Toyota Innova Hycross: Pros And Cons To Read Before You Buy!

Toyota Innova Hycross was launched as a petrol-only model with an option for a strong hybrid, keeping the demands of the space in mind. Launched to be a successful family MPV, it took over the segment to such an extent that the bookings for the top trims had to be shelved for a whole year as the waiting period soared past 12 months. After it was announced that the bookings were open again, it soon had to be shut down again due to the same reason. Such is the craze for this family MPV. However, just remember that even if everything is perfect just as it is, there's always room for improvement. And that brings us to this section where we look at the pros and cons to find out if this is the right fit for you. But before that, make sure to join our 91Wheels WhatsApp Group community of petrolheads so that you never miss out on the latest automotive updates.

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1. Extremely Fuel Efficient With Strong Hybrid

The greatest selling factor for the Toyota Innova Hycross has to be its extremely fuel-efficient strong hybrid petrol engine. With a vehicle of this size, it claims a fuel efficiency of around 21.1 kmPL which is a very lucrative figure. Even though hybrids are relatively expensive affairs, if you keep your cars for long, the cost-benefit analysis definitely makes sense.

2. Toyotas Trusted Mechanicals

The Toyotas are known for their superb engine mechanics that stand the test of time quite effectively. You can still see the first gen Fortuners strolling around just fine even after clocking lakhs in the odometer. The same goes for the Innovas and other Toyotas that have gone further and beyond to prove their mettle. However, do keep in mind that this reliability does not fend off the need to take care of the proper servicing and maintenance.

3. Options For Captain Seats Right From The Base Variant

The Hycross offers you the option to go for captain seats in the second row right from the base variant itself. This is a huge plus for those seeking more comfort in the second row without having to shell out the big gap for the top tier variants. However, the seating option which acts as a plus now will end up on the other end of the spectrum. Ironies? Let's wrap up the Pros first and then move onto the things we feel could've been better.

4. Robust Safety Suit

While the Toyota Innova Hycross feels robust and the brand has a reputation of creating safer vehicles, the official GNCAP crash test ratings are yet to be revealed. However, the Hycross offers a comprehensive safety suit including ADAS, 6 airbags, front and reverse parking sensors, ABS, ESP, TC, all-wheel disc brakes, hill hold, TPMS, Isofix & 3-point seatbelts for all, and more.

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CONS

1. No Diesel engine

The Innova Hycross comes with a sole petrol mill and misses out on a diesel unit altogether. However, the Innova series has been made up to cater to bnotgh preferences where the diesel engine is offered with the Innova Crysta only. However, to counter this omission, the Hycross does offer a strong hybrid engine option, at a premium, of course.

2. Top Trim Does Not Offer 8-Seater Option

Remember the point where we told you to get over the Pro's first and then we'll talk about the constraints of the seating layout. If you are going for the top-spec ZX(O) variant, you do not have any option for an 8-seater layout. You are stuck with second-row captain seats and no option for a bench there. If you have a big family that demands this practicality, you have to go for the VX(O). However, if you do so, you will miss out on ADAS and a few more features. Looks like it hampers you from having the best of both worlds. On a side note, you can get a bench seating installed aftermarket if the features are something you don't wan't to miss out on, but this isn't something that we suggest as there is always a risk attached to aftermarket installations.

3. ADAS Misses Out On Auto Emergency Braking

The ADAS suite on the Innova Hycross offers features like dynamic radar cruise control, auto high beam, pre-collision warning, blind spot monitor, lane trace assist, first in segment rear cross traffic alerts. All this feels quite solid and offers an excellent level of assistance to thew driver. However, with a price tag of Rs. 30.98 lakhs ex-showroom for the top trim, it misses out on Auto Emergency Braking. Although it is the driver that needs to be in proper alertness levels to gauge any oncoming threat, the point of having a driver's assistance suite is to fill-in the times when the driver fails to do so. Plus, there are vehicles in the lower segemtn that offer this functionality.

4. 18-Inch Tyres Feel A Size Smaller

The Toyota Innova Hycross MPV is inspired by SUV's stance and offers a butch look while delivering a comfortable ride quality, a typical of Innova series. However, the overall exterior stance is compromised by the smaller 18-inch wheel size that dwarfs its road presence by a small margin. We would have wanted to see these bumped up to 19 inches at least in its top-spec trim to sit in tandem with the exterior styling and take it a level higher.