Toyota Innova Hycross GX 8STR

Hello car enthusiasts and prospective buyers! Are you on the hunt for a new family car in India? We know the journey can be a tough one. You are probably thinking about your budget, ensuring top-notch safety for your loved ones, estimating monthly maintenance costs, yearning for the latest features, and of course, relying on excellent company service. Finding a vehicle that ticks all these boxes can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack.

But what if we told you there is a strong contender that aims to simplify this decision for you? Today, we are diving deep into a vehicle that has been making waves and promises to be a game-changer for many Indian families: the new Toyota Innova Hycross GX 8STR. Let us explore if this new Innova Hycross variant is the perfect fit for your garage.

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

The Toyota Innova Hycross GX 8STR comes with a robust engine designed for reliable performance and decent fuel efficiency.

• Engine Type: 2.0-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine
• Maximum Power: Around 172 bhp (brake horsepower)
• Peak Torque: Approximately 205 Nm (Newton meters)
• Transmission: CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) automatic gearbox
• Fuel Efficiency: Expect a respectable mileage figure, making it suitable for city and highway drives.

Design Overview

The Hycross takes a significant leap from the traditional Innova design, embracing a more SUV-like stance.

Exterior

The GX variant boasts a bold and imposing presence. It features a large hexagonal grille, sharp LED headlamps, and a sculpted bonnet that gives it a muscular look. The side profile showcases prominent wheel arches and a strong character line, while the rear gets sleek LED tail lamps. It certainly stands out on Indian roads, looking more like an SUV than a conventional MPV.

Interior

Step inside the Innova Hycross GX 8STR, and you are greeted with a spacious and practical cabin. As an 8-seater, it offers ample room for a large family or a group of friends. The dashboard design is modern and functional, focusing on driver convenience. While the GX is a mid-range variant, the overall fit and finish are up to Toyota standards, ensuring durability and a comfortable experience for all occupants. The beige and black interior theme adds to the airy feel of the cabin.

Key Features

Even in its GX trim, the Innova Hycross offers a good set of features for everyday usability.

• Infotainment System: An 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Connectivity: Supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay for seamless smartphone integration
• Climate Control: Manual Air Conditioning for both front and rear passengers
• Steering Mounted Controls: For audio and calling functions
• Power Windows: All four windows come with power operation
• Rear AC Vents: For improved comfort for second and third-row occupants
• Driver Information Display: A clear digital display to show vital vehicle information
• Not available in GX: Sunroof, 360-degree camera, and wireless charging are features typically found in higher variants.

What is the Ground Clearance of the Innova Hycross?

The Toyota Innova Hycross offers a healthy ground clearance of 185 mm. This is excellent for Indian road conditions, allowing it to tackle potholes, speed breakers, and uneven terrains with ease.

What is the Boot Space of the Innova Hycross?

When all three rows are in use, the Innova Hycross provides a decent boot space of around 300 litres. If you fold down the third-row seats, this expands significantly to approximately 990 litres, making it highly versatile for carrying luggage.

What are the Dimensions of the Innova Hycross?

• Length: 4755 mm
• Width: 1845 mm
• Height: 1785 mm
• Wheelbase: 2850 mm

Powertrain Options

While the Innova Hycross also offers a strong hybrid powertrain in its higher variants, the GX 8STR specifically comes with the 2.0-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine paired with a CVT automatic. This setup provides a smooth and refined driving experience, well-suited for city commutes and comfortable highway cruising.

Safety Features

Toyota prioritizes safety, and the Innova Hycross GX includes several essential safety features as standard:

• Airbags: 2 airbags (driver and front passenger)
• ABS with EBD: Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
• Vehicle Stability Control (VSC): Helps maintain control during sudden maneuvers
• Hill Start Assist: Prevents the car from rolling back on inclines
• ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts: For secure installation of child safety seats
• Rear Parking Sensors: To assist with parking

NCAP Rating Table

Safety is a prime concern, and the Innova Hycross has proven its mettle.

NCAP Body	Adult Occupant Protection	Child Occupant Protection	Overall Rating
ASEAN NCAP	5-Star	5-Star	5-Star
Bharat NCAP	Pending evaluation (Expected High Rating)	Pending evaluation (Expected High Rating)	Pending evaluation (Expected High Rating)

The Toyota Innova Hycross has received a robust 5-star safety rating from ASEAN NCAP, showcasing its strong safety credentials. We anticipate a similarly strong performance in Bharat NCAP.

Rivals of Toyota Innova Hycross GX 8STR

In the Indian market, the Toyota Innova Hycross GX 8STR competes with a range of popular vehicles, primarily in the premium 7-seater and SUV segments. Key rivals include:

• Kia Carens: Offers a feature-rich package and diverse powertrain options
• Hyundai Alcazar: Known for its premium interior and good features
• Mahindra XUV700: A popular SUV with strong performance and advanced tech
• Tata Safari: Offers a rugged design and comfortable ride
• Toyota Innova Crysta: Its older sibling still commands a strong market presence, especially in diesel.

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Let us break down the good and the not-so-good about the Toyota Innova Hycross GX 8STR to help you make an informed decision.

Pros

• Spacious 8-Seater Cabin: Offers generous space for all occupants, making it ideal for large families.
• Toyota Reliability: Backed by Toyota's legendary reputation for durability, low maintenance, and excellent resale value.
• Smooth Automatic Transmission: The CVT gearbox provides a very smooth and comfortable driving experience in city traffic.
• Comfortable Ride Quality: Absorbs bumps well, offering a pliant ride even on rough Indian roads.
• Strong Road Presence: Its SUV-like design gives it a commanding look and feel.
• Good Ground Clearance: Handles rough patches and speed breakers with ease.

Cons

• Price Point: Even the GX variant is on the higher side, which might stretch some budgets.
• Engine Performance: The 2.0L NA petrol engine is adequate for most, but might feel a bit underpowered for spirited driving compared to turbocharged or hybrid options.
• Missing Premium Features: The GX trim misses out on some desirable features like a sunroof, 360-degree camera, wireless charging, and more advanced safety tech available in higher variants.
• Only 2 Airbags: While it has a 5-star NCAP rating, only 2 airbags in the base-mid variant might be a concern for some buyers expecting more as standard in this price bracket.
• No Diesel Option: Unlike its predecessor, the Hycross does not offer a diesel engine, which might disappoint some traditional Innova buyers.

Conclusion

The Toyota Innova Hycross GX 8STR emerges as a highly compelling option for Indian car buyers looking for a spacious, reliable, and comfortable family vehicle. It successfully combines Toyota's trusted legacy with a modern SUV-esque design and practical features. While it might lack some of the bells and whistles of its higher variants or direct rivals, its core strengths lie in its expansive cabin, smooth driving experience, impressive ground clearance, and the invaluable peace of mind that comes with Toyota's legendary reliability and after-sales service.

If your priorities are space for 8, a comfortable automatic drive, a robust build, and long-term ownership value, the Innova Hycross GX 8STR should definitely be on your test drive list. It is a car built to serve Indian families well, for many years to come. Make sure to visit your nearest Toyota dealership to experience it firsthand and see if it truly fits your family's needs and lifestyle. Happy car hunting!