Toyota Innova is a 5-door compact multi-purpose vehicle manufactured by the Japanese automotive giant Toyota Motor Corporation. Since its first launch in August 2004, the Innova has been one of the most sought-after family cars in several countries throughout the years, especially in the Philippines. Aside from families, it has also been a top choice for businesses. It has gained instant popularity in the country because of its spacious cabin and affordable market price.

Toyota Motor Corporation is undeniably an automotive giant, as it has always been getting the number 1 spot in the yearly top 10 best-selling cars in the Philippines. In 2021 Philippine total sales, Innova has saved its 4th spot with 13,304 units sold and is the number 1 choice in its class. It only shows that the Toyota Innova is fit for the lifestyle and needs of the Filipinos.

Variants

The 2022 Toyota Innova is available in both automatic and manual transmission. For its engine, there are 6 engine variants available. The entry-level Toyota Innova 2.8-liter J Manual Transmission variant is priced at Php1,186,000, followed by the Toyota Innova 2.8-liter E Manual Transmission available at the price of Php1,285,000. Third on the list is the 2021 Toyota Innova 2.8-liter E Automatic Transmission which is available at Php1,355,000, followed by the Toyota Innova 2.8-liter g Manual Transmission variant priced at Php1,522,000. Fifth on the list is the 2021 Toyota Inova 2.8-liter G Automatic Transmission, and for its top-of-the-line variant, the 2021 Toyota Innova 2.8-liter V Automatic Transmission variant is available at Php1,739,000 in the Philippine automotive market.

Performance

Innova sits on a Toyota IMV platform, the same as the Toyota Fortuner and Toyota Hilux, and is powered by a euro 4 2.8-L Diesel engine on all variants. It can produce 172 horsepower and 360 Nm of torque for all CVTs. For the manual transmission variants, 168 horsepower and 343 Nm of torque can be produced. The engine types can be paired with either a 6-speed automatic or 5-speed manual, depending on the variant. For its layout, the Toyota Innova is set on a front-engine rear-wheel drive. The ride performance of the 2022 Innova has also improved because of its new suspension setup.

Exterior

This year’s Toyota Innova has received an impressive exterior update. Contributing to its overall aesthetic beauty are its newly-designed LED projector headlamps, improved clearance lamps, LED fog lights, multi-reflector halogen headlamps, and driving lamps. The top-of-the-line V variant comes in a grip-type door handle with chrome accents, 215/55/R17 tires, and 17-inch alloy wheels. While color-keyed door handles, 16-inch stainless steel wheels, and 205/65 tires for the rest of the lineup.

Interior

Toyota Innova holds a spacious interior, and that is one of the main reasons why Filipinos prefer this car model over its competitors. The Innova comes in 2 kinds of seating accommodation. The top-of-the-line Innova 2.8-liter V DSL variant has the capacity of up to 7 passengers with captain chairs for the second row, while the rest of the variants can accommodate up to 8 passengers with the regular second-row seats. The seat cover is in fabric finish for the whole lineup, and colors vary depending on the variant. The whole cabin is covered in black with silver accents, including the air vents. However, stitching and trims differ depending on the variant. The top-of-the-line V variant also comes with foldable tray tables for second-row passengers.

The 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay with 6 system speakers, available on V and G variants, while the rest of the variants get a 6.75-inch infotainment screen. The infotainment system of the new Toyota Innova also supports other audio functions, including AM, FM, CD, USB, Bluetooth, and Auxiliary. In addition, the higher Innova variants V and G get push-to-start ignition and automatic climate control function.

Safety

Toyota Innova is a space-generous model, an affordable family car, and undeniably beauteous. As for its safety, Toyota made the Innova packed with the automotive industry’s latest technology to assist in driving. The Innova 2022 features an anti-lock braking system, child safety locks, driver airbag, passenger airbag, front side airbag, driver knee airbag, height-adjustable driver seatbelt, height-adjustable passenger seatbelt, rear seatbelts, seatbelt warning crash sensor, side-impact beams, door ajar warning, front impact beams, vehicle stability control system, ABS with EBD, parking sensors, engine check warning, and hill-start assist control.

What’s new in the Toyota Innova?

The automotive industry has been continuously developing and innovating ways to make vehicles more functional and efficient. Following the trend, Toyota Motor Corporation has been developing a hybrid version for Toyota Innova. It can power the engine with the traditional fuel, and with electricity. It will allow users to save on fuel consumption and provide a flexible running car. Although Toyota Innova Hybrid is still in its early stages, Toyota seems persistent about launching in 2023.