Toyota Innova Zenix 2023

Proton X90 vs Toyota Innova Zenix – which three-row 7-seater crossover SUV should you buy in 2023?

In Buyer's Guide, Cars, Proton, Toyota / By Paul Tan / 22 June 2023 5:43 pm / 117 comments
There will be many small families who will be cross-shopping between the Proton X90 and the Toyota Innova Zenix as the family transport of their choice, as this SUV bodystyle is in trend these days, more so than box on wheels style MPVs that maximise space like the Nissan Serena.

We think these two products will go head to head in Malaysia so we decided to come up with a brief guide comparing what the Proton X90 and 2023 Toyota Innova have to offer.

What type of vehicle is the Proton X90 and Toyota Innova Zenix?

Both the Proton X90 and the Toyota Innova Zenix are front wheel drive vehicles with SUV-style bodies, with three rows that can sit between 6 to 8 passengers.

How does the Proton X90 and Innova Zenix compare in size?

As you can see from the table above, the X90 is slightly larger than the Innova Zenix. It is longer and wider, but just slightly shorter in terms of height, despite having slightly higher ground clearance. The Innova does have a longer wheelbase.

How do the seats compare between the two cars?

Proton X90 – either 6 or 7 seats

The Proton X90 features either six or seven seats over three rows in a 2-3-2 or 2-2-2 configuration.

Accessing the third row is through tilting and then sliding the second row seat back forward, which can be done in a single motion.

The flagship version is the 2-2-2 six-seater, with a space between the two captain seat. Being the top spec version, it will include a panoramic sunroof which the 7-seater will not have.

The Proton X90 has a third row that can fit two, with head rests. It is large enough to fit an adult, as you can see from the photo.

Toyota Innova Zenix – either 7 or 8 seats

Toyota Innova Zenix 2.0HEV Hybrid captain seat middle row

Toyota Innova Zenix 2.0V bench middle row

As for the Toyota Innova Zenix, just like the X90, there are two different types of interiors that you can have. If you buy the 2.0 V model, you get a 8-seater in a 2-3-3 configuration.

If you buy the 2.0 HEV hybrid model, you get a 7-seater with a 2-2-3 configuration where the second row bench is replaced with captain seats. Although the Indonesian version gets ottoman legrests for the captain seats, the Malaysian spec Innova Zenix’s captain seats lack the ottoman legrests.

The three seater bench version of the Innova Zenix’s second row is configured with a 60:40 split, backrest and slide adjustable in two sections with the middle seatback also having a fold-down center armrest if you don’t need to use the middle seat.

The Innova Zenix’s third row has plenty of legroom but perhaps not enough width for 3

The Toyota Innova Zenix’s third row bench has a 50:50 split, but can be used as a three seater. The person sitting in the middle will be sitting in between the two halves of the bench, but the person will have a headrest. The seatbelt for this third seat comes from the roof. It looks a little tight to fit three in the third row, so perhaps its best to treat the third row bench as a two seater, and only use three seats in emergencies.

How about luggage space?

Toyota Innova Zenix boot space – third row up and down

The Toyota Innova Zenix has a boot space of 239 litres with all three rows of seats up. If you fold down the third row, this increases to a massive 690 litres, up to the window line. As compared to the previous Innova, the Innova Zenix’s third row now folds flat into the floor; previously, they were flipped up to the sides in the previous Innova.

Proton X90 boot space – third row up and down

As for the Proton X90, official spec sheets quote 257L of boot space available with the third row up, expandable to 1200L with the third row down.

What are the engine options?

The Proton X90 uses 1.5 litre turbo engine with a 48V mild hybrid system, with total output of 190 PS at 5,500 rpm and 300 Nm of torque from 1,500-4,000 rpm.

As for the Toyota Innova Zenix, two engine options are available. The 2.0V uses a 2.0 litre Dynamic Force direct injection normally aspirated engine. It produces 174 PS at 6,600 rpm and 205 Nm of torque from 4,500 to 4,900 rpm, which is impressively on the high side for a normally aspirated 2.0 engine.

Those who are into more tech and fuel efficiency will like the idea of a Innova Zenix 2.0 HEV Hybrid, which mates a 152 PS, 187 Nm 2.0 litre Dynamic Force to a 113 PS, 205 Nm electric motor for a total system output of 186 PS. The battery for the hybrid system is of the NiMH type is installed under the two front seats.

Toyota’s Hybrid system is a ‘full hybrid’ and can run the car on pure EV mode, while the Proton X90’s mild hybrid system cannot power the car on its own and is more to assist the engine in certain situations.

How safe are these two people movers?

In terms of airbags, the Innova comes standard with 6 airbags in Malaysia. There’s also ABS, stability control, blind spot assist, and the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite of safety and driver assistance systems. TSS 3.0 gets a new camera sensor with an expanded detection angle and around two times further forward detection. The latest radar sensor is able to detect obstacles closer to the sensor.

If you’re unfamiliar with RSA, basically, the camera detects road signs and informs the driver via the instrument panel. For now, RSA recognises speed limit signs (other types of signs in the future) and it can be set to sync with ACC to override the set cruising speed. Speaking of ACC, the system can now evaluate the situation two vehicles ahead for an earlier response, and it can also adjust the speed when making lane changes when ACC is active. Also, AEB now works at intersections to prevent collisions with cross traffic or vehicles making a turn.

In addition to TSS, the Zenix comes with Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA). The very comprehensive safety package is completed with a 3D panoramic view monitor (360-degree parking camera), tyre pressure monitoring system, dashcam and UMWT’s vehicle telematics system. There are two Isofix child seat mounts for the middle row.

As for the Proton X90, it has 6 airbags, ABS, EBD, ESC, traction control, brake assist, hill-hold assist, hill descent control, Lane change assist (LCA), Rear cross-traffic alert (RTCA) as standard. The two most expensive Premium and Flagship spec gets Autonomous emergency braking (AEB), Forward collision warning, Adaptive cruise control with stop & go, Lane departure warning, Lane departure warning, Lane departure prevention, Lane centering control, and Emergency lane keep assist.

How much are cars be priced?

These are the prices of the 2023 Proton X90 variants (all on-the-road, without insurance):
- Proton X90 1.5L Standard (seven-seater) – RM123,800
- Proton X90 1.5L Executive (seven-seater) – RM130,800
- Proton X90 1.5L Premium (seven-seater) – RM144,800
- Proton X90 1.5L Flagship (six-seater) – RM152,800
The Proton X90 is made in Tanjung Malim plant.

These are the prices of the 2023 Toyota Innova Zenix (all on-the-road, without insurance):
- Toyota Innova Zenix 2.0V (eight-seater) – RM165,000
- Toyota Innova Zenix 2.0HEV Hybrid (seven-seater) – RM202,000
The Toyota Innova Zenix is CBU imported from Indonesia.

You can also compare the Proton X90 vs Toyota Innova Zenix using our CarBase.my Car Comparison Tool. Just click the link, we have pre-filled the options for your convenience.

Share with us your thoughts!

Are you in the market for a three-row people mover this year? Do you prefer the Proton X90 or the Toyota Innova Zenix? Or would you rather go for other models like the Mazda CX-8 instead? Let us know in the comments section.

GALLERY: 2023 Proton X90 Flagship

GALLERY: 2023 Proton X90 Premium

GALLERY: 2023 Proton X90 Executive

GALLERY: 2023 Proton X90 Standard

GALLERY: 2023 Proton X90 colour variants

GALLERY: 2023 Proton X90 official images

GALLERY: 2023 Toyota Innova Zenix 2.0 HEV

GALLERY: 2023 Toyota Innova Zenix 2.0 V

GALLERY: 2023 Toyota Innova Zenix official photos

GALLERY: 2023 Toyota Innova Zenix Malaysian brochure
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2023 Toyota Innova Zenix launched in Malaysia – 2.0V, Hybrid; 7/8 seat MPV with SUV looks; RM165k-RM202k

In Cars, Local Car Launches, Local News, Toyota / By Danny Tan / 21 June 2023 8:30 pm / 96 comments

UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) has officially launched the Toyota Innova Zenix. The third-generation MPV, now sporting SUV styling, is available in two variants in Malaysia – the 2.0 V with a 2.0L naturally aspirated petrol engine, and the 2.0 HEV hybrid. They are priced at RM165,000 and RM202,000 respectively, on-the-road excluding insurance.

The Innova Zenix is a CBU import from Indonesia, where it debuted in November 2022, and UMWT says that the CKD locally assembled Innova 2.0 X and 2.0 G of the CG generation will continue to be sold at RM134k and RM142k. This means that the Zenix is a separate model for those looking for a little more style and luxury in their three-row people carrier, and not a direct replacement of the familiar Innova.

At 4,760 mm long and 1,850 mm wide, the Zenix (we’ll call it this from now) has roughly the same footprint as the Innova CG – it’s just 20 mm longer and 15 mm wider, although it looks much more substantial in the metal. Even the height is similar, so the visual bulk is down to the SUV-style design. And proportions – the 2,850 mm wheelbase is a full 100 mm longer. The wheels are 18-inch items with 225/50 tyres for both V and HEV.

Interestingly, Toyota says that the Zenix’s overhangs have been slashed (by 55 mm in front and 25 mm at the rear) without compromising the approach and departure angles provided by the Innova CG. Ground clearance is 185 mm and the cabin has a flat floor. All these were made possible by a new platform and construction.

The Zenix is not just a new top hat but a truly all-new model sitting on a new platform, specifically the GA-C version of the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA). As such, the Innova is now front-wheel drive and has a monocoque body. Since its birth in 2005, the Innova has had a ladder frame chassis and rear-wheel drive (IMV platform, shared with the Hilux), so this is as huge a shift as you can find for different generations using the same name – should they have dropped “Innova” from the badge?

Toyota says that the migration from chassis frame to TNGA brings about greater rigidity, better agility and improved ride comfort, while a lower centre of gravity improves stability. Your pocket will feel it too, as a whopping 170 kg is saved from the switch to TNGA, which of course translates to better fuel economy. The 2.0 V weighs in at 1,595 kg, while the HEV is 90 kg heavier at 1,685 kg.

The Zenix is essentially a three-row MPV with eight seats in 2.0 V form and seven seats in 2.0 HEV guise. The hybrid gets two captain seats in the middle row for a 2-2-3 formation, the two individual chairs replacing a 60:40 sliding bench in the 2-3-3 petrol.

Yes, the Zenix is technically an eight-seater and not a seven-seater as the rearmost row has three sets of seatbelts and three headrests. Three in the third row sounds near impossible though; so perhaps it’s better to treat the MPV as a 6/7-seater. By the way, the middle headrest has its special slot in the boot so it won’t be flung around. As before, the spare wheel is mounted under the car.

It’s all new under the hood too. The Zenix 2.0 V is powered by a Dynamic Force 2.0-litre naturally aspirated engine with 174 PS at 6,600 rpm and 205 Nm of torque from 4,500 to 4,900 rpm. Max power is the highest for an NA engine in Malaysia currently, and much higher than the previous-gen Innova’s 138 hp/183 Nm, although it must be said that the old car’s max output was produced lower in the band, at 5,600 and 4,000 rpm respectively.

By the way, this is the same M20A-FKS engine powering the Toyota Harrier and Lexus UX, which are much higher up in the Toyota premium scale.

Gone is the six-speed torque converter automatic, replaced by a Direct Shift CVT with 10 virtual ratios in its ‘Sequential Shiftmatic’ programme (with steering paddles). This new gearbox has a ‘launch gear’ mechanism used with a conventional belt and pulley mechanism. The switch from 6AT to CVT brings better fuel efficiency, quietness and stronger acceleration from low speeds, Toyota says.

The Zenix 2.0 HEV is powered by a fifth-generation hybrid electric powertrain combining a permanent magnet synchronous motor and nickel-metal hydride (NiMh) battery to a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated NA engine from the same Dynamic Force family. The M20A-FXS in the HEV runs on an Atkinson cycle and has high thermal efficiency of 41%. Alone, it has 152 PS/188 Nm, but total system output is 186 PS. The e-motor makes 206 Nm on its own.

The gearbox is an E-CVT and there are three selectable drive modes – Normal, Power and Eco. The hybrid also has an EV Mode button that when pressed, forces the system to run without any involvement from the ICE. Obviously, this will only happen for very short distances as the Zenix’s self-charging hybrid battery capacity is only 1.3 kWh.

No mention of fuel consumption in UMWT’s press materials, but we checked and the claimed combined figure is 6.7L per 100 km (14.9 km/l) for the 2.0 V and 4.6L per 100 km (21.7 km/l) for the HEV. The hybrid’s FC is fantastic for a big people carrier, but buyers would have also forked out a RM37,000 premium over the 2.0 V in the first place.

Moving on to kit. The Zenix 2.0 V gets automatic LED headlamps with auto high beam (manual levelling), LED daytime running lights and foglamps, LED tail lamps, auto retractable wing mirrors with welcome lamp, and the above-mentioned 18-inch silver rims on the outside.

Hybrid-specific MID graphics and two mode buttons aside, the HEV dashboard is the same as the V’s

Moving inside, you’ll find keyless entry and push start (key fob has the Innova logo), electronic parking brake with auto hold, a 7.0-inch TFT colour multi-info display (flanked by analogue dials), automatic air con (front and rear), rear AC with fan speed control and roof vents for second/third rows, tilt/telescopic leather steering wheel, leather seats (powered for driver) and an electrochromic rear view mirror (anti-glare).

The head unit is a 10.1-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto. On the roof above the middle row are two strips of blue lights – the on/off switch is clustered with the rear AC controls.

Last but certainly not least for a family machine is a powered tailgate. It opens to a cargo space of 239 litres with all seats erect and a massive 690 litres with the third row folded, up to the window line. Note that the third row now folds flat into the floor; previously, they were flipped up to the sides.

The HEV gets a panoramic roof and two captain seats to replace the V’s bench

Going for the 2.0 HEV means paying mostly for the hybrid powertrain, as the kit count is just slightly longer than the 2.0 V’s. The headlining exclusive items are captain seats in the second row; the two individual seats cutting down max occupancy to seven people (2-2-3). In between the manual chairs is a foldable tray with two cupholders. Occupants also get to enjoy a large panoramic sunroof that covers the front two rows.

The row of buttons next to the gear lever is more populated in the HEV, and that’s because of the EV Mode button. The other button is Drive Mode instead of Eco Mode – that’s because only the hybrid has Normal, Power and Eco modes. Aside from that, and the hybrid-specific graphics in the MID, both petrol and hybrid are identical. Oh, and hybrid badging on the exterior’s sides (unusually, below the wing mirror) and tailgate.

On the safety side of things, both variants get six airbags and the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 driver assist suite, which includes Pre-Collision System (PCS or AEB), Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC or ACC), Auto High Beam (AHB), Lane Departure Alert (LDA), Lane Tracing Assist (LTA) and Road Sign Assist (RSA).

Technically, the third-row is meant for three; the extra headrest slots neatly in the boot

UMWT says that the Zenix is the first model in the local Toyota line-up with the latest TSS 3.0. Basically, it’s the same functions but with an expanded range of capabilities, like how Perodua’s current ASA 3.0 is better than the original version that debut in 2017. TSS 3.0 gets a new camera sensor with an expanded detection angle and around two times further forward detection. The latest radar sensor is able to detect obstacles closer to the sensor.

If you’re unfamiliar with RSA, basically, the camera detects road signs and informs the driver via the instrument panel. For now, RSA recognises speed limit signs (other types of signs in the future) and it can be set to sync with ACC to override the set cruising speed. Speaking of ACC, the system can now evaluate the situation two vehicles ahead for an earlier response, and it can also adjust the speed when making lane changes when ACC is active. Also, AEB now works at intersections to prevent collisions with cross traffic or vehicles making a turn.

In addition to TSS, the Zenix comes with Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA). The very comprehensive safety package is completed with a 3D panoramic view monitor (360-degree parking camera), tyre pressure monitoring system, dashcam and UMWT’s vehicle telematics system. There are two Isofix child seat mounts for the middle row.

2023 Toyota Innova Zenix 2.0 V spec sheet (left), 2.0 HEV (middle), overall price list (right); click to enlarge

Both the V and HEV are available in five colours – Platinum White Pearl, Silver Metallic, Grey Metallic, Attitude Black Mica and Avantgarde Bronze Metallic. There’s also a solid white option for fleet customers.

The Innova Zenix comes with a five-year unlimited mileage factory warranty. In addition, the HEV’s hybrid battery pack gets a separate eight-year warranty, also unlimited mileage. The latter includes the inverter and power management control ECU; basically, all the hybrid bits. Once again, the 2.0 V is priced at RM165,000 while the 2.0 HEV is yours for RM202,000, on-the-road excluding insurance.

The Zenix looks way more premium than the Innova CG (I see RAV4 in the rear and am getting some Highlander vibes from the face), and just as well, because it’s priced a fair bit higher too. All-new bones and heart aside, the SUV-esque design sets the Zenix apart and puts it alongside actual three-row SUVs such as the Proton X90, Mazda CX-8 and the soon-to-be-launched Chery Tiggo 8 Pro in the market. The hybrid option is unique, but it comes at a price. What do you think of the Toyota Innova Zenix’s looks and package?

GALLERY: 2023 Toyota Innova Zenix 2.0 HEV

GALLERY: 2023 Toyota Innova Zenix 2.0 V

GALLERY: 2023 Toyota Innova Zenix official photos

GALLERY: 2023 Toyota Innova Zenix Malaysian brochure

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2023 Toyota Innova Zenix launching in Malaysia on June 21 – 3-row MPV to be offered with hybrid power?

In Cars, Local News, Toyota / By Gerard Lye / 19 June 2023 3:17 pm / 35 comments

UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) has officially begun teasing the Toyota Innova Zenix, which will be launched this Wednesday (June 21, 2023) at 8pm. The third-generation MPV first made its debut in Indonesia last November and was recently spotted on a transporter here just last month.

UPDATE: The Toyota Innova Zenix has been launched in Malaysia with pricing starting from RM165,000.

If you’re looking to register your interest, you can do so at a dedicated page on Toyota Malaysia’s website, where you’ll also be shown a part of the Innova Zenix’s face. Detailed specifications and equipment aren’t provided for now, so we’ll need to wait until launch day to see what we’ll get.

In Indonesia, the Innova Zenix (it’s officially known as the Kijang Innova Zenix there) is offered with two powertrains with Dynamic Force engines. The first is a hybrid that features a M20A-FXS 2.0 litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol unit that serves up 152 PS at 6,000 rpm and 187 Nm of torque from 4,400 to 5,200 rpm. This is augmented by an electric motor rated at 113 PS and 205 Nm for a total system output of 186 PS.

Meanwhile, the other option uses a M20A-FKS 2.0 litre mill rated at 174 PS at 6,600 rpm and 205 Nm from 4,500 to 4,900 rpm. Both setups feature a CVT (e-CVT for the hybrid) and have higher outputs than the outgoing 1TR-FE 2.0 litre unit on the previous Innova that served up 139 PS and 183 Nm. Given UMWT’s stance on hybrids and its multi-pathway approach to achieving carbon neutrality, offering both to Malaysian car buyers is a strong possibility.

Unlike its predecessor that was built on the IMV ladder frame chassis, the new Innova Zenix switches to a monocoque construction based on the GA-C variant of the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA).

Measuring 4,755 mm long and 1,850 mm wide, it’s only slightly larger than the older Innova (20 mm larger in each direction), but the wheelbase is up 100 mm to 2,850 mm – that’s even longer than the Proton X90 at 2,805 mm. The same approach and departure angles of the second-generation model are carried over, as is the ride height of 185 mm.

Interior seating layouts that are available for the Innova Zenix include a 2-2-3 configuration with seven seats – the middle row are captain chairs – while the 2-3-3 option gets a second-row bench to accommodate up to eight people. The X90 also comes with three-row seating, although the available layouts are 2-2-2 and 2-3-2 – we compared both in a separate post.

As for other equipment, the Indonesian-spec Innova Zenix can be had with wheel sizes ranging from 16 to 18 inches, LED headlamps, an electronic parking brake with auto hold, 10-inch dual rear seat entertainment screens, a panoramic roof, and crucially, the Toyota Safety Sense suite of safety and driver assistance systems (includes autonomous emergency braking).

Currently, the Innova Zenix in Indonesia retails for between 423 million and 607.15 million rupiah (RM130,380 and RM187,141). That’s more than the second-generation model that previously sold for between 369.6 million and 471.9 million rupiah (RM113,933 and RM145,468).

It should be noted that the older Innova is still sold in Indonesia, albeit in just one variant that is available via spot order. The sole G variant sells for 422.9 million rupiah (RM130,341) and is powered by 2GD-FTV 2.4 litre four-cylinder turbodiesel (149 PS/360 Nm) with a six-speed automatic transmission.

GALLERY: 2023 Toyota Innova Zenix, Indonesia spec

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2023 Toyota Innova Zenix spied in Malaysia – 8-seater now with SUV looks, hybrid power, launching soon?

In Cars, Local News, Spyshots, Toyota / By Danny Tan / 23 May 2023 7:03 pm / 31 comments
The 2023 Toyota Innova Zenix has been spotted in Malaysia. These pics of the new Toyota Innova Zenix being transported on a truck, by RiderAth, could be a sign that the three-row, eight-seater MPV – which now sports SUV-like looks – is launching soon?

UPDATE: The Toyota Innova Zenix has been launched in Malaysia with pricing starting from RM165,000.

The Innova Zenix, as the latest version is called in Indonesia, made its debut in the republic in November 2022. The outgoing Innova sits on the IMV ladder frame chassis shared with the Hilux and Fortuner, but this new one makes the switch to monocoque construction based on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA), specifically the GA-C variant of the scalable platform.

At 4,755 mm long and 1,850 mm wide, it’s around the same size as the current car (just 20 mm larger in each direction), but the 2,850 mm wheelbase is pretty long; 35 mm longer than the Proton X90‘s, in fact. Toyota maintained the approach and departure angles of the outgoing model, as well as the ground clearance of 185 mm. The size might be familiar, but the looks of the Zenix is anything but. Looks a bit like a RAV4?

There’s a hybrid version in Indonesia, which consists of a 2.0 litre Dynamic Force naturally aspirated engine with 152 PS/187 Nm, and an electric motor with 113 PS/205 Nm. Total system output is 186 PS. A nickel–metal hydride (Ni-MH) battery resides under the two front seats.

Hybrid aside, the Innova in Indonesia comes with a pure ICE M20A-FKS 2.0L with 174 PS/205 Nm. The NA engine is mated to a CVT and trumps the outgoing 1TR-FE 2.0L in output (139 PS/183 Nm). Prices range from 419 million rupiah for the petrol G (RM128,658) to 601.15 million rupiah (RM184,589) for the range-topping hybrid Q with second-row captain chairs (2-2-3, default is eight seats in 2-3-3).

Sounds a bit like what Proton is proposing with the X90? Yup, but the Geely-based SUV – priced from RM124k to RM153k – is powered by a mild BSG-style hybrid system while Toyota’s hybrid system is a more comprehensive one, a proper hybrid if you like. More on the new 2023 Innova Zenix in our global launch report and comparison post with the X90.

Toyota Innova Zenix 2023 Dimensions
- Length: 4,755 mm
- Width: 1,850 mm
- Height: 1,795 mm
- Wheelbase: 2,850 mm
Toyota Innova Zenix 2023 engine specs
- M20A-FKS 2.0 litre engine
- Power output: 174 PS at 6,600 rpm
- Torque: 205 Nm from 4,500 to 4,900 rpm
- Transmission: CVT
Toyota Innova Zenix 2023 Hybrid engine specs
- M20A-FXS 2.0 litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder Dynamic Force engine
- Engine Power output: 152 PS at 6,000 rpm
- Engine Torque: 187 Nm from 4,400 to 5,200 rpm
- Electric Motor Power: 113 PS
- Electric Motor Torque: 205 Nm
- Total System Output: 186 PS
- Battery: Nickel–metal hydride (Ni-MH) battery
- Transmission: e-CVT
GALLERY: 2023 Toyota Innova Zenix, Indonesia spec
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2023 Toyota Innova Zenix debuts – TNGA-based MPV; 3rd-gen is larger, gets hybrid power and active safety

In Cars, International News, Toyota / By Gerard Lye / 21 November 2022 4:51 pm / 69 comments

Here it is, the all-new Toyota Innova. Officially called the Kijang Innova Zenix in Indonesia where it has just made its global debut, the redesigned MPV adds a new chapter to the Kijang story that goes back 45 years and over two million units sold (this includes older models that were simply known as the Kijang or internally as the Toyota Utility Vehicle).

UPDATE: The Toyota Innova Zenix has been launched in Malaysia with pricing starting from RM165,000.

While the Kijang name holds a lot of weight in Indonesia, the rest of us will simply refer to the third-generation MPV as the Innova. In its latest form, the Innova represents a significant departure from its predecessors in many aspects, starting with what’s beneath the metal.

Where previous versions of the MPV were built on the IMV ladder frame chassis also used by the Hilux and Fortuner, the latest Innova makes the switch to a monocoque construction based on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA), specifically the GA-C variant of the platform.

As such, the longitudinal-mounted engine, rear-wheel drive layout is no more, replaced with a transversely-mounted engine and front-wheel drive setup instead. According to Toyota, the new platform allows the vehicle’s overhangs to be reduced and wheelbase extended, the latter now measuring 2,850 mm compared to 2,750 mm previously.

Other dimensions include a length of 4,755 mm (+20 mm) and a width of 1,850 mm (+20 mm), while unchanged is the height at 1,795 mm. Toyota decided to maintain the same approach and departure angles of the second-generation model, and the same goes for the ride height of 185 mm.

Visually, the latest Innova gains some SUV-like design cues with its sculpted sides as well as black body cladding on the wheel arches and lower sections of the doors. Meanwhile, the front end features a hexagonal-shaped grille and angular headlamps that are separated from the slim lower intake by a horizontal LED light strips set on a wide-width H-shaped panel.

Viewed from the side, the Innova boasts a more dynamic profile that is less boxy because of the D-pillars being moved forwards and the A-pillars shifted further back. At the rear, the taillights have a simpler shape than before, which, when combined with the upright tailgate, echoes the RAV4.

Inside, the dashboard is new and has a more elegant appearance compared to the swoops and curves of the past. Contrasting trim colours accentuate the dash’s layers, with the focal point being the floating centre console that integrates with the centre stack. This area accommodates the gear lever, digital controls for the air-conditioning system, centre air vents and a 9/10-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

Elsewhere, there’s a separate console between the front seats for the cupholders, USB ports and armrest. Without the need for a prop shaft to the rear wheels, the Innova boasts increased interior space than before, with certain variants being equipped with second-row captain chairs that have ottomans.

The captain chair variants will be 7 seaters, with seats configured in a 2-2-3 configuration, while the bench seat variant will be an 8 seater, with seats configured in a 2-3-3 configuration.

As for other available equipment, the Innova can be had with wheel sizes ranging from 16 to 18 inches, LED headlamps, an electronic parking brake with auto hold, 10-inch dual rear seat entertainment screens, a panoramic roof, and crucially, the Toyota Safety Sense suite of safety and driver assistance systems (includes autonomous emergency braking).

It was already made known that the new Innova will get hybrid power, and thanks to the TNGA platform, the Innova gets it for the first time. The setup consists of a Dynamic Force engine – the M20A-FXS 2.0 litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder – that serves up 152 PS at 6,000 rpm and 187 Nm of torque from 4,400 to 5,200 rpm.

This is augmented by an electric motor rated at 113 PS and 205 Nm for a total system output of 186 PS. Toyota says a nickel–metal hydride (Ni-MH) battery was preferred due to Indonesia’s hot weather, and it is stored under the two front seats so as not to take up rear cabin and boot space.

Besides the hybrid powertrain, the Innova will also be offered in Indonesia with the M20A-FKS 2.0 litre mill rated at 174 PS at 6,600 rpm and 205 Nm from 4,500 to 4,900 rpm. Both setups also feature a CVT (e-CVT for the hybrid) and have higher outputs than the outgoing 1TR-FE 2.0 litre unit that serves up 139 PS and 183 Nm.

The second-generation Innova was also available with the 2GD-FTV 2.4 litre turbodiesel in Indonesia, which offers more torque at 360 Nm and inferior horsepower at 149 PS, but there’s no option for an oil burner with the third generation.

In Indonesia, the new Innova is available in two petrol-only grades, namely the G for 419 million rupiah (RM121,891) and V for IDR467 million (RM135,854). The hybrid powertrain also comes in G and V grades, priced at IDR458 million (RM133,246) and INR522.15 million (RM151,909) respectively.

The hybrid also gains an additional top-spec Q that goes for IDR601.15 million (RM174,893), and the range-topper as well as V can be had with a Modellista accessories for an extra IDR9.85 million (RM2,866).

With these figures, the new 2023 Innova now has a higher price range (RM121,891 to RM174,893) compared to its immediate predecessor that ranged from IDR369.6 million to IDR471.9 million (RM107,521 to RM137,281).

So, what do you think of the latest Innova? Are you hoping and looking forward to the MPV’s arrival in Malaysia?

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2023 Toyota Innova Zenix – next gen MPV switches from IMV platform to TNGA, to debut in Nov 2022?

In Cars, Rumours, Toyota / By Paul Tan / 11 September 2022 7:48 pm / 7 comments

2022 Toyota Innova shown

There are some rumours coming out of Indonesia that we are due to see a next generation Toyota Innova launched there as early as November 2022, which is 2 months from now, and it might be called the Toyota Innova Zenix.

UPDATE: The Toyota Innova Zenix has been launched in Malaysia with pricing starting from RM165,000.

What is called the Toyota Innova in the Malaysian market is called the Toyota Kijang Innova in Indonesia. There is a top of the line variant there called the Toyota Kijang Innova Venturer, so the word Zenix might be some form of top of the line variant suffix.

Alternatively, the name of the car could be renamed to Innova Zenix or simply Zenix, just like how the Avanza Veloz eventually became just the Toyota Veloz with the latest generation.

There is a case for a significant rebranding of the product line if there are big changes. For example, the Avanza Veloz went from being built on a longitudinal engine rear wheel drive platform to a DNGA platform car with transversely mounted engine and front wheel drive, thus earning it its new Toyota Veloz name in a way.

With word that the new Toyota Innova might ditch its Hilux-based IMV underpinings for a TNGA platform, it might earn the rights for a rebranding of sorts in Indonesia. Essentially, the new Toyota Innova Zenix will end up being a three-row MPV version of the Toyota Corolla Cross.

Being built on TNGA would also mean there is chance of a hybrid variant of the Zenix, most likely the same 1.8 litre system used in the Toyota Corolla Cross hybrid. It would also be able to gain other TNGA platform benefits such as a full suite of Toyota Safety Sense driver assist features.

Toyota already sells a TNGA MPV in Indonesia – the Toyota Voxy (a Nissan Serena competitor) with sliding doors is offered there priced from Rp 574,600,000. The current gen Kijang Innova with normal doors sits under it in the product line-up but is spread across a wide price range, from Rp 369,600,000 for the basic G up to Rp 494,400,000 for the top of the line Kijang Innova Venturer.

The Veloz sits below the Kijang Innova, priced from Rp 286,000,000 for the manual up to Rp 331,100,000 for the Veloz Q CVT with Toyota Safety Sense.

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