Eight months and 16,000 kilometers later, I’m here to share my experiences with the Toyota Innova Crysta as a city family car, occasionally venturing out on weekend getaways. As a family of four with occasional visits to grandparents, the Innova Crysta has become an integral part of our daily routine. Let’s delve into the details, exploring its features, specifications, space and comfort, and running costs, all through the lens of a city family’s perspective.
Features:
While not the most feature-rich car on the market, the Innova Crysta offers a practical set of features that cater well to family needs. The automatic climate control ensures comfort for everyone, especially during hot Indian summers. The infotainment system, though not the most modern, provides essential functionalities like music playback, Bluetooth connectivity, and navigation. Additionally, the rear entertainment system keeps the kids entertained on longer journeys.
Safety features are a highlight, with the Innova Crysta boasting seven airbags, ABS with EBD, and vehicle stability control. This instills confidence, especially when navigating city traffic and occasional highway trips.
Specifications:
I opted for the 2.7L petrol engine variant, which delivers adequate power for city driving. While not the most fuel-efficient option, it offers a smooth and comfortable driving experience. The automatic transmission further enhances convenience, especially in stop-and-go city traffic. The suspension effectively absorbs bumps and road imperfections, ensuring a comfortable ride for all passengers.
Space and Comfort:
This is where the Innova Crysta truly shines. The spacious cabin offers ample legroom, headroom, and shoulder room for all passengers, even in the third row. The captain’s seats in the middle row are a major comfort upgrade, providing individual armrests and a more luxurious feel. The large windows enhance the feeling of spaciousness and offer good visibility for passengers.
The Innova Crysta excels on long journeys, with ample luggage space even with all three rows occupied. This makes it ideal for weekend getaways and family vacations with luggage in tow.
Toyota Innova Crysta Mileage and Running Costs:
As expected from a large MPV, the fuel efficiency isn’t its strongest suit. The 2.7L petrol variant delivers an average mileage of around 8-9 kmpl in city traffic and around 12-13 kmpl on highways. While this might be a concern for some, it’s crucial to consider the fuel costs in the context of our usage. With limited highway driving and occasional weekend trips, the fuel costs haven’t been a deal-breaker for our family budget.
However, if fuel efficiency is a top priority for your family’s needs, exploring the diesel variant or even considering a more fuel-efficient SUV might be a better option.
Verdict:
The Toyota Innova Crysta has proven to be a reliable and comfortable family car for our needs. Its spacious cabin, comfortable seating, and practical features make it ideal for city driving and occasional weekend getaways. While the fuel efficiency might not be the best, it hasn’t been a deal-breaker for our usage pattern. The car’s strong build quality and legendary Toyota reliability also provide peace of mind.
