New Delhi: 17 years ago, the first Toyota Innova was launched and customers loved this MPV for its maximum comfort and reliability. Now an all-new Innova is introduced called the Innova HyCross and it is the first Innova to be offered with a self-charging hybrid powertrain.

The HyCross also gets significant design and interior updates and will be sold alongside the current Innova Crysta. The HyCross is based on the TNGA GA-C platform and promises even better handling.

Toyota Innova HyCross powertrain

The HyCross is offered with two drive options. First up is the 2-litre nat-asp petrol mated to a CVT and this engine delivers 172bhp. The other is a plug-in hybrid powertrain that is brand new, and this powertrain consists of a 2-liter gasoline engine assisted by an electric motor. The combined output of the system is 184 horsepower and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.5 seconds.

Claimed fuel economy is 21.1kmpl and the hybrid powertrain is also capable of driving 40 percent of the distance and 60 percent of the time in pure EV mode, provided the batteries are sufficiently charged.

The HyCross is mated to an e-CVT transmission with paddle shifters and it is important to note that the HyCross with its petrol and hybrid powertrains will be sold alongside the Innova Crysta which will now only be offered with a diesel engine.

Toyota Innova HyCross design

Compared to the Crysta, the Toyota Innova HyCross has an all-over design with SUV-focused styling. Obviously, the face of the HyCross was inspired by Toyota’s Hilux pickup and it looks very attractive. The hood line has been raised and the front grille is now larger, with a hexagonal design and a bronze finish.

You get automatic LED headlights with DRLs and 18-inch alloy wheels compared to the previous 17s. The HyCross’s D-pillar is sharper than the Crysta’s, with a smaller quarter glass that makes it look a bit more stylish. The HyCross is based on the TNGA GA-C platform, which is a monocoque construction as opposed to the Crysta ladder frame, and has a weight reduction of 200kg compared to the earlier platform. This platform is shared with the Toyota Voxy minivan sold in global markets.

Toyota Innova HyCross Interior

The interior of the HyCross has also been significantly updated, with dark maroon leather seats and soft materials used in the cabin. The dashboard has a new layout, now following a vertical design, and a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen sits in your field of vision.

The Innova also gets a panoramic sunroof for the first time, and as part of the optional package, you get ventilated front seats, paddle shifters, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster and a 9-speaker sound system from JBL with a subwoofer.

However, the Innova’s strong point has always been its comfort, and in keeping with that theme, the HyCross has power second-row seats, allowing you to power-fold the seats, and you also get a footrest for the second-row seats. The Innova also gets multi-zone climate control and power tailgate.

In terms of safety, the HyCross comes with a suite of Toyota Safety Sense features that have been tuned for India. Safety features include Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist, Automatic High Beams, Blind Sport Monitor, Pre-Collision Braking and Vehicle Stability Control. The HyCross also has rear disc brakes, a cross-traffic alert system to help you reverse safely, along with a 360-degree camera and hill start assist.

While pricing has not been announced, bookings for the Innova HyCross are now open and the model is expected to go on sale from January 2023.