From electric tailgate to hybrid power -- here's what's new with the all-new Toyota Innova

After what seemed like endless teasers and spy shots, the all-new Toyota Innova (also known as the “Innova Kijang Zenix” and “Innova Hycross”) finally made its global debut on Nov. 21, 2022.

While the Philippines was busy with the launch of the all-new Honda BR-V on the same date, Toyota Indonesia unveiled the newest generation of one of the most well-loved seven-seat, multi-purpose vehicles (MPV) in the market.

We got a hold of some details on the new Innova. Here’s how it compares with the old one.

Also Read: 2023 Toyota Innova unveiled! Hybrid confirmed

Bye-bye diesel

The most significant change to the Innova is under the hood.

The previous Innova gained many fans for its powerful 2.8-liter, twin-cam, 16-valve inline-4 turbodiesel, which it shares with the Hilux pick-up and the Fortuner sport-utility vehicle.

Innova fans may be shocked to discover that the next-generation model has dropped the turbodiesel engine entirely.

In its place is a 2.0-liter, twin-cam, 16-valve inline-4 gasoline engine with an optional hybrid system. The same engine, electric motor and battery setup as the one found on the hybrid Toyota C-HR, the Corolla, the Lexus UX250h, and the Toyota Prius.

Here’s how they stack up:

In addition, hybrid models get an EV Mode so you can run on purely electric power.

“Today, we are expanding the application of electrification technology, especially the newest generation of Toyota Hybrid System, which is also used by All-New Prius and the All New Kijang Innova Zenix,” said Toyota-Astra Motor (TAM) vice president Henry Tanoto in a press statement.

“We hope that it will not only meet the mobility needs of the community but also make a greater contribution to reducing carbon emissions,” he added.

Longer, wider, lower

When it comes to vehicle dimensions, the All-New Toyota Innova outclasses the outgoing model by a few precious millimeters here and there. What's significant though is the higher ground clearance the new model affords. With larger 17 and 18-inch wheels, the All-New Toyota Innova not only looks more like a crossover, but will most likely ride more like one as well. 

Unibody platform for better refinement

The old Innova is one of the few passenger cars that still used a ladder-frame chassis due to sharing its platform with the Hilux and Fortuner.

This effectively means that the car's bodyshell is mounted separately from the frame. The design dates back to the earliest years of car production and remains in use today for pick-ups because of its durability and ease of maintenance.

However, a ladder-frame chassis tends to have a harsh ride and plenty of jiggling and faring worse in crashes.

Toyota solved this for the new Innova using its Toyota New Global Architecture-C (GA-C) monocoque chassis, which integrates the bodyshell and frame into one unit. This is the same platform used by the Toyota Corolla, Corolla Cross, C-HR, the current-generation Prius, and Lexus UX.

This also means that the new Innova can be front-wheel drive to offer more passenger space and to accommodate the MPV’s new hybrid system.

“GA-C platform also gives Toyota engineers the opportunity to increase body rigidity, reduce car weight, and reduce noise in the car cabin to increase stability and comfort in mobility,” TAM said.

Less utilitarian suspension

Another consequence of the All-New Innova's shift to a monocoque construction is the new suspension configuration. The old double-wishbone front and rear multi-link bits are gone, and in their place is a MacPherson front and Torsion beam rear.

With fewer moving parts, one can reasonably expect less maintenance costs in the long run. Another benefit would be less noise from the suspension leading to a more serene cabin. Combined with the new chassis, it should offer improved comfort while freeing up interior real estate.

Lots of gadgets

The old Innova was reasonably equipped for an MPV, but the new one totally trounces it with all the convenience and safety features.

Here’s a handy chart of what the old and new Innova have and don’t have:

In conclusion, the all-new Innova is poised to be more efficient, spacious, refined, and safer than the previous model.

Now when on Earth is Toyota Motor Philippines going to bring it in?