Production Models

Are you looking for the perfect family vehicle? Are you torn on which 7-seater SUV to get? Well, might as well end the search right now because you are looking at the best mainstream 7-seater in the business. It may not have that masculine SUV body style you've been lusting over, but you shouldn't care. The 2016 Toyota Innova is best suited to your family's needs.

Priced at P 1,445,000 for the 2.8 V, there's naturally going to be some apprehension against going for the Innova; after all, it's priced in the same bracket as some mid-grade PPVs. But what it doesn't say in any brochure is good packaging. Compared not just to other PPVs but to its predecessor as well, it has a spacious interior. Not only does it offer excellent shoulder and legroom in all rows, but there's no lack of headroom anywhere as well. The second row Captain's Seats, a standard feature on the V grade just like before, slides and reclines, but now tumbles as well for easy access to the third row. Meanwhile, the third row seats still offer genuine space for three adults, but now come with adjustable headrests for everyone.

The first-generation model set the benchmark when it first launched in 2005 and the all-new one continues to live up to that expectation. It's full of sweeps and curves, highlighting an almost organic approach to its styling. It's also very easy to use with large, clearly marked buttons with logical placement. The stalks, switches, and controls are also well damped with a nice, crisp feel.

The driving position compared to the previous Innova is more car-like with its high set dashboard. It offers excellent visibility in all areas, particularly the front, making it easy to navigate through small spaces. The steering wheel now offers tilt and telescopic adjustment while the new seats do more than make up for that with its great support.

The new-generation 2.8-liter 4-cylinder diesel engine, with its 171 horsepower and 360 Nm of torque, offers locomotive-like power delivery in any given situation.

Plus thanks to simple physics, the stronger motor combined with a similar curb weight means less inertia to overcome. This means the new 2.8 V can easily match or even better the previous generation's fuel economy.

Riding on a Double Wishbone front and 4-link coil spring rear suspension, the Innova manages to improve on its road manners. It feels much more natural in handling curves and corners, though the hefty steering still requires more turns to get it dialed in. In a straight line, it's surprisingly stable and quiet. And thanks to its toughened frame, it's more capable at absorbing large potholes. Granted it's not designed for off-roading, it offers some cushion against floods with its 176 millimeters of ground clearance and 500 millimeters of water wading depth.

Design-wise, the Innova is supposed to visually convey strength and toughness; in other words, look like an SUV. Along with this upscale look, Toyota has also thrown in almost everything: automatic LED headlights, power folding mirrors, automatic climate control, touchscreen GPS navigation, front seatback trays, interior mood lighting, push button start/stop with passive keyless entry, 7 airbags, anti-lock brakes, stability control, and rear parking sensors.