Mystery Toyota MPV mule hints at a new Innova. New MPV to be unveiled later this year.
A spy shot has emerged online of a camouflaged Toyota MPV undergoing testing overseas. By the look of it, the model in the image could be the next-gen Innova, which is expected to be unveiled in the second half of 2022.
- Test mule has Innova-like glasshouse and tailgate
- Next-gen Innova to get hybrid powertrains
- Toyota to launch Creta-rivalling midsize SUV this year
Next-gen Toyota Innova: what do we know so far?
Even though the spy shot doesn’t reveal much details owing to the camouflage, the test mule does have all the ingredients of what could be the new Innova. The model has the typical Innova-like glasshouse with the quarter window ahead of the C-pillar, similar doors and fenders and upright tailgate. The wheelbase and width of the mule appear to be near identical as well. The test mule is shod with large, dark chrome alloy wheels similar to Lexus models and has LED tail lamps.
The current Toyota Innova (Innova Crysta for India) has been around since 2016 and it is due for a replacement. While the current model is based on Toyota’s IMV platform and is rear-wheel drive, it’s not yet clear whether this mule is also underpinned by the IMV platform or the newer TNGA-B modular platform.
The new Innova will also debut hybrid powertrains and this has already been confirmed by the brand for the Indonesian market. So much like the next-gen Fortuner, the new Innova will have some sort of electrification, either strong hybrid or mild hybrid, in order to meet ever tightening emission regulations globally.
Other than that, not much is yet known about the all-new Innova. But, expect more details to trickle out as we get closer to its unveil, which is expected to take place in the latter part of this year.
Toyota in India
Toyota India has multiple models in its pipeline for 2022, with the facelifted Glanza set to be the first to launch by late March. And with the new Maruti Brezza also launching this year, expect the updated Urban Cruiser to follow shortly after.
Additionally, Toyota and Maruti Suzuki will also enter the highly competitive midsize SUV space this year by introducing their rivals to the Hyundai Creta. While all the aforementioned products are supplied by Maruti Suzuki to Toyota, the upcoming midsize SUV twins will be built and supplied by Toyota to Maruti Suzuki. Read more on that here.
With newer rivals around, is the current Innova Crysta beginning to show its vintage? Let us know in the comments.
Also see:
Toyota Glanza, Urban Cruiser clock 1 lakh unit sales milestone
Toyota Sequoia full-size SUV revealed