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Closer Look: 2021 Toyota Innova 2.0 X facelift, worth the extra RM 2.5k?

CY Foong · Feb 15, 2021 12:00 PM

Closer Look: 2021 Toyota Innova 2.0 X facelift, worth the extra RM 2.5k? 01

With UMW Toyota Malaysia (UMWT) launching the new 2021 Toyota Innova facelift alongside the also refreshed Toyota Fortuner earlier this month, we’re gonna take a closer look at the range-topping 2.0 X variant.

Closer Look: 2021 Toyota Innova 2.0 X facelift, worth the extra RM 2.5k? 02

Priced from RM 129,677 excluding SST which is valid until 30-June 2021, the Innova 2.0 X facelift costs RM 2,551 more than the pre-facelift 2.0 X. With that price bump, what are the features that make this facelift worth it?

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Exterior – Major changes in the front, not so the rest

Closer Look: 2021 Toyota Innova 2.0 X facelift, worth the extra RM 2.5k? 01

The most obvious change in this facelift lies in the front. In fact, you could say that it’s a proper facelift instead of small nips and tucks.

Closer Look: 2021 Toyota Innova 2.0 X facelift, worth the extra RM 2.5k? 02

The front grille gains a massive trapezoidal shape that makes it look more like a Toyota pick-up and no it’s not just the Hilux but also the American Tacoma. On the 2.0 X, it's painted black with a dark chrome surround.

Closer Look: 2021 Toyota Innova 2.0 X facelift, worth the extra RM 2.5k? 03

Elsewhere, the housings that hold the daytime running lights (DRLs) are also tweaked, looking sharper with its triangular-like shape. LED headlamps and DRLs are standard on the Innova 2.0 X.

Closer Look: 2021 Toyota Innova 2.0 X facelift, worth the extra RM 2.5k? 04

Overall, the range-topping 2.0 X gets a black body kit that consists of overfenders, front, rear, and side skirts just like the Indonesian Venturer. The body kit gives off a sense of adventure which looks good for an MPV with a presence like this.

Closer Look: 2021 Toyota Innova 2.0 X facelift, worth the extra RM 2.5k? 05

The range-topping Innova also comes with chrome-painted door handles and side mirrors. Oh, and if you like the Crimson Spark Red Metallic paint on this 2.0 X, then good news, if you’re getting this variant. The crimson paintjob is only available on the range-topping Innova variant.

Closer Look: 2021 Toyota Innova 2.0 X facelift, worth the extra RM 2.5k? 06

The 17-inch wheels are carried over from the pre-facelift but are now painted Dark Mica Metallic as opposed to black. Still, a very adventurous vibe for this 3-row MPV.

Closer Look: 2021 Toyota Innova 2.0 X facelift, worth the extra RM 2.5k? 07

The checked patterns are merely a reflection

At the back, the local-spec Innova 2.0 X omitted out the black hexagonal rear license plate surround as seen on certain variants of the Indo-spec Kijang Innova and Venturer. As a result, there isn’t much distinction from the back.

Closer Look: 2021 Toyota Innova 2.0 X facelift, worth the extra RM 2.5k? 08

The rear spoiler is a standard fitment on the 2.0 X variant as is the black boot holder between the taillights.

Interior – Same as before with added convenience

Closer Look: 2021 Toyota Innova 2.0 X facelift, worth the extra RM 2.5k? 09

Even though the Innova has a distinction of being a poor man’s Alphard, that really shouldn’t be the case when you step inside. You’re greeted with black leatherette upholstery and wooden trims all over the MPV for that touch of prestige.

Closer Look: 2021 Toyota Innova 2.0 X facelift, worth the extra RM 2.5k? 10

Okay, it’s not as classy as the Alphard but for a fraction of the price, the Innova is alright inside. You get captain seats in the middle row which is standard for the 2.0 X variant.

Closer Look: 2021 Toyota Innova 2.0 X facelift, worth the extra RM 2.5k? 11

While the interior looks similar to the pre-facelift, that’s a good thing. The 9-inch infotainment display remains crisp and clear. It supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto too which is great for all your smartphone connectivity needs.

Closer Look: 2021 Toyota Innova 2.0 X facelift, worth the extra RM 2.5k? 12

The infotainment display is also where you see the 360-degree feed coming from the cameras that are placed on the outside. This time, the panoramic view features a 3D graphic.

Closer Look: 2021 Toyota Innova 2.0 X facelift, worth the extra RM 2.5k? 13

Enough about the driver, what about the passengers? Well, the Innova 2.0 X comes with blue ambient lighting which helps add a touch of class on the inside.

Closer Look: 2021 Toyota Innova 2.0 X facelift, worth the extra RM 2.5k? 14

For front passengers, the 2 USB ports are now placed in the front dashboard for better charging convenience. Besides, there is also a USB port that’s placed in the third-row so those in the back won’t need to fight for the charging port.

Powertrain – Familiar and trusted

Closer Look: 2021 Toyota Innova 2.0 X facelift, worth the extra RM 2.5k? 15

No changes under the hood. The range-topper is powered by the same engine that is offered across the Innova line-up.

Closer Look: 2021 Toyota Innova 2.0 X facelift, worth the extra RM 2.5k? 16

That would be a 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated 4-cylinder (1TR-FE) engine that produces 139 PS and 183 Nm. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Conclusion – Is it worth the extra money?

Closer Look: 2021 Toyota Innova 2.0 X facelift, worth the extra RM 2.5k? 17

Apart from the updated front and some additional features, we think that the Innova 2.0 X facelift is probably worth the extra RM 2.5k, and here’s why.

Closer Look: 2021 Toyota Innova 2.0 X facelift, worth the extra RM 2.5k? 18

The Innova 2.0 X facelift comes equipped with a blind-spot monitor as standard. That additional gain in safety feature as well as the enhanced styling upgrade is why we think the Innova facelift is worth the extra couple of thousand ringgit.

Closer Look: 2021 Toyota Innova 2.0 X facelift, worth the extra RM 2.5k? 19

That’s just based purely on the features, we haven’t reviewed in proper so stay tuned for that. If you’re interested in the breakdown of the Innova across the variants, you can check out this article here.

CY Foong

Writer

Traded advertising for a career that fits his passion for cars. Enjoys spotting cars during his free time and has a soft spot for Japanese Kei cars but drives a thirsty manual sedan.

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