The 2023 Toyota Innova Zenix has officially been launched in Malaysia, replacing the (AN140) 8-seater Toyota Innova, first launched in 2016.

Sporting a macho new design, the Innova Zenix features an entirely new (TNGA-C) platform, doing away with the ladder frame featured in all its predecessors; and for the first time also, a 2.0-litre hybrid powertrain.

Also read: All-new CBU 2023 Toyota Innova Zenix launched in Malaysia: priced from RM 165k, 2.0 Dynamic Force, hybrid, TSS

Given its new design and tech, the Innova Zenix has been referred to by many as a 3-row SUV and not an MPV, drawing parallels to the recently launched and cheaper, Proton X90.

But how does Toyota see the Innova Zenix, is it an MPV or an SUV?

Well, neither, Toyota's own press release describes the Innova Zenix as a vehicle that "sets new standards for luxury and comfort in the C-Crossover segment."

Calling it a crossover is another way of saying it’s a vehicle that straddles both segments: SUV and MPV. As we’ll elaborate, the lines between the two are increasingly blurred today but generally refer to high-riding vehicles with chunky proportions.

But it is listed as an MPV?

A quick search on the UMW Toyota website reveals the Innova Zenix listed alongside the other MPV models like the Veloz, and even the previous generation Innova.

This is because Toyota's local website doesn't have a 'crossover' category, so the local team had to choose between putting the Innova Zenix under the SUV tab or the MPV tab. Between the two, MPV was chosen because it's the most logical choice for local customers, given the Innova nameplate's heritage as a trusted people mover.

Also read: Proven durability: Old Toyota Innova may continue to be sold in Malaysia alongside new gen 2023 Toyota Innova Zenix?

So, is it more MPV than SUV?

Well, there used to be a time when the lines between an MPV and an SUV were more concrete; those lines are vastly more blurred today. MPVs traditionally maximized comfort and space, and SUVs were beefed up to take on tough terrain and still be good to drive on roads.

Without going into technical detail, modern vehicle platforms may underpin many different models and body types. For instance, the TNGA-C platform that underpins the Innova Zenix also underpins the Toyota Corolla sedan, Prius and even Lexus UX compact SUV.

Also read: Comparing Dynamic Force vs hybrid, which is the 2023 Toyota Innova Zenix variant for you?

What's a real MPV then?

Well, there is a very simple way to classify an MPV, and it doesn’t involve marketing fluff or technical detail. The answer is sliding doors.

Sliding doors are an integral feature of MPVs, thus these days the only true MPVs are models such as the Toyota Alphard/Vellfire and Nissan Serena.

Also read: Why is the 2023 Toyota Innova Zenix CBU only, and should you wait for CKD versions? UMWT explains

So, can the Innova Zenix be compared to the Proton X90?

Yes of course, regardless of model segment, most consumers will compare multiple models, so long as they fall within similar price brackets and meets their needs.

Since both the Proton X90 and Innova Zenix have 3-row seats, are front-wheel driven, and are competitively specified, it’s pretty much an apple-to-apple comparison - despite one being called an SUV and the other a crossover or MPV.