The Toyota Innova has always been known as a reliable, and no-frills family carrier since it was first launched in Malaysia back in 2005 to replace the Unser, and you really can’t go wrong by choosing it. Currently in its third generation, the all-new Toyota Innova Zenix is now larger, better equipped, and better-looking than ever before. But is it still the no-brainer 7-seater choice like before?
Having made its launch in Malaysia back in June 2023, the Toyota Innova Zenix isn’t meant to replace the second-generation Innova, but rather as the flagship model of the Innova family. With this, the second-generation Innova remains on sale alongside.
The Innova Zenix is offered with two variants here in Malaysia, namely the petrol-powered V variant which costs RM165,000 – the one we are reviewing here. There is also the HEV hybrid variant which is priced at RM202,000.
The 2023 Toyota Innova Zenix 2.0 V at a glance:
| Engine | 2.0-litre Dynamic Force naturally-aspirated inline-four |
| Transmission | 10-Speed Direct Shift CVT with Sequential Shiftmatic |
| Max horsepower | 174 hp @ 6,600 rpm |
| Max torque | 205 Nm @ 4,500 – 4,900 rpm |
| Price | RM165,000 |
Exterior: Simply the best-looking Innova ever
Let’s start by talking about its looks first. The Innova Zenix is easily the best-looking Innova there has ever been. It not only looks better proportioned than before but is also visually more squat than the ‘regular’ second-generation Innova, with a 5 mm difference in height.
The boxy look of the previous iteration of the Innova is also gone now, helping the Innova Zenix become more visually appealing. However, does its look justify the nearly RM30,000 extra over the regular Innova? That’s up to you to decide.
What we can say is, that you can certainly find more expensive-looking cars at the same price price point as the Innova Zenix.
RELATED: 2023 Toyota Innova Zenix launched in Malaysia – petrol and hybrid variants, from RM165k
Driving Experience: More comfortable and refined than ever before
The most significant change in the Toyota Innova Zenix is under its skin. It sits on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform with a monocoque structure, rather than a ladder frame of the ‘regular’ Innova.
The switch to TNGA essentially helps provide the Innova Zenix with better ride quality, comfort, and handling than ever before. No matter the road condition, the Innova Zenix is rather competent in absorbing vibrations and shocks, leaving you with a comfortable riding experience.
Powering the Toyota Innova Zenix 2.0 V is a 2.0-litre Dynamic Force engine that makes 174 hp (metric) and 205 Nm. The mill is paired with the brand’s Direct Shift CVT gearbox that can mimic 10 speeds using either the gear lever or the paddle shifters.
Power is delivered smoothly, albeit not a huge amount. Worry not though, as the Innova Zenix still has enough power for your daily commutes and errand runs.
One drawback we experienced with the Innova Zenix after using it for a few days is how loud the engine can get. Still, the lack of soundproofing combined with the CVT gearbox is probably more to be blamed here.
The addition of features such as the electric parking brake (EPB) only helps make driving in the city with the Innova Zenix a much more comfortable experience. Together with the inclusion of the auto brake hold function, you won’t need to depress the brakes as much.
Also included with the Innova Zenix is a series of USB-A and USB-C charging ports, making it convenient to charge your phone, no matter what type of cables you have. But if cables are too troublesome to deal with, there is also a wireless charger located inside the centre console.
Interior: Conservatively practical
Moving inside the Toyota Innova Zenix, you will find a rather conservatively designed interior. Yes, there are some modern things here such as an EPB, a wireless mobile phone charger, and an array of USB-A and USB-C charging ports.
However, the Innova Zenix’s interior does look relatively bland compared to its similarly priced competitors. For starters, it doesn’t come with a fully digital instrument cluster, as the rev counter, along with the fuel and engine temperature gauges are still analogue. The dashboard-mounted gear selector doesn’t only look old but also feels like it’s been plucked from a car from a decade ago.
On the positive side of things, the Innova Zenix rides rather comfortably, as a family carrier should. Still, it isn’t overly soft which may make cause occupants to become nauseous. Also expected from a 7-seater, there is still body roll when the Innova Zenix goes around the corners, but all is decently well-contained.
The front seats are relatively comfortable to sit in, and together with the inclusion of the central armrest make the Innova Zenix a cosy car to do road trips in. However, the same thing can’t be said for the second-row seats, as they are smaller than one might expect.
Interior space however isn’t an issue with the Innova Zenix, as there is a lot of it. Fitting seven occupants in it would have been a breeze if the second and third-row seats were to be just a tad bit more comfortable to sit in.
Safety: Safe enough to ferry your family with a peace of mind
Safety is also another part where the Toyota Innova Zenix has taken a major stride over the ‘regular’ second-generation Innova. It is equipped with a list of active safety features, in the form of the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) advanced driver assistance systems.
This includes features such as Pre-Collision Braking Assist (PCBA), Blind Spot Monitor (BSM), Lane Departure Alert (LDA), Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and even Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), which certainly make the Innova Zenix a much safer car to ferry your family in. On top of TSS, there is also a built-in front dashcam.
Despite the Innova Zenix being a big car, driving it is fairly easy as visibility is great, thanks to the car’s large amount of windows. The addition of the 360-degree camera only helps make things easier, despite it not being the most high-definition out there.
Verdict: As dependable as it has always been
The Toyota Innova used to have little to virtually no competitors in the past. Today, the Innova Zenix is seeing itself competing in the D-segment 7-seater SUV/MPV market, and competition around it has certainly gotten stiffer than before.
Its rivals now consist of the likes of the Proton X90, Chery Tiggo 8 Pro, and the Mazda CX-8, which can deliver more luxurious rides, more power, or even more premium materials. If those are what you’re looking for, the Innova Zenix might not be for you.
However, if reliability and dependability are among your top priorities when choosing a family carrier, you certainly can’t go wrong with the Innova Zenix, just like how it was with the Innova all these years.
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