Toyota is preparing a major facelift for the Innova Hycross. It is expected to come with fresh styling and a more feature-rich cabin. Camouflaged test mules have been spied several times, giving out clues of the styling changes to expect. These, however, did not show the in-cabin improvements. The new Hycross has now gone on sale in Indonesia. Photos from Jakarta have revealed three new features/ improvements that the MPV will get with the update. These include a large digital instrument cluster, a larger touchscreen and a more advanced connected car suite. We can expect these to be introduced on the India-spec as well.
The Hycross is already a decently kitted product. The facelift will offer even more features. Three key improvements have now been confirmed. The first one is the new infotainment unit. The outgoing model has a floating 10.1-inch central touchscreen with wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto. The new model will have a larger unit. Images shared on Instagram show the screen to be wider. It is likely to be a 12.3-inch unit, shared with the new Hilux.
Here is a spy video of the new Hycross from India. Look closely and you will notice a large central screen- hopefully the same as that of the Indonesia-spec model. It will have wireless Carplay And Android Auto as well. The outgoing model has a 9-speaker premium JBL audio system. It remains to be seen if the same will be retained on the new model.
The second major upgrade is the instrument cluster. Like its predecessor, the new Hycross will also have two powertrain options- a 2.0L naturally aspirated petrol and a 2.0L strong hybrid. The instrument cluster’s design will likely differ between the two. The naturally aspirated petrol variants will likely feature an analogue instrument panel with a 7-inch central multi-information display (MID). Even the outgoing model has a similar setup.
The strong hybrid variant, however, will get a new 12.3-inch digital driver’s display. It will provide the driver with plenty of useful information including those related to the hybrid powertrain.
And finally, the new model will have a more advanced connected car system. The outgoing model comes with the Toyota i-Connect suite. This will likely be replaced with the new-generation T-inTouch connected car suite. This is expected to offer even more connected features. It will support smartphone-based operations. It remains to be seen if the new system will offer support for smartwatches as well.
The T-inTouch suite will come with a three-year subscription and will provide information like E-care, proactive agent call, dashboard status, vehicle status, remote control, driver and trip history, and statistical driving data on smartphone app. The vehicle also has an in-cabin SOS button. You will find this near the controls for the sunroof and cabin lights, on the vehicle’s roof.
In addition to these, we expect the new Hycross to come with features like cabin air purifier, automatic climate control, wireless charger, 360 degree camera, and more.
Test sightings have indicated that the facelifted Innova Hycross will get major design changes. These will mostly be concentrated at its front end. The front fascia will draw design inspiration from the new Hilux’s Cybersumo face. It will have a new grille design, new front bumper and redesigned LED headlamps.
The alloy wheel design will be revised on the new model although there will be no change in the overall silhouette. Expect some change in the design of the tail lamps- in detailing if not in the overall shape. Overall, the new Hycross’ design will evolve into something more modern and upmarket.
The facelift will retain the same two engine options of the outgoing model. The 2.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine will makes 173 PS and 204 Nm on the outgoing model while the more efficiency 2.0L strong hybrid generates 184 PS. These will likely remain unchanged on the new model as well.
The strong hybrid version is in good demand. It mates a 2.0L, four-cylinder petrol engine to an electric motor and a hybrid battery pack. This self-charging hybrid comes with an e-CVT automatic transmission. We expect the new Hycross to launch this November.