Toyota Innova Overview

Toyota Innova Launch

The current-generation Toyota Innova was launched in February 2016 with four variants: The base model J, the lower tier E, the middle child G, and the top-of-the-line V variant. The MPV also came with two engine choices and two transmission choices – either a 2.8-liter turbo diesel engine or the carryover 2.0-liter gasoline engine from the previous generation.

Toyota would later launch another variant to the lineup called the Touring Sport. This new variant would slot in between the G and E and would get the best features of the two. The Touring Sport also gets exterior additions compared to the normal variants of the Innova. The Touring Sport features a body kit and blacked-out wheels to live up to its variant nameplate.

The second-generation Toyota Innova was launched with prices that start at P919,000 and tops at P1,460,000.

Toyota Innova Chassis, Platform & Powertrain

The Innova rides on Toyota's IMV platform, shared with the Hilux and the Fortuner. Powering the perennial MPV is a Euro 4 2.8-liter turbocharged diesel engine or the carryover 2.0-liter gasoline engine. The 2.8-liter diesel mill produces 171 hp and 360 Nm of torque for the automatic variants and 167 hp and 343 Nm of torque for the manual variants. For the Euro 4 gasoline engine, on the other hand, it produces 136 hp and 183 Nm of torque. These two engines can either be had with a 6-speed automatic transmission or a 5-speed manual.

Stopping power for the Innova comes from ventilated discs up front and leading-trailing drum brakes for the rear. The MPV rides on independent coil spring, double-wishbone with stabilizer suspension for the front and the rear gets a 4-link coil spring system. Steering comes from a Rack and Pinion Power steering system. Unlike its competitors, the Innova does not use EPS and still utilizes the older Hydraulic Power Steering system.

Toyota Innova Driving Performance

The Innova can be had with either a 2.8 -liter turbo diesel and a 2.0 naturally aspirated gasoline engine. Expect the turbo diesel engine to be the engine of choice if you want to maximize the performance that the MPV can offer. For the gasoline engine, expect to rev the engine a little harder in order to maximize the power that it can offer, while the diesel engine gives you a jump in torque, thanks to its turbo.

Thanks to the new suspension of the Innova, the ride has improved. One caveat to this, however, is that some may find this new suspension set up too soft and floaty. But overall, the new suspension setup is a notable improvement compared to the previous model.

Toyota Innova Technology Features

For entertainment, the popular MPV features a 2-DIN 7-inch touch screen display. This 2DIN head unit is standard across the lineup but there are differences among the variants. The V, G, and Touring Sport variants of the Innova receives Navigation, USB and AUX input along with six speakers. The E variant, however, loses out on Navigation but still retains the AUX and USB capabilities of the other models. The J variant of the Innova only gets four speakers instead of six but retains the capability of having Auxiliary input as are radio functions. Top variants of the Innova get automatic climate control and push-start ignition.

The MPV comes with Intermittent wipers with time adjusters and with a mist function, which is standard for the V and G variants. The rear wiper is standard across the line but does not come with any intermittent functions. For the Touring Sport to the J spec variants of the MPV the wipers are only intermittent and mist.

Toyota Innova Exterior

The Toyota Innova's exterior features LED projector-type headlamps with clearance lamps for the V variant, while the rest of the lineup gets multi-reflector halogen headlights with the exception of the Touring Sport variant which receives smoked multi-reflector halogen headlights instead. The bumper of the MPV is colored keyed with a rear reflector, while the grille varies from variant to variant.

For fog and driving lamps, the V-spec Innova comes with LED fog lights with a chrome bezel. The rest of the lineup gets halogen fog lights and chrome bezels. The J-spec Innova, however, does not have any fog lights. The outside door handles of the Innova come in the form of a grip type handle with chrome accents for the V and G variants. The Touring sport to J variants, however, only comes with color-keyed door handles.

The top Innova variant on 17-inch alloy wheels and 215/55/R17 tires. The G to E variants, on the other hand, rides on 205/65/R16 alloy wheels. A notable exception would be the Touring Sport variant that carries blacked-out versions of the wheels that the G through E variants carry. For the Base model J variant of the Innova, it rides on 205/65 tires and 16-inch wheels.

Toyota Innova Interior

On the interior, the Innova features seating for 7 for the V variant of the MPV and 8 for the rest of the lineup. Seating material for the whole lineup is only fabric which varies in color from variant to variant. The main interior color of the vehicle is black with silver accents across the dashboard and on the aircon vents. The passenger dash accent, however, will change in trim depending on the variant of the MPV.

The V variant gets captains chairs for the second row as well as tray tables located behind the front seats. The G variant also gets these foldable tray tables. When not in use these tray tables can easily be stowed away.

Toyota Innova Safety

The Toyota Innova safety features include airbags for both the driver and passenger, along with side and curtain shield airbags. The driver gets the added bonus of having a knee airbag as well. On top of the airbags, the MPV comes with vehicle stability control, hill-start assist, and an emergency brake signal. It also comes with ABS as standard for all variants, including EBD.

Seatbelts are plenty in the Innova as the second row of seats get 3-point seatbelts along with ISOFIX tethers for child seats. The driver and front passenger also get the same treatment upfront. The third row also comes with 3-point seatbelts for all rear occupants. Side impact beams are standard across the lineup as a passive safety feature. The G and V variants of the MPV come with backup sensors. In addition, the vehicle comes with a security system and vehicle security system with an immobilizer. Unfortunately, the rest of the line up does not have these features as standard.

The Toyota Innova was tested by the ASEAN NCAP in 2015 for MY2016 and got 5 stars in adult occupancy protection and 4 stars in child occupancy protection. 

Toyota Innova Pros and Cons

Based on our review, what you will like about the Toyota Innova is that it has a tried and tested engine. The engine powering this MPV is also used in other vehicles in the Toyota lineup like the Hilux and Fortuner, so parts won't be a problem.

What you might not like is that the ride can be floaty for some people. Another con is that the toys of the MPV are somewhat limited, while the car is good value for money, the features may leave some looking for more.