The Toyota Innova is one of the most popular multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs) across Asia and Africa. This versatile and spacious car combines the comfort of a minivan with the ruggedness of an SUV.
A Brief History of the Innova
Toyota introduced the Innova in 2004 as a compact MPV built for developing markets. It quickly became Toyota’s best-selling model in countries like India, Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines.
The Innova fills a gap between Toyota’s barebones Avanza and upscale Sienna. It adopts a flexible “one-box” design focused on interior functionality.
Since its launch, the Innova remains largely unchanged as a comfortable and reliable people mover. It’s a major contributor to Toyota’s sales in Southeast Asia.
What Type of Car is the Toyota Innova?
The Innova stands out for blending minivan convenience with SUV capabilities:
Interior Comfort and Convenience
- Seating for up to 8 passengers
- Spacious and flexible cabin with fold-flat seats
- Good cargo capacity and rear trunk space
- Available in 7, 8 or 10 seater configurations
- Power sliding rear doors for easy entry/exit (certain trims)
Rugged SUV Characteristics
- High 205mm ground clearance
- Available all-wheel drive configurations
- Double-wishbone front suspension
- 4-link coil rigid rear suspension
- Durable truck-like ladder frame chassis
Powertrain and Transmissions
- 2.0L or 2.7L Toyota petrol engines
- Some markets get a 2.5L diesel engine
- Choice of 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic
- Front-wheel drive on most variants
- All-wheel drive optional on certain trims
Comfort and Convenience Features
- Automatic climate control
- Power windows
- Push button start
- Rear parking sensors
- Touchscreen infotainment system
- USB ports, Bluetooth, WiFi
Safety Features
- Dual front airbags
- ABS with EBD
- Keyless entry with alarm
- ISOFIX child seat anchors
- Vehicle stability control
- Hill-start assist
Ideal Users of the Toyota Innova
The Innova caters well to buyers looking for:
A Family-Friendly People Mover
- Big families needing 7 or 8 seater
- Frequently hauling kids, pets, elderly
- Comfort on long trips and getaways
Rugged Reliability
- Driving on rough rural roads
- Confidently handling poor road conditions or weather
- Toyota’s reputation for dependability
Budget Friendly Ownership
- An affordable 7 seater
- Good resale value from Toyota brand
- Low maintenance costs
In summary, the Innova works well for carrying people over long distances in comfort. Its van-like traits make it perfect for families and fleets. The SUV capabilities let you explore off-the-beaten-path.
Innova Engines and Performance
Here’s an overview of Innova engine options by market:
Petrol Engines
- 2.0L – 139hp, 183Nm torque
- 2.7L – 164hp, 241Nm torque
Diesel Engines
- 2.5L – 102hp, 200Nm torque
Both engine types offer a balance of adequate power and fuel efficiency. Transmissions include 5-speed manual and 4-speed automatic.
The Innova uses front-wheel drive in most configurations. Some markets also offer all-wheel drive variants for added traction and capability.
Toyota Innova Dimensions and Chassis
The Innova has the following key exterior dimensions:
- Length – 4735mm
- Width – 1760mm
- Height – 1760mm
- Wheelbase – 2750mm
It rides on a rugged body-on-frame ladder chassis akin to an SUV. The curb weight ranges from 1660kg to 1700kg depending on powertrain.
The capable suspension soaks up rough roads and provides confident handling:
- Double wishbone front suspension
- 4-link coil spring rigid rear suspension
Ownership and Running Costs
Here are some key ownership considerations:
Fuel Efficiency of Toyota Innova
Expect mileage between 9-12 km/l for petrol variants and 12-15 km/l for diesel variants under regular driving.
Service and Parts
Toyota is renowned for low maintenance costs and cheap, easily available spare parts.
Resale Value
Strong resale value thanks to Toyota’s brand reputation and popularity of Innova.
Price
The Innova price ranges from $16,000 to $26,000 across global markets. It provides excellent value as a budget-friendly 7 seater.
Frequently Asked Questions
What safety features does the Innova offer?
The Innova provides standard safety like dual airbags, ABS, parking sensors, ISOFIX anchors. Higher variants add extras like hill-start assist, vehicle stability control and up to two rear airbags.
How much weight can the Innova carry?
The Innova has a gross vehicle weight rating of 2510kg which includes occupancy, cargo and towing capacity. The maximum towing capacity varies between 1000-1500kg based on variant.
Is the Innova a diesel-only model?
No, the Innova is available with both petrol and diesel engines depending on the market. Indian and Indonesian markets get both fuel types whereas most other countries are petrol-only.
Does the Innova have navigation and parking cameras?
Yes, higher-end Innova variants come equipped with a 6.2 inch touchscreen that includes navigation and a reverse parking camera. Lower trims make do with more basic audio systems.
How many seat configurations are offered?
The Innova seat layout includes 7-seater, 8-seater and 10-seater configurations. Buyers can choose the variant that best suits their needs. The 8-seater is most popular for optimal flexibility.
Conclusion
The Toyota Innova seamlessly combines the family-friendly comfort of a minivan with the rugged capability of an SUV. For almost two decades, it remains a top-selling and trusted people mover across Asia and beyond. With its proven strengths in versatile seating, Toyota reliability, fuel efficiency, and value, the Innova is hard to beat as an affordable 7 or 8-seater.