Toyota Innova completes 20 years with 12 lakh sales: Success decoded
Toyota Innova
, has completed 20 years in the market. Over the past two decades, more than 12 lakh units have been sold across its three generations – the original Innova, the
Innova Crysta
, and the
Innova Hycross
. In 2005, the first-ever Innova was launched in the Indian market, introducing a new standard for family MPVs. Built on a robust body-on-frame chassis, the first-generation Innova quickly became known for its durability, comfortable ride, and versatile seating qualities that won over families, business owners, and fleet operators alike.
Launched in 2005 at an introductory price of just Rs 6.82 lakh for petrol and Rs 7.4 lakh for diesel (ex-showroom), the first-generation Toyota Innova was built on Toyota's IMV platform which was also shared with the Fortuner and Hilux. It was offered with two engine options - a 2.0-litre NA petrol and a 2.5-litre turbo diesel. In 2009, it got a minor facelift with slight exterior design changes and additional features.
In 2011, Toyota introduced BS4-compliant engines for the Innova, improving efficiency and reducing emissions. Around the same time, the diesel variants received an intercooler. In 2012, Toyota gave the Innova a mid-life refresh with a redesigned front fascia. The facelift featured squarish headlamps, a new front bumper, and an updated grille design. Two years later, the Innova received another cosmetic enhancement. The 2014 update brought in a much larger and more prominent front grille.
Later in 2016, Toyota launched the Innova Crysta. This marked a significant move toward a more premium positioning. Priced from Rs 13.84 lakh, the Innova Crysta came with a more striking exterior design and a stronger engine lineup, including 2.4‑litre and 2.8‑litre diesel units alongside a 2.7‑litre petrol option, with an automatic transmission. Inside, the cabin received a major overhaul, featuring an 8‑inch touchscreen infotainment system, LED ambient lighting, and plush leather upholstery, elevating the MPV's comfort and appeal.
The Hybrid Innova with monocoque was launched in 2022
The biggest transformation in Innova's story came in 2022 with the launch of the Innova Hycross. For the first time, the MPV shifted from its traditional ladder-frame architecture to a monocoque chassis. This change brought better ride comfort and car-like handling while improving efficiency.
Another major update was the addition of Toyota's 5th Generation Self-Charging Hybrid Electric System. Paired with a 2.0-litre petrol engine and an e-drive transmission, the Hycross produces a combined output of 184 BHP, blending performance with significantly lower fuel consumption. The market response was immediate and strong, within just two years of its launch, Toyota sold over 1 lakh units of the Hycross.
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