Toyota Innova Zenix 2023 Review

In the C-segment family MPV market, practicality and comfort have always been core needs for family users. With the arrival of the 2023 Toyota Innova Zenix 2.0 V, featuring an upgraded Dynamic Force naturally aspirated engine, comprehensive smart configurations, and a more youthful design, it has attracted the attention of many consumers. In this review, we will focus on the static experience and dynamic performance of this fuel-powered model to see if it can stand out in its class and meet the daily needs of multi-member families.

From the exterior, the Innova Zenix 2.0 V moves away from the relatively rugged commercial style of the old model, adopting a smoother family-oriented design. The front features a large trapezoidal grille with black honeycomb-style trim inside. The LED headlamp clusters on both sides are connected to the grille via chrome strips, which widen the visual appearance. The lower front bumper adopts a clean design, with standard front fog lights embedded in the side grooves to enhance practicality. The side profile features lines running from the front to the rear of the vehicle, with a slightly upward waistline and 18-inch alloy wheels, making the 4760mm length appear less bulky. The rear sliding door retains the classic MPV design, making it convenient for rear passengers to get in and out. At the rear, the LED taillights adopt a horizontal layout with a well-defined internal chamber structure, offering high recognition when lit. A silver skid plate decorates the lower rear bumper, adding a subtle crossover feel. The overall design retains a family-oriented focus while incorporating finer details to align with the aesthetic preferences of modern young families.

Inside, the interior features a black and brown two-tone design, and the center console is tilted towards the driver, making operations more accessible. The upper part of the dashboard is covered with soft-touch materials with stitching for a pleasant tactile feel, while the lower part uses hard plastic with even seams, maintaining Toyota's consistent standards of craftsmanship. Key features include a 10.1-inch capacitive touch central display located in the center of the dashboard. It supports Bluetooth connectivity and the Sound Plus function, ensuring a smooth operating experience. The clear 7-inch color TFT instrument cluster provides real-time feedback on fuel consumption, RPM, and other information. Additionally, the heads-up display (HUD) projects critical information like speed and navigation, reducing distractions while driving. The front row comes with an 8-way power-adjustable driver's seat, offering moderate support and wrapping for long journeys without fatigue. The front passenger seat features manual adjustment. The second-row seats adopt a 60:40 split design, supporting forward and backward sliding as well as backrest angle adjustment. The aisle between the second-row seats is wide, allowing easy access to the third row by passengers. In terms of storage space, the front-center armrest box has a large capacity. Door storage pockets can hold two water bottles, while the second-row seats are equipped with cup holders on both sides. There are also small storage compartments in the third row, meeting everyday usage needs.

Regarding space performance, the 2850mm wheelbase provides ample support for the arrangement of three rows of seats. A passenger 175cm tall sitting in the front row will have an extra fist and two fingers of headroom after adjusting the seat. With the front seat position unchanged, a second-row passenger will have two fists of legroom and one fist of headroom, allowing one to cross their legs comfortably without feeling cramped. The third row of seats may feel slightly tight for adults, with three fingers of legroom and half a fist of headroom remaining, but it's more than adequate for short trips and well-suited for children or teenagers for extended periods. As for storage, the trunk can hold two 20-inch suitcases in its default state. Folding down the third row substantially expands the capacity, capable of fitting a stroller or a foldable bicycle. Additionally, the cabin is equipped with 220V/230V power outlets, independent rear air conditioning, and sunshades, further enhancing the comfort of rear passengers.

Powertrain: The Innova Zenix 2.0 V is equipped with a 2.0L Dynamic Force naturally aspirated engine, delivering a maximum power of 174PS/6000rpm and maximum torque of 205N·m/4500-4900rpm, paired with a CVT transmission. During actual driving, the initial acceleration is quite responsive, with a linear throttle calibration that provides decent acceleration with light pressure. At low to medium speeds, the transmission shifts smoothly, with almost no noticeable jerkiness. When the throttle is pressed hard for acceleration, the engine speed quickly rises above 4000rpm, releasing sufficient torque, offering confidence for overtaking. However, in high-speed conditions, the acceleration capability is slightly limited, and pressing the throttle at speeds above 100km/h results in smoother and less aggressive power output, making it more suitable for steady cruising. The driving modes offer Normal and Eco options, with the Eco mode slightly reducing the throttle response, making it more suitable for daily commuting to save fuel consumption.

Handling and Suspension Performance: The steering wheel is light and has minimal slack, with precision that meets the expectations for a family car. The suspension system adopts a front MacPherson strut independent suspension and a rear torsion beam non-independent suspension, tuned for comfort. When passing over speed bumps or rough roads, most of the minor vibrations are filtered out, causing minimal body movement. During cornering, the suspension's control over body roll is average, but this is expected for an MPV and does not affect driving confidence. In terms of braking, the front ventilated disc brakes are responsive, with a moderate pedal travel and linear braking effect. The body posture remains stable during emergency braking. During fuel consumption tests, urban driving resulted in an average fuel consumption of about 7.5L/100km, while on highways, it was around 6.2L/100km—slightly higher than the official figure of 6.7L/100km. Considering the vehicle's weight and seven-seat layout, this performance ranks slightly above average among similar fuel-powered MPVs.

Comfort and Noise Control: The vehicle performs well in noise control, with minimal tire and engine noise at speeds below 60km/h. However, at speeds above 80km/h, wind noise becomes noticeable through the A-pillars but does not disrupt normal conversations. The seat cushioning is moderately soft, and the reclining angle of the second-row seats can be adjusted, ensuring comfort for long durations. The seat cushions in the third row are relatively thin, and the backrest angle is quite upright, making it better suited for short trips. Additionally, features such as rain-sensing wipers and automatic headlights offer convenience in daily use, enhancing the driving experience.

Overall, the core advantages of the 2023 Toyota Innova Zenix 2.0 V lie in its balanced product capabilities: the Dynamic Force engine delivers adequate power and decent fuel economy, while comprehensive safety features (6 airbags, active braking, lane departure warning, etc.) and practical comfort features (rear air conditioning, sunshades, power driver's seat) cater to the needs of family users. The 2850mm wheelbase ensures basic space for all three rows of seats. Compared to competitors like the Honda Odyssey and Kia Carnival, the Innova Zenix 2.0 V offers better pricing (RM 165,000) without compromising on features, making it a standout choice in terms of value for money.

This car is suitable for family users who value practicality and reliability, especially families with three children or those who often need to carry 6-7 people. It can cater to the needs of daily commuting and short trips. At the same time, the youthful design and smooth power output can also meet the demands of some young parents for vehicle aesthetics and driving experience. If you need a household MPV with sufficient space, comprehensive configuration, and moderate fuel consumption, the Innova Zenix 2.0 V is worth considering.