[ĐÁNH GIÁ XE] Toyota Innova Cross G 2025: Journey to regain its position

From the changes on the Innova Cross G version, which has just been launched in the Vietnamese market in the last days of 2025; Consumers can feel how much Toyota – with its position as the largest automobile brand in the world – can thoroughly understand the thoughts and needs of Vietnamese customers.

Continuing the brilliant halo

In 2006, Toyota Innova began to be assembled domestically after the resounding success of the 7-seat Zace model. And after only 2 years, this MPV model has reached the milestone of more than 33,000 product units sold. In the same year, the Japanese brand loudly celebrated the 100,000th car bearing the Toyota logo shipped from its factory in Vietnam. Thus, the number of Innova cars sold in 2 years once accounted for ⅓ of the total number of Toyota cars sold in Vietnam for more than 10 years.

At the most glorious time in 2018, more than 14,500 Toyota Innova cars were delivered to customers – equivalent to record sales of more than 1,000 cars/month. That actual number shows how attractive this MPV model is to Vietnamese customers. But since 2018, Innova’s position has changed rapidly. And to continue that brilliant journey, Innova Cross junior has launched in 2023 with V and HEV versions; then the G version will be added at the end of 2025.

“Standard price without adjustment”

Not flashy, not shocking, not making consumers gasp when they first see it; But Toyota models have always held the number one best-selling position in the world for decades. The reason is because Japanese business minds understand customers’ psychology and desires very well. The low-priced upgrade of the Innova Cross G 2026 is the clearest proof.

First of all, let’s look at the price of 730 million VND of Innova Cross G. This number is “filling” the missing space of Veloz Cross CVT TOP version – priced at 660 million VND and Innova Cross V version – priced at 825 million VND. Clearly, the G version of the Toyota Innova Cross is aimed directly at customers who want to own a spacious, powerful MPV model without needing too much equipment; In return, the price must be very attractive.

The tweaks are extremely reasonable

With a price difference of almost 100 million compared to the V version, Toyota Innova Cross G 2026 has many adjustments both inside and outside the car. Specifically, at the front of the car, Innova Cross G has LED lights with reflector technology, halogen turn signals and still retains fog lights. The steering wheel is still as large as the high-end versions, but has been simplified with chrome trim. The car still has 8 proximity sensors around; but there is no longer a 360-degree camera.

The car’s body has also been adjusted with a more modest tire size: 205/65R16, along with a set of 16-inch silver-gray alloy wheels with a rather simple 5-spoke design. The rear of the car is no longer equipped with an electric trunk opening, although it still maintains the windshield wiper and rear window dryer.

Inside the car’s interior there are still leather seats, the driver’s seat can still be electrically adjusted; But the passenger seat and the rear seats can only be adjusted mechanically. Regarding convenience, Innova Cross G also only has an 8-inch central screen; along with the traditional analog ODO clock. Regarding safety, the car still retains the electronic handbrake with auto hold feature; Cruise control automatic throttle hold feature and 6 standard airbags.

But importantly, customers can still own an Innova Cross model with the car’s body-on-frame chassis remaining the same and being the TNGA type – meeting Toyota group’s global standards. Furthermore, the power under the hood still comes from the 2.0L engine block, codenamed M20A-FKS, with maximum power of up to 172 HP and 205 Nm when exploited with a CVT gearbox driving the front wheels.

In the mid-sized MPV segment; Customers will need a car model with a moderate price; spacious, the engine must be generous enough and the operating feeling must be smooth. Active safety equipment or entertainment amenities that can be reduced are also acceptable. This is something that cheap MPV models under 700 million have not been able to do and is also the “promised land” of some names like Hyundai Custin or GAC M6 that have not yet found a way to reach customers. If finances were even higher, Kia Carnival and Volkswagen Viloran would both have a place.

Thus, with a price of 730 million VND – filling the price gap between the two names Veloz Cross CVT TOP and Innova Cross 2.0 V – Toyota Innova Cross G version is aiming at businesses that often have to transport employees to interprovincial travel and need comfort; or family car drivers who want more from a basic MPV model, especially in terms of space or power performance.

Potential for future success

Cut in the right places and keep things that Vietnamese people really want to keep (such as electronic handbrake, electric seats or airbags), as well as offering an extremely attractive price of only 730 million VND. It’s clear to see that the “old car dealer” Toyota understands Vietnamese customers extremely well after more than 30 years of business.

And certainly, Toyota Innova Cross G version 2026 will be the MPV model that makes a big deal, because since its launch in 2023, this product line has achieved impressive sales: more than 12,000 cars – proving that the market is still very large for spacious 7-seat MPV models with accessible prices.

Launched on the same day as Mitsubishi Destinator – a 7-seat SUV model with a “similar” listed price of 749 million VND, it is clear that these two products target different user groups. MPV design, 2.0L engine block, large space and smooth operating feeling are the “money points” and separate paths to create success for Innova Cross G; rather than a high-riding 1.5 Turbo model with lots of equipment and good looks despite its limited size.

Phan Anh (Tuoitrethudo)