The clearest spy shots of the Innova HiCross facelift reveal its redesigned front fascia, which appears to follow the design language of the new generation Hilux.
Toyota has intensified the testing of Innova Highcross facelift in India. Following the first set of spy shots earlier this month, another test mule has now been spotted on public roads. This time, the prototype has been captured more clearly, including a proper look at its front fascia.
The first look largely revealed the rear and side profile of the updated MPV. The latest images give us the clearest indication yet of what Toyota has planned for what’s next. Despite the heavy camouflage, it appears that the Innova HighCross facelift will adopt the company’s latest SUV design language, as seen on the new generation Hilux.
New Toyota Innova HiCross facelift – Hilux-inspired front
The biggest changes appear to be concentrated at the front. The current Innova Hycross has a relatively conventional MPV-inspired fascia with a large trapezoidal grille and swept-back headlamps. The facelift seems to be moving towards a more upright and SUV-like appearance.
The new spy shots show thin light elements located above the fascia. The grille and bumper arrangement also appear to have been extensively redesigned. The bonnet seems to meet the front fascia in a more direct manner, contributing to a stronger road presence.
This treatment has similarities with the new generation Toyota Hilux, which uses a more angular and strong front design. The Hilux features thinner lighting elements, a more prominent grille and a heavily sculpted bumper. While the Innova HiCross will naturally have its own interpretation of this theme, the family resemblance is becoming increasingly apparent with these latest spy shots.
Interestingly, the new generation Toyota Hilux is scheduled to be launched in India on July 28. So Toyota is bringing its latest global design direction to India around the same time the Innova HiCross facelift is getting road tested.
More SUV like than the current HighCross
Toyota has slowly blurred the distinction between MPV and SUV with the Innova HighCross. Unlike the ladder-frame Innova Crysta, the Hycross is based on a monocoque platform and uses front-wheel drive. However, its styling already includes several SUV-inspired elements.
With the facelift, Toyota looks to take that theme further. A more aggressive front fascia could give the Innova Hycross a stronger SUV-like character without changing its fundamental MPV proportions and practicality. This design direction could ultimately create greater visual consistency across Toyota’s SUV and utility vehicle portfolio. The new generation Fortuner is also under development and is expected to adopt elements of the same new Toyota design language seen on the latest Hilux.
The sides and rear are largely familiar
Compared to the front, changes on the sides appear relatively limited. The overall silhouette, window line, doors and body proportions look similar to the current Innova Hycross. Also being tested are alloy wheels which look similar to the current one.
At the rear, Toyota seems to have retained the basic shape of the existing tail lamps. However, the internal LED signature appears to have been modified. There may also be minor changes in the styling of the rear bumper. The heavy camouflage covering almost the entire vehicle suggests that Toyota may still be evaluating additional cosmetic modifications.
Larger touchscreen and new features expected
Previous spy shots have provided a glimpse of the cabin, revealing what appears to be a fairly large touchscreen infotainment system. The current Innova HiCross gets a 10.1-inch touchscreen on the higher variants, while the facelift may get around a 12-inch or larger screen.
Toyota may also use a facelift to address customer feedback and introduce additional convenience and premium features. An advanced 360-degree camera, better connected-car technology, an electrically adjustable front passenger seat and updates to the digital instrument cluster are among the possibilities. Changes in interior materials, fit and finish and NVH levels may further enhance the overall experience. However, the exact equipment list will become clear closer to the launch.
Petrol and strong hybrid are expected to continue
Major mechanical changes are not expected. The Innova Hycross facelift is likely to continue with the existing 2.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol and 2.0-litre strong hybrid powertrains. The petrol engine currently produces 173 hp and 204 Nm and is paired with a CVT. The strong hybrid version combines the petrol engine with an electric motor and an e-CVT to give a combined output of around 184 hp.
A flex-fuel version is also being considered, although it remains to be seen whether it will be offered with the facelift or not. Toyota has previously demonstrated the flex-fuel hybrid technology in India based on the Innova Hycross.
The facelift comes at the right time
The Innova HiCross was launched in India in late 2022, making the timing opportune for a mid-cycle update. MPVs remain one of Toyota India’s best-selling products, but competition is set to increase in the premium family vehicle segment.
Kia has already announced the Sorento Hybrid for India, bringing another electrified premium three-row offering to the market. If priced aggressively, the Sorento could emerge as a potential alternative to the higher variants of the Innova Hycross. With a more SUV-inspired exterior, updated technology and added features, Toyota is readying the Innova Hycross for the next phase of its lifecycle.
