Are you looking for the perfect family vehicle? Are you torn on which Pickup-based Passenger Vehicle (PPV) to get? Well, might as well end the search right now because you are looking at the best mainstream 7-seater in the business. Sure, it doesn’t have that masculine SUV body style you’ve been lusting over, but you shouldn’t care. The 2016 Toyota Innova is best suited to your family’s needs.
Priced at P 1,445,000 for the 2.8 V, there’s naturally going to be some apprehension against going for the Innova; after all, it’s priced in the same bracket as some mid-grade PPVs. But what it doesn’t say in any brochure is this Toyota’s good packaging. Compared not just to other PPVs but to its predecessor as well, it has a spacious interior. Not only does it offer excellent shoulder and legroom in all rows, but there’s no lack of headroom anywhere as well. The second row Captain’s Seats, a standard feature on the V grade just like before, slides and reclines, but now tumbles as well for easy access to the third row. Meanwhile, the third row seats still offer genuine space for three adults, but now come with adjustable headrests for everyone.
There’s only one problem with the Innova’s packaging and that has to do with how the third row is when not in use. Folding it is easier for sure—the spring loaded mechanism and rear seatbelt positioned anchors are godsends, but having to stick the middle headrest in a crevice when not in use feels awkward. Another instance is when the second row passengers decide to recline a bit, only to have their headrests hit the flipped up third row. Finally, anchored using just a hook and some Velcro, the third row isn’t secured well enough. Going through a pothole is enough to cause the seats to come crashing down. In fact, it happened twice in the course of a week and was caused by worn out Velcro straps.
The dubious third row seats aside, there’s nothing more to complain about the Innova’s interior. The first-generation model set the benchmark when it first launched in 2005 and the all-new one continues to live up to that expectation. It’s full of sweeps and curves, highlighting an almost organic approach to its styling. It’s also very easy to use with large, clearly marked buttons with logical placement. The stalks, switches, and controls are also well damped with a nice, crisp feel. The interior plastics are still not of the soft-touch variety, but they’re finished consistently and feel solid and well-wearing. Those with young kids will likely find the velour-like finish on the door panels a bit of a concern. Not only do they attract dirt (libag), but they can be a pain to clean as well.
The driving position compared to the previous Innova is more car-like with its high set dashboard. It offers excellent visibility in all areas, particularly the front, making it easy to navigate through small spaces. The steering wheel, though offering adjustment for both tilt and reach still doesn’t fall naturally in hand, but the new seats do more than make up for that with its great support.
The biggest cause for concern to would-be Innova buyers is the powertrain and not for obvious reasons. Without question, there’s a lot of power under the hood. The new-generation 2.8-liter 4-cylinder diesel engine, with its 171 horsepower and 360 Nm of torque, offers locomotive-like power delivery in any given situation. Granted it’s not as refined as one would have hoped for, suffering from a non-linear throttle and overeager (jerky) automatic transmission, it does make it more adept at handling full loads or impromptu drag races with previous-generation Fortuners. The biggest question mark is in fuel economy. With a displacement that’s up by some 300-cc compared to the previous D-4D, some have called out the Innova for being a potential gas guzzler. That’s absolutely not the case.
It’s simple physics, really. The Innova’s stronger motor combined with a similar curb weight means less inertia to overcome. This means the new 2.8 V can easily match or even better the previous generation’s 2.5 V: 9.17 km/L versus 9.09 km/L, despite a decrease in average speed by 3 km/h (14 km/h). The better power-to-weight ratio and more forward gears also mean excellent highway economy figures: 15.38 km/L (average speed 76 km/h with ECO off). Engaging the ECO smoothens the jerkiness and extracts an additional 4.23 km/L on the highway (19.61 km/L).
Riding on a Double Wishbone front and 4-link coil spring rear suspension, the Innova manages to improve on its road manners. It feels much more natural in handling curves and corners, though the hefty steering still requires more turns to get it dialed in. In a straight line, it’s surprisingly stable and quiet with just a hint of steering lift past 140 km/h. And thanks to its toughened frame, it’s more capable at absorbing large potholes. Some jolts still do enter through the steering column, but it’s easily plusher and more comfortable than any PPV, especially on pavement. Granted it’s not designed for off-roading, it offers some cushion against floods with its 176 millimeters of ground clearance and 500 millimeters of water wading depth.
Design-wise, the Innova is supposed to visually convey strength and toughness; in other words, look like an SUV. And while that didn’t work out exactly, it does appear more polished, upscale, and modern. Just the right amount of chrome bits along with the slender headlights and added angularity give it a tinge of luxury and presence. Along with this upscale look, Toyota has also thrown in almost everything: automatic LED headlights, power folding mirrors, automatic climate control, touchscreen GPS navigation, front seatback trays, interior mood lighting, push button start/stop with passive keyless entry, 7 airbags, anti-lock brakes, stability control, and rear parking sensors. Surprisingly, they omitted leather seats—a sin considering this is a P 1.5-million MPV.
There’s massive demand in the PPV segment and it’s only one of two segments currently growing in the local auto industry. And yet, for all the SUVs’ promise to be the steed of the modern Filipino family, they’re still soundly beaten by the MPV that started it all: the Toyota Innova. The Innova may not offer macho styling or towering ride height sought after by some buyers out there, but there’s no doubt that it comes out as better packaged, more refined, and better equipped to be the practical everyday car. When it comes to buying the best family car, if mind trumps over heart, the all-new Innova comes out on top.
2016 Toyota Innova 2.8 V
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| Ownership | 2016 Toyota Innova 2.8 V |
| Year Introduced | 2016 |
| Vehicle Classification | Entry-Level MPV |
| The Basics | |
| Body Type | 5-door MPV |
| Seating | 7 |
| Engine / Drive | F/R |
| Under the Hood | |
| Displacement (liters) | 2.8 |
| Aspiration | Common Rail, Turbo |
| Layout / # of Cylinders | I4 |
| BHP @ rpm | 171 @ 3,600 |
| Nm @ rpm | 360 @ 1,200-3,400 |
| Fuel / Min. Octane | Diesel |
| Transmission | 6-speed AT |
| Cruise Control | No |
| Dimensions and Weights | |
| Length (mm) | 4,735 |
| Width (mm) | 1,830 |
| Height (mm) | 1,795 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2,750 |
| Curb Weight (kg) | 1,835 |
| Suspension and Tires | |
| Front Suspension | Independent, Double Wishbone |
| Rear Suspension | 4-Link, Coil Spring |
| Front Brakes | Vented Disc |
| Rear Brakes | Drum |
| Tires | Yokohama Blue Earth E70 205/65 R 16 H (f & r) |
| Wheels | Alloy |
| Safety Features | |
| Airbags | 7 |
| Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS) | Yes |
| Traction / Stability Control | Yes |
| Parking Sensors | Yes, Rear |
| Exterior Features | |
| Headlights | LED |
| Fog Lamps | Yes, Front |
| Auto Lights | Yes |
| Auto Wipers | No |
| Interior Features | |
| Steering Wheel Adjustment | Tilt/Telescopic |
| Steering Wheel Material | Leather |
| Seating Adjustment | Manual |
| Seating Surface | Fabric |
| Folding Rear Seat | Yes, 60/40 (2nd row); 50/50 (3rd row) |
| On-Board Computer | Yes |
| Convenience Features | |
| Power Steering | Yes |
| Power Door Locks | Yes |
| Power Windows | Yes |
| Power Mirrors | Yes, with Fold |
| Climate Control | Yes, Dual Zone |
| Audio System | Stereo CD MP3 Aux USB Bluetooth GPS |
| No. of Speakers | 6 |
| Steering Wheel Controls | Yes |
Uly, I think you got intimidated by it's huge fangs. You're being too kind. The only way for this new MPV to sell well is to substantially bring down the price to compensate for it's shortcomings one of which is it's looks.
ReplyDeleteOne area that should be looked into is the NVH of this SUV wannabe.
What would a 1.45M vehicle feel like when it sounded like a real MPV inside?
I actually loved it to be honest. It's a proper people carrier that doesn't compromise on space or ingress/egress.
DeleteThe design is still pretty much is an MPV but it's been cleaned up.
Being truthful doesn't have to be negative... This isn't perfect, but hell, it's better for a family of 7 or 8 than any PPV unless you need to off road
^Its like toyota formulated this V model as the "high-end MPV", but most buyers in this MPV segment only has a budget of 1M to 1.2M... most folks will shy away from this model and might just get the G or E models, but are these model bang for their bucks?
DeleteYes sir, it's a proper people carrier. That's all it is. Don't love it too much, it will leave you wondering why.
DeleteI got to test the V because that's what Toyota offered. If I had a choice, I'd say the 2.8 G is the best one.
DeleteAgree. What's that captains' seats for? To make one feel the pinnacle of luxury? In an Innova?
DeleteI owned a 2005 Innova. Price-wise and practicality it is the most value for money car around. I use it as my transo going to work along with the heavy load of stocks every morning. And except for one major replacement on the front right wheel and the aircons' evaporator, it's still serving me fine. It loves me and I love it too. It's been 11 years now we haven't had a fallen out yet. On the other hand, I have disposed of my 2006 Sta Fe 3 yrs already as it was breaking down like a geriatric invalid. Korean cars seems to have an expiration date. They're good for 5 years only. The Hyundai Sta Fe, now that is luxurious. Inside you will not hear a whimper when it's oil burner comes alive. The NVH is just amazing. The Innova well, imagine an Osterizer whirring inside your vehicle. A captain's seats and an Osterizer don't go together. That's not luxury. That's oddity.
What I'm saying here is Toyota shouldn't make any pretensions. The Innova should be what it is a people carrier. MPVs are defined as multi purpose vehicle, Toyota should not lose sight of it's practicality and value for money. Pricing it with a premium erases both elements.
But isn't that what the various variants are for, to cater to different tastes and budgets? Toyota knows that MPV buyers are a very diverse lot, from corporations to families. If a person wants a little bit of luxury in an MPV, why the hell not? The J thru G variants are there for other purposes, budgets and tastes.
DeleteFirst gen Innova G owner here as well. The biggest replacements I've made though were on the fuel injectors around the 110km mark.
Yes. But a captains seats? And as to the price, I was talking of the hefty increase across variants.
DeleteThe main purpose of the captain seat is to prevent the 2nd row passengers (your family) from giving the driver (you) a fcuk you sign when you are not looking.
DeleteAnd when your wife or kids smile at you, you can rest assured that it is a smile that comes from the heart.
Captain seats are for executives of a company. Who needs them when you're bringing along a family of five with several baggage in tow? What's going to happen to the fifth passenger? And the mood lights inside? For what?
ReplyDeleteYou can get the G that replaces the Captain's Seats with a regular bench
DeleteUly, where is this V or G sourced? Indonesia? Will they continue the production of E and J here?
DeleteAll Innova models are made in the Philippines
DeleteActually I have a friend who was planning to buy an suv, and instead bought the V variant at the last minute.
DeleteHis reason: To reward his wife and kids for sticking out with him, in good times and bad times.
I know there are many other family man who also think that way.
By the way, about that fifth passenger . . . Toyota also has a variant of Hi-Ace, the Super Grandia LXV, that has 4 captain seats.
^Well, I think people buy "MPVs" thinking it is versatile enough to be both an "SUV" and a "cross-overs" in one package. They always say its a practical choice, and it is if you are always carrying loads of people and stuff. But yeah, if you want to look good upon egress from a vehicle, get a proper muscle car or SUV.
ReplyDelete"Sure, it doesn’t have that masculine SUV body style you’ve been lusting over, but you shouldn’t care. The 2016 Toyota Innova is best suited to your family’s needs." --- but people buy this for "practical" reasons, meaning they also want form aside from function, and this car fails miserably in terms of form.
ReplyDelete"...but having to stick the middle headrest in a crevice when not in use feels awkward" --- the headrests on third-row seats block the rear view mirror, and should this row really carry 3 people?
Is it just me or the author is very positive whenever a Toyota is reviewed?
ReplyDeleteHave you read his fortuner review?
DeleteThe recent fortuner review was pretty negative
DeleteAnd RAV4 and Avanza and Wigo and Hilux.
DeleteCome to think of it, I think I like the Innova the best among the Toyota Philippine lineup
sir uly, what you own is a fort, not an innova, right?
DeleteYes. First generation Fortuner, but I've driven the old Innova.
Deletesir uly, were you more impressed before by the old fort that's why you picked it over the more practical innova?
DeleteSimple: when we got the Fortuner, the Innova wasn't offered with ABS.
DeleteIf the Innova at the time had ABS, we would have gotten that instead.
@AnonymousJune 21, 2016 at 12:49 PM
DeleteIt's just you
HI Uly would you say that this Gen Innova is in different segment between ADVENTURE, CROSSWIND and ETC?? I mean did toyota just create a new segment for an AUV/MPV??
DeleteThanks
good luck with your ~1.5M price tag! *bust*
ReplyDeletethe tag price actually pays for the badge not the car!
DeleteWow! At that price it is going up against the Everest or the lowest trim of the new Montero, and both of them carry the same number of people. If I have that budget I will be going with either of those choices.
ReplyDeleteWhat's with that interior? The cloth seats look hideous.
Hi Sir Uly. Having tested both, how do you compare the overall space (Legroom, shoulder and headroom especially in 2nd and 3rd row) and ride comfort of Montero Sport and Innova?
ReplyDeleteGreat review. The negatives in car reviews has always drawn me to Carguide.ph. These are the things that are hard, sometimes impossible to find out in a short test drive. No other review I read mentioned anything about the tranny issue. The others are probably worried about ruffling mighty Toyota's feathers. Keep saying it as it is and I will always visit your site.
ReplyDeleteHi Mr. Ang. Good review. I like the new innova, but it's quite pricey. That 1.3M - 1.5M territory is populated by very competent 7-seat 4x2 SUVs with a/t such as the Trailblazer L, MU-X 3.0, Fortuner 2.7 G, Everest 2.2, and Montero Sport 2.4. Unless one is in the market for the Innova J variant, a higher variant just doesn't make sense for the average person. Although, with that engine, it can work as a very discreet armored vehicle. I've seen a few examples of armored 3.0 V fortuners. If that old engine can carry propel the weight then the Innova's more powerful engine can do the job.
ReplyDeleteGet the G variant if you don't need that suv ppv height and does not go off road. You will thank Sir ULY. Period.
DeleteInnova V or the Kia Carnival 11 seater? 100k difference..
ReplyDeleteKia Carnival no doubt. Its in a higher car segment.
Deletehow about the new montero? its leaps ahead of the innova.
DeleteIsn't the Carnival 1.9M?
DeleteThe Montero is the better car. Its in a higher car segment. Di na pinagiisipan yan.
ReplyDeleteThe Innova's exterior is very ugly representing the wagon designs in the 70's.
ReplyDeleteHowever it is much better than the Everest and Montero.
The "DARNA" bumper designed Ford Everest is girlish and the 2.2 engine will cough up blood when engaged by this 2.8V Innova in marathon duel.
Mitsubishi is already bought by Nissan and the Montero nameplate will soon vanish. It will be rebadge as the Nissan Pathfinder soon. This will be nissans entry into the PPV segment in the phils.
Izusu's MuXsok is not even worth comparing due to its underpowered engine and the black smoke from its tail pipe same as the montero !
^Why are you comparing this MPV with those PPVs? is it because of its retail price?
DeleteLol everest looks girlish? Maybe you watched too much darna in your days. Try parking the montero and fortuner beside the everest and see which looks like a girlish car
DeleteCommon sense lang yan iho. Pag underpowered ang makina ibig sabihin yan MATAKAW sa krudo dahil hirap at piga ng piga ka sa accelerator para tumakbo at makaakyat. Pero si MUX at Dmax both same engine ang pinaka fuel efficient batay sa DOE test. Ikaw na humusga!
DeleteIt is only Chevy's DURAMAX ENGINE that will make the Innova 2.8V shiver. I'm saying this because i was able to tame both the all new Hilux and Wildtrak from the stretches of the Slex up to Baler in Aurora ...
ReplyDeletewait for me then.....
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThumbs up on sir ULYs review.. I dont own innova but im a car enthusiast too so ive test driven this one ( 2.8 G ).
ReplyDeleteNo other PPV rides better than innova. Montero (2016) maybe a little bit softer at its rear passenger but tend to be boaty while its front suspension (stiffer) and steering (shaky). Best overall ride comfort still hands down innova. People carrier champ!
Using the 2.4 diesel engine instead of the 2.8 would have brought down the price of the Innova. The new 2.4 is stronger than the old 2.5. With the price of the 2.8, buyers would be having second thoughts and move up to an SUV.
ReplyDeletePower to weight ratio. Look it up
DeleteThat's exactly the point.
DeleteBest looking Innova!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteFrom the last Gen Innova the NVH on this one is improved very well you almost hear nothing of the engine noise and bumps on the road
ReplyDeleteI have the E for me its the most Practical Variant of all it has a touch of mid class with all black interior, while for the G it is buyers with extra money to throw in for the class that it will give but the end of the day they both will give same performance or I shall say all of the Variant will give same performance !! I have driven mine at 140KPH and it still asking for more!! hahaha
Agree with this-- I had a long look at the E yesterday and it looks like the trim and features level is very similar to the outgoing G. The E is more expensive than the previous G though.
DeleteAll black interiors absorb and retain heat longer though. The brown seats on the G may look ugly but those are more practical, especially here.
Black seats are not a problem if its fabric. When its black leather, it'll burn your ass especially if it's parked during noon time.
DeleteStill wondering why other makes aren't venturing into this segment. Would be great to have more choices. With all the doom and gloom in the Americas and EU right now, you'd think the car makers would prioritize developing products for the Asian market.
ReplyDeleteIts a low volume segment. Even the American market has abandoned these minivan like offerings in favor of SUVs and crossovers, both of which are more versatile.
DeleteHow is it a low volume segment? The Innova was #2 in total number of sales last year here in PH, #5 in Indonesia. It's also enjoying good sales in India where the market favors subcompact passenger cars.
DeleteIt might be a low volume segment in the US, but not here is Asia. The American market is hardly a good measuring stick for the Asian market.
It is a different segment that only exists in Asia. There are no body on frame minivans to my knowledge in the bigger markets. Although Toyota says this will now also be sold in South America. The minivans sold in North America, some of which are also sold here are much larger. These are the likes of the Toyota Sienna, Chrysler Town & Country and Kia Carnival.
DeleteDon't know about US sales date re: minivans but a lot of people I know in Canada and the US still buy them. To me this body type is better suited to our city roads than the PPV SUVs. More usable space, better comfort, handling and easier maneuverability. Add to that better FC, easier ingress/egress, cheaper tires, cheaper purchase price and it makes more economic sense. It does suffer from an image problem but we need to start favoring function over form in this country.
The Innova would be even better if they put in the 2.4 diesel engine with an E and J variant.
ReplyDeleteSir, The Innova here in the Philippines is offered in J, E, G and V ... We only have a 2.0 Petrol engine and 2.8 Diesel engine. The J, and E variant was faced out in Indonesia and India due to low demands
DeleteFor Mr. Uly: Re- My assessment of innova 2016
ReplyDeleteThe center console of Innova 2016 is too tall and occupies a too wide space across the driver cabin. Because of it, a tall person with a longer leg on the driver seat would have his right foot naturally positioned on the brake pedal rather than on the gas pedal. This is because the pillar of the dashboard, being slanted toward the driver cabin, together with the tall console, pushes the knee toward the left. For the right foot to press on the gas pedal, the thigh should twist a little in order that the right leg could be held perpendicular to the floor side to side orientation and parallel to the console wall to clear the knee from the console wall and dashboard pillar. This position would be very difficult to maintain, very awkward and tiring. The knee would keep on knocking on the console wall while driving nevertheless. I like the car but would not like to be on a driver seat where the leg keeps on knocking on the console wall. Because of it, I need to take a long hard look before a purchase is made.
The above assessment may not be to your agreement. I am open to be educated and would appreciate your comment. Would there be an improvement on the 2017 model?
Hi Mateo.
DeleteEven if Toyota did update the Innova for 2017, I don't think they'll be able to change the position of the center console. If ever, it'll likely just be cosmetic changes like change of trim color or the addition of leather seats.
Hello Mr. Uly,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the honest opinion. That effectively ends my quest for the Innova. Actually I was rooting for somebody to tell me I can drive the Innova had I not been doing this wrong and that wrong.
I was hoping that the console wall of 2017 model will have a curve midway as it goes up from the floor, to make the top narrower. This will give room to the leg. The dashboard pillar can be just straight vertically up instead of the slant to clear the knee of obstruction. That will loosen up the driver. But these are wishful thinking now.
Hingi lang po ng opinion, Plano po kasi namin kumuha ng Innova G 2.8 AT. Pero kaunti na lang po ang difference sa mga manual montero saka fortuner. Anu po bang maganda piliin? Salamat po.
ReplyDeleteMag montero nalang kau value sa money and hindi under value compare sa fortuner
ReplyDeleteTwo choices here...isuzu mux or innova G? Advises please. Not really a car enthusiast here. Just needed to replace our previous family vehicle (adventure) which already bid us goodbye due to an accident 2 weeks ago. Enlighten us please on the best/practical choice. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteOh my meron ako nito ang ganda ng new look new generation sa wakas natupad din magkaroon ako nito love u toyota
ReplyDeleteDa best ito innova love it! Kaysa sa mga crosswind na yan at adventure naku po nakakahiya sasakyan nyo out of date na yan pinantatapat nyo underpower ipasok nyo na sa nitso mga sasakyan nyong yan tanggapin nyo na ung crosswind adventure nyo laus na! Mga bopols baduy tapatin nyo ngyon ung innova na yan boom sapul more thumbs toyota
ReplyDeleteI own here crysta 2.0 gasoline letter j maginhawa tahimik, yun lang afford ko
ReplyDeleteI have an Innova G Dsl Auto waiting for when i finish my work and get back to the Philippines next month. Very much looking forward to it.
ReplyDeleteAs for those that say buy a Montero, em, no thanks, last i heard they enjoy trying to burn themselves to the ground.... Mitsubishi...says it all really. Then Ford & Chevy?! lol I mean c'mon....yes they look good, especially the new Fords, but their reputation of building cars that require regular parts at regular intervals preceeds them lol.
I will stick with my Innova and hopefully have many happy & safe years to come driving it. Until i get bored.