Toyota cars in India (14)

Unfortunately, there's no petrol automatic compact SUV today that will achieve anywhere near 20kpl in the real world, in the city or on the highway. The most efficient petrol compact SUVs are the Maruti Suzuki Fronx or Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor. 

If you want something more spacious, consider the Maruti Suzuki Brezza, though it is slightly less efficient. If you want more efficiency still, though, consider a diesel compact SUV like the Hyundai Venue or Kia Sonet. They are the smoothest and most efficient in the segment, and are more likely to get close to or surpass 20kpl. 

There is a fairly big gap in the Rs 40-75 lakh price range when it comes to genuinely comfortable seven-seaters, especially if your priority is a usable third row.
At the lower end, you have the Toyota Innova Hycross Hybrid. It is a comfortable, practical seven-seater with a reasonably spacious third row by Indian standards. Adults can sit there for short to medium journeys without feeling completely cramped, and the hybrid powertrain makes it smooth, quiet and extremely efficient. In top ZX (O) trim, it comes in at around Rs 40 lakh on road, and it is hard to fault in terms of reliability, comfort and ease of ownership. However, at your budget of up to Rs 65 lakh, it doesn’t quite feel like you’re fully utilising what you’re willing to spend; it’s sensible rather than indulgent.

At the upper end, around the Rs 70-75 lakh mark, you step into a different league with premium MPVs like the Kia Carnival and the MG M9. These are a clear step up from the Hycross in terms of space, comfort and overall experience. The Carnival, in particular, feels several notches superior - plusher interiors, far comfier seats, sliding rear doors, and stronger performance. Most crucially, a significantly more spacious and accommodating third row. Even full-sized adults can travel in the last row in proper comfort, which is rare.

The MG M9 is worth considering if you are open to going electric. It offers a very lounge-like cabin experience and a genuinely usable third row. It makes the most sense if you have home charging and your usage is largely city-based, though it can handle intercity runs with planning. As a people-mover focused on comfort, it does the job very well.

The challenge is that with a hard ceiling of Rs 65 lakh, your options narrow considerably. There aren’t many models in that exact band that deliver a truly luxurious third-row experience. SUVs in this price range may offer seven seats, but most still compromise heavily on the last row compared to these MPVs.

So realistically, if you want the best third-row comfort and can stretch to around Rs 75 lakh, the Carnival (or M9, if EV suits your usage) is the proper upgrade. If not, the Innova Hycross remains the most sensible and dependable choice. It is comfortable, practical and easy to live with, even if it doesn’t feel like a big-ticket indulgence at your stated budget. 

As of now, there is no official confirmation about a Toyota Hycross facelift. The Innova Hycross was launched in early 2023, and Toyota typically waits around four years after a model’s launch before introducing a mid-life facelift. Based on that pattern, a facelift for the Hycross would be expected closer to early 2027.

If you need a car soon and the current Hycross meets your requirements in terms of features, space, comfort, refinement and reliability, going ahead with the purchase now makes sense.