Toyota Innova

The Toyota Innova is an 8-seater compact MPV and one of Toyota Motors Philippines' best-selling vehicles. The Innova can ably accommodate seven occupants while its other variant can seat eight. Couple that seating capability with a reliable diesel engine and that explains why it’s one of the top choices in the MPV segment, appealing greatly to most Filipino families. With six variants to choose from, the price range for the Toyota Innova starts from PhP 1,191,000 to PhP 1,779,000.

History

Launched in 2005, the Toyota Innova came about as a replacement for the outgoing Toyota Revo. It was developed by Toyota Commercial Vehicle Development Center Chief Engineer and Product Planning Engineer Kaoru Hosokawa. Utilizing Toyota’s "Innovative International Multi-purpose Vehicle" (IMV) program, the Innova shares its platform with the Hilux and Fortuner, and is assembled in Toyota's assembly plant in Santa Rosa, Laguna.

The automobile industry encountered a surprise when it replaced the best-selling Revo but since then, it has become a favorite of Filipino families. Its utility seats made for efficient space and the comfort it provided for both driver and passengers. The Innova is a long-aided testament to style and mobility, and it has become the affordable package that fits every Pinoy lifestyle. The interior was an upgrade from the Revo with more curves and amenities than the previous model.

Considered as the country’s best-selling commercial vehicle, its success because of its multipurpose features have captured the heart of consumers and it has since then been critically acclaimed. Its value for money and reliable functionality is the reason why it has been the go-to vehicle for everyman here in the country.

In 2021, the face lifted, second generation Innova was launched with notable exterior updates, while several features were made standard for lower variants. The Innova comes in four variants – the base model J, lower-tier E, middle trim G, and the top-spec V variant. All variants only come with a 2.8-liter inline-4 turbo diesel engine and can be mated with either a five-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission.

New generation

Toyota Innova 2022 is a 8 Seater MPV available between a price range of ₱1.186 - ₱1.739 Million in the Philippines. It is available in 5 colors, 6 variants, 1 engine, and 2 transmissions option: Manual and Automatic in the Philippines. The Toyota Innova's competitors in the local market includes the Mitsubishi Xpander, Suzuki Ertiga, GAC GN6, and the Maxus G50.

Price and Variant

The Toyota Innova is one of the best-sellers from the leading automotive brand in the country, Toyota Motor Philippines. It is a compact MPV that can accommodate seven occupants while other variants have a seating capacity of eight. The Toyota Innova's prices in the Philippines ranges from PHP 1,186,000 to PHP 1,739,000. It has six variants in the market starting with the Innova J, up to the top-spec Innova V.

Lighting

The exterior on the Toyota Innova, lighting upgrades highlight the current Toyota Innova with LED projector-type headlamps with clearance lamps for the V spec variant, while the rest of the variants come with multi-reflector halogen headlights. The V spec variant also features LED fog lights with chrome bezels, including a pair of  LED daytime running lights.

The outer door handles of the V and G variant Innova feature a grip-type handle with chrome accents, while E and J variants only feature color matched door handles. The Innova comes with a color matched bumper with a huge grille opening and a rear reflector.

Dimensions

Wheels

The top variant Toyota Innova V comes with 17-inch alloy wheels and 215/55/R17 tires. The Innova G to E variant uses 16-inch alloy wheels with 205/65/R16 tires.

Dashboard

The interior on the Toyota Innova is primarily black with silver trim accents on the aircon vents and a functional and easy to read dashboard. While it is devoid of any soft-touch material, the material quality in the Innova is of a high standard.

The 2.0X and 2.0G model features faux wood trim bits running across the dash for a touch of elegant, while the lower-spec 2.0E comes with a silver-painted trim.

Space and Practicality

Seat material for the whole Innova lineup comes in a fabric that varies in color depending on the variant. Seven people can comfortably sit in the V variant, while the rest of the lineup can accommodate eight passengers. In the top spec V variant, there are tray tables mounted behind the front seats and captain chairs for the second row. For the G variants, foldable tray tables are available that can be stowed away easily.

Boot

300 litres of boot space comes standard with all the seats up, but in the case of needing more space, the second and third-row seats can be folded for more storage room, standard across all variants. In comparison, the Nissan Serena S-Hybrid has only 280 litres of boot space with all the seats up, and only the second-row seat can be folded, although the boot opening offers dual-opening options, where the rear windscreen is accessible without having to open the entire boot. Certainly a plus point for the Serena.

Safety Features

The Toyota Innova comes loaded with safety features starting with driver and passenger airbags, plus side and curtain shield airbags. In addition, there’s even a driver knee airbag as well. The first, second and third row of seats all have 3-point seatbelts along with ISOFIX tethers for child seats. Traction controls also abound such as Vehicle Stability Control, Hill-start assist, and an emergency brake signal. It also comes with ABS as standard for all variants, including Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD). Side impact beams are standard on all variants as a passive safety feature.

Comfort Features

Captain chair seating style in 2.0X is roomy and comfortable, but if you have more people on board, the 2.0E and 2.0G are able to do that just fine without sacrificing legroom. Provided you don’t slide the second-row seats all the way back, legroom for those at the far back quite good, with a fairly sizeable seat design.

Another cool feature is the Roof Ambient Lighting (only for 2.0X and 2.0G) that mimics the one available in the higher end Toyota Alphard and Vellfire, which create a relaxing and classy atmosphere with the cabin illumination located on the front and ceiling of the vehicle.

The 2.0X and 2.0G variant comes with front and rear automatic air conditioning, but you have to do it manually in the 2.0E variant.

Technology Features

A 2-DIN, touchscreen infotainment system with 6 speakers that are Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capable come as standard on the Innova V and G variants. The E variant has a slightly smaller 6.75-inch screen, but it has the same functions as the larger infotainment system. For the J variant, there’s a basic 2-DIN radio with several audio functions and fewer speakers compared to the top spec variant. Lastly, V and G variants of the Innova get automatic climate control and push-start ignition.

Engine & Transmission

The engine of the Toyota Innova is a 2.8-liter inline-4 turbodiesel which is the only engine option for all Innova variants. It does have transmission options of either a 6-speed automatic or a 5-speed manual. The automatic variant is factory rated at 172 horsepower, while the five speed manual puts out 167 horsepower.

Suspension & Brakes

Just like the previous generation, the Innova utilizes an independent coil spring, double wishbone with stabilizer bar and shock absorbers up front. At the rear, there’s a four link system with coil springs and shock absorbers. The front brakes are ventilated power assisted discs with drum brakes at the back.

Acceleration

The Toyota Innova did 0-100kmh in a less than stellar time of 16.44 seconds. Its rival, the Nissan Serena did it in 13.5 seconds. Needs more grunt, for sure.

Engine Performance

As the Innova is quite the heavyweight, the 1TR-FE is not the most responsive powertrain all around despite the improvement. It will cruise around comfortably, but if you want to rush, then the Nissan Serena S-Hybrid provides better acceleration.

Unlike the Indonesian model, there is no diesel option offered here. It will surely help to propel the Innova better than the petrol engine.

Transmission Performance

The 6-speed torque converter is smooth and is a far cry from the old 4-speed from its predecessor. To compensate for the weight, the kick-down response is shorter, and the ratio has been fine-tuned for optimum fuel consumption and less engine noise.

Steering and Handling

As a people mover, the steering feel is adequate and nicely weighted for a car this size, although it is not as agile nor as light as the one in Nissan Serena S-Hybrid.

Due to its weight and increased height, the Innova response is slow and a little clunky, but that as to be expected.

The Innova’s 2.8 liter turbodiesel engine provides adequate power levels when driving on the highway coupled with an impressive bottom-end torque that’s a must for city driving. Despite sharing its platform with the Hilux and Fortuner, the Innova has admirable driving dynamics for an MPV. In terms of comfort, Toyota has done wonders in tweaking the Innova’s damping qualities as it exhibits a smooth ride.

Sound Proofing

Toyota claims the Toyota Innova is up to 2.1 dB quieter than its predecessor while traveling between 60-80 km/h.

Passenger Comfort

Soundproofing of the Toyota Innova is good, with the usage of good sound insulation material and expansion foam. It certainly adds to the premium feel surrounding the cabin.

The Innova’s 2.8-liter turbodiesel engine with automatic transmission has a fuel consumption of 21.6 km/l in highway driving.

Hands down, the Toyota Innova is by far one of the best MPVs in the market. Toyota spends a dime on making the Toyota Innova feel and look more premium compared to its predecessor, and we dare say it’s a job well done. It addressed a lot of the previous model weaknesses and brought it up to a level where it deserves some respect. With seating capacity for up to eight persons, a robust powerplant, generous safety features, great driving dynamics for an MPV, and good old Toyota reliability are the hallmarks of what makes it have the edge in its segment that’s crushing the competition.