The Toyota Innova has long been a staple in the Indian MPV (multi-purpose vehicle) segment, known for its robust build, comfort, and reliability. With the introduction of the Toyota Innova Hycross, the brand has taken a bold step into the future by blending the traditional strengths of the Innova with the advancements of hybrid technology. This new iteration promises a more eco-friendly and tech-forward option without compromising on the core values that make the Innova a family favorite. In this review, we test the Toyota Innova Hycross for its family-friendly features, performance, and comfort on both city roads and highways.
Bold and Modern Design
The Toyota Innova Hycross comes with a fresh, modern design that sets it apart from its predecessors. While the signature silhouette of the Innova remains intact, the Hycross features sharper lines and a more dynamic front fascia. The bold chrome grille, sleek LED headlights, and striking angular front bumper give it a premium appearance that’s sure to catch the eye.
The side profile of the Innova Hycross is more streamlined, with a sloping roofline that enhances its aerodynamic efficiency while maintaining a spacious cabin. The rear end also gets a redesigned tailgate and LED tail lamps that extend the modern look to the back. Overall, the Innova Hycross combines a sense of sophistication with its traditionally functional, family-oriented design.
Spacious and Comfortable Interior
Inside, the Toyota Innova Hycross continues to impress with its focus on space and comfort. Designed with families in mind, the cabin is roomier than ever, with three rows of seats that can comfortably accommodate up to seven passengers. The materials used are of high quality, with soft-touch plastics and plush upholstery that add to the overall premium feel of the cabin.
The front seats are wide and well-cushioned, offering ample adjustability to ensure that drivers of all sizes can find a comfortable driving position. The second-row seats, typically the most important for family vehicles, are equally spacious, providing plenty of legroom and comfort for adult passengers. The third-row seats are more suitable for children or shorter adults, but they still offer a good amount of space for longer journeys.
For added convenience, the second-row seats can slide and recline, making it easy to adjust the seating configuration for different needs. The flat floor in the rear section adds to the comfort of third-row passengers, making it a much more pleasant space than many of its rivals.
Cargo space is impressive, especially with the third-row seats folded flat, offering generous boot space for luggage or groceries. Even with all seats in use, the Innova Hycross still provides enough room for a few smaller bags, making it a highly practical option for families who travel often.
Hybrid Powertrain and Performance
Under the hood, the Toyota Innova Hycross features a petrol-hybrid powertrain that offers the best of both worlds—powerful performance and impressive fuel efficiency. The engine is a 2.0-liter petrol engine paired with an electric motor, producing a combined output of around 183 horsepower. This setup ensures that the Innova Hycross delivers a smooth and responsive drive, whether you’re navigating through city traffic or cruising on highways.
The hybrid system works seamlessly, automatically switching between the petrol engine and the electric motor to optimize fuel efficiency. In city driving, the electric motor can take over at low speeds, helping to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. On highways, the petrol engine kicks in to provide enough power for smooth overtaking and high-speed cruising.
The driving experience is refined, with good ride quality and a quiet cabin. The Innova Hycross features a well-tuned suspension system that absorbs road imperfections, ensuring that passengers enjoy a smooth ride even on rough patches. The steering is light, making it easy to maneuver the vehicle in tight spaces and city traffic, yet it offers enough feedback on open highways to provide a confident feel.
One of the key benefits of the hybrid powertrain is its fuel efficiency. The Toyota Innova Hycross offers impressive mileage, making it a great choice for long-distance drives or families who need to minimize fuel costs. The hybrid system not only reduces fuel consumption but also lowers carbon emissions, making it an environmentally friendly option for those looking to make a more sustainable choice.
Advanced Technology and Safety Features
The Toyota Innova Hycross comes equipped with a range of advanced tech features that enhance both the driving experience and passenger comfort. The infotainment system is a large, touchscreen unit that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless smartphone integration. It also includes features like navigation, voice commands, and Bluetooth connectivity, ensuring that the driver remains connected without distraction.
In addition to the entertainment features, the Hycross comes with several useful driver-assistance technologies. These include adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and parking sensors. The safety features help ensure peace of mind, especially on longer journeys where safety is a priority for family-oriented buyers.
The Toyota Innova Hycross also comes with a 360-degree camera system, which provides a bird’s-eye view of the surroundings, making parking and tight maneuvers much easier. This, combined with front and rear parking sensors, ensures that the vehicle is easy to navigate in urban environments, despite its size.
Ride Comfort and Handling
The Toyota Innova Hycross excels in ride comfort, offering a smooth and refined driving experience. The suspension system is designed to absorb bumps and uneven surfaces, making it an ideal vehicle for long road trips and family vacations. Whether on highways or city streets, the Innova Hycross provides a calm and composed ride, ensuring that passengers are never disturbed by the road conditions.
The handling is relatively nimble for a vehicle of its size, with precise steering and minimal body roll. While it’s not as sporty as some other vehicles in Toyota’s lineup, the Hycross offers enough agility to handle both urban traffic and open roads with ease.
Verdict: A Perfect Family Vehicle
The Toyota Innova Hycross blends practicality, performance, and modern features into a family-friendly package. Its hybrid powertrain offers both power and efficiency, while the spacious and comfortable interior ensures that everyone, from the driver to passengers, can enjoy long drives in comfort. The modern design adds a touch of elegance, and the tech and safety features make it an appealing option for those seeking a reliable, well-equipped family car.
Whether you’re using it for daily commutes, weekend trips, or longer vacations, the Innova Hycross is an ideal choice for families who need versatility and reliability. With its efficient hybrid powertrain, advanced features, and spacious interior, it’s a vehicle that doesn’t compromise on comfort or performance, making it a strong contender in the crowded MPV market.
