Toyota Kirloskar Motors continues its dominance in the MPV segment with the formidable Innova Crysta. Available in 7/8 seater diesel and petrol variants, it offers practicality for large families with a premium drive experience. Does the updated Innova Crysta have the merits to retain its bestseller crown? Let’s find out.
Introduction
The Innova Crysta brings a bold front facade to match its solid road presence adorned with chromed grille and squared LED headlamps. Generous dimensions stretch over 4735 mm in length offering three spacious rows of seating paired to a sizable 300 liters boot.
Toyota offers the Crysta range in GX, VX and ZX trims further split between 7/8 seater configurations using a proven 150bhp 2.4L diesel mated to 5-speed manual/automatic options priced between Rs 20 lakh to 26 lakh.
Additional creature comforts like auto climate control, push button start and cruise control make longer journeys comfortable. Does the ownership experience justify Toyota Innova Crysta as India’s best MPV? Let’s analyse in detail.
Innova Crysta: First Look and Impressions
Even after years since launch, the Innova Crysta’s imposing front look continues to grab eyeballs on the road. Flared wheel arches, side skirts and rear spoiler accentuate the muscular profile. The interior prioritises passenger comfort via supportive captain seats, rear AC vents and ample room for all occupants.
Range topping variants gain soft leather upholstery contrasted by piano black trim across the dashboard. The optitron combimeter and touchscreen offer crisp visuals while switches exude durability expected from a Toyota.
Wood ornamentation on door panels of Innova Crysta adds a touch of class. Ride height makes ingress/egress convenient for elderly. Overall cabin ambience keeps occupants happy mile after mile.
Reviews and Test Drives
We took the top-spec ZX variant for an extended spin to evaluate real-world drivability. The 2393cc turbocharged diesel motor feels refined with minimal noise permeating inside. The unit makes 147bhp allowing relaxed overtakes in city or triple digit cruising speeds.
The meaty 343Nm torque kicks in early allowing easy trot in higher gears – an advantage over petrol variants. The 5-speed auto transmission shifts smoothly, retaining momentum.
Ride quality in Toyota Innova Crysta prioritises passenger comfort via supple suspension that smothers most undulations. Sharp bumps occasionally filter through but body movements remain controlled. The steering weighs up well at highway speeds but lacks feedback during cornering.
Brakes shed speed with certainty boosted by rear drums and ABS. Mileage hovers in the 11-12 km/l bracket – reasonable for an 8 seater behemoth. Overall the Innova Crysta impresses as a comfortable long hauler.
Comparative Analysis
Toyota Innova Crysta doesn’t really have a direct competitor: Lower variants of Toyota Innova Hycros do compete with it but they come in non-hybrid petrol guide and therefore are more expensive to run. Higher end variants of Kia Carens too compete and while they offer better features, Innova Crysta trumps them better power, handling and tremendous resale value.
Innova Crysta 2023 counters similarly priced 7-seater SUVs like Mahindra XUV700, Tata Safari and MG Hector with lower maintenance plus higher resale value from its revered brand image – vital aspects for buyers. The Crysta’s mature now 3rd generation model also irons out initial niggles.
Buyer’s Guide
Toyota retails the Innova Crysta primarily in three broad trims:
GX variants priced at Rs 20 lakh onward aimed at commercial and personal buyers prioritise value for money with key features like rear AC, push button start, steering controls and 8 seats.
Mid VX models add more desirable aspects like LED lamps, cruise control, rear camera and 16-inch alloys to tempt family audience with Rs 24 lakh on road budget.
Flagship ZX variants target premium buyers via extras such as leatherette seats, roof mounted ambient lighting and larger touchscreen, priced above Rs 26 lakh on road. Customers now also have the option to choose from 7 or 8 seater configurations to suit needs.
Ownership Experience
As an existing Innova Crysta owner for 2 years spanning over 50,000 km, my experience remains highly positive. Reliability has been faultless over long weekend highway trips or daily city commutes thanks to Toyota’s proven mechanicals. Generous cabin with flexible seating and powerful climate control keeps passengers satisfied.
The insulated cabin cuts out noise or harshness even at highway speeds. Overall maintenance has revolved around periodic oil changes and brake wear top ups without any major issues so far reflecting its famed build quality.
Maintenance and Care
Scheduled maintenance for Toyota Innova Crysta 2023 diesel is set at 10,000 km or 6 month intervals. This covers oil and filter replacement, brake checks and visual inspections across key areas. Cost of periodic maintenance hovers at Rs 3500-4000 every visit making it affordable against rivals.
Extended warranty upto 7 years/140,000 kms further cushions repair bills later during ownership. Genuine accessories include alloy wheels, ambient lighting and chrome garnish to enhance visual appeal.
Customization Options
Toyota offers over 25+ custom accessories for the Innova Crysta to suit personalization tastes. Chrome insert mesh grilles, roof rails and window visors boost street presence. Contrast leather seat covers and plush carpet mats add luxury within the cabin while wood inserts on dash/door bring the feel of an executive lounge.
Additional tune box and suspension lowering kits by aftermarket vendors cater to select enthusiast owners too seeking more performance. Thus the scope for uniqueness stays reasonably high.
Safety and Technology
Top spec Toyota Innova Crysta now ship with upto seven airbags, Hill Hold Control, electronic stability program and a reversing camera meeting latest norms. The reliable 150bhp diesel motor puts out healthy 343Nm torque managing highway cruising or overtaking maneuvers easily backed by ABS and responsive disc brakes all round.
Durability enhancement from rust resistant steel plates used in the body extends structural integrity. Interiors of New Innova Crysta 2023 gain cruise control, auto headlamps, Vehicle Stability Control and keyless entry packed into range topping variants. A 4 speaker music system now incorporates easy smartphone mirroring via Apple Carplay and Android Auto.
Economic Aspects
On road Mumbai prices for the New Innova Crysta now range between Rs 21.75 lakh for base 7 seater GX model while the flagship ZX diesel automatic is pegged at Rs 29.85 lakh. Effectively this positions the Crysta inline with rival Mahindra Marazzo’s pricing.
However, added peace of mind via Toyota’s proven reliability, higher resale value and lower maintenance costs compared to the Mahindra make it better value overall. With running costs at 11-12 km/l from the frugal diesel motor, the Innova Crysta spells a sound ownership decision for MPV buyers focused on cabin comfort, reliability and after-sales support.
Conclusion
The Toyota Innova Crysta combines virtues that Indian MPV buyers desire – imposing road presence, spacious three-row seating paired to a frugal and reliable diesel powertrain. Over the years, niggles have been ironed out while adding more features and safety kit especially on range topping models. Attractive offers this year also make the proposition sweeter.
Compared to arch rival Mahindra Marazzo, the Innova Crysta strikes a better balance between cabin comfort, build quality and ownership economics.
So for buyers seeking a premium MPV that focuses on passenger comfort and practicality for everyday usage, the Innova Crysta diesel remains an assured choice.
Those bitten by the resale value aspect should consider the lower VX variants as well. Ultimately the Crysta continues to dominate as India’s most popular MPV backed by Toyota’s famed reliability and trust Factor.
