When you lay eyes on the exterior of the Innova HyCross, you’ll witness a profound shift in design, pushing it into contemporary and chic terrains. It wouldn’t be surprising if it’s momentarily mistaken for a robust SUV, especially with its assertive front profile drawing cues from the latest Toyota Hilux pick-up. A hexagonal-shaped honeycomb mesh grille framed by generous chrome highlights dominates the front. LED DRLs and LED headlamps flank this centerpiece, all contained within sharply creased contours that add a dynamic edge. The ‘T’ logo confidently sits in the middle, flanked by chrome-finished ‘Innova’ lettering on the hood. The bumpers are no slouch either, robustly designed and integrated with more chrome to emphasize its SUV persona.

The side profile holds true to its MPV heritage but adds a dash of flair with its new 18-inch alloy wheels and tapered rear end. The smaller windows and a sweeping roofline further accentuate its SUV characteristics. Toyota has also reduced the quarter glass for the third row, perhaps to match the vehicle’s now sportier aesthetic. But what truly sets it apart are the squarish and heavily flared wheel arches that give it a robust look while also freeing up interior space. With the ‘Hybrid’ label tastefully displayed, there is no mistaking this vehicle’s green credentials.

Step inside the Innova HyCross, and you’re immediately greeted by a refreshed, elegant cabin that screams sophistication. The steering wheel now offers tilt and telescopic adjustments, a boon for those lengthy road trips. The 360-degree surround camera is a welcome addition, even if there’s room for improvement in pixel clarity. Ventilated seats for the driver and co-passenger not only promise comfort but are also accompanied by electronic adjustments and a memory function, making every drive customized to your liking.

The dual-tone treatment across the dashboard and door panels offers a plush experience. Every touchpoint feels premium, and the color scheme blends effortlessly with the overall cabin design. The new instrument cluster is a visual treat, changing colors based on your driving mode and offering a straightforward view of your hybrid system’s performance. The steering wheel houses a plethora of controls, ranging from cruise control adjustments to media controls and even voice assistant activation.

Another addition that is sure to impress is the higher ride height, offering an elevated view of the road and adding to the overall comfort. Advanced features such as dual-zone climate control, ambient lighting, and dedicated charging ports for the second row add to the Innova HyCross’s feature-rich experience.

When it comes to safety, the Innova HyCross is packed with features that are designed to keep you and your passengers secure. It comes standard with seven airbags, including front, side, curtain, and even a driver’s knee airbag. Advanced technologies such as the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist ensure precise control during sudden stops. There’s also Vehicle Stability Control and Traction Control, which maintain stability under different road conditions. Hill-Start Assist and a reinforced chassis structure further elevate the safety experience. The MPV also offers a state-of-the-art parking assist feature with rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera, making parking in tight spaces a breeze.

The Toyota Innova HyCross offers two engine options. The 2.0-Litre Strong Hybrid variant boasts a displacement of 1,998 cc, delivering a max output of 184 bhp and a peak torque of 206 Nm, coupled with an eCVT transmission. It can sprint from 0 to 100 Kmph in 9.5 seconds. On the other hand, the 2.0-Litre Naturally Aspirated version, also with a displacement of 1,998 cc, provides 172 bhp of power and 205 Nm of torque, and comes with a CVT transmission. Multiple driving modes such as Eco, Normal, and Sport allow you to adapt the engine’s performance to different driving conditions.