Description
Toyota Innova Overview
The Toyota Innova is a compact MPV and is one of the best-sellers of Toyota Motor Philippines. With its 7-seat capacity (8 in some variants), raised ride height, and diesel mill, the Innova has become a perennial choice in the MPV segment. Because of this, the Innova is constantly present as an annual top-seller – a testament to its appeal to Filipino car buyers.
Platform, Chassis and Powertrain
The Innova rides on Toyota’s IMV platform, shared with the Hilux and the Fortuner. Powering the perennial MPV is a Euro 4 2.8-liter diesel mill that produces 172 hp and 360 Nm of torque for the automatic variants and 168 hp and 343 Nm of torque for the manual variants. The said mill can either be mated with a 6-speed automatic transmission or a 5-speed manual.
Stopping power for the Innova comes from ventilated discs up front and leading-trailing drum brakes for the rear. The MPV rides on an independent coil spring, double-wishbone with stabilizer suspension for the front and the rear gets a 4-link coil spring system. Steering comes from a Rack and Pinion Power steering system. Unlike its competitors, the Innova does not use EPS and still utilizes the older Hydraulic Power Steering system.
Driving Performance
The 2.8-liter turbo diesel paired with either a 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic achieves maximized performance for the MPV. Also, thanks to the new suspension of the Innova, the ride has improved. One caveat to this, however, is that some may find this new suspension set up too soft and floaty. But overall, the new suspension setup is a notable improvement compared to the previous model.
Technology Features
The V and G variants of the Innova feature a 7-inch infotainment system that comes ready with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto along with a 6-speaker audio system. While E variants, on the other hand, get a slightly smaller 6.75-inch screen, yet it still supports the same functions of the larger infotainment system. As for the J variant, it gets a more basic 2-DIN radio that comes with several audio functions including CD, AM, FM, Bluetooth, USB, and auxiliary, plus, it also gets fewer speakers compared to the rest of the range. Lastly, V and G variants of the Innova get automatic climate control and push-start ignition.
The MPV comes with Intermittent wipers with time adjusters and with a mist function, which is standard for the V and G variants. The rear wiper is standard across the line but does not come with any intermittent functions. As for the E and J spec variant, the wipers are only intermittent and mist.
Exterior
The Toyota Innova’s exterior features LED projector-type headlamps with clearance lamps for the V variant, while the rest of the lineup gets multi-reflector halogen headlights. For fog and driving lamps, the V-spec Innova comes with LED fog lights while the rest of the lineup except the J variant gets halogen fog lights. The outside door handles of the Innova come in the form of a grip-type handle with chrome accents for the V and G variants. E and J variants, on the other hand, only comes with color-keyed door handles.
The top Innova variant on 17-inch alloy wheels and 215/55/R17 tires. The G to E variants, on the other hand, rides on 205/65/R16 alloy wheels. As for the Base model J variant of the Innova, it rides on 205/65 tires and 16-inch steel wheels.
Interior
On the interior, the Innova features seating for 7 for the V variant of the MPV and 8 for the rest of the lineup. Seat material for the whole lineup is treated in fabric that varies in color from variant to variant. The main interior color of the vehicle is black with silver accents across the dashboard and on the aircon vents. The passenger dash accent, however, will change in trim depending on the variant of the MPV. You also get ambient lighting in the G and V variants of the Innova. Prior to the 2021 year model, only the 6-seat V variant would get this option, but the 7-seat G variant comes standard with this addition.
The V variant gets second-row captain chairs as well as tray tables located behind the front seats. The G variant also gets these foldable tray tables. When not in use these tray tables can easily be stowed away.
Safety
Seatbelts are plenty in the Innova as the second row of seats get 3-point seatbelts along with ISOFIX tethers for child seats. The driver and front passenger also get the same treatment upfront. The third row also comes with 3-point seatbelts for all rear occupants. Side impact beams are standard across the lineup as a passive safety feature. The G and V variants of the MPV come with backup sensors. In addition, the vehicle comes with a security system and with an immobilizer. Unfortunately, the rest of the lineup does not have these features as standard.
The Innova shares its platform with the Hilux and Fortuner, and is assembled in Toyota’s assembly plant in Santa Rosa, Laguna. Last February 20, 2021, the facelifted Toyota Innova made its Philippine debut. Aside from the mild exterior updates, and a few more standard inclusions for lower variants along with other additional features.
The Innova’s legendary capabilities have been enhanced beyond compare with the new Innova Crysta. Be it the new bold front grille and bumper or the stunning diamond-cut alloy wheels, the new Innova Crysta is in a league of its own.
If the exterior design spells dominance, the well-appointed interior is steeped in luxury and elegance. Unequalled space and plushness welcome you inside to the camel tanned seats of the new Innova Crysta. Replete with unsurpassed connectivity, safety and a linear power delivery, it gives you a truly unmatched and unrivalled travelling experience.
