Toyota Innova Crysta 2016-2020

The Toyota Innova has finally received a much-needed lease of life The Japanese carmaker has launched the 'Crysta', which is the Innova's second innings at the market. The MPV has dominated its segment ever since it was first launched, selling more than the average hatchback at times. Clearly, India loves the Innova!

Now, Toyota has gone the whole hog and updated the humble workhorse entirely. It now sports a premium image, unlike the utilitarian first generation. Does the Crysta have what it takes to repeat history? Let's find out!

Like we said, the Crysta is a complete departure from the older Innova. Everything has been reworked extensively in order to give it that premium appeal. The design is fresh that ditches the slender proportions for a wider, more muscular stance. It is safe to say that the older generation was long in the tooth in terms of design, despite multiple facelifts. Toyota couldn't have timed the update better.

The front now features a prominent hexagonal grille that gets two massive chrome slats that flow into the projector headlamps. Most of the real estate at the front is taken up by the large bumper. We particularly like the detailing in the smoked-out headlamps and the placement of the LED pilot lamps. The lower half of the grille is glossy black, which helps break the bulk at the front.

Over to the side, the Crysta's van-like proportions come to the fore. While there's nothing interesting to speak of other than the large 17-inch wheels, we like how Toyota has managed to keep things simple and uncluttered. Little dabs of chrome on the door handles and the outside rear-view mirror add a touch of class to the profile.

The rear ditches the triangular tail lamps for a much more aggressive, sabertooth inspired design.

The rear profile is nearly slab-sided, with a large glasshouse that takes up most of the space.

Subtle touches like the spoiler and the shark-fin antenna add some spice to an otherwise boring rear profile.

Overall, the Crysta does look far more appealing than the outgoing version.

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The design isn't over the top in any manner whatsoever and is sure to appeal to the target customer.

Exterior Comparison

Boot Space Comparison

If you thought the exteriors are completely different, wait until you step inside! The Innova has transformed from being an economy class cabin, to a business class lounge. Toyota has used materials from the top-shelf, and it shows. Everything you touch, feel and turn is built to last. The only place where we found iffy quality, was the lower half of the dashboard.

Just like the old Innova, one can 'walk' inside the cabin. Once you do, the first thing to grab your attention is the futuristic dashboard. It is tilted towards the driver ever so slightly and has a bucket load of cuts, creases and curves that make it look super cool.

The centre console is dominated by the touchscreen audio unit, that doubles up as the screen for the navigation and the reverse camera. Controls for the automatic climate control are positioned right below it. The Innova scores really high on practicality. There are plenty of cubby holes strewn around the front half of the cabin that one can use to store their knick-knacks.

The meaty leather-wrapped steering wheel feels good to hold. It houses buttons for the audio, calls and the MID. Speaking of which, the instrument cluster houses the tachometer and the speedometer with the MID sandwiched in between. It reads out the fuel consumption, cruising range, average speed, and even has a compass.

The front seats score high on comfort, with cushioning and support being amongst the best we've seen in this segment. The drivers seat can be adjusted electrically and has a healthy range in terms of reach and height. However, since the target customer will be lounging in the rear seat, let's see how that fares.

The rear bench has been redesigned by Toyota keeping in mind long distance travels that Innovas are usually subjected to. The seats now accommodate larger frames better and cushioning is better as well.

We have to admit that the Japanese automaker has properly upped the ante here as well. Rear seat occupants get their own armrest and automatic climate control. Moreover, there are drop-down foldable trays attached to the front seats that can be used to place laptops or refreshments. And lest we forget, there's lounge lighting on offer as well!

The third row of seats is best left to kids. One tends to sit in a 'knee up' position, that can get uncomfortable over long journeys. That said, thanks to the sheer width of the car, accommodating three people here too, isn't a big task.

the interiors of the Innova are indeed a breath of fresh air

To sum up, the interiors of the Innova are indeed a breath of fresh air. We like how Toyota has managed to add premium features, whilst retaining the utility aspect of the good old Innova.

Safety features are generous too. All passengers get three-point seatbelts and while three airbags, anti-lock brakes (ABS) with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) and brake assist (BA) come as standard, higher variants get seven airbags, vehicle stability control (VSC) and hill-start assist too.

Safety Comparison

The Innova Crysta gets two all-new diesel engine options - a 2.4-litre mill codenamed ‘2GD-FTV’ that comes mated only to a five-speed manual gearbox and a 2.8-litre powerplant that is available only with a six-speed automatic gearbox.

2.4 2GD-FTV

The 2.4- litre 2GD-FTV engine puts out a very impressive 150PS of power and 343Nm of torque. There’s healthy amount of torque available from as low as 1,400 rpm and this engine is easy to use in the city or on the highway. There is a bit of a lag if you really let the revs fall, but as long as you keep it above 1,500 rpm, the engine never feels out of breath. Two drawbacks that stand out are the high noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) levels and the gearbox that’s not effortless to use.

2.8 1GD-FTV

The Crysta also gets a more powerful engine with 174PS of power and 360Nm of torque on tap. Mated exclusively to a 6-speed auto box, this variant is primarily aimed at private car buyers who want to rest their left foot in bumper to bumper traffic.

This motor is capable of lazing through choked urban roads and effortlessly running at triple digit speeds all day long. Like the 2.4, this engine also gets pretty loud at higher revs, but there’s no drama once you settle at cruising speeds.

Both engines also get the ‘ECO’ and ‘Power’ drive modes.

Performance Comparison (Diesel)

Performance Comparison (Petrol)

Ride and Handling

The steering is slightly heavy in our books, especially at city speeds.  It does take a moment or two to dial in a U-turn. However, this inspires a ton of confidence on the highways. It is a rock-solid steering that rarely makes you feel disconnected. Ride quality, as was the case with the old Innova is fantastic! It will gobble up pretty much everything our roads will ever throw at it. Yes, the ride is slightly bouncy when you are driving alone or are the lone passenger other than the chauffeur. With a full house, the ride is much better.

The Innova Crysta is based on the same ladder on frame chassis as the old one. There's no monocoque setup like the Lodgy or the XUV500. Needless to say, there's a fair bit of body roll through the bends and it doesn't particularly enjoy being thrown into corners.

The Innova gets a total of four variants: G, GX, VX and ZX. All variants, except for the top-spec are available with a seven or an eight-seater layout. The range topping variant gets goodies such as projector headlamps, automatic climate control, ambient lighting, cruise control, seven airbags and a whole lot more!

The most value for money offering off the lot, is the VX trim that covers all that you'll ever need from your MPV.

The Toyota Innova Crysta combines the practicality and comfort of an MPV with a good deal of luxury and creature comforts.

Importantly, it comes with the promise of running like new even after 6 digits on the odometer. The only drawback is its price which has been set at a premium, but owners can expect to recover a healthy portion of their expenditure thanks to its great resale value.