Toyota’s Innova has completed 20 years in the Indian market. Launched in February 2005 as a replacement for the Qualis, the Innova has become one of the most
recognisable and trusted MPVs in the country, evolving significantly across three generations. Initially priced at Rs 6.82 lakh, the first-generation Innova was built on Toyota’s IMV platform, also shared with the Fortuner and Hilux. It featured a simple design, a long wheelbase, and optional captain seats, making it one of the most premium people-carriers in its segment at the time. The model saw strong early demand. It quickly gained popularity among private buyers and commercial fleet operators for its durability and low maintenance costs. The first generation (2005–2016) received several updates in 2009, new infotainment features in 2012, and standard airbags and ABS in 2015. In 2016, Toyota introduced the Innova Crysta, marking a major shift towards a more premium offering. Starting at Rs 13.84 lakh, the Crysta featured a bolder design, more powerful engines, including 2.4-litre and 2.8-litre diesels, and a 2.7-litre petrol, and the option of an automatic gearbox. The interior also received a significant upgrade, with an 8-inch touchscreen, LED lighting, and leather upholstery. A major transition came in November 2022 with the launch of the Innova Hycross. For the first time, the Innova adopted a monocoque chassis and front-wheel-drive layout. It introduced a 2.0-litre strong hybrid powertrain, delivering a claimed fuel efficiency of 21.1 kmpl, alongside a standard 2.0-litre petrol option. The Hycross also introduced several new features to the Innova nameplate, including a panoramic sunroof, powered Ottoman seats, a fully digital driver display, and Toyota’s Safety Sense ADAS suite. Despite the absence of a diesel engine, the Hycross has received a strong market response, with over 1 lakh units sold within two years of launch. In June 2025, Toyota recorded 8,802 combined sales of the Innova Hycross and Crysta, making it the second-best-selling MPV in India that month. The platform’s reach has further expanded with Maruti Suzuki’s rebadged version, the Invicto, introduced in 2023. Over two decades, the Innova has managed to maintain its relevance through continuous product updates and a strong reputation for reliability. Despite rising competition and increasing prices, nearly three times its original cost, the Innova remains a top choice in the MPV segment for both private and commercial buyers.
