New Hyundai Alcazar vs Toyota Innova Crysta – What To Buy?

The Korean auto giant has recently launched the updated iteration of the Alcazar with tons of modern amenities to dominate the segment

In this post, I shall compare the new Hyundai Alcazar and Toyota Innova Crysta in terms of specs, features, prices, design and dimensions. Both these are distinct products in our market. The Alcazar is, essentially, the 6/7-seat version of the famed Creta. However, Hyundai has not just stretched it and added two seats, but tweaked the design on the outside and inside and even added some new functionalities. As a result, Alcazar has its own individuality. On the other hand, the Toyota Innova Crysta is the most successful MPV in the country. It has been around since 2005. With consistent updates over the years, it is available as the Innova Crysta today and is still a volume-churner for the Japanese car marque. Let us get into the details of this comparison.

New Hyundai Alcazar vs Toyota Innova Crysta – Price & Specs

We know that price can be the most crucial aspect when comparing two products in our market. Let us commence with the Alcazar. Hyundai has priced it quite reasonably with costs starting at Rs 14.99 lakh and going all the way up to Rs 21.55 lakh, ex-showroom. On the other hand, the Toyota Innova Crysta retails between Rs 19.99 lakh and Rs 26.30 lakh, ex-showroom. Hence, the Alcazar certainly has an edge in this regard.

The new Hyundai Alcazar comes with the same powertrains as the latest Creta. This includes a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder direct injection turbo petrol engine which produces a healthy 160 PS and 253 Nm of peak power and torque. In addition to that, there is a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder turbo diesel mill which belts out a familiar 116 PS and 250 Nm of peak power and torque. There are multiple transmission options to choose from including 6-speed manual, a 6-speed automatic and a 7-speed DCT. This ensures that buyers will be able to purchase a variant which makes the most sense for their requirements.

On the other hand, the Toyota Innova Crysta is available with a single engine-transmission combination. Over the years, there were multiple powertrains with the Innova Crysta. However, after the arrival of Innova Hycross, the Crysta just gets a 2.4-litre 4-cylinder turbo diesel engine which produces a respectable 150 PS and 343 Nm of peak power and torque. Performing the transmission duties is a sole 5-speed manual gearbox. Buyers can opt for either the 7- or 8-seat configuration. However, they have to make do with just one engine and gearbox setup. That is not necessarily a bad thing since it is an established and reliable engine.

Comparison of Design and Dimensions

It is evident that these two products are distinct in terms of the design and dimensions. The new Hyundai Alcazar boasts a modern design philosophy. As a part of its “Sensuous Sportiness” design theme, the front section gets trademark H-shaped LED DRLs on the bonnet with LED headlamps down below. A key component, which is quite popular in modern cars, is the LED light bar connecting the DRLs which runs the width of the car. The rugged skid plate underneath the front bumper oozes sportiness. Moving down the sides, you will witness the elegant diamond-cut alloy wheels, solid body cladding, handy roof rails and black side pillars. Finally, the tail section consists of a connected LED light bar which joins the LED taillamps, a shark fin antenna and another skid plate just like at the front. All in all, the new Hyundai Alcazar certainly looks imposing.

On the other hand, the Toyota Innova Crysta wears the familiar design which we have been experiencing for years. At the front, you get a large radiator grille section with horizontal slabs. This grille is surrounded by a thick chrome frame which is further flanked by sleek rectangular headlamps on either side. There are prominent fog lamps on the extreme edges of the bumper with chrome elements. Finally, the front fascia concludes with a black skid plate section. On the sides, there are black side pillars, chrome belts on the door panels and stylish alloy wheels. At the rear, there are LED taillamps and a roof-mounted spoiler. We have known this design for years.

New Hyundai Alcazar vs Toyota Innova Crysta – Features Comparison

This is where things get really interesting. We know that modern car buyers often want the best amenities in their cars. It is evident that the latest cars have, essentially, become gadgets on wheels. Hence, carmakers need to ensure that they equip their products with cool technology, convenience and connectivity. Let us take a look at the top highlights of the new Hyundai Alcazar:

• 10.25-inch Digital Instrument Cluster
• 10.25-inch Touchscreen Infotainment Display
• Second-row Sliding and Reclining Function
• Digital Key with upto 3 User Profiles
• Dual-Zone Automatic Temperature Control
• Electro Chromic IRVM
• Wireless Charging
• OTA Map Updates
• Thigh Cushion Extension
• Second-row Wireless Charger
• Rear Window Sunshade
• Multi-LED Lighting and Ambience
• Front and Second Row Ventilated Seats
• 8-way Powered Front Seats
• Driver Seat Memory Function
• 19 ADAS Level 2 Features (Hyundai SmartSense)
• 70+ Total Safety Features including 40 Standard Safety Features
• Bluelink Connected Car Tech with 70+ Features
• Surround View Monitor Display
• 8-speaker BOSE Premium Sound System
• 270+ Embedded Voice Commands
• Driver Modes and Terrains Modes with Paddle Shifters (AT)
• Hill Descent and Hill Start Assist Control

On the other hand, even the Toyota Innova Crysta has many functionalities like:

• TFT Multi-Information Display (MID)
• Leather Wrap Steering Wheel with Silver & Wood Finish
• Automatic Climate Control
• Driver Seat Height Adjustment
• 8-inch Capacitive Touch Screen Audio System
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Smart Entry System
• Easy Slide Front Passenger Seat
• Wood Finish on Interior Panels
• Foldable Seatback Table with Cup Holder
• Upper Glove Box with Cooling
• Ambient Illumination
• Cruise Control
• Tilt and Telescopic Steering Column
• 6 Airbags
• ABS with EBD and BA
• Vehicle Stability Control
• Hill Start Assist Control
• Front Clearance Sonar with MID Indication

My View

Choosing between these two compelling propositions might seem hard at first. However, there are clear use-cases of both these cars. Firstly, people who want the latest vehicle with tons of modern amenities and the latest design philosophy can opt for the new Hyundai Alcazar. Not to mention, it is also significantly more affordable of the two. In fact, it is the only one of these two which can be had with petrol or diesel and manual or automatic transmission options. On the other hand, if you want a substantially larger MPV with proven reliability and comfort, the Toyota Innova Crysta makes a lot of sense. You just have to shell some more to get your hands on one. In any case, you can’t go wrong with either of these.

Also Read: New Hyundai Alcazar vs Mahindra XUV700 – Which One To Buy?