Toyota's Two Takes on the MPV: Comparing The Hybrid Zenix and Diesel Innova

Perhaps there are two types of consumers: those who favor the diesel engine's pulling strength and those who wish to take advantage of the hybrid mill's fuel savings and environmental friendliness.

Because the firm now gives customers the option between a cutting-edge hybrid people mover and a solid diesel workhorse, Toyota Motor Philippines is cognizant of these customer preferences. For this reason, the new Toyota Zenix will continue to be offered alongside the older diesel-powered Innova.

Do they have any other traits than having three rows of seats? Are the differences between the two vehicles complementary or competitive? To either provide a solution to these queries or to simply highlight the differences between the two MPVs from the automaker, we will compare the new Innova Zenix and the previous Innova in terms of features and specs.

Variants and Prices

The pricing of the 2023 Toyota Zenix V CVT model is P1.670 million, while the Q Hybrid is somewhat more expensive at P1.953 million. Toyota Motor Philippines offers an eight-year warranty for the hybrid battery in addition to a three-year or 100,000 km (whichever comes first) vehicle warranty.

The 2023 Toyota Innova comes in nine variations, with costs ranging from P1.226 million to P1.799 million.

Exterior

The first model in the Zenix range is the V CVT model with 17-inch wheels and door handles that are body color. The top-tier Zenix Q, a hybrid version of the model line, offers extra exterior elements including stylish 18-inch wheels with a chrome finish, over-fenders on the wheel arches, and DRLs.

The Zenix is available in a range of attractive body colors, including Platinum White Pearl Mica, which is available for both variants. Blackish Brown Mica and Dark Steel Mica are exclusive to the Q Hybrid, while the V CVT offers options such as Silver Metallic, Gray Metallic, and Attitude Black Mica.

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 Zenix's interior is completely redesigned, with a multi-layered dashboard that stores a variety of contemporary amenities. The redesigned instrument binnacle's seven-inch digital driver's display, Land Cruiser 300-style steering wheel, and 10.1-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity will be welcomed by drivers. The attraction of the car is further increased with automatic climate control, keyless entry with push-button ignition, and many connectivity choices.

The interior's two-tone black and brown color scheme and the door handles' silver accents provide flair. While the V model has cozy fabric upholstery, the Q Hybrid variant has opulent leather upholstery. Both models offer roomy accommodation for seven passengers, with the second-row captain's seats in the Q Hybrid having power reclining and ottoman controls.

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.

Power

Under the hood, the 2.0-liter gasoline engine in the Q Hybrid is coupled with a hybrid system to produce a combined system output of 184 horsepower and 188 Nm of torque. The 2.0-liter engine powering the V model produces 176 horsepower and 205 Nm of torque. The CVT transmission connects both engines, delivering power to the front wheels.

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.

Safety

In terms of safety, the Toyota Zenix Q Hybrid variant comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense, offering advanced features like dynamic radar cruise control, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, a rear seatbelt reminder, six airbags, and a 360-degree camera. Both variants also include ABS with EBD, traction control, hill-start assist, parking sensors, and electric power steering.

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).

Conclusion

The Toyota Zenix outperforms the second-gen model thanks to its superior ride quality, bigger dimensions, more power, and longer list of options. It's crucial to keep in mind that these upgrades cost more money. This is not to imply that the Innova is a lost cause. It has endured the test of time and is still a trustworthy MPV.

Photos from Toyota and Roy Robles, Image by zigwheels.my