Toyota Innova HyCross

Built on Toyota’s global TNGA-C monocoque platform, the Hycross is front-wheel driven, unlike the rear-driven ladder-frame Crysta. It is 20mm longer and wider with a 100mm longer wheelbase, yet lighter by 205kg in petrol form. The hybrid, at 1,715kg, is still lighter than the old diesel. The design has evolved too, with SUV-like cues: a bold hexagonal grille, Fortuner-style headlights, squared arches, and crossover-inspired rear styling. The hybrid adds chrome elements, LED DRLs, and 18-inch alloys, while the base petrol version looks noticeably bare with smaller wheels and minimal garnish.

Inside, the monocoque layout ensures a lower floor, aiding ingress. The hybrid’s dual-tone brown-black interior with matte silver accents feels premium, complemented by features like ventilated front seats, powered driver’s seat with memory, and a panoramic sunroof. The dashboard houses physical buttons for key functions and a high-mounted gear console. Fit-finish is mostly good, though some plastics feel budget-grade.

In contrast, the petrol’s all-black interior is spartan, with hard plastics, missing features, and outdated rotary AC knobs. Both versions offer excellent comfort, especially in the second row. The hybrid's captain’s seats with ottomans offer business-class comfort, though space behind the driver is limited. The 8-seat petrol variant features a comfortable bench that’s great for three adults, though it misses niceties like window blinds.

The third row is spacious and adult-friendly, with reclining backrests, three-point seatbelts, and adequate headroom for average-height passengers. Boot space with all seats up is modest, but folding the last row reveals ample cargo room. The hybrid also gets an electric tailgate.

The Toyota Innova Hycross is offered with two 2.0-litre powertrains: a naturally aspirated petrol and a hybrid. The hybrid can handle up to 60% of urban driving without the petrol engine. Still, it delivers brisk and linear performance, achieving 0–100kph in 10.69 seconds with a 170kph top speed. The e-CVT works well when driven calmly, but feels strained under hard acceleration. The petrol-only version is lighter by 170kg and it is refined and capable, achieving 0–100kph in 11 seconds and a 175kph top speed, but its CVT groans under pressure, encouraging a more sedate driving style.

The hybrid excels in the city with strong low-speed electric assist and returns 13.1kpl in the city and 16.1kpl on the highway in real-world conditions. The petrol version feels refined but struggles with efficiency—just 6.9kpl in the city and 12.4kpl on the highway.

Driving dynamics are improved over the Crysta, thanks to a stiffer chassis and electric power steering. The ride is flat and composed, though the hybrid’s low-profile tyres slightly compromise bump absorption.

The fully loaded hybrid version is packed with features like 18-inch alloys, panoramic sunroof, drive modes, ventilated front seats, powered tailgate, as well as ADAS. The petrol-automatic however isn’t available in higher variants, hence it misses several premium and safety features mentioned here.

Overall, the Innova Hycross hybrid is a premium, refined, and efficient people-mover with strong appeal, albeit at a steep price. The petrol version is more affordable but feels bare and lacks efficiency. Despite cheaper rivals, Toyota’s brand equity and the Hycross’ strengths ensure it remains a top pick for premium MPV buyers.