Toyota Innova Turns 20 With 12 Lakh Units Sales Record; Here’s Why India Trusts This MPV

The Toyota Innova has completed 20 years in India. It was introduced in 2005 to replace the Qualis and was built on the IMV platform shared with the Fortuner and Hilux. It quickly became a trusted choice for families and taxi operators across India thanks to its space, durability, and low upkeep. Over its first 11 years, the Innova went through several updates to keep up with customer needs. A facelift arrived in 2009, a more advanced infotainment system came in 2012, and by 2015, airbags and ABS were standard to meet new safety rules. The model stayed in high demand until 2016, when the Innova Crysta took over, adding more features and a more premium appeal to Toyota’s MPV range.

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The Innova Crysta came with 2.4-litre and 2.8-litre diesel engines, along with a 2.7-litre petrol option. It offered an automatic gearbox while keeping its strong body-on-frame build and rear-wheel-drive setup. Inside, it brought features like leather seats, LED lights, and an 8-inch touchscreen. Even today, the Crysta remains part of Toyota’s line-up and is popular with both private buyers and fleet operators.

A big change came in November 2022 with the launch of the Innova Hycross. For the first time, the Innova switched to a monocoque chassis. It introduced Toyota’s fifth-generation hybrid system, combining a 2.0-litre petrol engine with an electric motor for 182bhp and a claimed mileage of 23.24kmpl. Features such as a panoramic sunroof, powered Ottoman seats, and a 5-star Bharat NCAP safety rating made it a strong contender in the Indian MPV market. The Hycross crossed 1 lakh sales within two years, even without a diesel option.

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By June 2025, combined monthly sales of the Innova Crysta and Hycross crossed 8,800 units, making them the second-best-selling MPVs in the country. Toyota’s platform also powers the Maruti Suzuki Invicto, further extending its reach. With more than 12 lakh Innovas sold over two decades, Toyota’s MPV continues to be a go-to option for space, reliability, and versatility in India.