6 Cars that can stand against the Toyota Innova

MANILA: Toyota Innova is one of the best-selling MPV here in our country and for good reasons. First launched in 2005 as a replacement to the Revo, this 7- seater MPV has become an instant hit because of its reliability and a great alternative to SUVs.

The current second-generation of Innova was launched in the Philippine market back in early 2016 with five trim levels and 12 different variants. The J— which is the entry-level trim; E— mid-level model; G— another mid-level but with higher spec; V— top of the trim; and Touring Sport— which is a special trim which is almost a class of its own.

All five trim levels are powered either by a 2.8- liter DOHC turbocharged 4- cylinder engine capable of producing 1171 hp of power and 360 Nm of peak torque; or a 2.0- liter naturally aspirated 4- cylinder petrol engine that churns out 136 hp of power and 183 Nm of peak torque. Both engines can be partnered to either a 5-speed manual or a new 6-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift. Toyota Innova price in Philippines starts from Php 1.04 million and goes up Php 1.68 million for top end model.

What are the top alternatives to Toyota Innova?

If you are one of those people who don’t want your car to be mistaken for a police patrol car or an NAIA Taxi, you might be thinking of other suitable candidates that has the same or even better specs than the Innova but is still within the same price range.

Here is the list of top 6 competitors of Toyota Innova in Philippines:

1. Mitsubishi Xpander

If you want to have an alternative to Innova from an established car brand, then the Mitsubishi Xpander is the closest alternative. The Xpander is equipped with a 4A91 1.5- Liter in-line 4 DOHC 16-valve with a MIVEC diesel engine that delivers 105 hp of power and 141 Nm of torque. The engine is partnered with either a 4-speed automatic or 5-speed manual transmission. With a starting price of Php 955,000 for its entry-level trim and Php 1.13 million for its top of the line, the Xpander might not have all the variant options as Innova, but it wins the affordability category and is also packed with basic safety features that are a must for every family car. Check out Innova and Xpander one-on-one comparison, here. 

2. Honda Mobilio

Another suitable alternative to Innova is the Mobilio. This MPV from Honda is powered by either a 1.5-liter i-VTEC gasoline engine capable of producing 118 Hp of power and 145 Nm of torque or a 4-cylinder DOHC i-DTEC diesel engine. The engines can be mated to a 5-speed manual or CVT. The Earth Dreams Technology makes it fuel-efficient and also comes with the basic safety features like dual airbags, theft alarm, Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), and Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD). And since it is a Honda, it has a higher resell value than most MPVs.

3. Chevrolet Spin

Chevrolet offers some of the most affordable MPV for an established brand. With the price range at Php 838,888 to Php 928,888, the Chevrolet Spin does not even hit the one million price mark. This MPV from Chevy is powered by either a 4-cylinder 1.5- liter dual VVT-i DOHC gasoline engine that can dish out 108 Hp of maximum power and 141 Nm of peak torque or by 1.3- liter CRDi turbocharged diesel engine that can produce 74 Hp of power and 190 Nm of torque. Besides the usual passive and active safety features and smooth handling, the adjustable seats on the Spin can be configured in a variety of ways to fit cargo and passenger needs make up for its small cabin space.

4. Foton Gratour iM6

If you are a budget-conscious buyer and don’t mind trying a relatively minor player in the MPV segment, then you can consider the Foton Gratour iM6. This alternative from the Foton brand is powered by a 1.5-liter DAM15D inline-four DVVT gasoline engine capable of producing the 112 Hp of power and 150 Nm of torque. The engine is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. If the gasoline engine and gearbox is a bit of a turnoff, do know that the Gratour iM6 comes with a multi-function steering wheel, 10.1- inch infotainment system, leather seats, and basic safety and passive safety features like dual SRS airbags, ABS with EBD, and a reverse camera with parking sensors. But what’s special about the Foton Gratour iM6 is its price tag pegged at Php 698,000.

5. Suzuki Ertiga

Another MPV contender that can rival the Innova is the Ertiga. This Suzuki vehicle is smaller in width and height compared to the Innova, but it makes up for it in stylish design and price point. The 2019 Suzuki Ertiga is powered by a 1.5-liter four-cylinder DOHC engine that can deliver 103 Hp of power and 138 Nm of maximum torque. It does not come with leather seat options and the back seats are not adjustable or movable. Other than that, it does come with the basic safety features like the other vehicles on this segment.

6. Toyota Avanza

If you are a Toyota loyalist but find the Innova prices too steep, then the Avanza is a very close alternative. The Toyota Avanza is equipped with 1.3- liter or 1.5- liter Dual-VVTi DOHC gasoline engine. The base 1.3- liter engine can churn up to 95 Hp of power and 121 Nm of torque while the 1.5- liter engine can rev up to 103 Hp of power and 136 Nm of torque. Both engines are mated to either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission.

Toyota Innova & competitors - Dimensions & price matrix

MPV	Dimensions (L x W x H)	Price Range
Toyota Innova	4,735 mm x 1,830 mm x 1,795 mm	Php 1.04 to Php 1.68 M
Mitsubishi Xpander	4,475 mm x 1,750 mm x 1,700 mm	Php 955,000 to Php 1.13 M
Honda Mobillo	4,398 mm x 1,683 mm x 1,603 mm	Php 884,000 to Php 1.071 M
Chevrolet Spin	4,620 mm x 1,735 mm x 1,644 mm	Php 838,888 to Php 928,888
Foton Gratour iM6	4,700 mm x 1,780 mm x 1,820 mm	Php 698,000
Suzuki Ertiga	4,395 mm x 1,735 mm x 1,690 mm	Php 728,000 to Php 978,000
Toyota Avanza	4,140 mm x 1,660 mm x 1,695 mm	Php 721,000 to Php 1.065 M

 

Also Read: A gas-electric hybrid Innova may be in making