Toyota Innova Hycross Vs Crysta: Which Premium MPV Suits You?

The Innova Hycross is a more SUV-like premium stance with an upright design and a larger front end while the Innova Crysta is more MPV-like on the other hand.

Toyota Innova Hycross vs Innova Crysta

Source : Somnath Chatterjee

New Delhi: The Innova Hycross is finally here and sales will begin shortly with bookings being underway. We have driven the car as well and it has duly impressed us with its hybrid powertrain, features and comfort. So where does that leave the Innova Crysta? Toyota will continue to sell the Innova Crysta with a diesel engine alongside the Innova Hycross but anyone looking at a premium MPV would be considering both so here is a quick comparison.

First of all the Innova Hycross is much bigger and longer than the Innova Crysta while of course is based on a new monocoque platform. Unlike the Hycross the Innova Crysta is based on a ladder frame chassis which means there is no similarity between both. The Innova Hycross is also more SUV-like and has a premium stance with an upright design and a larger front end. The Innova Crysta is more MPV like on the other hand.

While both have a tough built quality, the Hycross feels more premium on the inside along with a modern dashboard. There is a new touchscreen which is also more intuitive than the Crysta while even the part digital instrument cluster in the Hycross has a bigger screen.

Another big change is in the features department where the Hycross easily beats the Crysta with features like a panoramic sunroof, cooled and powered front seats, powered hand brake, premium JBL audio system, multi-zone AC and more while the rear seats get an Ottoman extended seat. Then there are the ADAS level 2 features. All of these are not present on the Crysta.

Of course, a big benefit with the Innova Hycross is the change of platform which brings in a longer wheelbase and a more spacious cabin too. The Innova Hycross is vastly more spacious as a result.

The major differences do not end there too as in terms of powertrain, the Innova Hycross is petrol only while also getting a hybrid set-up. The hybrid version has a 2.0l unit and in total makes around 184 bhp. It has an eCVT gearbox as standard. The Innova Crysta meanwhile has a diesel engine and a petrol option with both manual/automatic on offer.

In terms of running costs, the Innova Hycross is more frugal with a range of more than 1000km per tank. The Innova diesel has lesser efficiency.

When you drive both, the Hycross is a lot easier to drive with lighter steering and is more refined too. It also has a less firm ride quality than the Crysta but it also feels lighter and not quite as tough as the Crysta. That said, the Hycross has the same amount of ground clearance as the Crysta.

Overall, it is pretty clear that the Innova Hycross is the better car and is the more modern offering. It offers more features, comfort and refinement while only missing out on a diesel engine that the Crysta provides.