Toyota Innova 2.8 V Diesel AT

The Toyota Innova 2.8 V Diesel AT is the top-spec variant of the Innova MPV, which makes it the most luxurious and feature-packed variant in the Innova lineup. Unlike other variants of the Innova, the 2.8 V Diesel AT is available only as a diesel-automatic variant as standard.

Pros

• Reliable engine and mechanicals
• Comfortable ride quality
• Spacious third-row seating

Cons

• The engine is noisy and not so fuel-efficient
• Cabin has started to feel dated
• Could have had more features on offer

Specs and powertrain

The Toyota Innova 2.8 V Diesel AT is available solely with the combination of a 2.8-litre four-cylinder diesel engine and a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission. Here, this four-cylinder diesel engine claims a maximum power output of 174 PS and a maximum torque output of 360 Nm. The Innova 2.8 V Diesel AT sits on a ladder-on-frame chassis, which is derived from the same IMV (Innovative International Multi-purpose Vehicle) platform which underpins the Fortuner and Hilux.

What is the engine and transmission on offer in the Innova 2.8 V Diesel AT?

Ans - The Toyota Innova 2.8 V Diesel AT is powered by a 2.8-litre 174 bhp diesel engine, which is paired with a 6-speed automatic gearbox.

Interior

The Toyota Innova 2.8 V Diesel AT comes with a fabric upholstery as standard, finished in a dual-tone theme of black and noble brown, which makes it feel premium and rich on the inside. It is the only variant in the Toyota Innova lineup to come with captain seats in the middle row, which feature sliding, reclining and one-touch tumble operations.

The presence of captain seats in the middle row makes the Innova 2.8 V Diesel AT the only variant to have a seven-seater configuration, with other variants offering an eight-seater configuration. It also gets driver seat height adjustment, chrome-finished inside door handles and ambient lighting all around. The multi-functional steering wheel and console box of the Innova 2.8 V Diesel AT come with a faux wood finish, while the instrument console houses a 4.2-inch TFT MID screen.

Exterior

The Toyota Innova 2.8 V Diesel AT is the only variant in the Innova lineup to feature LED projectors in the headlamp housings and LED fog lamps, further accompanied by halogen lights and daytime running LEDs in the headlamp housings. Here, the outside rearview mirrors, which are chrome-finished, feature electrical adjustability and foldability. The front grille here is an all-black unit with chrome surrounds, which makes the front fascia of the Innova 2.8 V Diesel AT look premium. This variant gets a more chrome finish for the door handles and window beltline and is the only one in the Innova lineup to get 17-inch machined alloy wheels.

Drive and performance

The Toyota Innova is already a benchmark in comfort and ride quality among MPVs from mass-market segments. The top-spec Innova 2.8 V Diesel AT further amplifies this feeling with its spacious captain seats and third row of seats. The Innova 2.8 V Diesel AT is underpinned by a suspension setup of an independent double wishbone with coil springs at the front and four-link with coil springs at the rear. It rides on 215/55 R17 tubeless tyres wrapped over 17-inch machined alloy wheels. Since it is a ladder-on-frame MPV, the handling and driving dynamics are not as fine as those of monocoque vehicles. Though, it feels decently comfortable to drive behind the steering wheel.

Passenger and boot space

The presence of captain seats in the middle row makes the Innova 2.8 V Diesel AT the only variant to have a seven-seater configuration, with other variants offering an eight-seater configuration. However, it has enough space for all seven passengers, with ample amount of knee room, leg room and shoulder room. Each door panel of the Innova 2.8 V Diesel AT comes with bottle holders, with additional cup holders present in the centre console at the front.

Comfort and entertainment

The top-spec Toyota Innova 2.8 V Diesel AT is loaded with features like a 4.2-inch TFT MID, ambient lighting, steering-mounted audio and Bluetooth controls and cruise control. It also comes with automatic climate control with AC vents in all three rows, a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 6-speaker audio system and all four power windows. It is the only variant in the Innova lineup to come with a push start-stop button with keyless go.

What are some of the key interior features of the Innova 2.8 V Diesel AT?

Ans - The Innova 2.8 V Diesel AT comes with features like a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, auto AC with rear AC vents, push start-stop button, ambient lighting, cruise control and steering-mounted audio and Bluetooth controls.

Safety features

While the Innova lineup comes standard with dual front and driver knee airbags, the Innova 2.8 V Diesel AT also comes with side and curtain airbags in addition. This top-spec variant of the Toyota Innova also comes with ABS with EBD, brake assist, vehicle stability control, hill start assist, reverse parking sensors and reverse camera.

What are the safety features offered in the Innova 2.8 V Diesel AT?

Ans - The safety features available in the Innova 2.8 V Diesel AT are seven airbags, ABS with EBD and brake assist, vehicle stability control, traction control, hill start assist, reverse parking sensors and reverse camera.

Fuel consumption

Toyota claims a fuel efficiency figure of 14.29 kmph for the Innova 2.8 V Diesel AT. However, buyers are reportedly getting fuel efficiency in the range of 12-13 kmpl in the usual driving conditions.

What is the fuel efficiency of Innova 2.8 V Diesel AT?

Ans - Toyota claims a maximum fuel efficiency of 14.29 kmpl for the Innova 2.8 V Diesel AT.

Value for money

Priced at PHP 1,804,000, the Innova 2.8 V Diesel AT is the most expensive variant of the Innova MPV. However, with the high asking price, the Innova 2.8 V Diesel AT also offers some exclusive premium features which are not offered in other variants of the Innova.

How much is the price of Toyota Innova 2.8 V Diesel AT?

Ans - In the Philippines, the Innova 2.8 V Diesel AT is on sale for PHP 1,804,000.

Is Toyota Innova 2.8 V Diesel AT worth buying?

The current iteration of the Toyota Innova is on sale in the Philippines market for quite some time, and while the MPV has its own set of flaws, like a slightly dated cabin, lack of features and a noisy engine, it has its fair share of pluses too. Even today, there are very MPVs which match the space and comfort levels of the Innova, and with the Innova 2.8 V Diesel AT, one does get enough modern features which are daily usable.