You could be looking at the next-generation Toyota Innova
It’s unusual for automakers to release a teaser at odd hours, but Toyota Indonesia may have just given us the surprise of the year. Surprisingly, it only teased what could be the next-generation Innova.
Yes, you read that correctly. Toyota may release a completely redesigned Innova after only seven years on the market. Shocked? So, too, are we.
Toyota isn’t giving out many hints just yet. The teaser came with the caption, ‘Are you ready for the next prestigious crossover?’ according to Toyota Indonesia’s Facebook post. ‘Hold on tight, because impeccable drives and cutting-edge pleasures are on their way.’ Not only that, but the teaser image says, ‘The crossing-edge is approaching.’
So, what can we deduce from these hints? Toyota patented the name Innova Hycross in May, if you recall. It was unclear at the time what Toyota intended to do with the name, but with several mentions of the word ‘Cross,’ this could be the Innova Hycross.
What about other claims? The third-generation Innova could ditch the body-on-frame chassis in favour of a unibody. This implies that it may not be based on the IMV platform that underpins the Hilux and Fortuner. It also implies that the Innova will be front-wheel drive rather than rear-wheel drive. If this is the case, it would be a surprising move from Toyota, given that the Innova’s roots have always been truck-based.
Other specifics are unknown. The engine lineup is currently uncertain, as are the variants. It’s also unclear whether the Innova will continue to offer diesel engines, as Toyota hasn’t produced a diesel engine for front-wheel-drive applications since 2020.
There is a good chance that the reveal will take place before the end of 2022. Toyota has already revealed the front end of the crossover/MPV, so it’s only a matter of time before the automaker reveals more in the coming weeks.
