Toyota Innova Hycross Facelift Spied Testing For The First Time - Flex Fuel On The Way?

The Toyota Innova Hycross facelift has been spied testing in India for the first time in Kerala. A video posted on Instagram by user @habeeb_payyoly has revealed a heavily camouflaged test mule of the Innova Hycross with a revised fascia, redesigned bumpers and new lighting elements on both the front and rear of.

Toyota is expected to launch the Innova Hycross in India sometime in 2027, considering the current version of the MPV was launched in late 2022 and the firm's usual 4-year timeline for a mid-cycle refresh for its vehicles.

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The Toyota Innova Hycross facelift is expected to keep its current powertrain lineup largely unchanged but the Japanese marque is expected to add a host of cosmetic and feature upgrades. A flex fuel variant, a prototype of which has been showcased before could join the lineup as well.

Toyota Innova Hycross Facelift Spied: Exterior Design

Toyota has heavily camouflaged the test mule of the Innova Hycross Facelift from bumper to bumper, suggesting that this could very well be more than a mild cosmetic update. The front fascia is almost entirely covered, which hints at a new grille. A redesigned bumper and reworked, sleeker headlights with fresh projector elements can be seen as well under the camo.

There are no visible changes to the side profile of the Innova Hycross Facelift, and the alloy wheels appear identical to the ones found on the current version of Toyota's popular MPV. At the rear, the tail-lights get new LED elements, joined by a rear wiper, a roof-mounted spoiler and a shark-fin antenna.

Toyota is yet to reveal the Innova Hycross facelift's cabin, though the premium MPV is expected to gain new trims and upholstery to freshen up its interior. It remains unclear whether Toyota will add new features to the range.

Toyota Innova Hycross Facelift Spied: Engine and Gearbox Options

Mechanically, the Toyota Innova Hycross facelift is expected to carry over its current engine lineup. Toyota is expected to continue to offer the 173hp, 2.0-litre petrol engine with a CVT automatic, alongside the 184hp, 2.0-litre petrol-hybrid (strong-hybrid) setup mated to an e-CVT.

A flex-fuel version could also join the Toyota Innova Hycross Facelift range, based on a prototype Toyota has already showcased. The strong-hybrid variant remains the model's biggest seller thanks to its fuel efficiency, and Toyota is unlikely to alter this setup.

When it arrives in 2027, the Toyota Innova Hycross Facelift will keep competing with the Maruti Suzuki Invicto, its rebadged sibling (which too will get updated alongside it), and eMPVs such as the Mahindra XEV 9S and BYD eMax 7. A fresh rival in the form of the Kia Sorento Hybrid is expected to arrive later this year.