17 years ago, the first Toyota Innova was launched and the MPV made its buyers fall in love with its supreme comfort and reliability. Now there’s an all-new Innova unveiled, called the Innova HyCross, and it is the first Innova to be offered with a self-charging hybrid powertrain. The HyCross also gets significant updates to the design and interiors, and it will be sold alongside the current Innova Crysta. The HyCross is based on the TNGA GA-C platform, and promises to be even better to drive.
The HyCross is offered with two powertrain options. First up is the 2-litre nat-asp petrol mated a CVT transmission, and that engine makes 172bhp of power. The second is the self charging hybrid powertrain that is all new, and this powertrain consists of a 2-litre petrol engine assisted by an electric motor. The combined output of the system is 184bhp and 0-100kmph comes up in a claimed 9.5 seconds. Claimed fuel efficiency is 21.1kmpl and the hybrid powertrain is also capable of running 40 per cent of the distance and 60 per cent of time in pure EV mode, should the batteries have enough charge. The hybrid is mated to an e-CVT transmission with paddle shifters, and it is important to note that the HyCross with its petrol and hybrid powertrains will be sold alongside the Innova Crysta which will now be offered only with a diesel engine.
The Toyota Innova HyCross gets an all-design compared to the Crysta, with SUV-centric styling. Clearly, the face of the HyCross has been inspired by Toyota’s Hilux pickup, and it does look very attractive. The bonnet line has been raised and the front grille is now larger, with a hexagonal design and a gunmetal finish. You get automatic LED headlamps with DRLs, and 18-inch alloy wheels, compared to the earlier 17s. The D-pillar of the HyCross is more rakish than the Crysta’s, with a smaller quarter glass that makes it look a bit more stylish. The HyCross is based on TNGA GA-C platform, which is a monocoque construction as opposed to the Crysta’s ladder frame, and it gets a weight reduction of 200kg compared to the earlier platform. This platform is shared with the Toyota Voxy minivan sold in global markets.
The interiors of the HyCross have been heavily updated as well, with dark chestnut leather seats and soft-touch materials used around the cabin. The dashboard gets a new layout, now following a vertical design theme, and mounted in your line of sight is the 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen. The Innova also gets a panoramic sunroof for the first time, and in terms of additional kit, you get ventilated seats up front, paddle shifters, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster and a 9-speaker sound system from JBL with a subwoofer.
The Innova’s forte has always been its comfort however, and staying true to that theme, the HyCross gets powered seats for the second row, allowing you to recline the seats electrically, and you also get a leg rest for the second row seats. The Innova also gets a multi-zone climate control and a powered tailgate.
In terms of safety, the HyCross is equipped with Toyota Safety Sense suite of features which have been tuned for India. The safety features include dynamic radar cruise control, lane trace assist, auto high beam, a blind sport monitor, pre-collision braking and vehicle stability control. The HyCross also gets rear disc brakes, a rear cross traffic alert system to help you reverse safely along with a 360-degree view camera, and hill-start assist.
While prices have not been announced, bookings for the Innova HyCross are now open and the model is expected to be dealerships by January 2023.