The 2023 Toyota Innova is one of the most-awaited multi-purpose vehicles (MPV) in the Philippines.

Debuting in Indonesia on November 2022, one of the headlines for the newest iteration of Toyota’s popular MPV is the dropping of the venerable 2.8-liter turbodiesel engine in favor of a hybrid drivetrain.

Although there is no word yet on when the all-new Innova will arrive in the Philippines, it will face another large seven-seater with a mild-hybrid powerplant – the Geely Okavango.

For this electrified royal rumble, we dig deeper between the two. We used the specifications of the top-spec, Indonesian-market Kijang Innova Zenix Hybrid Q HV TSS.

Nearly the same size

Although many would contend that the Okavango is a sport-utility vehicle, its dimensions are surprisingly close to the Innova’s MPV body style.

The Geely is a bit longer and wider than the Toyota, but the latter has a slightly longer wheelbase. The Okavango also pips the Innova’s ground clearance by nearly 10 mm.

Plush 7-seat cabins

The top-spec Toyota and the top-spec Geely feature vast, leather-lined interiors with seating for seven.

People who like infotainment systems will find that the Geely has a larger touchscreen infotainment system.

But the 2023 Toyota Innova has two additional second-row monitors if TMP decides to bring this feature in. And what about that new Panoramic Retractable roof on the Innova? That could be the clincher for many car buyers.

Full-hybrid Innova packs more punch

Both the Okavango and the Innova are advertised as hybrids, but the two are vastly different from each other.

The Geely uses a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that helps power the Okavango’s various electricals and assists in producing engine power. Still, it cannot run in full electric vehicle (EV) mode.

Meanwhile, the Innova is a full hybrid, such that it has an electric generator that can operate the MPV in EV mode with the internal-combustion engine turned off. 

This difference, however, is most apparent in the combined outputs. The turbocharged Okavango has slightly more power but is seriously down on torque compared to the Innova.

Okavango lags in safety gear

Safety is where Toyota leaps far ahead of its Chinese rival.

The top-of-the-line Innova TSS, which will likely take on the top-spec Okavango Urban Plus, comes standard with the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 active-safety system.

Nonetheless, the Geely still comes with six airbags and a 360-degree camera.

When and how much?

The Geely Okavango starts at ₱1,503,000, with the top-spec Urban Plus variant coming in at ₱1,765,000.

Although there is no word on how much the 2023 Toyota Innova Hybrid will cost when it arrives locally, the Japanese carmaker will likely price it close to, or slightly higher than, the Okavango if current Innova prices are to be used as a basis. The full-hybrid system does count for a premium on its own. 

The Geely and the Toyota offer spacious seven-seat cabins and generous standard equipment. However, the Innova, if TMP specs it right, may provide better value in terms of fuel economy and standard active-safety systems.

Which would you choose?