vehicle’s green credentials.

Step inside the Innova HyCross, and you’re immediately greeted by a refreshed, elegant cabin that screams sophistication. The steering wheel now offers tilt and telescopic adjustments, a boon for those lengthy road trips. The 360-degree surround camera is a welcome addition, even if there’s room for improvement in pixel clarity. Ventilated seats for the driver and co-passenger not only promise comfort but are also accompanied by electronic adjustments and a memory function, making every drive customized to your liking.

The dual-tone treatment across the dashboard and door panels offers a plush experience. Every touchpoint feels premium, and the color scheme blends effortlessly with the overall cabin design. The new instrument cluster is a visual treat, changing colors based on your driving mode and offering a straightforward view of your hybrid system’s performance. The steering wheel houses a plethora of controls, ranging from cruise control adjustments to media controls and even voice assistant activation.

Another addition that is sure to impress is the higher ride height, offering an elevated view of the road and adding to the overall comfort. Advanced features such as dual-zone climate control, ambient lighting, and dedicated charging ports for the second row add to the Innova HyCross’s feature-rich experience.

When it comes to safety, the Innova HyCross is packed with features that are designed to keep you and your passengers secure. It comes standard with seven airbags, including front, side, curtain, and even a driver’s knee airbag. Advanced technologies such as the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist ensure precise control during sudden stops. There’s also Vehicle Stability Control and Traction Control, which maintain stability under different road conditions. Hill-Start Assist and a reinforced chassis structure further elevate the safety experience. The MPV also offers a state-of-the-art parking assist feature with rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera, making parking in tight spaces a breeze.

The Toyota Innova HyCross offers two engine options. The 2.0-Litre Strong Hybrid variant boasts a displacement of 1,998 cc, delivering a max output of 184 bhp and a peak torque of 206 Nm, coupled with an eCVT transmission. It can sprint from 0 to 100 Kmph in 9.5 seconds. On the other hand, the 2.0-Litre Naturally Aspirated version, also with a displacement of 1,998 cc, provides 172 bhp of power and 205 Nm of torque, and comes with a CVT transmission. Multiple driving modes such as Eco, Normal, and Sport allow you to adapt the engine’s performance to different driving conditions.

Ride comfort is one area where the Innova has always excelled, and the HyCross is no different. The new TNGA-C platform lends an even better balance between ride and handling. Whether you are navigating city roads or cruising down the highway, the vehicle offers a smooth, poised drive. The suspension setup absorbs most road imperfections, ensuring that passengers experience minimal jolts. The steering feels responsive and offers good feedback, making it a pleasure to maneuver through tight spaces and corners.

The Innova HyCross, while positioned above the Innova Crysta in terms of pricing, justifies its cost with its robust feature list and hybrid technology. The base 2.0-litre naturally aspirated variant is anticipated to be priced around INR 24.8 lakhs, and the fully loaded 2.0-litre strong hybrid model could go up to approximately INR 32.5 lakhs (ex-showroom). Given Toyota’s track record for reliability and the advanced tech on offer, the HyCross presents a value proposition in its segment.

If budget is not a constraint, the top-end variant offers the most comprehensive package, including advanced safety features, plush interiors, and the best tech on offer. However, the mid-range variant also offers a good balance of essential features and luxury, making it the best value-for-money option for most buyers.

When it comes to competitors, the Innova HyCross faces stiff competition from vehicles like the Mahindra Marazzo, Kia Carnival, and even the Tata Hexa. However, what sets the Innova HyCross apart is its unique offering of hybrid technology in the MPV segment, coupled with Toyota’s long-standing reputation for reliability and service.

The Toyota Innova HyCross is a well-rounded package that caters to various needs, whether it’s family travel, corporate use, or long road trips. Its blend of safety, performance, and luxurious features makes it a compelling option in the highly competitive MPV market in India.