The Toyota Innova Crysta has been a mainstay in the Indian MPV market for years, building a reputation for longevity, reliability and practicality. It is powered by a 2.4-litre diesel engine paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox and is available in seven- and eight-seat configurations. Here are three reasons to consider the Innova Crysta and two reasons why it may not be for you.
Pros
Peace of mind ownership
The Innova has a long-standing reputation for mechanical robustness and reliability, which remains a major reason for its appeal. The 2.4-litre diesel makes 150hp and 343Nm, and is known for its refined and dependable nature. Toyota also offers warranty coverage of up to three years or 1,00,000km, with an extended warranty available up to five years or 2,20,000km.
Space and practicality
The Innova is available in seven- and eight-seat configurations, with the former getting captain’s chairs in the second row and the latter a bench seat. The seven-seat layout offers a more comfortable second row, while the eight-seat version prioritises seating capacity and practicality.
The third row is reasonably spacious for average-sized adults, while all three rows get AC vents and the second row gets separate blower controls. Fold-out tray tables also add to the practicality for passengers on longer journeys. The Innova also benefits from Toyota’s established service and after-sales network.
Good highway manners
The 2.4-litre diesel has enough performance for highway driving, with a good reserve of power for overtaking at higher speeds. It remains comfortable while cruising and doesn’t feel out of breath on faster expressways. The ride is generally comfortable, but the Innova can feel unsettled over sharp-edged and rutted surfaces, while its body-on-frame construction also results in some lumpiness at low speeds.
Cons
Heavy steering
The Crysta uses hydraulic power steering, which makes the steering feel heavy, particularly at low speeds. It can also give some kickback through the wheel when driving over potholes, which is more noticeable on broken roads. This makes manoeuvring the large MPV in tight spaces more cumbersome than it could be.
Priced on the expensive side
The Innova Crysta was launched in 2016, and its age is now evident in the cabin. It remains spacious and comfortable, but the interior has plenty of hard plastics and the infotainment system feels dated compared with newer MPVs. The Kia Carens Clavis, for instance, offers a similarly practical three-row layout with a more modern and premium cabin. At Rs 19.72 lakh to Rs 26.77 lakh (ex-showroom), the Crysta’s pricing makes its ageing interior harder to overlook.
Uday Singh
Glenn Noronha
Dipan Sur
