2023 Toyota Innova: Engines and fuel efficiency explored

You won’t miss the diesel engine and the old ladder-frame chassis of the 2023 Toyota Innova.

Our friends from AutoFun Indonesia were able to test-drive both the gasoline-only V and the hybrid Q models. They found the new Innova to be more comfortable than its predecessor. 

While they first tackled the interior and convenience that the 2023 offers, they also included a segment about its new engine and fuel efficiency. 

Also read: Mas comfy - 2023 Toyota Innova first impressions

Exploring the new 2.0-liter gasoline Toyota Innova 

The Toyota Innova V driven by the AutoFun Indonesia team uses a 2.0-liter, twin-cam, 16-valve 4-cylinder gasoline engine coded M20A-FKS. 

It produces 174 PS and 204 Nm of torque. This has around the same horsepower as the 2.8-liter turbodiesel currently available in the Philippines, but has less torque.

As this is the new model, its six-speed automatic transmission has been replaced by a Direct Shift continuously variable transmission (CVT) with a sequential Shiftmatic mode and 10 simulated gears. 

This gives the Toyota multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) a more enjoyable and fuel-efficient drive.

How good is the new Innova's CVT?

Our friends from Indonesia said the new transmission available for both variants is smart enough to choose the right gear when needed. 

It selects the best ratio that allows power and torque to be channeled smoothly to the front wheels based on the terrain conditions.

But as a CVT with 10 simulated gears, entering manual mode isn’t advisable as you will have to row through several gears to get to the one you want. 

But if left alone, the CVT will do a great job giving you the power and torque when you need it. 

Exploring the new hybrid drivetrain

Aside from testing the 2023 Toyota Innova equipped with the gasoline engine, our colleagues also tried out the much-talked-about Innova Q Hybrid. 

Unlike the gasoline engine-only version, this hybrid model makes more power. It produces 186 PS and 187 Nm without the aid of the electric motor. With the electric motor, its torque figures go up to 206 Nm of torque. But like the gasoline version, it too uses a 2.0-liter displacement engine. 

Acceleration is much better in the hybrid model than the gasoline variant thanks to the electric motor. 

But the 2020 Toyota Innova is geared more toward fuel efficiency than anything else. 

While in Eco mode and at lower speeds, the MPV will use its electric motor to help save you fuel. The 10-speed Direct Shift CVT also aids in this by widening the range of ratios available to the vehicle, making it more fuel efficient. 

Is the 2023 Toyota Innova fuel efficient?

Without further ado, this is what you have been waiting for – the fuel efficiency figures of the 2023 Toyota Innova. 

On the 400-kilometer test drive from Semarang to Jakarta via the Cipali-Cikampek-JORR Toll Road, the 2023 Toyota Innova hybrid was able to get 15.8 km/l. It achieved these numbers with the aid of Toyota Safety Sense and its adaptive cruise control. 

In conditions where the 2023 Toyota Innova met traffic jams and slow speeds, the hybrid technology kicked in and delivered 15.5 km/l before the group entered the JORR Highway. 

The average fuel economy became 15.8 km/liter when they arrived at the GT Cikunir to Cilandak Town Square after the highway leg.

This works about to be 15.5 km/l in the city and 15.8 km/l on the highway. 

Can you say goodbye to the diesel engine?

Based on the experience of our colleagues, the decision to say farewell to the Innova’s turbodiesel would depend on the variant.

The hybrid model is a definite yes for them as it is more efficient and comfortable. The hybrid drive train provides better fuel efficiency in the city and on the highway compared to the old diesel model and the new chassis gives a smoother ride. 

However, the gasoline-only model still leaves you wanting a bit more from its fuel efficiency, but is better than the outgoing model for comfort. 

Will it be worth it in the Philippines?

We expect the 2023 Toyota Innova to come with a heftier price tag once it arrives in the Philippines.

However, this is a result of the addition of hybrid technology and the inclusion of the Toyota Safety Sense active-safety suite. 

The 2023 Toyota Innova has now hit new heights with its hybrid system and efficiency. 

The electric motor in the hybrid variant minimizes the use of the gasoline engine, giving you better fuel savings. It also offers you a clear advantage in traffic jams and on the highway. 

With the 2023 Toyota Innova being a considerable improvement over its predecessor, the question is how Filipinos will accept its new hybrid technology, especially with the loss of the venerable 2.8-liter turbodiesel.