Given how notorious and unsafe traffic and roads can be in India, it is important to consider the safest cars, or top safety-rated cars when purchasing a vehicle. Today, we look at the Toyota Innova Hycross and Maruti Suzuki Invicto in terms of their safety aspects.
In this article, we will share
- What a safety-conscious buyer looks for in a car
- Toyota Innova Hycross vs Maruti Suzuki Invicto – an in-depth look at their safety features, ratings, and driver assistance features
- How to pick the right car for you
Can these models be considered the best cars with safety features in India? How have they fared in crash tests, and how is their structural integrity? What features do they have to ensure driver, passenger and child safety? Read on.
What a Safety-Conscious Buyer Looks for in a Car
Here’s what a safety-conscious buyer should look for in a car:
- Safety – What safety features does the car have? What is its safety rating?
- Driver assistance – Does the car have features like parking camera, rear parking sensors, follow-me-home headlights, etc.
- Space – Does the car have enough interior space?
Safety-conscious buyers prioritize vehicles that offer a comprehensive suite of safety features and excellent crash protection. They seek cars with high crash test ratings, such as a 5-star GNCAP rating, indicating superior occupant protection. Essential safety features like multiple airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), and anti-lock braking system (ABS) are must-haves for these buyers.
They also value advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) such as lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and rear parking sensors. Additionally, a solid build quality, stable handling, and effective braking performance are crucial factors for safety-conscious buyers when making their purchase decision.
Why Toyota Innova Hycross and Maruti Suzuki Invicto are popular
The Toyota Innova Hycross and Maruti Suzuki Invicto have gained popularity among safety-conscious buyers due to their impressive safety features and strong crash test performance. Both vehicles have been awarded a 5-star GNCAP safety rating, indicating their excellent ability to protect occupants in the event of a collision.
The Toyota Innova Hycross comes equipped with advanced safety features like ESC, ABS, and hill hold assist. It also offers lane-keeping assist, providing an extra layer of safety on the road. The Hycross’s robust build quality and stable handling inspire confidence in safety-conscious buyers.
Similarly, the Maruti Suzuki Invicto prioritizes safety with features like multiple airbags, ESC, and ABS. The Invicto’s 5-star GNCAP rating serves as a testament to its exceptional crash protection capabilities. The vehicle’s advanced construction and safety technologies ensure a high level of occupant safety.
Both the Hycross and Invicto have undergone rigorous crash tests and have proven their ability to safeguard occupants in various collision scenarios. Their 5-star GNCAP ratings and comprehensive safety features make them popular choices for safety-conscious buyers who prioritize the well-being of themselves and their loved ones. Additionally, the reputation of Toyota and Maruti Suzuki for building reliable and safe vehicles further enhances their appeal in this segment.
Toyota Innova Hycross and Maruti Suzuki Invicto variants shortlist in Rs 24-26 lakh range
For Maruti Suzuki Invicto, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 18 March 2024 |
| Zeta Plus 7Str | ₹2,482,000 |
| Zeta Plus 8Str | ₹2,487,000 |
For Toyota Innova Hycross, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 18 March 2024 |
| VX 7STR Hybrid | ₹2,572,000 |
| VX 8STR Hybrid | ₹2,577,000 |
Maruti Suzuki Invicto Zeta Plus 7Str and 8Str
The Invicto Zeta Plus variants are excellent choices for safety-conscious buyers. Both variants have earned a 5-star GNCAP safety rating, indicating their exceptional crash protection capabilities. They come equipped with six airbags, ESC, and ABS, providing a comprehensive safety package. The Invicto’s advanced construction and safety technologies further enhance occupant protection. The 7-seater and 8-seater configurations cater to different passenger-carrying needs. If you’re a family car buyer, you can read our comparison of the Invicto with Mahindra XUV700 2024.
Maruti Suzuki Invicto airbags and safety
Toyota Innova Hycross VX 7STR Hybrid and VX 8STR Hybrid
The Innova Hycross VX Hybrid variants are top picks for safety-conscious buyers. They boast a 5-star GNCAP rating, reflecting their superior occupant protection. These variants come with advanced safety features like ESC, ABS, and hill hold assist. The Hycross VX Hybrid also offers lane-keeping assist, providing an additional layer of safety. The vehicle’s robust build quality and stable handling further contribute to its safety credentials. The 7-seater and 8-seater options accommodate different family sizes. If you’re a gadget lover, you can check out our comparison of the Innova Hycross with Mahindra XUV700 2024.
Our Pick for the Best variant among Toyota Innova Hycross and Maruti Suzuki Invicto for Safety-conscious buyers
After careful consideration, we recommend the Toyota Innova Hycross VX 7STR Hybrid as the best variant for safety-conscious buyers. This variant offers an exceptional combination of advanced safety features, crash protection, and driver assistance systems.
The Innova Hycross VX 7STR Hybrid has earned a commendable 5-star GNCAP safety rating, reflecting its superior occupant protection capabilities. While it may have fewer airbags compared to the Invicto variants, the Hycross’s overall safety package is comprehensive and reassuring.
One of the standout features of the Hycross VX 7STR Hybrid is the inclusion of lane-keeping assist. This advanced driver assistance system helps keep the vehicle centered in its lane and alerts the driver if they unintentionally drift out of the lane. This feature provides an extra layer of safety, especially during long drives or in challenging road conditions.
The Hycross VX 7STR Hybrid also comes equipped with essential safety features like ESC, ABS, and hill hold assist. ESC helps maintain vehicle stability and prevents loss of control in challenging driving situations, while ABS ensures optimal braking performance and prevents wheel lockup during emergency braking. Hill hold assist prevents the vehicle from rolling back on inclines, providing an added measure of safety.
The Hycross’s robust build quality and stable handling further inspire confidence in safety-conscious buyers. The vehicle’s strong hybrid powertrain not only enhances fuel efficiency but also provides a smooth and effortless driving experience, reducing driver fatigue.
While the Maruti Suzuki Invicto variants offer a high level of safety with their 5-star GNCAP rating and essential safety features, the Toyota Innova Hycross VX 7STR Hybrid stands out with its additional lane-keeping assist feature and overall safety package.
The Toyota Innova Hycross VX 7STR Hybrid emerges as the best variant for safety-conscious buyers, offering a complete package of advanced safety features, exceptional crash protection, and cutting-edge driver assistance technologies.
The Top 3 choices
- Toyota Innova Hycross VX 7STR Hybrid
- Toyota Innova Hycross VX 8STR Hybrid
- Maruti Suzuki Invicto Zeta Plus 7Str
| Attributes | Hycross VX 7STR Hybrid | Hycross VX 8STR Hybrid | Invicto Zeta Plus 7Str |
| Rear Parking Sensors | Yes | Yes | No |
| High-Speed Stability | Stable | Stable | N/A |
| Crash warning | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| GNCAP Rating | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| ESC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| ABS | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Knee/curtain airbags | No | No | Yes |
| Airbags (number) | 2 | 2 | 6 |
| Day/night IRVM | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Headlights | LED | LED | LED |
| Lane keeping assist | Yes | Yes | No |
| Steering column | Tilt & Telescopic | Tilt & Telescopic | Tilt & Telescopic |
| Ground clearance (mm) | 185 | 185 | 185 |
| Visibility | Good | Good | N/A |
| Engine – Fuel type | Strong Hybrid | Strong Hybrid | Petrol |
| Transmission – Auto Type | eCVT | eCVT | CVT |
| Engine – Transmission | Advanced Automatic | Advanced Automatic | Advanced Automatic |
| Drive Type | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel tank capacity (l) | 52 | 52 | 52 |
| Length (mm) | 4755 | 4755 | 4755 |
| Width (mm) | 1845 | 1845 | 1845 |
| Height (mm) | 1795 | 1795 | 1795 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2850 | 2850 | 2850 |
| Boot capacity (liters) | 300 | 300 | 239 |
| Overall Mileage (kmpl) | 23.24 | 23.24 | 23.24 |
| Power Steering | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Steering Mounted Controls | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| ORVM | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic |
| Hill Hold assist | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Low fuel indicator | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| DRLs | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Climate Control | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Rear AC vents | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Seating Adjustments | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| USB Ports | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Keyless Entry | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Push Button Start | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Power Windows – Front | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Power Windows – Back | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Rain sensing wiper | No | No | Yes |
| Wheel Type | Alloy | Alloy | Alloy |
| Body colored bumpers | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Body colored door handles | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Dashboard | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Upholstery | Synthetic Leather | Synthetic Leather | Genuine Leather |
| Touchscreen type | LCD | LCD | LCD |
| Touchscreen size | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| Touchscreen Navigation | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Voice Activated Controls | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Connectivity | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Audio System (Brand) | OEM | OEM | SmartPlay Magnum |
| Audio System – # of speakers | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Wireless charging | Yes | Yes | No |
How to Pick the Right Car for You
- The Toyota Innova Hycross VX 7STR Hybrid takes the top spot due to its comprehensive safety features and advanced driver assistance systems. With a 5-star GNCAP rating, this variant offers exceptional occupant protection. The inclusion of lane-keeping assist sets it apart from the competition, providing an extra layer of safety on the road. The Hycross’s robust build quality, stable handling, and strong hybrid powertrain further enhance its safety credentials.
- The Toyota Innova Hycross VX 8STR Hybrid secures the second position, offering a similar level of safety as the VX 7STR Hybrid variant. It also boasts a 5-star GNCAP rating and comes equipped with advanced safety features like ESC, ABS, hill hold assist, and lane-keeping assist. The VX 8STR Hybrid offers the same level of crash protection and driver assistance systems as the VX 7STR Hybrid, with the added benefit of an 8-seater configuration for larger families.
- The Maruti Suzuki Invicto Zeta Plus 7Str rounds off the top three choices for safety-conscious buyers. With a 5-star GNCAP rating, it demonstrates excellent crash protection capabilities. The Invicto Zeta Plus 7Str features six airbags, ESC, and ABS, providing essential safety features. The vehicle’s advanced construction and safety technologies further contribute to its safety appeal. The 7-seater configuration caters to family-oriented buyers.
The Toyota Innova Hycross VX 7STR Hybrid and VX 8STR Hybrid stand out with their advanced safety features, lane-keeping assist, and 5-star GNCAP ratings. The Maruti Suzuki Invicto Zeta Plus 7Str, while not offering lane-keeping assist, still provides a high level of safety with its 5-star GNCAP rating, six airbags, and essential safety features.
If you’re interested in reading more such face-to-face comparisons of popular car variants, head over to our Buying Advice section.
