Toyota Innova Hycross: Petrol Or Hybrid For The Win?

In our latest edition of Zig’s performance and fuel efficiency comparison, we line up two Toyota Innova Hycross MPVs. Now, you might be wondering what we are doing with two same MPVs. But one is the standard naturally aspirated petrol version while the other is the strong hybrid variant. And the simple question we’ll be answering is which one is quicker to 100kmph and which one delivers better fuel efficiency. 

So buckle up and let’s find out which wins. 

Spec Check 

*Combined output 

On paper, the Hycross’ hybrid powertrain puts out more power than the naturally aspirated petrol variant. However, the eco-friendly powertrain develops 3Nm less than the standard petrol-only model. A minor disadvantage, but on the flip side, the electric motor puts that out instantly. So is it a win for the hybrid in the performance test? 

Which One Is Quicker

It’s lights out and away we go. And thanks to the hybrid’s electric assistance, the more eco-friendly Hycross manages to get off the line a bit quicker than the naturally aspirated petrol version. It keeps the lead from there and manages to eke out the standard petrol model by just 0.6 of a second when it crosses the line.

However, the more surprising bit though, comes in the roll-on acceleration figure, where both models are almost neck and neck. The hybrid powertrain does have a superior and refined driving experience.

Kitna Deti Hai? 

We started from Bengaluru, headed to Goa and finished our trip in Pune to find out how long both these MPVs can drive on a single tank of fuel. Obstacles for both cars included negotiating Bengaluru’s morning traffic, long straight highways, country roads and tight Goa lanes, uphill and downhill. 

And mind you we weren’t hypermiling with the ACs switched off. Rather, we drove the cars just like any normal person would on a road trip and here are the results:  

This just shows how much more hybrids can do on a single tank of fuel. We managed to eke out around 250km more before we needed to refuel the hybrid Hycross. And when we calculated the total number of kilometres with the full tank of fuel, the hybrid was almost 10kmpl more efficient than the petrol. So we have a clear winner in this department. 

Verdict 

Let's sum up the confines of this test. In terms of performance, both models were almost neck and neck with the hybrid managing to eke out the petrol model by a whisker. However, in our drive-to-death challenge, we have a clear winner: the hybrid Hycross. It just shows fuel efficient hybrid tech can be, especially when challenged in real world conditions. So overall, the Innova Hycross hybrid is the winner of this test and is the one we would recommend, even though it commands a steep premium, as it has a much superior driving experience.