The all-new Toyota Zenix is now officially on sale in the Philippines and will be sold alongside the previous-generation Innova.

This new multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) will come in two variants: the non-hybrid V and the hybrid Q.

Given that the Innova G (₱1,657,000) and the Zenix V (₱1,670,000) cost around the same, is it more worthwhile to get a plush Innova or go for the base-model Zenix? We find out in this edition of Spec Showdown.

Zenix more attractive

The all-new Zenix may look like an evolution of the Innova, but it takes most of its styling cues from newer Toyota models, especially at the rear.

The previous-generation Innova has already been facelifted since it first debuted globally in 2015.

Pitting the numbers against each other, the Zenix is a bit larger than the Innova, while offering more ground clearance.

Looks-wise, I prefer the fresher Zenix, given that the Innova is already an eight-year-old design.

Zenix has roomier cabin

Step inside the new Zenix and it looks decades newer than the Innova.

It also helps that the Zenix rides on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA-C) unibody platform.

This means a lower floor and more sophisticated suspension than the Innova, which not only creates more room inside for passengers and cargo, but also improves the ride and handling.

In addition, the Zenix has second-row captain seats as standard. In the Innova, these are only available in the more expensive V variant.

As for styling, the newer Zenix takes the cake for a more modern cabin and its warmer dark chestnut upholstery.

Turbodiesel unmatched

Under the hood, the Zenix and the Innova are like night and day.

The Zenix is powered by a 2.0-liter gasoline engine, while the Innova uses the venerable 2.8-liter turbodiesel from the Hilux pick-up and Fortuner sport-utility vehicle. The all-new MPV is also front-wheel drive and the Innova is rear-wheel drive.

Although the horsepower figures are evenly matched, the Innova’s thundering turbodiesel produces 155 Nm more torque than the Zenix. This makes the previous-generation model more suited to hauling, towing, or seating to maximum capacity.

However, if you get the more expensive Zenix Q Hybrid, that gets a 2.0-liter inline-4 mated to an electric motor. The combined output is 186 PS and 393 Nm of torque, easily trouncing the turbodiesel.

But between the non-hybrid Zenix and the turbodiesel Innova, the old warhorse takes the win for performance.

Almost even safety-wise

The superb Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) active-safety suite was one of the most notable features of the Zenix when it debuted in other markets.

However, TSS is only available in the Philippines in the top-spec Q Hybrid model. Nonetheless, the Zenix V still has decent safety equipment, putting it almost on par with the Innova G.

At the end of the day, I’ll call this a tie.

Matter of priorities

So, to get a plush Innova or the all-new, base-model Zenix?

It’s a matter of priorities here – the Zenix is ideal for those who need a spacious, three-row MPV that performs well on the road and offers a more commodious and modern cabin.

Meanwhile, the Innova is still a good seven-seater, but it’s starting to show its age. Nonetheless, the stout turbodiesel powerplant and rear-wheel-drive layout offer stellar performance for more rugged (albeit less refined) motoring.

Which would you go for?

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