Toyota’s latest entry in the Innova family, the Innova Hycross, is a capable 7- & 8-seater MUV that has already drawn comparisons with the Innova Crysta and Fortuner. Outside of the Toyota family, there is a case to compare it to another new premium 7-seater, the Jeep Meridian. The Toyota Innova Hycross is priced Rs. 19.15 – 28.97 lakh (ex-showroom) and for its SUV-inspired design, a host of premium features onboard, and expected price, the Toyota Innova Hycross is a fitting competitor to the Meridian. In this comparison of the Toyota Innova Hycross vs Jeep Meridian, we break down the differences and find out which of the two is more suited to your requirements.
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Table of Contents
- Toyota Innova Hycross vs Jeep Meridian: Dimensions
- Toyota Innova Hycross vs Jeep Meridian: Engine & Transmission
- Toyota Innova Hycross vs Jeep Meridian: Features & Comfort
- Toyota Innova Hycross vs Jeep Meridian: Safety Features
- Toyota Innova Hycross vs Jeep Meridian: Price comparison
- Toyota Innova Hycross vs Jeep Meridian: Summary
- Toyota Innova Hycross vs Jeep Meridian: FAQs
Toyota Innova Hycross vs Jeep Meridian: Dimensions
Toyota Innova Hycross | Jeep Meridian | |
Length | 4,755 mm | 4,769 mm |
Width | 1,850 mm | 1,859 mm |
Height | 1,795 mm | 1,698 mm |
Wheelbase | 2,850 mm | 2,782 mm |
Boot Space | 300 litres | 170 litres |
While both cars are 7-seaters, they differ vastly from each other in terms of road presence. Though the Toyota Innova Hycross has been given an SUV-inspired front fascia, the side and rear profile is quite similar to that of the Innova Crysta. The MUV has a sedate appearance and looks appealing as a premium MUV. In contrast, the Jeep Meridian is a true-blue SUV and sports a muscular design while still maintaining a sophisticated appeal. The American SUV looks quite similar to its elder sibling, the Jeep Grand Cherokee, which has recently been launched in India.
In terms of size, the Jeep Meridian is 14 mm longer and 9 mm wider than the Toyota Innova Hycross. However, the Toyota Innova Hycross is 97 mm taller and has a 105 mm longer wheelbase. The longer wheelbase of Innova Hycross can be accredited to its monocoque construction and the front-wheel-drive system. The Toyota Innova Hycross is significantly more spacious than the Jeep Meridian, especially in the third row which is usually a critical aspect of a 7-seater. Furthermore, while both cars come with the option to fold the third rows to extend the boot space, the 300 litre of the boot of Hycross with all three rows up, offers better luggage carrying space. The two cars also differ in their layouts, with the Jeep Meridian’s 7-seater layout offering a three-seater second row, while the Hycross’ 7-seater layout offers a three-seater third row. However, this is totally up to buyers preference where they like the three-seater row to be in their cars.
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Toyota Innova Hycross vs Jeep Meridian: Engine & Transmission
Toyota Innova Hycross | Jeep Meridian | |
Engine | 2.0 litre petrol engine 2.0 litre strong hybrid petrol engine | 2.0 litre turbo diesel engine |
Power | 174 PS 186 PS | 170 PS |
Torque | 197 Nm 187 Nm | 350 Nm |
Transmission | CVT automatic for 2.0 litre petrol e-CVT for strong hybrid | 5-speed manual gearbox and 9-speed torque converter automatic |
Mileage | 21.1 km/l (hybrid) | 15 - 16 km/l |
In terms of mechanicals, both cars are built for different purposes and have different advantages over each other. Both petrol power plants of the Innova Hycross deliver more power than the turbo diesel engine of Jeep Meridian, and its hybrid unit delivers an alluring mileage of 21 kmpl. Moreover, the Toyota Innova Hycross is quicker than the Jeep Meridian and can do a 0 to 100 km/hr dash in 9.5 seconds, whereas Meridian can do the same in 10.8 seconds. However, the unavailability of a manual transmission is a limitation and might leave driving enthusiasts wanting more engagement with the car.
The Jeep Meridian, on the other hand, generates more torque and feels punchier to drive. What’s more, Jeep is a brand that has always been known for making very capable off-roaders, and the same holds true for the Jeep Meridian. The SUV has been given an all-wheel-drive drivetrain in top variants and 203 mm of ground clearance, to drive through most terrains without any hassle. Unlike the Innova Hycross, the Meridian features a manual transmission, offering more manual control while driving.
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Toyota Innova Hycross vs Jeep Meridian: Features & Comfort
Toyota Innova Hycross | Jeep Meridian | |
Infotainment system | 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system | 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system |
Music system | 9-speaker JBL sound system | 9-speakers Alpine sound system with |
Climate control | Multi-zone (front and rear) automatic | Multi-zone (front and rear) automatic |
Ventilated seats | Ventilated front seats | Ventilated front seats |
Adjustable steering | Tilt and telescopic | Tilt and telescopic |
Drive modes | Power, Eco, Normal, and Full-EV mode (Strong Hybrid only) | Sand/Mud, Snow, and Auto |
Instrument cluster | 7-inch semi-digital instrument cluster | 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster |
Sunroof | Panoramic sunroof | Panoramic sunroof |
Adjustable seats (manual or electric) | 8-way powered driver seat with memory function and Powered captain seats for the second row (7-seater) | 8-way powered front seats and memory function for driver seat |
Rear AC vents | Available | Available |
60:40 rear seat split | Second row | Second row |
Cruise control | Adaptive cruise control | Available |
The interiors of both the cars look and feel premium. They also appear noticeably similar, as both cars have a black and brown colour scheme, except for the lower variants of Innova Hycross which get an all-black colour scheme. Both cars have a free-standing touch screen mounted on the top of the dashboard, with the central AC vents below it. The gear lever on the Hycross has been integrated into the dashboard, which gives a touch of uniqueness and modernity, whereas it is mounted on the floor in the Jeep Meridian.
Feature-wise, both the cars are substantially feature-packed to ensure maximum comfort and entertainment. However, while the Toyota Innova Hycross has the advantage of ottoman function for second-row passengers, the Jeep Meridian has the advantage of an 8-way powered front passenger seat. Moreover, the Jeep Meridian is driver-focused SUV, whereas the Innova Hycross is built for a chauffeur-driven experience, and so is reflective in the ergonomics of both the cars. Nevertheless, both cars sport high-quality music systems which add to the fun, while the panoramic sunroofs make cabins feel more open and spacious, complementing the overall premium experience inside both cars.
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Toyota Innova Hycross vs Jeep Meridian: Safety Features
Toyota Innova Hycross | Jeep Meridian | |
G-NCAP Safety Rating | Not tested | Not tested |
Airbags | Up to six | Six |
ABS with EBD | Yes | Yes |
ESC | Yes | Yes |
Traction Control | Yes | Yes |
Automatic headlamps | Yes | Yes |
Rain-sensing Wipers | Not revealed | Yes |
Hill hold assist | Yes | Yes |
Hill descent control | Yes | Yes |
Rear sensors | Yes | Yes |
Rear parking camera | 360-degree camera | 360-degree camera |
ISOFIX Child seat anchor points | Yes | Yes |
ADAS | Yes | No |
It’s heartening to see the importance being given to safety as both cars feature plenty of safety features to ensure maximum safety. However, the Toyota Innova Hycross has an edge over the Jeep Meridian, thanks to some Level-2 ADAS safety features such as adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, lane departure and keep assist, automatic high beam, rear cross-traffic alert, and a pre-collision system. All said and done, it’s worth bearing in mind, the Jeep Meridian has a very robust body shell as it’s built as a formidable take-anywhere, do-anything vehicle.
Toyota Innova Hycross vs Jeep Meridian: Price comparison
Toyota Innova Hycross | Jeep Meridian | |
Base variants (Ex-Showroom) | Rs. 19.15 – 19.20 lakh | Rs. 29.90 – 31.80 lakh |
Mid variants (Ex-Showroom) | Rs. 24.01 – 24.06 lakh | Rs. 32.40 lakh |
Upper mid variants (Ex-Showroom) | Rs. 28.33 lakh | Rs. 34.30 lakh |
Top variant | Rs. 28.97 lakh | Rs. 36.95 lakh |
The comparison so far indicates the Toyota Innova Hycross is a more spacious, more fuel-efficient, and slightly more feature-rich proposition than the Jeep Meridian. And the price comparison reveals that it will bring all this at a considerably lower price than that of the Jeep Meridian, making the Toyota Innova Hycross a more attractive value-for-money offering. It’s also worth bearing in mind, the base variant: G variant of Toyota Innova Hycross is priced Rs. 18.30 – 18.35 lakh (ex-showroom) which is exclusively available to fleet operators only.
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However, this doesn’t hurt the credibility of the Jeep Meridian. At just one year old, the 7-seater SUV has already garnered massive respect around the globe for the attractive blend of premium ride experience and off-roading capabilities.
Toyota Innova Hycross vs Jeep Meridian: Summary
While the two 7-seater cars appear to be equally matched on paper, the Toyota Innova Hycross comes out as the clear winner as it is more spacious, more fuel-efficient, more feature-rich, and most importantly, more affordable. However, there are some caveats for both cars. If you want a comfortable 7-seater car that can drive your family in a premium cocoon while delivering pocket-friendly mileage, the Toyota Innova Hycross is the better choice. If your heart is set on a premium 7-seater SUV that also gives you the option of some off-roading adventure, then Jeep Meridian is the one to go for.
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Toyota Innova Hycross vs Jeep Meridian: FAQs
Among Toyota Innova Hycross and Jeep Meridian, which one is bigger?
The Toyota Innova Hycross is 4,755 mm long, 1,850 mm wide, 1,795 mm tall, and has a wheelbase of 2,850 mm. The Jeep Meridian is 4,769 mm long, 1,859 mm wide, 1,698 mm tall, and has a wheelbase of 2,782 mm. This makes the Jeep Meridian slightly longer and wider than Toyota Innova Hycross; however, the Toyota Innova Hycross is taller and has a better wheelbase.
Among Toyota Innova Hycross and Jeep Meridian, which one is more powerful?
The Toyota Innova Hycross delivers 174 PS and 186 PS of power with its 2.0 litre petrol engine and 2.0 petrol-hybrid unit, respectively. The Jeep Meridian produces 170 PS of power with its 2.0 litre turbo diesel engine, making Innova Hycross more powerful than Jeep Meridian.
Does Jeep Meridian have an electronic parking brake?
Yes, Jeep Meridian has an electronic parking brake.
Among Toyota Innova Hycross and Jeep Meridian, which one is safer?
Both Toyota Innova Hycross and Jeep Meridian have more than enough safety features to provide maximum safety. However, the Toyota Innova Hycross has the addition of an ADAS safety suite.
Among Toyota Innova Hycross and Jeep Meridian, which one gives more mileage?
The Jeep Meridian gives mileage of 15-16 km/l with its 2.0 litre turbo diesel engine. The Toyota Innova Hycross has been claimed to deliver 21.1 km/l with a hybrid powertrain, making it considerably more fuel-efficient than Jeep Meridian.
