New Toyota Innova Hycross Facelift Front Spied – Gets Hilux-Inspired SUV Design

Clearest spy shots of Innova Hycross facelift reveal its redesigned front fascia, which appears to follow the design language of new-gen Hilux

Toyota has stepped up testing of Innova Hycross facelift in India. Following the first set of spy shots earlier this month, another test mule has now been spotted on public roads. This time, the prototype has been captured much more clearly, including a proper look at its front fascia.

Earlier sightings largely revealed the rear and side profile of the updated MPV. The latest images provide our clearest indication yet of what Toyota has planned for the front. Despite the heavy camouflage, it appears that Innova Hycross facelift will adopt the company’s latest SUV design language, similar to what is seen on new-gen Hilux.

New Toyota Innova Hycross Facelift – Hilux-inspired front

The biggest changes appear to be concentrated at the front. Current Innova Hycross has a relatively conventional MPV-inspired fascia with a large trapezoidal grille and swept-back headlamps. The facelift seems to be moving towards a more upright and SUV-like appearance.

The new spy shots show slimmer lighting elements positioned high up on the fascia. The grille and bumper arrangement also appears to have been comprehensively redesigned. The bonnet seems to meet the front fascia in a more upright manner, contributing to a stronger road presence.

This treatment has similarities with new-gen Toyota Hilux, which uses a more angular and rugged front design. The Hilux has slim lighting elements, a more prominent grille and a heavily sculpted bumper. While Innova Hycross will naturally have its own interpretation of this theme, the family resemblance is becoming increasingly apparent with these latest spy shots.

Interestingly, new-gen Toyota Hilux is scheduled to launch in India on July 28. Toyota is therefore bringing its latest global design direction to India at around the same time as Innova Hycross facelift is undergoing road testing.

More SUV-like than current Hycross

Toyota has progressively blurred the distinction between MPVs and SUVs with Innova Hycross. Unlike the ladder-frame Innova Crysta, Hycross is based on a monocoque platform and uses front-wheel drive. However, its styling already incorporates several SUV-inspired elements.

With the facelift, Toyota appears to be pushing that theme further. A more aggressive front fascia could give Innova Hycross a stronger SUV-like character without changing its fundamental MPV proportions and practicality. This design direction could eventually create greater visual consistency across Toyota’s SUV and utility vehicle portfolio. New-gen Fortuner is also under development and is expected to adopt elements of the same new Toyota design language seen on latest Hilux.

Side and rear largely familiar

In comparison to the front, changes along the sides appear relatively limited. Overall silhouette, window line, doors and body proportions look similar to current Innova Hycross. The test mule is also running alloy wheels that appear similar to current one.

At the rear, Toyota seems to have retained the basic shape of the existing tail lamps. However, the internal LED signatures appear to have been revised. The rear bumper could also receive minor styling changes. Heavy camouflage covering virtually the entire vehicle suggests Toyota could still be evaluating additional cosmetic revisions.

Larger touchscreen and new features expected

Previous spy shots have provided a glimpse of the cabin, revealing what appears to be a significantly larger touchscreen infotainment system. Current Innova Hycross gets a 10.1-inch touchscreen on higher variants, whereas the facelift could move to a screen measuring around 12 inches or larger.

Toyota could also use the facelift to address customer feedback and introduce additional convenience and premium features. An upgraded 360-degree camera, improved connected-car technology, electrically adjustable front passenger seat and updates to the digital instrument cluster are among the possibilities. Changes to interior materials, fit and finish and NVH levels could further enhance the overall experience. However, the exact equipment list will only become clear closer to launch.

Petrol and strong hybrid expected to continue

Major mechanical changes are not expected. Innova Hycross facelift is likely to continue with the existing 2.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol and 2.0-litre strong hybrid powertrains. The petrol engine currently produces 173 hp and 204 Nm and is paired with a CVT. Strong hybrid version combines the petrol engine with an electric motor and delivers a combined output of around 184 hp, paired with an e-CVT.

A flex-fuel version has also been under consideration, although it remains to be seen whether it will be introduced alongside the facelift. Toyota has previously demonstrated flex-fuel hybrid technology based on Innova Hycross in India.

Facelift comes at the right time

Innova Hycross was launched in India in late 2022, making the timing appropriate for a mid-cycle update. The MPV continues to be one of Toyota India’s strongest-selling products, but competition in the premium family vehicle space is set to increase.

Kia has already announced Sorento Hybrid for India, bringing another electrified premium three-row offering into the market. If priced aggressively, Sorento could emerge as a potential alternative to higher variants of Innova Hycross. With a more SUV-inspired exterior, updated technology and additional features, Toyota appears to be preparing Innova Hycross for the next phase of its lifecycle.