Toyota Innova

The interior of the Toyota Innova manages to strike a balance between durability and premium appeal. Higher trims get a combination of soft-touch plastics, wood inserts, and faux-leather upholstery. The lower trims get hard plastics and fabric seats. Everything is well-built with great fit and finish, ensuring longevity. But the fabric upholstery may feel a bit pedestrian compared to other cars in its segment. The cabin itself is well-insulated, with minimal road and engine noise filtering in.

The Toyota Innova gets a T-shaped dashboard layout, with a blend of faux-wood, silver, and black trims according to the trim level. The air-conditioning vents are neatly integrated, and the climate control system is user-friendly.

The driver’s seat in the Toyota Innova is height-adjustable, with lumbar support in higher trims. The seats are well-cushioned. The front armrest enhances comfort during long trips. The second row is available in both captain seats (seven-seat) and bench-type (eight-seat) configurations. The captain seats offer superior comfort, ideal for chauffeur-driven use. The middle row has ample legroom and headroom. 

The third row of the Toyota Innova is surprisingly spacious for an MPV, with enough room for two adults or three children. 

Pros and Cons:

Pro: Practical cabin

Con: Rear-seat not suitable for three adults

Features and Technology

The Toyota Innova may not be the most feature-packed MPV, but it offers a lot of modern technology. The dashboard is dominated by a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment unit in the entry-level model, connected to a multi-speaker audio system. The higher models get a 9.0-inch unit. Both support Apple CarPlay & Android Auto. A premium JBL sound system is offered in higher trims that also get ambient lighting and push-button start-stop and keyless entry for added convenience. The instrument cluster features a multi-information display. The leather-wrapped steering wheel (in top variants) gets multi-function buttons for audio, calls, and cruise control.

Pros and cons:

Pro: Smaller infotainment unit for entry-level model

Con: Not much tech-equipped

Boot Space and Storage

The Toyota Innova is designed to maximize space without compromising passenger comfort. With all three rows up, the boot space is limited to 300 litres, which is sufficient for a few small suitcases or grocery bags. With the second and third rows folded, the total cargo space increases to more than 1,100 litres, transforming the MPV into a cargo van. The boot gets a luggage hook and net, and a flat loading bay. Powered tailgate feature isn’t available but some higher models get an easy-lift tailgate for added convenience. While the third-row seats don’t fold completely flat, the loading bay remains practical for carrying bulkier items.

The cabin of the Toyota Innova has a spacious glove box that’s a spacious compartment with cooling function (in higher trims). The central console storage between the front seats is ideal for wallets, phones, and small gadgets. All four doors come with deep pockets capable of holding one-litre bottles. Multiple cup holders are spread across all three rows. Some models have under-seat storage trays to keep valuables discreetly.

Pros and Cons

Pro: Practical boot

Con: No powered lift gate

The Toyota Innova measures 4,735mm in length, 1,830mm in width, and 1,795mm in height. The car has a wheelbase of 2,750mm. The MPV sports an upright nose with a large, trapezoidal grille, often with chrome accents on higher trims that lend the car a bold and sports utility vehicle-like appearance. The grille is framed by chrome accents. Flanking the grille are sleek wraparound headlamps equipped with triple LED lights and LED position lamps. These are connected by a chrome strip along the top edge. The bonnet showcases subtle contours, enhancing the car’s robust. The sculpted front bumper gets aggressive air vents and fog lamp housings. 

The side profile of the Toyota Innova gets muscular wheel arches The car runs on 16-inch alloy wheels. Pronounced character lines along the flanks contribute to a dynamic and assertive stance, reinforcing the SUV-inspired design language. The higher models get blackened B-pillars that forge a floating roof effect and enhances the premium feel. Depending on the trim level, the Toyota Innova gets chrome or body-colored door handles and outside rearview mirrors.

At the back, the L-shaped taillights extend towards the tailgate and creates a stylish look. A large tailgate allows easy access to the spacious cargo area, while the subtle creases help prevent a slab-sided appearance. The sporty rear spoiler adds a hint of dynamism to the otherwise boxy proportions. A well-integrated rear bumper, often with reflectors and subtle skid plate detailing, lend the MPV a robust stance.

The Toyota Innova is available in White Pearl Crystal Shine, Black, Alumina Jade Metallic, Silver Metallic, and Blackish Red Mica colour options.

Pros and cons:

Pro: Bold front-end styling 

Cons: The tailgate looks rather flat

The entry-level version of the Toyota Innova offers a mileage of around 9kmpl. The Innova isn’t exactly a fuel-efficient MPV but it still manages to return a decent mileage. The fuel economy of course depends on factors like road conditions, maintenance, load, and tire pressure. The automatic variants generally offer a slightly better fuel efficiency compared to their manual counterparts

Pros and cons: 

Pros: Decent mileage

Cons: Not the best in class

The front suspension of the Toyota Innova comprises of double wishbones with coil springs, while the rear unit uses a four-link rigid axle with coil springs. The setup provides a comfortable and composed ride over most road conditions. It soaks up potholes and undulations effectively, making highway cruising effortless. But at low speeds, some bumps are felt inside the cabin, particularly on broken roads.

On highways, the Toyota Innova remains planted and stable, even at high speeds. Body-roll is well-controlled for an MPV of its size, but it's still present because of its tall stance. The steering is nicely balanced, offers good feedback, but can feel heavy at parking speeds. At a higher speed, the steering feels well-weighted and gives confidence, though it lacks the sharpness of a sedan or SUV.

The Toyota Innova has a body-roll because of a high ground-clearance, especially while taking turns. But it is suitably controlled compared to other ladder-frame MPVs.

Pros and Cons:

Pro: Stable highway performance

Con: Suspension gets hard sometimes

The Toyota Innova’s entry-level model is equipped with a four-cylinder, 2.8-litre diesel engine that produces 168PS/343Nm. The motor is paired with a five-speed manual transmission (MT). The powertrain provides strong acceleration, particularly with its high torque output. Power delivery is smooth, though there is a slight transmission lag below 1,500 rpm. Once past this range, the engine pulls strongly, making overtaking easy.

Pros and cons:

Pro: Potent powertrain

Con: Transmission is sometimes delayed

The Innova is built on a strong body frame with Toyota’s Global Outstanding Assessment (GOA) structure, designed to absorb impact forces in case of a collision. The high-tensile steel structure enhances passenger safety by reducing deformation. The MPV gets rear parking sensors that alert the driver about obstacles behind the vehicle. A rear-view camera is available only in higher models. Standard across most variants are dual front airbags, antilock braking, vehicle stability control, and hill-start assist (an important feature that prevents the vehicle from rolling backward on inclines), ensuring a smooth takeoff on steep roads. 

Toyota has also introduced seatbelt reminders, speed-sensing door locks, and an impact-sensing fuel cut-off system for added safety measures. 

Overall, the Toyota Innova is well-equipped in terms of safety features though some of its rivals have better equipment. 

Pros and cons:

Pro: Well-equipped safety system

Con: Some rivals have better apparatus

Competitor Comparison

The Toyota Innova has several competitors in the Philippines market with the Haima V70 being the closest. But the Toyota Innova outshines Haima V70 in reliability, resale value, and brand reputation. The Innova offers a more powerful engine, spacious cabin, and proven durability. The Haima V70, however, is more affordable and has modern features but lacks Toyota’s refinement and long-term dependability.

Conclusion and Final Verdict

The Toyota Innova offers a spacious cabin, smooth ride quality, and legendary durability that make the MPV a trusted companion for long trips and daily commuting. While it may not be the most feature-packed or fuel-efficient option in its class, its rock-solid resale value, low maintenance costs, and proven reliability more than makeup for it.