3rd gen Toyota Innova arrives in PH as the Zenix with hybrid power, Php 1.670M starting price

It’s finally and officially here! Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) has introduced the newest version of its extremely popular Innova MPV, to be called the Zenix here in the Philippines, 

The Toyota Zenix (or third generation Innova for other markets) was first unveiled last year for the Indonesian market. Riding on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA-C) platform, it is no longer a body-on-frame or pickup truck-based vehicle which should allow for better comfort and drivability.

The all-new Toyota Zenix will be available with two variants which will both slot above the Innova lineup. Yes, despite its unique name, the Zenix will still be part of the local Innova line. The entry-level Zenix is the 2.0 V CVT while the top-spec variant is the 2.0 Q Hybrid CVT. More on that later.

In terms of design, the all-new Zenix still looks very familiar when compared to the second generation Innova. In front are slim headlights and a large front grille. The overall design reminds us of other Toyota models such as the Highlander and the Rush, depending on where you look at it.

Starting from the 2.0 V CVT, standard exterior equipment are LED headlights and fog lights, LED taillights, 17-inch alloy wheels, power tailgate, and power-folding side mirrors. Moving up to the 2.0 Q Hybrid CVT adds LED daytime running lights, overfenders, 18-inch Super Chrome alloy wheels, chrome door belt moulding, and chrome door handles.

Available exterior color options exclusive to the 2.0 V CVT are Attitude Black Mica, Gray Metallic, and Silver Metallic. Meanwhile, exclusive to the 2.0 Q Hybrid are Dark Steel Mica, and Blackish Brown Mica. Available for both variants is Platinum White Pearl for a Php 15,000 additional cost.

As for its interior, the Zenix gets a more simple yet modern dashboard design with more straight lines rather than the curves of the standard Innova. This gives an illusion of more space, which Toyota was able to increase thanks to the unibody platform.

Starting from the 2.0 V CVT, standard interior equipment are fabric seats, two-tone black and dark chestnut interior color scheme, leather-wrapped steering wheel, 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto, 6-speaker audio system, 6-way power driver seat adjustment, 7-inch multi-information display, auto-dimming rear view mirror, ambient lighting, and automatic climate control. Moving up to the 2.0 Q Hybrid CVT adds leather seats, 2nd row power ottoman and power recline, and an 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat.

Powering the Toyota Innova Zenix is a new 2.0-liter M20A-FXS Inline 4-cylinder Dual VVT-iE Dynamic Force gasoline engine. For the V variant, it produces 174 horsepower and 205 Nm of torque. 

For the Q, it is paired with an electric motor and 6.5-Ah nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) battery. The internal combustion engine alone produces 150 horsepower and 188 Nm of torque. Combined power output is at 186 horsepower. Both powertrain options are mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that sends power to the front wheels.

Safety receives a huge upgrade for the Innova lineup as the Zenix, specifically the 2.0 Q Hybrid, now comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense. This gives it advanced driver assistance technologies which are Pre-Collision System, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Tracing Assist, Lane Departure Alert, Blind-Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Automatic High Beam.

Other standard safety features are dual front airbags, 3-pt seatbelts for all passengers, anti-lock braking system with electronic brakeforce distribution, vehicle stability control, hill start assist, reverse camera, and all-around parking sensors. The 2.0 Q Hybrid gets additional side and side curtain airbags, and a 360-degree around-view monitor.

Just like previously announced, pricing for the all-new Toyota Zenix starts at Php 1,670,000 for the 2.0 V CVT. Meanwhile, the 2.0 Q Hybrid CVT is priced at Php 1,953,000.

Consistently the best-selling MPV in the Philippine market, there is no doubt that this is an extremely important model for Toyota. Here’s to hoping that it continues to stay that way.