Toyota Innova Hycross

The Innova Hycross marks Toyota's big shift for its long-loved people-mover: it moves from a rugged ladder-frame diesel to a car-like monocoque platform with a self-charging petrol-hybrid heart. The result is a quieter, smoother and far more efficient family MUV that drives like a tall sedan. It keeps the seven- or eight-seat practicality buyers expect, but wraps it in a plusher, more upmarket cabin aimed squarely at SUV cross-shoppers.

On the road, the Hycross feels nothing like the old Innova. The strong-hybrid powertrain pulls away in near-silent electric mode in city traffic, with the 2.0-litre petrol engine chiming in seamlessly when you ask for more. The e-CVT keeps things smooth, and there's a genuinely useful surge of torque from the electric motor for overtakes. Around town, the regenerative braking and EV crawl deliver fuel economy that no diesel MUV in this class can match, with real-world figures comfortably in the high teens.

The monocoque platform transforms refinement and ride. Bumps are absorbed with composure, body roll is well contained for something this tall, and the light steering makes it easy to thread through narrow lanes. Push hard and the engine drones under heavy load — a trait common to hybrids — but in everyday driving it stays hushed. The trade-off for the car-like manners is reduced rough-road hardiness compared with the ladder-frame Crysta, so this is a tourer first, not a rural workhorse.

Inside, the cabin is the most premium an Innova has ever felt. Higher trims get powered ottoman captain seats in the second row, a large touchscreen, panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats and a JBL audio setup. Space is generous across the first two rows, the dashboard layout is clean, and material quality has clearly moved upmarket. The third row remains best for children or short trips, and with all seats up boot space is modest.

What you're really paying for is Toyota's reputation for reliability plus hybrid running-cost savings, and the pricing reflects that — top variants stray into compact-luxury-SUV territory. There's no diesel and no manual, the lower petrol-only variant feels less special, and rivals offer more equipment for the money. But few vehicles blend this much space, comfort and efficiency with such peace of mind.