Head to Head: Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid vs. Toyota Innova

Making fuel-efficient automobiles is what Suzuki is known for. And as it adjusts to the industry's transition toward electrification and in keeping with its fuel-efficiency specialty, the Ertiga Hybrid is the outcome. Suzuki claims that the electrified engine in the seven-seater MPV is more fuel-efficient than the non-hybrid model.

The Toyota Innova, which has been on sale for a while, is for people looking for a big car with a fuel-efficient diesel engine. Owners laud the Innova for these specific features: its dominating size and diesel engine.

One would imagine that the Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid and the Toyota Innova belong to two separate automotive segments. Why then do we compare these two? Since they are still MPVs, they can accommodate families and cargo. This is our comparison of the Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid versus Toyota Innova.

Exterior

The 2023 Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid's appearance hasn't changed much since it was introduced in 2019. Of course, it has managed to get a very slight facelift, as evidenced by the new grille, chrome tailgate garnish, and 15-inch polished alloy wheels in two tones. However, it doesn't exactly flaunt its environmental qualities; all it has is a solid "Hybrid" tailgate insignia. Suzuki's decision to use this path is commendable, but we can see how it would perplex traffic police since it is ostensibly immune from the number coding system. Indeed, it may even prompt owners of non-hybrid Ertigas to affix their very own "Hybrid" symbol in order to pass the number coding test.

Enhanced turn signal lights and a bigger grille and bumper give the 2023 Toyota Innova a more striking front look. The top-of-the-line V grade comes standard with daytime running lights, front fog lights, and LED headlights. The Innova's rear is almost unchanged; the only exceptions are the V and G grades, which now have a black tailgate garnish connecting the taillights. The E and G have 16-inch wheels, while the V has 17-inch wheels. All variations ride on newly designed wheels.

Interior, Technology & Entertainment Features

The Ertiga Hybrid's interior features the same flat-bottomed steering wheel, sweeping wood trim, vertically-positioned gauges, and elongated AC vents as before, but it also boasts some new features including a 4.2-inch colored multi-information display and automatic climate control for the front occupants (the rear has a ceiling-mounted blower). Ergonomically, it's rather simple and uncomplicated, but a few inches off the outrageously large 10-inch infotainment display could be traded for a good day/night rearview mirror.

Toyota adhered to the maxim "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" for the inside as well as the exterior. The instrument panel, steering wheel, and door panels are all interchangeable. The dashboard resembles the pre-facelift version quite a bit as well. It's advantageous in certain ways. Those who switched from earlier models don't need to hunt out the owner's manual to get used to the Innova's superb ergonomics because they were there from the start. Each dial, button, and switch is arranged logically. The touchscreen audio system, which now supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, is the sole significant change here.

Safety

There are numerous passive and active safety features in the Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid. In addition to the standard dual airbags and anti-lock braking system with electronic brakeforce distribution, the Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid also has hill-hold control and electronic stability program to help the driver maintain better control of the vehicle.

Serving as the foundation of the Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid, Suzuki's TECT (Total-Effective Control Technology) and Heartect platform, which makes the body lighter and more rigid, effectively absorbs impact in case of collision and enhances overall driving dynamics.

The 2023 Toyota Innova contains SRS airbags for the driver, the driver's knees, the front passenger, as well as side and curtain airbags. The MPV has three-point emergency locking retractor (ELR) seatbelts and an electronic braking force distribution (EBD) version of the anti-lock brake system (ABS) (EBD). Other safety features on the Innova include clearance and rear sonars, a reverse camera, hill-start assist control, and vehicle stability control (VSC).

The child restraint system's reputation as a family-friendly vehicle is upheld by features like Isofix and tether anchors. To protect itself from thieves, the Innova additionally makes use of the Toyota Vehicle Security System (TVSS).

Power

The fuel-efficient 1.5-liter gasoline engine in this Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid produces impressive torque for rapid acceleration, showcasing Suzuki's innovation in every way. The integrated starting generator (ISG) replaces the conventional alternator, which can be used to charge the battery and electric motor. It also assists the engine with standing starts and acceleration. When the car is stopped, EASS automatically turns off the engine to save gasoline, reduce exhaust pollutants, and quiet the engine for a quieter ride.

Depending on the type, the Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid has either a four-speed automatic or a five-speed manual transmission for a pleasurable driving experience.

Under the Innova’s hood is a 2.8-liter diesel engine that churns out a maximum power output of 174ps at 3,400 rpm and a maximum torque of 360Nm from 1,200 to 3,400rpm. It is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. You can choose between two drive modes: Eco and Power.

Specs Comparison

SPECIFICATIONS	Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid 1.5 GLX	Toyota Innova V DSL AT
Overall Length (mm)	4,395	4,735
Overall Width (mm)	1,735	1,830
Overall Height (mm)	1,690	1,795
Seating Capacity	Seven	Seven
Engine Type	Four-cylinder, Inline, 16-Valve Double Overhead Camshaft (DOHC)	Four-cylinder, Inline, 16-Valve Double Overhead Camshaft (DOHC)
Displacement (cc)	1,499	2,755
Maximum Power Output (ps/rpm)	103/6,000	174/3,400
Maximum Torque (Nm/rpm)	138/4,400	360/1,200-3,400
Transmission	Four-speed Automatic Transmission	Six-speed Automatic Transmission
Suspension	Front: MacPherson Strut  Rear: Torsion Beam	Front: Independent, Double Wishbone with Coil Spring Rear: Four-link with Coil Spring
Brakes	Front: Ventilated Discs Rear: Vented Drums	Front: Ventilated Discs Rear: Leading-Trailing Drum
Tires and Wheels	1855/65 R15Alloy	215/55 R17 Alloy
Headlamps	Halogen	LED
Daytime Running Lights	LED	LED
Front Fog Lamps	With	LED
Front Grille	Chrome	Gray Metallic + Chrome
Back Door Handle Garnish	Chrome	Gloss Black
Seat Material	Fabric Black	Noble Brown Fabric
Seat Type and Adjustment	Driver: Six-Way Manual Front Passenger: Sliding, Reclining Second Row: 60:40 Split, Recline  Third Row: 50:50 Split, Recline	Driver: Six-way Manual Adjust Front Passenger: Four-way Manual Adjust Second Row: Captain Seats, Slide, Recline, and One-touch Tumble Third Row: One-touch Easy Space Up
Economy Meter	With	Eco Lamp + Zone Display
Steering Wheel Material	Three-spoke Leather with Wood Accent	Leather + Wood
Steering Wheel Switch	Audio	Multi-information Display, Audio, Phone, and Voice Command
Sun Visors	With Mirror	With Mirror and Lamp
Inside Door Handle	Chrome	Chrome
Assist Grip	Front: One Rear: Two	Front: Two Rear: Four
Door Trim	With Silver Accent	Noble Brown Fabric
Glasses Case	With	Without
Seat Back Pockets	With	Without
Cool Box	Without	With
Front Personal Lamp	With	With Ambient Light
Room Lamp	With	With Ambient Light
Luggage Room Lamp	With	With
Keyless Entry	With	Smart Entry
Drive Mode Select	Without	Eco + Power
Power Steering	With	Without
Power Windows	Driver Window with Jam Protect	All – Auto Up/Down with Jam Protect
Power Door Locks	With	Speed-Sensing
Air-conditioning System	Automatic Digital, Dual	Automatic Climate Control
Audio Type	10-Inch Touchscreen ,USB, Bluetooth, Apple Carplay, Android Auto	Seven-inch Display Audio with Aux, USB, Bluetooth, Voice Command, Apple Carplay, Android Auto, and Smart Device Link (SDL)
Speakers	Six	Six
SRS Airbags	Driver and Passenger	Driver, Front Passenger, Side, Curtain Shield, and Driver’s Knee
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)	With Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)	With Brake Assist and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)	With	With
Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC)	With	With
Seatbelts	Front: Three-point ELR with Pretensioner and Force Limiter (x2) Second Row: Three-point ELR (x3) Third Row: Three-point ELR (x2)	Front: Three-point ELR with Pretensioner (x2) Second Row: Three-point ELR (x2) Third Row: Three-point ELR (x3)
Child Restraint System	Isofix and Tether Anchor	Isofix and Tether Anchor
Emergency Brake Signal	With	With
Parking Support	Reversing Camera	Reverse Camera and Clearance and Back Sonar
Available Body Colors	Snow White Pearl, Silky Silver Metallic, Cool Black Pearl, Metallic Magma Gray, Burgundy Red Pearl, and Brave Khaki Pearl.	White Pearl Crystal Shine, Alumina Jade Metallic, and Blackish Red Mica
PRICE	P1,153,000	P1,784,000 ( Alumina Jade Metallic and Blackish Red Mica)   P1,799,000 (White Pearl Crystal Shine)

 

Pricing

The Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid comes in four variants and retail from just below P1 million at P954,000 to P1.153 million.

• Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid GA MT - P954,000.
• Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid GL MT - P1.068 million.
• Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid GL AT - P1.103 million.
• Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid GLX AT - P1.153 million.

There are nine variants of the Toyota Innova and prices start at P1.226-million and top out at P1.799-million.

• Toyota Innova 2.8 J Diesel MT - P1,226,000.
• Toyota Innova 2.8 E Diesel MT - P1,335,000 .
• Toyota Innova 2.8 E Diesel AT - P1,370,000.
• Toyota Innova 2.8 G Diesel MT - P1,567,000.
• Toyota Innova 2.8 G Diesel MT (White Pearl Crystal Shine) - P1,582,000.
• Toyota Innova 2.8 G Diesel AT - P1,637,000.
• Toyota Innova 2.8 G Diesel AT (White Pearl Crystal Shine) - P1,652,000.
• Toyota Innova 2.8 V Diesel AT - P1,784,000.
• Toyota Innova 2.8 V Diesel AT (White Pearl Crystal Shine) - P1,799,000. 

Which has more value for money?

Due to its smaller size, the 2023 Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid is more affordable than the Innova. Future fuel savings will be assured by its hybrid engine. Owners laud the 2023 Toyota Innova for its commanding size and diesel engine, as was previously mentioned. Its larger exterior dimensions are the cause of its higher pricing.

Verdict

Hybrid is the new way of greener motoring. Diesel, on the other hand, has proven to be as easy on fuel and as reliable as hybrid power, but it comes with the penalty of more emissions. Choosing between the Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid and Toyota Innova, it all boils down to what kind of power would you like to transport your six passengers.

Photos from Suzuki, Toyota