Which 2020 Toyota Innova variant should you buy? [Comparison Guide]

If you’ve ever stared at Philippine roads for several minutes, then you’ll notice that the most popular MPV here in the country, is without a doubt the Toyota Innova. It’s spacious, comfortable, powerful, and without a doubt robust.

On top of that, its price tag is actually quite reasonable, considering that what you’re getting is a body-on-frame eight- or seven-seater vehicle, which you can probably bequeath to your children whenever that time comes. So all in all, it’s a pretty sweet family ride.

It can fit seven, it's powerful, and it uses a body-on-frame chassis

However, the Philippine-market Toyota Innova has 6 variants, which can then be subdivided into four main sub-variants, which are the following: the top of the line Innova V, the midrange Innova G, the Innova E, and the entry-level Innova J.

If all these Innova choices are making your head spin, then you’re in luck because this time, we’ll be helping you choose the right Innova by distinguishing each variant from each other.

Toyota Innova Variants: Exterior

With regards to dimensions, all Innova variants measure 4,735 mm long, 1,830 mm wide, and 1,795 mm in height. All have a wheelbase length of 2,755 mm, and a ground clearance of 178 mm.

The 2021 Toyota Innova's side profile

When it comes to looks with respect to its variants, the Innova will progressively look fancier as you go up its trim levels. The entry-level Toyota Innova J is the simplest with its set of 16-inch steel wheels, although it does share the multi-reflector halogens, and resin grille with silver paint with the Innova E. The J also shares the body-colored door handles, intermittent wipers with mist and window defogger with the aforementioned trim. 

A closer look at the facelifted Innova's front fascia

Then there’s the Innova V and G, with their chrome door handles, chrome grille, and intermittent rear wipers with a time adjuster. Being the top variant though, the V is alone in being equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, LED fog lamps, LED daytime running lamps, LED projector-type headlamps, and a chromed exterior mirror with a side turn lamp and puddle lamp. The G meanwhile, is equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels, multi-reflector halogens, but its front fascia does get more chrome pieces than the E and J.

The G variant's front end gets updated, but its rear remains the same. Checkout the new wheels though

With the 2021 facelift, the V variant now gets a single gloss black slat that links together its taillamps. This feature is similar to the one found on the distoninued Touring Sport variants.

Due to its robust chassis and decent ground clearance, the Innova can actually take rough roads pretty well

>>> Related: 4 small MPV alternatives to the Toyota Innova

Toyota Innova Variants: Interior

For the interior, let’s start with what’s common with all the Innova variants. The wide range of model trims are equipped with a drive mode select with an eco-mode and power mode, all variants also have two auxiliary 12-volt power outlets, as well as a tilt and telescopic steering wheel.

When it comes to major differences, only the Innova V and G have automatic climate control, while the rest of the variant lineup comes with manual AC. The E, and J also have identical 60:40 split, folding seats, as well as the fabric-covered door, trims with an integrated door pocket and armrest, and the dome lamps for an illuminated entry.

The higher trim G on the other hand adds center armrest to the second row, while the top-spec V has captain seats. Also, the door trim on both the G and V comes with silver trim. The V and G Innovas are also equipped with entry and egress illumination, as well as ambient lighting.

Of course, the top-of-the-line Innova V has the most premium looking interior

The dashboard of the Toyota Innova V also stands out with its soft-touch dashboard and console box with faux wood trim, and a push to start button. The Innova G does come with a soft lid console box without the faux wood, the same leather and chrome shift lever, and the sun visor with mirror and lamp for both the driver and front passenger. On the 2021 facelift however, the G now gets chrome and wood trim on its steering wheel. The rest of the Innova variants, however, comes with a simpler looking dashboard with less in the way of soft surfaces.

The second row of the V also vastly differs from the rest of the variant lineup due to being captain seats, while the ones on the G are merely 60:40 fold with a center armrest. The 2^nd-row on the E, and the J has a more basic 2^nd row that can still slide and recline, but these don't come with a center armrest. The driver’s seat except for the entry-level Innova J is also very comfortable with its reclining, sliding, and vertical height adjuster functions.

The Innova V's touchscreen

In terms of onboard entertainment, the J is equipped with a simple entertainment system capable of playing CD’s, can tune to AM and FM, and can connect via Bluetooth or USB or Aux jack. Note though that the J only comes with four speakers, while the rest of the lineup has six.

Going up the variant line, the E, G, and the V all come with a navigation ready touchscreen audio system. The headunits on these variants can also recieve radio and they can also connect via Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, USB, and Aux.

>>> Related: List of the most popular MPVs available in the Philippines

Toyota Innova Variants: Engine and Performance

With the facelift for model year 2021, the Toyota Innova's sole engine option is the 2.8-liter inline-4 turbo diesel 1GD-FTV. With the six-speed automatic transmission variants, the said engine makes 171 horsepower and 360 Nm of torque. With the five-speed manual transmission variants, it can produce a bit less at 167 horsepower and 343 Nm of torque.

The Innova's 2.8-liter diesel engine is known for its reliability

To better understand which variant has which transmission and output, here’s a table;

Note also that the higher-spec trims with the six-speed automatic, namely the Innova V, and G AT variants come with sequential control or a “tiptronic-style” semi-automatic.

>>> Related: Toyota Innova 2020 Philippines preview: What can we expect from an update?

Toyota Innova Variants: Safety

In terms of safety, the top-of-the-line Innova V is the best equipped with its stability control, hill-start assist, brake assist, emergency brake signal, dual front airbags, as well as side and curtain airbags. The V also has a backup sensor, as well as speed sensing doors, security alarm and immobilizer. Although, the G also have the rear parking camera, rear parking sensors, speed-sensing door locks, as well as an alarm and immobilizer. 

Note also that all Innova variants come with the aforementioned dual front airbags with driver knee bags, as well as an anti-lock braking system with electronic brake distribution. With the facelift, Toyota gave also gave the rest of the Innova variants hillstart assist, and stability control.

Toyota Innova Variants: Price

     >>>Find cheaper options in our Toyota Innova for sale or  second hand Innova for sale

Toyota Innova Variants: Conclusion

The Innova has a total of six variants. Their prices as you can see above also cater to a very vast price point and you also have a decent spread of options when it comes to automatic or manual models. So which one is the right variant for you?

Well first, it all depends on your budget but if you’re wanting a basic yet reliable family carrier or something you can use for business, then the Toyota Innova 2.8 E Diesel MT or AT might be the perfect variant for you. 

Regardless of what engine it uses, the Innova has the space to become the ideal family car

Then there’s the top-of-the-line V, which as we’ve mentioned, can only carry seven people. But for the same reason, it has the best in terms of elbow and shoulder room, and the best when it comes to safety equipment.

In short, if you want something good enough for basic family transport but also powerful enough for a business, consider the E and the J. If you want something fancier and more comfortable, you can consider getting the Innova G or V. 

For more car buyer’s guides, keep reading here on Philkotse.com.