TOYOTA INNOVA HYCROSS GX

Does functionality and basic fundamentals win out over fancy novelties?

- GAURAV DAVARE

When Toyota Kirloskar Motors rocked up with the Innova Hycross in December 2022, it was a big moment in not only being the next generation of one of Toyota's bestsellers but also the first time the Innova got hybrid propulsion. One may tend to overlook the fact that there's also a non-hybrid 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine option. This can be forgiven though, as it is only available in the GX variant. We drove the strong hybrid variant in December last year and now we've finally got our hands on the naturally-aspirated petrol version. Toyota seems to be pushing for the strong hybrid variant as the petrol variant misses out on fancy bells and whistles like Ottoman seats, a large touchscreen and better cabin materials. Should potential Hycross buyers ignore the petrol variant or does it redeem itself in other ways?