Toyota Innova Crysta v/s Toyota Innova Hycross: Which is better?
What's the story
Toyota Innova Hycross is the newest offering from the Japanese automaker in the Indian market. It is the first mass-market petrol-hybrid MPV on our shores. With "Innova" in its moniker, the four-wheeler has an uphill task to rival the iconic Innova Crysta model in the full-size MPV segment. Can the newcomer carve a name for itself against the reigning champion? Let's find out.
Context
Why does this story matter?
The Innova is one of the most successful models for Toyota in India for over two decades. With electrification taking center stage in the industry, the automaker had initially decided to replace Innova Crysta with the Hycross model. However, with a steady demand for the former, the brand has decided to sell both MPVs on our shores.
Exteriors
Toyota Innova Hycross is more pleasing to the eye
Toyota Innova Crysta flaunts a muscular bonnet, chrome-surrounded multi-slat grille, swept-back projector LED headlights, wrap-around taillights, flared wheel arches, and 17-inch alloy wheels. Toyota Innova Hycross sports a sculpted clamshell hood, a chrome-surrounded hexagonal grille, sleek LED headlights with DRLs, chromed window garnishes, wrap-around LED taillights, and 18-inch designer alloy wheels. Both MPVs get a wide air dam and a shark-fin antenna.
Performance
Innova Hycross is offered with more powerful engines
Innova Crysta draws power from either a 2.7-liter, inline-four, petrol engine that generates 164hp/245Nm or a 2.4-liter, inline-four, diesel mill in two states of tune: 148hp/343Nm and 148hp/360Nm. Innova Hycross is backed by a 2.0-liter, inline-four, TNGA petrol engine (174hp/197Nm) and a 2.0-liter, TNGA petrol-hybrid setup (186hp/187Nm). While the former gets a 5-speed manual/6-speed automatic gearbox, the latter is offered with a CVT transmission.
Interiors
From head-up display to ADAS
The Innova Crysta has a spacious 7/8-seater cabin with a head-up display, wireless charging, keyless entry, USB chargers at the rear, an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a tire pressure monitoring system, and seven airbags. The Innova Hycross gets a seven/eight-seater cabin, featuring a dual-tone dashboard, leather upholstery, segment-first Ottoman seats for the middle row, a 10.1-inch floating-type infotainment panel, six airbags, and ADAS functions.
Our verdict
Which one should you buy?
In India, the Toyota Innova Crysta ranges between Rs. 18.09 lakh and Rs. 23.83 lakh, while the Innova Hycross is expected to start at around Rs. 20 lakh (all prices, ex-showroom). The Crysta model offers a comfortable ride with tried-and-tested engines. However, our vote goes in favor of the Hycross for its better looks, premium interiors, and overall better safety kit.