Toyota Innova Hycross Facelift – What to Expect? » MotorOctane

Toyota has sold the Innova in healthy numbers and earned a good reputation with it. So why not capitalise on the brand further? Toyota now offers two cars under the Innova brand name- the Hycross and the Crysta. And combined, it has a noteworthy sales record. However, a substantial majority of these sales have been from the Hycross, as the Crysta has become quite outdated.

The Toyota Innova Hycross was launched in 2022 and has remained unchanged since then. Toyota has added a few features here and there, and that is about it. Toyota will now be looking to update the Hycross and boost sales even more. Here is all you need to know about this potential facelift.

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Key Details

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The design language makes it evident that Toyota focused on making it practical rather than a head-turner. Its dimensions provide a roomy cabin and ample luggage space in the boot. The 3-row legroom is not generous, but adults can comfortably use it for short distances. Toyota will slightly tweak the design to keep it fresh, since its customer base has aesthetics lower on their list of requirements.

The platform has been successful, as its customers prefer it over more attractive SUVs. In the recent Bharat NCAP tests, it achieved a commendable 5-star rating. Toyota’s decision to make 6-airbags as standard definitely helped these ratings.

The Hycross has a decent feature list, including a 360-degree camera, ADAS, Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a JBL audio system, and an air filter. With the facelift, Toyota could add a larger infotainment screen, a fully digital driver’s display and pack the lower variants with more features.

Powertrain

Toyota offers the Hycross as a Petrol-only and Petrol-hybrid. There are no diesel options; the 2.0L petrol is the only engine. The hybrid is available on the higher variants, and you get compensated for the price premium with a solid 23 kmpl fuel economy. The transmission options omit a manual; only CVT and e-CVT are available.

The powertrain options will mostly remain the same at the facility, but Toyota could introduce CNG on lower variants. Toyota could borrow Maruti’s underbody CNG layout for this variant. The current powetrain options lack a CNG option, and the petrol-only engine is relatively inefficient ( giving a mileage of 16kmpl).

Rivals

The Innova Hycross sits in a unique spot. It has no direct MPV competitors; its competitors are in a lower or higher price bracket. Other MPVs currently on sale are the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, Maruti Suzuki XL6, Kia Carens, and Renault Triber. More expensive MPVs include the Toyota Vellfire, Lexus LM and the MG M9. Its only direct rivals are the Maruti Suzuki Invicto, a rebadged version of the Innova Hycross, and the Innova Crysta.

As a result, it competes with SUVs like the XUV700, Hyundai Alcazar, Mahindra Scorpio N, Tata Safari and the MG Hector Plus. The SUVs look more attractive and offer more exciting engine options, while the Innova Hycross focuses on practicality and efficiency. In terms of features, the Hycross holds its own well against the competition.

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Expected Launch and Price

The outgoing model starts at 23 lakh rupees and tops out at a staggering 38 lakh rupees (on-road, Mumbai). That is very close to the Fortuner territory. Paying such a premium could be justified, since the top variant is loaded with luxuries that are available on cars in a similar price segment.

Toyota are in no rush to release the Hycross facelift, and the speculated time of launch would be late 2026 to early 2027. The Innova Hycross has been a great success in India, and Toyota will try to improve on this recipe with the facelift.

Read more: Toyota Innova Crysta Facelift – What to Expect?