Toyota Innova Crysta Review

Bold and modern in look, the Innova Crysta successfully distances itself from the utilitarian image of the model that preceded it. It’s rather nice on the inside as well, with a smart dashboard lending the cabin an upmarket look. The Crysta doesn’t disappoint as an MPV, either. Ingress-egress is convenient and the one-touch tumble for the middle-row seats also provides relatively easy access to the last row. The front- and middle-row seats (in both bench and captain-chair form) are comfortable and even the third row is useable – although the seating position isn’t the best. There’s also reasonable luggage space with all seats up, and the option to fold seats to make more space for cargo is handy, too.
The Innova Crysta petrol is refined and offers good performance but is also rather thirsty. Of the diesels, the 2.4-litre unit doesn’t feel sprightly from the get-go but gets into its comfort zone quickly enough. The catch is that the 2.4-litre engine can get noisy, while neither is the 5-speed manual gearbox it’s allied with slick, nor is the clutch light. The 2.8-litre diesel auto is easier to live with thanks to its smooth-shifting auto gearbox; and you’d also be surprised by the performance it has on offer.
The Crysta’s ride quality is also impressive over rutted surfaces, though the suspension can’t soak-up sharp edges as successfully. Unfortunately, handling is just average and what makes the Innova feel particularly ponderous in town is its heavy steering.