Toyota Innova Hycross: The Toyota Innova Hycross is the next big leap for India’s most loved Innova badging. Departing from its usual ladder-frame configuration and diesel-only power plant, the Hycross adopts a monocoque-based chassis, a front-wheel-drive system, and an influence-rich petrol-electric drivetrain.
This metamorphosis makes the Innova Hycross more cultured, more fuel efficient, and more urban friendly MPV without compromising its heritage of spaciousness, comfort, and reliability.
Catering for families, fleet users and private buyers seeking a premium product, the Hycross adorns today’s trend of SUV-like styling with MPV versatility and hybrid technology in a manner only Toyota can.
Bold Exterior Styling
The Hycross is a departure from the usual MPV design and adopt a more SUV-inspired look. The frontal fascia is bold and features massive hexagonal grille, sharp LED headlamps, and a higher placed bonnet line, which makes the car look muscular on the road.
Sculpted bumper and bold character lines create stylish profile.
The long wheelbase, big alloy wheels and blacked-out pillars do add length and a bit of stature as well as when viewed from the sides. The back is tidy and upright and capped with wraparound LED tail lamps and a roof spoiler.
All in all the Hycross is imposing and premium and will no doubt appeal both to those families looking for a more upmarket crossover as well as those who love a good SUV.
Spacious and Premium Cabin
On the inside, the Hycross is equipped with a comfortable and luxurious cabin for its occupants. The dashboard design is contemporary and easy to use, made from soft-touch materials and a tiers layout.
Center stage is a big touchscreen infotainment system design to handle your smartphone, navigation, and voice commands. A fully digital instrument cluster, ambient lighting, and dual-zone climate control add to the comfort factor as well.
The Hycross is offered in both 7 seater and 8 seater trims. The second row (captain) seats (on 7-seater trim levels) are almost lounge like, with ottoman extensions in higher-end models.
The third row is suitable for adults, the flat floor providing more legroom.
Hybridized Powertrain and Driving Feeling
The powertrain is the biggest talking point on Innova Hycross. It is offered by Toyota with a 2.0-litre petrol engine in combination with a hybrid system though it launched the conventional petrol version alongside.
The electrified hybrid is driven by an electric motor for zero-emission and silent urban driving.
Overall, with the petrol engine plus the electric motor output, you have of around 183 hp, which makes for quick acceleration and smooth operation.
The e-CVT transmission is well tuned and ensures power is delivered in a jerk free manner.
The hybrid setup also works to recover power during braking for added efficiency.
Out on the road, the monocoque chassis and front-wheel-drive configuration make themselves known in terms of driving feel as a more car-like experience.
And the suspension is very pliant and soft, taking up every bump and pothole with ease, though there’s not a shortness of body roll.
The Hycross is stable at highway speeds and nimble in urban traffic.
Features and Safety
Toyota has equipped the Hycross with features like a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, wireless charging, connected car tech and a power tailgate in top variants.
The infotainment system is user-friendly, and the sound quality of the audio system is excellent.
In terms of safety, the Hycross provides for as many as six airbags, ABS with EBD, traction control, as well as ISOFIX mounts.
Higher-spec models also come with Toyota’s ADAS safety suite, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, blind-spot monitoring and auto emergency braking – combining to make the Sienta one of the safest MPV in class.
Pros of Toyota Innova Hycross
Weak Strong Fuel efficiency powertrain with great handling and good performance.
SUV-influenced styling lends it a contemporary, premium look
Very roomy cabin with limolike rear seats
Packed with features and safety tech, including ADAS
Smooth ride and handling of a car
Cons of Toyota Innova Hycross
No diesel engine choice (many original Innova buyers swear by it)
Hybrids are expensive hybrids kept by a factor of three.
Some other things to note include limited boot space when all rows are up, while towing capacity is among the worst in the segment.
not designed for drivers who love to drive e-CVT not for those who love driving
Some long waits in cities where demand is high
Toyota Innova Hycross: Final Verdict
Toyota Innova Hycross neatly reinterprets the legendry MPV for a new generation.
Catering to a larger target market, Innova has released the Innova Hybrid where it adopts efficient hybrid technology and an SUV-like design while still establishing that relaxing comfort ride enthusiasts expect from the Innova name.
It may be a bit pricey and it doesn’t offer a diesel engine, but its strong fuel economy, impressive list of modern features, and smooth driving experience put it at the top of the list for anyone shopping for a solid, upscale family car. The Hycross isn’t simply an enhancement, it’s transformative.