The MPV market in India might not grab headlines like SUVs do, but it's a bustling segment with plenty of choices from various brands. Today, we are diving into a comparison between two similarly priced MPVs that both carry the "premium" tag but in different ways. On one side, there's the Toyota Innova Hycross GX, offering a spacious interior thanks to its generous size. On the other, we have the Kia Carens X-Line DCT, the top-tier petrol variant, which boasts a feature-rich albeit slightly smaller cabin for a comparable price.
Let's see which one gives you more bang for your buck or suits your needs better.
Price
Since the Innova Hycross lacks a diesel option, let's focus on comparing the petrol variants' prices.
- Toyota Innova Hycross GX 7-seater: Rs 19.77 lakh
- Kia Carens X-line 6-seater: Rs 19.22 lakh
As seen above, the Innova Hycross is Rs 55,000 more expensive than the top-end Carens variant. It's worth noting that the Hycross also comes in an 8-seater configuration, which costs Rs 5,000 more than the 7-seater. The Carens offers both 6- and 7-seater configurations, with similar pricing for the top-end variant.
Important: The Toyota MPV's 7-seater variant has captain seats in the middle row and claims three-person seating in the third row. Hence, we're comparing it to the 6-seater Carens, which has the same seating layout for the middle row.
Dimensions
Let's look at the dimensions:
- Toyota Innova Hycross: Length - 4755 mm, Width - 1845 mm, Height - 1785 mm, Wheelbase - 2850 mm
- Kia Carens: Length - 4540 mm, Width - 1800 mm, Height - 1708 mm (with roof rails), Wheelbase - 2780 mm
Clearly, the Innova Hycross is longer, wider, and taller, giving it more road presence and a more spacious cabin compared to the Carens.
Features
Here's a breakdown of the equipment each vehicle offers:
Toyota Innova Hycross GX Kia Carens X-line
LED headlights LED DRLs with LED projector headlights
Electrically adjustable and foldable ORVMs Electrically adjustable and foldable ORVMs
No sunroof Sunroof available
16-inch alloys 16-inch dual-tone alloys
8-inch touchscreen infotainment 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment
Analog dials with Multi Information Display 10.25-inch digital driver display
Manual climate control Automatic climate control
No ventilated seats Ventilated seats available
No wireless phone charger Wireless phone charger available
No rain sensing wipers Rain sensing wipers available
4 speakers 8 speakers
Keyless entry Keyless entry
Push button start-stop Push button start-stop
No cruise control Cruise control available
Dual front airbags 6 airbags
ABS with EBD ABS with EBD
Rear parking sensors Front and rear parking sensors
While similarly priced, it’s not exactly a fair fight, and the top-spec Kia Carens offers significantly more comforts than the base-level Toyota Innova Hycross. The Carens interior feels more upmarket and premium, with leatherette upholstery and soft-touch materials.
However, the Innova Hycross GX isn't a bare-bones model either. It covers many basic features such as smartphone connectivity (wired), rearview parking camera, LED lighting elements, height-adjustable driver’s seat, push-button start-stop, and manual AC with rear vents and blower controls.
Powertrain
Toyota Innova Hycross Kia Carens
Engine: 2.0L four-cylinder petrol Engine: 1.5L turbo-petrol
Transmission: CVT gearbox Transmission: 7-speed DCT
Power: 173 PS Power: 160 PS
Torque: 209 Nm Torque: 253 Nm
The Carens has a 1.5-liter turbo-petrol engine, whereas the Innova Hycross has a larger 2-liter normally aspirated petrol engine.The Hycross offers more power, whereas the Carens has a torquier engine. Both engines are capable for city and highway driving. However, the Carens comes with a more refined 7-speed DCT compared to the Innova Hycross's CVT.
Verdict
If you're looking for the most value for your money, the Kia Carens X-Line DCT is the clear winner. It offers a plethora of premium comforts and decent performance with the turbo-petrol engine. At this price point, you won't feel like you've compromised on anything.
On the other hand, the Innova Hycross excels in size, offering the experience of driving a larger vehicle. Additionally, it carries Toyota's legacy of reliability and better resale value. If you're willing to sacrifice some cabin comforts and potentially higher running costs for the larger engine's fuel economy and spaciousness, the Innova Hycross could be the right choice for you.