Toyota Innova Hycross Review: The MPV That Thinks It’s an SUV

As a lifelong car enthusiast, I’ve admired the Innova lineage for years—reliable, robust, and ready for anything. But when Toyota unveiled the Innova Hycross, it was clear this wasn’t just an evolution. It was a full-blown revolution. Goodbye body-on-frame. Hello hybrid tech, monocoque platform, and SUV-inspired aesthetics.

The Hycross isn’t just the next Innova. It’s a futuristic take on what a premium Indian family car should be. And yes, it finally gives that wow factor we all wanted from an MPV.

 Under the Hood: Hybrid Power, Smarter Than Ever

The biggest shake-up? Toyota’s 2.0L TNGA hybrid powertrain.

 Hybrid Variant

• Combined Power: ~184 bhp

• Transmission: e-CVT

• Mileage: A jaw-dropping 23.24 km/l (claimed!)

• Battery: Self-charging, no plug-in needed

 Pure Petrol Variant

• Power: 172 bhp

• Transmission: CVT

• A quieter, smoother ride, albeit with slightly lower mileage (~16 km/l)

This is no performance monster, but it’s buttery smooth, refined, and shockingly efficient for its size. It’s tailor-made for city cruising, highway stretches, and long family road trips alike.

 Built on Toyota’s TNGA Platform: Goodbye Ladder, Hello Luxury

For the first time, the Innova ditches its ladder frame and rear-wheel drive for a monocoque chassis with front-wheel drive. This is a game-changer. What does that mean for us petrolheads and comfort seekers?

• Smoother ride quality

• More cabin space

• Quieter NVH levels

• Better fuel economy

• A more car-like driving feel

It’s still big. It still feels planted. But it drives lighter and more composed than any Innova before it.

 Design: SUV Meets MPV in the Best Way

Let’s talk about the looks—because this isn’t your uncle’s Innova.

Exterior Highlights

• Bold hexagonal grille, reminiscent of a Highlander or RAV4

• LED headlamps and DRLs with sharp creases

• Raised bonnet lines and flared wheel arches

• 18-inch diamond-cut alloys on higher trims

• Muscular stance with a dash of SUV swagger

You’ll turn heads at the mall parking lot, and it won’t look out of place next to Fortuners or XUV700s.

 Interior Comfort: A Living Room on Wheels

Highlights Inside:

• Ottoman-style reclining captain seats in ZX(O) variant—seriously luxurious

• Panoramic sunroof (a first for Innova)

• 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment

• Digital driver’s display

• Dual-zone climate control

• Ventilated seats

• Ambient lighting and powered tailgate

Toyota has truly leaned into the premium experience, especially in the second row. Whether you’re driving or being driven, this is first-class on four wheels.

 Safety & Tech: Now with ADAS!

Toyota’s safety game just levelled up. The Hycross comes with Toyota Safety Sense, which includes:

• Adaptive Cruise Control

• Lane Keep Assist

• Pre-Collision Warning

• Automatic High Beam

• 6 airbags, ABS, ESC, hill hold, and TPMS

You also get a 360-degree camera, connected car tech, and voice assist. It’s smarter and safer than any Innova we’ve had so far.

 Price & Variants (India – Ex-Showroom, 2025)

Yes, it’s expensive. But when you factor in hybrid efficiency, low running costs, and luxury rivaling German cars twice the price, it’s worth every rupee.

 Hycross vs Crysta: Old School Meets New School

 Final Verdict: Is the Innova Hycross Worth It?

If you want a reliable Toyota that now also feels aspirational, tech-savvy, and green, the Innova Hycross is a no-brainer. It’s what happens when you blend utility with luxury, and tradition with innovation.

As a car enthusiast, I’d say:
 If you’re done waiting for diesel, ready to embrace hybrid tech, and want a people-mover that feels like a baby Land Cruiser inside, this is your pick.