After intensive testing and multiple teasers, Toyota Kirloskar Motor finally revealed the highly-anticipated Innova Hycross in the Indian market on November 25. The Hycross has debuted as a more premium as well as efficient version of the country’s one of the most popular MPVs, but there’s no denying the fact that the car will also become ‘softer’ than before.
Toyota went on to confirm that the new innova Hycross will continue to be sold alongside the current-gen Innova Crysta, So does the Crysta still make a case for itself or should you just go ahead and buy the Hycross with all its amenities? Here is a list of all the differences between the two versions of the Innova to help you decide which one offers better value for your money –
design
First and foremost, the design of the new Innova Hycross is certainly more modern as compared to the aging Innova Crysta that was introduced in the country first at the Auto Expo 2016. The Hycross gets an SUV-centric design with more aggressive bumpers, a larger Grille up front, a flatter bonnet, sleeker LED headlamps and tail lights, along with sharper creases all around. The D-pillar of the MPV has been redesigned to lend it more of an SUV-ish styling. The new Innova Hycross sits on 18-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels. Take a look at the Innova Hycross and Innova Crysta side by side –

platforms
The Innova Crysta is based on Toyota’s IMV (Innovative International Multi-Purpose Vehicle) platform which uses a ladder frame/body-on-frame chassis construction. This is the same platform that is also made use of by the Toyota Fortuner SUV and Hilux pickup truck. In contrast, the new Toyota Innova Hycross is underpinned by the company’s TNGA-C platform with a monocoque construction.
The Crysta’s body-on-frame chassis provides it a rear-wheel drive setup, while the Hycross is a front-wheel drive car. A ladder frame chassis is generally more rugged and capable than a monocoque setup, which means that the Innova Crysta can take a beating and still continue to run. For cab aggregators, the Innova Crysta’s utilitarian approach will come handy.

However, the monocoque chassis of the Innova Hycross means that it will be much more refined than its predecessor. It will also result in better on-road dynamics as compared to the Crysta, providing a more comfortable ride/drive. This will make it more attractive for private buyers.
Powertrain
The new Innova Hycross is offered with two different powertrain options – a new 2.0-litre four-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol motor that belts out 174 PS of max power and 205 Nm of peak torque, mated to a CVT as standard as well as a 2.0 -litre strong-hybrid petrol engine that makes 186 PS and 206 Nm, and makes use of an e-CVT transmission. No diesel engine is on offer with the MPV. The petrol-hybrid powertrain has a claimed fuel efficiency figure of 21.1 kmpl!

The Toyota Innova Crysta is currently offered with a 2.7-litre NA petrol engine rated at 166 PS/245 Nm, and a 2.4-litre diesel unit producing 150 PS power and 360 Nm torque. Both the engines are available with either a 5-speed manual transmission, or an optional 6-speed AT. Bookings for the Innova Crysta diesel were halted due to a large number of pending orders, however, will be resumed soon.
Interior and features
Just like the outside, the cabin of the Innova Hycross is also much more modern when compared to the Innova Crysta’s interior. In the middle sits a new free-standing 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It now gets creature comforts like a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control, a 9-speaker JBL audio system seats, powered ottoman seats in the second row with extending leg rests, a 360-degree camera, mood lighting, a powered tailgate and a digital driver’s display.

Safety
On the safety front, the Innova Crysta is fairly well equipped with up to 7 airbags, ABS with EBD, vehicle stability control, a tire pressure monitoring system, hill-start assist, ISOFIX anchorages as well as front and rear parking sensors.
The Toyota Innova Hycross gets one less airbag than the Crysta, but adds Toyota Safety Sense suite of ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) tech including Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Trace Assistance, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Blind Spot Monitor, Pre-Crash Safety ( Warning), and Auto High beam.

Prices
The petrol Toyota Innova Crysta is currently priced from Rs 18.09 lakh to Rs 23.83 lakh while the diesel Innova Crysta’s last recorded price ranged from Rs 18.09 lakh to Rs 26.77 lakh (all prices, ex-showroom).

Pricing for the Toyota Innova Hycross hasn’t been announced yet, but we expect it to start from around the Rs 20 lakh mark, going all the way up to Rs 30 lakh (both prices, ex-showroom).