The Toyota Zenix Hybrid (HEV) is now available in the Philippine market in two variants. There’s the top-spec Zenix Q HEV and the gasoline-only Zenix V. Its top-spec HEV version is the brand’s first-ever seven-seater HEV model in the country. It now sits alongside the Corolla Altis, Corolla Cross, Camry, and RAV4 hybrid models.
The 2023 Toyota Zenix (Q HEV variant pictured)
Note that the Zenix shares a platform with the Toyota Innova. It is not a full model change or an update, and it instead stands as the hybrid or gasoline alternative to the well-known combustion-powered diesel MPV.
So what does the Philippine-spec 2023 Toyota Zenix offer to prospective buyers? Well, let’s get to know it better to find out.
Exterior
The all-new Zenix’s appearance is a more mature-looking take on the current version of the Innova. Its front end gets a mesh-type grille surrounded by chrome, which is then flanked by a pair of sharp-looking LED headlamp clusters. Found below that is a black-colored section spanning the front width of the car whilst housing LED daytime running lamps.
A closer look at its front end
The side of the Zenix looks closer to its combustion-powered sibling in that it gets the same character lines. Then again, it gets the addition of black plastic cladding, plus its rear-most pillar looks less chunky than the Innova’s.
Its rear then features a pair of sleek LED taillights, a rear roof-mounted spoiler, and a black-colored lower bumper.
Zenix HEV from the rear
Exterior features found on the all-new Zenix include a set of 18-inch or 17-inch wheels, power-folding side mirrors, LED front fog lamps, a power tailgate, etc.
Interior
Step inside the front cabin of the Zenix and you’ll find a well-arranged dashboard that gets plenty of soft-touch surfaces. Driving amenities present inside the Zenix HEV includes a leather-wrapped steering wheel, keyless entry, a push-to-start button, ambient lighting, a leather shift knob, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and an eight-way power adjustable driver and front passenger seat.
The Zenix HEV's cockpit
The second row of this hybrid model is comparable to the top-spec Innova V as it sports captain’s seats. The said seats likewise come with power reclining, and a power Ottoman.
Its third row meanwhile gets a 50:50 tilt function allowing it to fold down flat. All of the Zenix Q’s seats are then clad in brown and grey leather, while all of its occupants are then kept cool by an automatic single-zone climate control system.
It gets captain seats for its second row
Tech & Safety
Providing onboard entertainment for the all-new Zenix is a 10.1-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto which is linked to a six-piece speaker system. Available to power up one's devices inside this Toyota are a number of USB Type-A ports, Type-C ports, and a 12-volt socket.
The Zenix's digital instrument display in between its analog gauge clusters
The top-spec Zenix Q HEV gets what you’d expect from a modern vehicle when it comes to safety. It has a total of seven airbags, anti-lock braking, stability control, hill-start assist, ISOFIX child seat anchors, and parking sensors. Further reinforcing those standard safety bits is a blind-spot monitor and rear-cross traffic alert, and a panoramic view monitor.
Only the Zenix Q HEV gets a pre-collision system, lane departure alert, auto-high beams, and radar cruise control.
Engine
There are two engine options for the Zenix’s two variants. The model dubbed the 2.0 Q Hybrid uses a 2.0-liter gasoline engine paired with a motor generator. The combustion unit alone makes 149 horsepower and 188 Nm of torque. The motor generator then produces an additional 111 horsepower, bringing up the model’s total output to 183 horsepower.
The Zenix Q HEV makes a total of 183 horsepower.
The Zenix V meanwhile, is a combustion-only model that uses a 2.0-liter gasoline mill. At the maximum, it can generate 171 horsepower and 205 Nm of torque.
Both variants use a continuously variable transmission (CVT) which sends power to their front wheels. Also common between the two is a MacPherson strut front suspension, a torsion beam rear suspension, and disc brakes for all four wheels.
Price
As of its launch, the Toyota Zenix Q HEV 2.0 CVT is priced at Php 1,953,000 while the Zenix V 2.0 CVT retails at Php 1,670,000.
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