The diesel Toyota Innova is here to stay

With the recent launch of the all-new Toyota Zenix, also known as the Innova Zenix, or simply Innova in other markets, as it is the 3rd generation of the popular model, one thing people were and still are looking for is a diesel engine.

Since its inception and until its last update in 2021, the Toyota Innova has always had the option for a turbodiesel powertrain. That’s something the Zenix lacks as in its place are options of a normal 2.0-liter gasoline engine, and another of the same paired with an electric motor as a hybrid option.

Whether it’s for the better or not, many Filipino car buyers remain skeptical with the switch to electrified powertrains and full electric vehicles which is why Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) has decided to continue offering a diesel-powered Toyota Innova, albeit in previous generation form, as the new Toyota Zenix is not available anywhere in the world with the oil-burning option. That also explains why the new Toyota Innova is sold as a separate model under the “Zenix” nameplate instead, in order to differentiate it. 

With that, the second generation Toyota Innova remains available in the country with a 2.8-liter 1GD-FTV turbodiesel engine, shared with the Toyota Hilux and Fortuner, producing 174 horsepower and 360 Nm of torque, paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission.

This strategy is similar to what TMP has done with the previous generation Toyota Hiace, specifically the now lone 3.0 Commuter variant, which still continues to sell in large numbers despite the availability of the larger current generation model. We’re just not sure if all Innova variants will remain on sale in the market or if they will employ a similar strategy as with the Hiace, making only lower Innova variants available. Right now, TMP’s official website still lists all variants from the entry-level J all the way to the top-spec V grade in their official pricelist and on the Innova webpage, unlike the Hiace.

That’s surely good news, or maybe even great news, for more traditional buyers and diesel fans alike. Well whatever happens, we think that the Innova and new Zenix will both be hits for Toyota here in the Philippines.