Toyota Innova Hycross vs Innova Crysta: Features, Specs & Powertrains Compared

The Toyota Innova Hycross has made its debut in India as the next-generation Innova, but it won’t replace the Innova Crysta. At least for now, the two MPVs will exist alongside each other, with the new generation MPV offering a more premium cabin and the older model offering the familiar people-mover experience at probably a lower price than the Hycross. 

The Innova Hycross, the Crysta’s successor, is all-new in so many ways that the two MPVs almost seem like two distinct models. Here’s how they differ from each other: 

Exterior and aesthetics 

On the outside, the Innova Hycross MPV’s design is an evolution of the Innova Crysta’s aesthetics, with a sharper front end styling featuring a larger trapezoidal grille and sleeker LED headlights. Yes, in profile, both MPVs still have a van-like silhouette, but the sharper creases, flared wheel arches, and the large 18-inch alloys give the Hycross an SUV-like stance that looks more premium and SUV-like. Even the rear, with split-LED tail lamps is a more evolved version of the Crysta. 

The Innova Hycross, which is built on an all-new monocoque platform, is slightly wider and longer than the existing Innova and importantly, it has a 100mm longer wheelbase that makes for a more spacious cabin. The kerb weight is 200kg less than the previous Innova as well. 

Interior 

The Innova Hycross’ cabin feels a lot more premium and minimalist than the Innova Crysta’s, with a feature-laden dashboard that houses a floating infotainment touchscreen and semi-digital driver’s display. That said, the Innova Crysta’s dashboard has more design flair with its curves and creases.   

Similar to its predecessor, the Innova Hycross offers three rows of seating with the option of a second row bench seat or a pair of captain seats. The latter offers a more premium experience in both cars, but the Innova Hycross offers better amenities here – a centre console with a cupholder and power-reclining Ottoman seats. In addition, the panoramic sunroof which extends to the second row lends a more modern, airy feel to the newer car’s cabin. 

Features 

The Innova Crysta already offers a decent list of equipment such as heat rejection glass, cruise control, powered driver seat, automatic climate control and seven airbags. But the newer Hycross simply crushes it in the features department, not just with the reclining captain seats and pano sunroof, but also its new additions such as powered tailgate, wireless phone charger, larger 10.1-inch infotainment screen, nine-speaker JBL audio system, multi-zone AC, 360-degree camera and seven-inch digital instrument cluster. 

Moreover, the Innova Hycross also offers driver-assistance features, a first for Toyota in India. These include adaptive cruise control, high-beam assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and forward collision prevention. 

Powertrains 

Another big change lies under the bonnet, where the new Innova Hycross gets a 2-litre petrol engine making 174PS, paired with a CVT automatic. The same engine is also paired with a strong-hybrid powertrain making a combined 186PS.

While the new Hycross is a front-wheel drive MPV, the Innova Crysta is rear-wheel drive. It’s offered with two engines, a 166PS 2.7-litre petrol unit and a 150PS 2.4-litre diesel unit, that’s not available to order right now but will make a comeback later. Both engines get the choice of a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic. Meanwhile, the Hycross is automatic only, offering a CVT and e-CVT for NA petrol and strong-hybrid powertrains respectively.  

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Price

The Innova Hycross is expected to be priced at a premium over the existing Innova, although there should be some overlap in the two MPVs’ pricing. Both MPVs offer more premium alternatives to the Kia Carens and Mahindra Marazzo, but the Hycross is a ready rival for the Kia Carnival.