KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- The second-generation Toyota Innova debuted in 2016 as the Toyota Innova Crysta.
- The Innova Crysta is currently in its second facelifted version.
- There is only one diesel-manual powertrain option now in the Innova Crysta
Rarely comes a vehicle in the Indian car market that creates its own playground and becomes a master of the game so big that it has no effect on the changing dynamics of the industry. The Toyota Innova Crysta is one such name that has revolutionised the MPV segment in India.
A niche vehicle existing as a lone champion above compact MPVs, the Toyota Innova was introduced to redefine the MPV segment, which was drab and uninteresting before its arrival. The first-generation Innova was eventually replaced by the second-generation model, which, along with an all-new upmarket design inside out, also received a new suffix in its name. This led to the birth of the Toyota Innova Crysta, the most successful MPV right now.
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Toyota Innova Crysta: Design And Brief History
Toyota showcased the second-generation Innova in India for the first time at the 2016 Auto Expo, where it debuted as the all-new Toyota Innova Crysta. Compared to the model it replaced, the Innova Crysta grew dimensionally while also becoming more upmarket and elegant in appearance.
The Toyota Innova Crysta got its first makeover almost four years after its launch. This facelifted version received a mildly tweaked front grille, new front and rear bumpers, and a new design for the alloy wheels. However, the sleek and horizontal headlamp housings remained the same, with LED projectors and new LED DRLs.
The second facelift for the Toyota Innova Crysta, the current version of the MPV, was launched in 2023. This time, too, the exterior design changes were restricted to a new grille and new front and rear bumpers, while the headlamps and tail lamps remained the same. The design of the alloy wheels was tweaked again, and this time, these alloy wheels were machined units.
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Toyota Innova Crysta: Powertrains
The first-ever version of the Toyota Innova Crsyta was introduced with a 2.4-litre diesel engine with a 5-speed manual and a 2.8-litre diesel engine with a 6-speed manual. A few months later, Toyota also added a 2.7-litre petrol engine with 5-speed manual and 6-speed automatic transmission choices. Toyota then added the 6-speed automatic transmission to the 2.8-litre diesel engine, too.
These engine and transmission choices continued to be available in the first facelifted version of the Innova Crysta. However, with the second facelift, Toyota has given it only one engine option the 2.4-litre diesel engine paired with the 6-speed manual transmission. This engine now claims 150 PS of maximum power and 343 Nm of maximum torque.
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Toyota Innova Crysta Old Vs New: Interiors And Equipment
While the changes in the exterior of the Innova Crysta were still noticeable in both the first and second facelifts, the same cant be said about its interior. The cabin layout remained the same with an asymmetric centre console design, while the cabin got new colour options for the upholstery and new features with time.
The first version of the Innova Crysta debuted with a new multi-functional instrument console, a touchscreen infotainment system, a powered drivers seat, a push start-stop button, ambient lighting, automatic climate control with AC vents in all three rows and more. Toyota retained the layout and the same equipment list in the second facelifted version. However, a few features have been added to the cabin, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, LED projector headlamps, new leather upholstery and more.
Verdict
Since its debut, the Toyota Innova has established itself as a reliable workhorse that is supremely comfortable, especially during longer journeys. The Innova Crysta, took this supremacy to a new level with a more sophisticated design and a new, more premium, and luxurious cabin with many more features.
With the second facelift, Toyota remained on the back foot by not upgrading the Innova Crysta with extensive updates. It was also not as heavily equipped as the new Innova Hycross. However, despite the lack of equipment and newness, the Crysta is still going on in India due to its positive image among mile munchers who seek comfort and durability and an excellent track record in reliability.
