5 Viable alternatives to the Toyota Innova

Updated: Aug 30, 2024

The Toyota Innova, an ever-present, and ever-reliable MPV. As a daily driver, it’s a no-fuss and dependable companion whether you’re out and about in the city or off to get some work done out of town. With its diesel motor, gassing up is affordable, and you won’t have to worry about parts and services since it comes from one of the most reliable car brands in the world, Toyota. 

However, you cannot discount what the other manufacturers have been doing lately. There are some very notable attempts to usurp the throne from the Innova in the MPV segment. It’s hard to ignore them now since the new crop of competitors looking to take the top spot are trying their best to make themselves known in the marketplace. While some options may come and go, here are five of the most notable ones in the market that we believe may be worthy alternatives to the venerable Innova.

The Suzuki Ertiga has always been a viable alternative to the perennial favorite in the Philippines, but the Innova isn't the most modern anymore in terms of its powertrain. Suzuki's Ertiga Hybrid has a mild-hybrid system that extends the range of a full tank of gas, and it also improves the smoothness of the engine under acceleration. The 1.5-liter engine with the mild-hybrid engine makes the same power as it did before with 103 hp and 138 Nm of torque mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. 

However, despite the lack of increase in power, the model now also boasts other features like Engine Auto Stop-Start System (EASS), as well as a claimed 7.6-percent improvement over the previous Ertiga's fuel consumption. If you’re looking to save up on gas without sacrificing space and seats, the Ertiga Hybrid should be at the top of your list.

Now, here’s another alternative, but this time with more power over the Suzuki, and a comparable amount of power compared to the Innova itself. This is the MG G50 Plus, an MPV that matches the Innova’s purported eight-seating capacity. With 178 hp and 285 Nm of torque, it’s definitely no slouch, and it can give the Toyota a run for its money. All of this power comes from a turbocharged four-cylinder motor, and instead of the traditional six-speed automatic the Innova has, the G50 Plus has longer legs in the form of seven ratios in its wet dual-clutch transmission (DCT). 

It also gets a comparable amount of features when pitted against the Innova given its cruise control and its comparable infotainment system. It’s also built on a unibody chassis underneath, making it more comfortable than the Innova over bumps and other potholes. As for space, it’s similar to the Innova eight-seater variants in terms of layout but offers up so much more space in the middle and rear rows of the cabin. Plus, it beats the Innova in trunk space because the rear seats fold flat into the floor instead of tumbling up and to the sides. A definite plus for those who had to struggle with the Fortuner and Innova’s third row.

Mitsubishi is probably Toyota’s closest competitor, but the Xpander Cross doesn’t exactly stack up or fall short of the Innova since the two are constructed very differently. The Innova sports a more SUV-like approach to its build, while the Xpander takes a more crossover-like stance. On top of that, you also get gasoline instead of diesel in the Xpander Cross, which can be a good or bad thing depending on how you look at it.  Back to the topic of platforms, though both vehicles can seat seven people, expect the Xpander to behave better on uneven roads with its unibody construction as opposed to the Innova with its ladder-frame chassis.

In terms of power, the Xpander Cross makes only about 100 horses under its hood, but that motor is plenty capable of getting you up to Baguio with a few passengers on board. Even if it isn’t a diesel, it still can hold a lot of cargo and also deliver a frugal fuel consumption figure whether in the city or on the highway. If the Xpander Cross, however, is a little too over the top for you or a little too pricey with its more muscular body, then check out the standard Xpander which is sleeker and delivers almost the same experience.

When you're looking for a no-fuss machine to bring you and your family through the metro and beyond, then the Livina should be part of your list. The platform-twin of the Xpander, the Livina has a good amount of things going for it, but not too many that overcomplicate the experience. While the model's a bit on the outdated side of things in terms of features, it's not totally obsolete and functions very well as a multi-purpose vehicle, as its segment suggests. 

The Livina comes equipped with the basics, a head unit with Bluetooth connectivity, a frugal 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, seven seats with tons of space in the cabin, and looks that are a little more unique out on Philippine roads. On the exterior side of things though, the Livina with its V-Motion grille is a refreshing change of pace if you want something different from the more aggressive-looking Xpander.

Here we have a new competitor from GAC, the M6 Pro. Serving as the successor to the GN6, GAC takes the strengths of the GN6 and has refined it even further. 

Power comes from a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine, paired with a seven-speed Wet Dual-Clutch Automatic Transmission, delivering 174 hp and 270 Nm of torque under your command. It may not be as quick off the line as the Innova with its torque deficit, but, the M6 Pro has enough power to ferry a full load of passengers to places like Baguio. The seven-speed Wet DCT offers a much smoother experience compared to most dry clutch systems, allowing you to enjoy the fuel efficiency and performance benefits of a DCT without nearly any of the typical drawbacks.

Design-wise, the M6 Pro embodies GAC's signature style with its sleek, curvaceous exterior. The front end is highlighted by a wide grille with horizontal slats, flanked by sleek headlights that complete its refined appearance. 

Inside, passengers enjoy a modern, well-crafted interior. Upholstered in either fabric or PVC, the M6 Pro's cabin exudes an upscale vibe that belies its price point. In terms of cost, the top-tier M6 Pro is significantly more affordable than the highest-end Innova, offering an impressive array of features at a budget-friendly price.

If you want to check out any of these great MPVs, head on over to the AutoDeal Car Guide where you can view the specs, variants, and prices of the MPVs we mentioned above. If you’d like to connect with a sales agent, simply hit the ‘Get Quote’ button to get started on your car-buying journey in minutes.