Toyota Innova

The second generation, locally-assembled (CKD) Toyota Innova made its Malaysia debut back in 2016, offered in three variants – 2.0E (AT), 2.0G (AT) and 2.0X (AT).

Price starts at RM 115,280 for the 2.0E (AT), whereas the 2.0G (AT) is priced at RM 123,400, and the top-spec 2.0X (AT) with captain seats will set buyer RM 132,400.

The Toyota Innova competes directly against the Nissan Serena S-Hybrid.

In Brief: 2016 Toyota Innova - When an Alphard is still out of reach

Design

Visually, the exterior follows Toyota's design language―’Keen Look’ and ‘Under Priority’, which looks sleeker and edgier, a far cry compared to the bland look of its predecessor.

The reinvention gave the Toyota Innova a more upmarket and premium look and feel, an effort from Toyota to upstage the Innova from its previous utilitarian image.

Dimensions

Lighting

For illumination, the 2.0E and 2.0G variants come equipped with automatic halogen multi-reflector headlamps, bulb daytime running light and manual leveling. 2.0G comes with a rear fog lamp, while 2.0E doesn't.

The top-spec 2.0X comes with an automatic LED projector, LED daytime running light and automatic leveling headlamps, including rear LED fog lamps.

All variant comes with Follow Me Home functions.

Wheels

​Both 2.0E and 2.0G variant shares similar 16-inch alloy wheels shod in 205/65/16 rubber.

The 2.0X wears one size bigger, 17-inch alloy wheels with 215/55/17 rubber.

Dashboard

A modern, curvaceous dashboard layout is the first thing that greets you here, and the monotone scheme used in the past has been abandoned. While it is devoid of any soft-touch material, the material quality in the Innova is of a high standard.

The 2.0X and 2.0G model features faux wood trim bits running across the dash for a touch of elegant, while the lower-spec 2.0E comes with a silver-painted trim.

Space and Practicality

As a practical people mover, space is aplenty. The 2.0E and 2.0G offer seating of up to eight people with its 2-3-3 layout, while the 2.0X seats seven due to the Captain Seat arrangement in the second row.

For rear passenger easiness, all variants feature one-touch tumble, sliding & reclining mechanism for the second-row seat. The cupholder is a must-have item and these come standard as well in all variants.

Boot

300 litres of boot space comes standard with all the seats up, but in the case of needing more space, the second and third-row seats can be folded for more storage room, standard across all variants.

In comparison, the Nissan Serena S-Hybrid has only 280 litres of boot space with all the seats up, and only the second-row seat can be folded, although the boot opening offers dual-opening options, where the rear windscreen is accessible without having to open the entire boot. Certainly a plus point for the Serena.

Safety Features

All variants come with seven airbags (including one for the driver’s knee), ABS with EBD and brake assist, Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRC), reverse camera and ISOFIX rear child seat anchors.

Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA) is optional, although we think this should have come standard as well.

Comfort Features

Captain chair seating style in 2.0X is roomy and comfortable, but if you have more people on board, the 2.0E and 2.0G are able to do that just fine without sacrificing legroom. Provided you don’t slide the second-row seats all the way back, legroom for those at the far back quite good, with a fairly sizeable seat design.

Another cool feature is the Roof Ambient Lighting (only for 2.0X and 2.0G) that mimics the one available in the higher end Toyota Alphard and Vellfire, which create a relaxing and classy atmosphere with the cabin illumination located on the front and ceiling of the vehicle.

The 2.0X and 2.0G variant comes with front and rear automatic air conditioning, but you have to do it manually in the 2.0E variant.

Infotainment

Both 2.0X and 2.0G features 9” touchscreen, and the system features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support with wi-fi, voice recognition, USB, Bluetooth and reverse camera, while the sound is channeled through 6-speakers as standard.

The design of the touchscreen looks classy as well and certainly does not look aftermarket and cheap as compared to the one in Toyota C-HR.

The lowest spec 2.0E makes do with a conventional CD player with tuner. Thankfully there is AUX-Jack, USB and Bluetooth function which is a necessity in this current era.

Engine

All variants come with a revised and reworked 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated 4-cylinder 1TR-FE engine with Dual VVT-i. It produces 139 PS and 183 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm.

Transmission

Drivetrain

The Toyota Innova is a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive MPV.

Acceleration

The Toyota Innova did 0-100kmh in a less than stellar time of 16.44 seconds. Its rival, the Nissan Serena did it in 13.5 seconds. Needs more grunt, for sure.

Engine Performance

As the Innova is quite the heavyweight, the 1TR-FE is not the most responsive powertrain all around despite the improvement. It will cruise around comfortably, but if you want to rush, then the Nissan Serena S-Hybrid provides better acceleration.

Unlike the Indonesian model, there is no diesel option offered here. It will surely help to propel the Innova better than the petrol engine.

Transmission Performance

The 6-speed torque converter is smooth and is a far cry from the old 4-speed from its predecessor. To compensate for the weight, the kick-down response is shorter, and the ratio has been fine-tuned for optimum fuel consumption and less engine noise.

Steering and Handling

As a people mover, the steering feel is adequate and nicely weighted for a car this size, although it is not as agile nor as light as the one in Nissan Serena S-Hybrid.

Due to its weight and increased height, the Innova response is slow and a little clunky, but that as to be expected.

Sound Proofing

Toyota claims the Toyota Innova is up to 2.1 dB quieter than its predecessor while traveling between 60-80 km/h.

Passenger Comfort

Soundproofing of the Toyota Innova is good, with the usage of good sound insulation material and expansion foam. It certainly adds to the premium feel surrounding the cabin.

Fuel Consumption

Fuel consumption is claimed to be 9.1-litre/100 km (from 11.2-litre/100 km in its predecessor).

The Serena, with its hybrid powertrain, consumes 7.04-litre/100km.

Toyota spends a dime on making the Toyota Innova feel and look more premium compared to its predecessor, and we dare say it’s a job well done. It addressed a lot of the previous model weaknesses and brought it up to a level where it deserves some respect.

Space is aplenty, the seats are comfortable, good sound system, what more would you want? More power and torque, please. The current four-cylinder is lethargic and it requires more effort to push the heavy body around.

The Nissan Serena feels more lively and engaging to drive. However, for the non-enthusiast drivers, they will certainly appreciate the calm feeling and smoothness of the Toyota Innova.