The all-new 2024 Toyota Innova Zenix Hybrid is set to launch in the Philippines on June 22. It will be available in the country with a gasoline-powered model and the much-awaited hybrid variant. 

The new model brings a new TNGA-based monocoque chassis and new technology, such as a large 10.1-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Toyota Safety Sense to make it the safest Innova yet. 

However, some prospective buyers still have mixed feelings about the upcoming hybrid MPV, as many are still determining what it can offer as they still prefer the older, tried, and tested turbodiesel model.

We will quickly discuss what we think are a few pros and cons of the upcoming MPV to help you decide whether or not the all-new Innova Zenix will be worth it for you. 

Cons

Higher price tag

One of the new cons of the Toyota Innova Zenix hybrid is its price. As it is an all-new vehicle with new technology, its price has ballooned to  ₱1,953,000. That puts the hybrid into SUV territory and may even creep into the market of the Fortuner.

However, if you want the new Innova Zenix without the hybrid powerplant, a 2.0-liter gasoline version is available and priced more sensibly at ₱1,670,000.

No longer diesel

One of the main reasons the Toyota Innova became a hit in the Philippine market was its turbodiesel engine. The previous model was equipped with a 2.8-liter turbocharged diesel motor that produced 174 PS and 360 Nm of torque, which was great for those looking for more power in their family car.

The turbo diesel powerplant was also popular in the aftermarket scene as it could be tuned to produce higher figures, with some pushing 200PS and 500 Nm of torque. That tuneability, unfortunately, disappears with the new Hybrid model.

However, if it's a diesel you're still after, the old Innova body will live on and sell side-by-side the new one.

The hybrid tech learning curve

Not all Innova-intenders are willing to shift over to hybrid technology. Some prefer the simplicity of a traditional gasoline or diesel-powered vehicle. The traditional thinking of having the ability to get the vehicle fixed or serviced easily at a third-party shop is also a consideration for many.

With the Innova Zenix, new owners will need to understand how to use Toyota’s hybrid system, which can be overwhelming, especially for older drivers. 

In that sense, owners and users of the new Innova Zenix will need to get used to how the hybrid system functions in the all-new MPV. They will need to understand how to make the vehicle charge its battery and how to make it enter electric-only mode.

Accepting that, in the meantime, hybrid tech servicing will be done at the casa is also a given if you go for the hybrid variant. 

Pros

Better fuel efficiency in the city

One of the advantages of the new Hybrid Innova is that it can travel around the city on electric power alone. While its electric-only range will be limited to a few kilometers, that equates to savings as its gasoline fuel is not being burned to power the car.

According to tests done by Autofun Indonesia, the new Innova delivered 15.5 km/l during their city driving segment. That's a huge step forward in fuel efficiency compared to the old diesel version that could only do around 7 to 12 km/l in the city. 

Thanks to its hybrid drivetrain, the driving range of the Innova Zenix can also be extended, meaning you will have fewer visits to the fuel pump compared to its 2.0-liter nonhybrid counterpart. 

Toyota Safety sense

As the Toyota Innova Zenix Hybrid is an all-new model, the MPV will get access to the latest safety technology available from the Japanese automaker. 

The top-spec variant will likely gain access to the brand’s Toyota Safety Sense, giving it features such as Pre-Collision System, Auto High Beam, Lane Tracing Assist, Lane Departure Warning, and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control.

It will also get new features such as a panoramic view monitor, a blind spot monitor, a rear cross-traffic alert, and standard clearance and backup sensors. 

The new Toyota MPV also has 5-star ASEAN NCAP crash test ratings making it one of the safest MPVs you can get in the market today.

More torque than the diesel

Based on figures in other markets, the hybrid powertrain pushes out 186 PS and 187 Nm of torque from the 2.0-liter engine alone, while its electric motor produces an additional 206 Nm of torque. 

While Toyota has yet to officially release the combined torque output of the hybrid powerplant, it will likely be around 393 Nm of torque.

It represents an increase of 33 Nm over what the 2.8-liter turbodiesel motor produces, which is 360 Nm. 

More horsepower

The turbo diesel Toyota Innova produces 174 PS. Meanwhile, the new Innova Zennix Hybrid produces 186 PS, 22 PS more than the previous version.

It could indicate that the new model will be slightly faster than its turbo diesel counterpart while maintaining cleaner emissions. 

Better comfort

One of the new pros of getting the new Toyota Innova Zenix is that it has an all-new monocoque chassis. It ditches the previous generation's old ladder-frame design, granting the newer model better comfort for its passengers while giving it better handling. 

It's a step forward compared to the bumpier ride in the older-generation ladder-frame Innova. 

What do you think of our Pros and Cons for the 2024 Toyota Innova Zenix?

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