2024 Toyota Innova 2.8 XE A/T – Car Review | Still a right formula

Saying that the Toyota Innova is popular is simply an understatement. With it as the second best-selling vehicle nameplate in our market for years, you’ll definitely see several the moment you step outdoors.

Since the current generation was launched in 2016, Toyota Motor Philippines has offered several variants for every type of buyer from those for fleets and businesses, for families, and for premium buyers looking for something that blends in with the crowd. The most recent addition is the 2.8 XE A/T variant which sits on the lower part of the lineup.

Unfortunately, TMP does not have a media test unit of the 2.8 XE A/T variant which is why during a recent trip to the beautiful province of Palawan, I rented one and took the opportunity to make a review of it. 

(Oh, please do ignore how dirty the Innova XE we rented is. We took it on quite the drive. Hehe)

For a little backgrounder, the Innova XE was introduced last year, at the time when TMP brought in the new generation Innova as the Zenix. With still very strong demand for the body-on-frame and turbodiesel-powered MPV, as well as supply issues with its monocoque and gas-powered replacement, it was just apt for the company to expand the lineup further.

If you’re looking for the most striking, most modern, or even the most premium-looking MPV, then the Innova XE is probably not for you. With a design dating back to 2016 which is almost a decade ago, it’s very inoffensive and has only received minor updates since then.

The overall look is the same—headlights, body, taillights. What has changed is the front bumper and grille which were updated in 2021. The same goes on the inside though here it is largely unchanged. Thankfully, the Innova was designed to look simple and that made it age well that it does not look too old when sitting next to its rivals.

I’m pretty sure one huge factor for the Innova’s high sales numbers is how much space it offers. Legroom and headroom is all good for all eight occupants (yes, not seven) as long as most are in the average Filipino size. 

Cargo room is no issue at all as well. With the third row seats in place, the Innova can give you enough room for two or three pieces of small luggage. Those seats don’t fold flat to the floor though and still fold up to the sides. Thankfully that isn’t too difficult and once done you have as much space as you would expect from any MPV, and probably more than you can find in midsize SUVs.

And that’s in addition to the multitude of storage areas you can find inside the vehicle such as the cupholders below the two outer air vents on the dashboard, as well as the dual glove compartments on the passenger side, among others.

In terms of equipment, the Innova XE is essentially a mix of the entry-level 2.8 J M/T, and mid-grade 2.8 E variants.

On the outside, it’s much like the J variant with its multi-reflector halogen headlights, and 16-inch steel wheels with hubcaps, only losing out to LED foglamps and a rear badge indicating the variant, both of which you’ll get on the E and above. 

On the other hand, inside you get features from the E such as its 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with (wired) Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an analog instrument cluster with a small dot-type display, and black fabric seats (the unit we rented had seat covers which I hate with a passion).

Powering the XE like all other Toyota Innova variants is the tried-and-tested 2.8-liter 1GD-FTV Inline 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine that produces 174 horsepower and 360 Nm of torque, mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Having driven an Innova numerous times since it first came out, nothing has really changed with the way it drives regardless of variant. Power and torque are more than enough for everyday use and for driving on faster-paced roads. The 6-speed automatic offers smooth shifting and excellent response compared to the CVTs and DCTs you’ll find on every other MPV. This also means overtaking will be a piece of cake on provincial highways. If you need more power, you can always press the power mode button which gives you more…uhhh…power.

NVH insulation is pretty much at par with its rivals. Road noise is generally well drowned-out while wind noise is only there at higher speeds. Vibrations from the turbodiesel engine are expected so I won’t really complain about that. Build quality is also good for the most part with no unnecessary vibrations in the cabin although it can surely be better. It is better than the Zenix though.

Another thing to like about the Innova is its ride. It’s very smooth and goes over potholes and road imperfections with not much bumpiness brought into the cabin. That does come at a cost though as it may feel bouncy for some. I do think that trade-off is something most buyers won’t mind.

What I did notice feels different from what I remember is its steering. It feels less direct and seemed to have a dead spot this time. It might be specific to the unit I had or Toyota Motor Philippines may have made some changes that we do not know. Also, some buyers may not enjoy its rather heavy weight especially at lower speeds. It is however a big plus when going on longer drives as it just feels better at higher speeds.

Overall, the Innova is still enjoyable to drive. There are minor hiccups but it still has a capable engine and rides pretty well too. Oh and fuel economy is fine too at an average of 15 km/l in a mix of moderate to heavy city traffic and open provincial highways.

In terms of safety, you won’t find any advanced driver-assist systems here just yet. Those are reserved for the Zenix Hybrid. You still get mostly the same safety features as you would get in higher Innova variants such as three airbags, anti-lock braking system (ABS) with brake assist and electronic brakeforce distribution, vehicle stability control, hill-start assist, and a reverse camera, among others.

It’s no surprise that the Toyota Innova remains very popular despite its successor already available in the market. Priced at Php 1,375,000, it’s just a little more expensive than its monocoque rivals while offering a similar set of equipment. Seating for eight, a powerful and efficient turbodiesel engine, comfortable ride, and a fun to drive experience can all be had with the Innova.

While it’s not perfect with some cheapness here and there, and steering tuning that could be a bit better, the Toyota Innova does not fail to meet the needs of most buyers which makes it a very good choice. The XE just takes it further, reaching a market that needs something more affordable, but still very convenient for day-to-day use. That’s in addition to its capability to taking more beating thanks to its body-on-frame build.

I won’t buy one, but I do know that it is still the right formula.

2024 Toyota Innova 2.8 XE CVT | Key Information

Engine	2.8-liter 1GD-FTV turbodiesel
Output	174 horsepower, 360 Nm of torque
Transmission	6-speed automatic
Drivetrain	Rear-wheel drive (RWD)
Seating Capacity	8 (including driver)
Driver Assistance (ADAS)	N/A
Price	Php 1,375,000
Pros	– Great formula – Decent feature list – Tried-and-tested engine – Affordable
Cons	– Old – Steering is too heavy – Not as well-equipped as rivals