[jonesanto]

We have a few Crysta ownership reviews available in the forum and we have an excellent Official Review to know everything there is to know about this car. It's commonly known as “The National Highway Car” and the title was not served on a silver platter. The Innova has earned it.

Someone once told me, "For an Innova, 2 lakh km means run-in period."



Coming to my Crysta, I was happily cruising in a new-gen Fortuner AT, then I got an onsite project in the Middle East. With me visiting India once in two months for a week or two and paying huge EMI for a car which I hardly use did not make any financial sense. It took a painstakingly six months to sell my Fortuner. One thing I learnt from this is, that the higher the price, the more difficult it is to dispose of the car, irrespective of which brand it is.

Once the Fortuner was sold, I was using my trusty old Innova, still munching miles like nobody's business. But after getting used to the convenience of an AT, I was sorely missing it, be it in the city or on the highway. My brother moved abroad and his 2017 Crysta 2.8Z was available for grabs. I purchased the same. I got my AT and I am EMI-free too.



The current odo reading is at 1,75,000 km. It still drives like a brand-new car. There are not many cars in India that can match the reliability, travel comfort and blissful ownership experience that an Innova can offer.

Since I own first-gen Innova, a lot of my points will be based on that car and other general observations for this 1,75,000 km.

The Bad:

The ride quality compared to the old Innova - it is a little better in the Innova, reason one: tyre size. The old Innova came with 15 inch wheels on all variants, while the Crysta came with 16 and 17 inchers. The old Innova is a 100 BHP car and no matter what you do, it is gonna pick up speed at its own pace and also stop like that. The Crysta 2.8 is a 172 BHP car. Even in city limits, it reaches 80 km/h in no time, and it stops better too. So, this stopping part, I don’t think many have discussed it. From 80 km/h, the Crysta is going to stop much better than the old Innova. Obviously, if you are not a sedate driver, passengers are going to notice that. The suspension setup is different in both cars. There could be other reasons.

Brake pad wear is higher in the AT, which is not really the car’s fault. You don’t have engine braking and in a car this heavy, the pads are going to take a hit. We get about 30-40 km out of the pads in general.

Behaviour of the AT - it is not for spirited driving. You will hate the car if you try that. I mean, it’s no DSG or F10 8-speed gearbox. If you are a sedate driver, you will be happy. Then again, this is a van. We BHPians are expecting too much from a people mover. On the highway, use Sport mode and this so-called van will become something else altogether. The fact is, you don’t need Sport mode unless you are aiming for a quick overtake. Eco and Normal modes are more than enough for our roads.

Much debated tyre issue in the 17-inch wheel - got 215/60 R17 tyres. I have been using this particular size for 1.5 lakh kilometres and have not had any burst. We had bursts in the initial years. Michelin and Continental tyres aid comfort, but their life is short. The maximum we got was 30K km. The new set is JK. Tried Yokohama and easily got 40K km. Tyre noise above 100 km/h is much more acceptable.

Compared to the Innova, the rear glass gets murkier in the Crysta to a level that you can’t see anything if you are not using the rear wiper and even with that, only a small portion of the glass is cleared, making it kind of irritating to drive on muddier roads in the rain. On normal roads and highways, it’s okay-ish. I am referring to 6-lane work-in-progress roads in Kerala. But Innova, in the same conditions, is much more tolerable.

For some reason, the Innova feels more abuse-friendly. Not that I have had any problems with Crysta, but it’s just a feeling one gets when you drive both the cars.

That horrendous spare wheel removal process - wish they had changed it in Crysta. Even to fill air in the spare, you need to bring the wheel down. Is there any other option?

At this price, Toyota should have provided Android Auto and an auto-dimming IRVM.

While stationary, vibrations can be felt on the driver side floor when the A/C compressor kicks in. It is a common behaviour. I checked it in other Crystas (AT) too.



The Good:



At 1.75K km, the car is extremely solid with no rattles or squeaks, which is very important to me. I can never stand a rattling car. Maintain it well, and it will cover 4 lakh km easily.

That 2.8 AT is probably the best engine/gearbox combo for an Innova Toyota provided in India. It's probably the last Toyota MUV with a decently sized diesel engine paired with a 6-speed auto. It's the last MUV built is closer to a proper SUV than many soft-roaders sold as SUVs. Being built on the IMV chassis/platform shared with Fortuner and Hilux helps (credit to GTO and Sankar).

Good mileage for the size and big engine. I get 12+ km/l in the city and 16-17 km/l easily on the highway. Unlike other cars, with age, the performance and mileage do not take a hit. My old Innova gives 11-12 km/l in the city, no matter how I drive. I never got for more than 14 km/l on the highway.

Excellent service from Toyota and cheap to maintain. Apart from one full suspension job, I have not had any other big expense. Suspension work is a part of normal wear and tear for a car that has done this much mileage.

Easily manoeuvrable in traffic like it’s almost unbelievable (AT).

Quality of the switches and indicator stalk is supreme. Nothing has failed/faded even after heavy usage.

One of the safest highway tanks you can travel with your family, the 2.8Z (credit to GTO again).

Some complain that the steering is heavy at low speeds. I find it all right. Hydraulic steering is a thing of the past. Enjoy while it lasts. Heck, even cars like this are a thing of the past.



The game has moved on and changes are inevitable. Mostly, we are not going to see body-on-frame diesel MUV’s for long. Diesels are on their last legs. In almost 20 years of being in the market, the Innova Diesel AT was available for 6 years. Need an Innova diesel AT? The used car market is the only option now. So again, enjoy it while it lasts.



70mai A510 HDR 3K Dual Channel Dash Cam, STARVIS 2 IMX675 Sensor, ADAS. A good dash cam is a must today.



154W 9-in-1 car charger adapter with 20W Type-C PD 2 x 18W QC3.0 3 x DC outlet cigarette lighter splitter sockets.



Fun facts: My family consists of three. The question I am frequently asked is, why do I need a 7-seater? Different people have different requirements. For me, in life I got to a point where I needed a fill it-shut it car with good ground clearance and the Innova slowly grew on me with its practicality. I never liked it at the beginning. Let it be 1 year old, 5, 10 or 15 years old, you don’t have to worry about its reliability or parts availability. Why is it favourite among politicians, govt. officials, businessmen, celebrities and cabbies alike and still holds a brand image?

Team-BHP has a thread for Crysta issues, mainly due to brake pad issues, wheel alignment and tyre bursts. It’s not active anymore and this shows Toyota is serious about fixing customer complaints.

There’s an Auto Expo thread for the Crysta on Team-BHP. It is interesting to read how right and wrong some of us were back in 2016 about the Crysta. Many had issues with its price and said it’s not going to sell like the Innova. Even if it did, the resale was not going to be like the Innova, while others justified the price and said it’s going to live up to expectations. The rest is history.



I will update the ownership thread as it progresses. Could not find any 2.8 thread being regularly updated.

Happy motoring.

[GTO]

Thread moved from the Assembly Line to the Reviews section. Thanks for sharing!

Going to our homepage tomorrow

[rudra_shiv]

Great writeup!! Kudos for completing the run-in.

Can you throw us something more on below:

1. What are the average service costs?
2. Anything claimed under warranty/recall?
3. How much were the top 3 service costs, and what were changed during those times?

It would be nice to know your thoughts on these pointers

[fiery_carboy]

Excellent writeup!!
In June, we acquired a new Toyota Innova Crysta (VX) Diesel Manual, and the comfort level is unmatched. It has been rightly said by you sir, that this car is the last of its kind, and we have to enjoy it while it lasts.

Wishing you many more happy miles!

[RGK]

This is a great and insightful review. As a new owner of the Crysta, I concur with all your observations. Personally, I believe that the 17" wheels provide a better ride quality.

Originally Posted by rudra_shiv

1. What are the average service costs?
3. How much were the top 3 service costs, and what were changed during those times?

Upgraded from an Ecosport to a Crysta 2.4 V MT just ten months ago, purchasing a pre-owned model in Pollachi.

I had several concerns:
1. Would driving in the city be comfortable (Also I do Chennai to DPM periodically)?
2. How much would maintenance cost?. Would I need to buy a smaller car for local trips?

Now, after ten months, find it as comfortable as any other vehicle. My 90,000-kilometer service cost was 11,500 (which included 1,500 for an AC disinfectant that was found unnecessary). So, the actual cost for the 10,000-kilometer service was about 10,000.

I spoke with SA and found that the cost for the 1.2K service would be approximately 20k, while the 1.6K service (coolant and fuel filter )would be around 25k because of the coolant and filter replacements.

[Motorfanatic1]

Originally Posted by jonesanto

At 1.75K, car is extremely solid with no rattles or squeaks which is very import to me, I can never stand a rattling car. Maintain well, these will cover 4lakh easily.

IMO, I have seen Innova's producing rattle 1.3K onwards and those vehicles were well maintained and serviced regularly at the authorized stations. Rattle free even at 1.75k is just phenomenal! Kudos to the upkeep of the vehicle

Originally Posted by jonesanto

Good mileage for the size and big engine. I get 12+ in the city and 16-17 easily on the highway. Unlike other cars, with age, the performance and mileage does not take a hit. My old Innova gives 11-12 in city, no matter how I drive, I never got for more than 14 on the highway.

On average front too, getting 12+ in city with 1.75K is simply superb. Do you regularly use engine flush and decarbonization?

[jonesanto]

Originally Posted by ;5846827

Great writeup!! Kudos for completing the run-in.


Can you throw us something more on below:


It would be nice to know your thoughts on these pointers

Thanks, rudra.


1. What are the average service costs?

Average service cost is between 10-15 thousand for every 10000km. Make sure to inform them, you don’t need AC disinfectant. They charge 1500 for this.

2. Anything claimed under warranty/recall?

We’ve had first tyre burst less than 1000km then again one before 5000km, and it was replaced under warranty. Other than this, I don’t remember anything being claimed or replaced under warranty.


3. How much were the top 3 service costs, and what were changed during those times?

The major service cost so far was for a complete suspension job at 150000km, bill was 1lakh plus.


At 1lakh kilometer we changed ATF along with normal service and some other parts, bill came close to 50K.


We claimed insurance for rear bumper once, car had a hit from behind at a signal stop and developed a crack, it was better to replace than repair.


Do you regularly use engine flush and decarbonization?


Nothing of that sort, just sticking to service manual. Toyota recommend ERG cleaning at certain mileage along with fuel filter change.

Originally Posted by Motorfanatic1

On average front too, getting 12+ in city with 1.75K is simply superb

Thanks, Motorfanatic.

After driving the car for a while, you will get familiar with AT box, when it’s gonna shift and how smoothly you can drive etc. This does not mean you will always have to drive like a saint, if necessary, floor it, and it will not disappoint you. Work with the gearbox, and it will return good FE.




Car is being used every single day, last out station trip was two months back, however, as you can see, it gives 12+ in the city. Checked it using tank-to-tank method too.





The material used in the door pad looks and feel premium, but unlike the car, it does not age well, need to take good care of it to look good. I have seen it being torn and really dirty in other cars. Placement is such, every time you open and close the door, you will have contact with it. Driver side takes the most damage.


Has anyone changed Toyota head-unit to a good Android Auto? Inbuilt GPS is not that good, I am thinking about getting a good Android Auto but, things like parking camera, sensor bleep, USB behind arm rest, navigation showing at MID etc will be plug and play? That is my main concern.


Tips for good tire life: Check tire pressure every month. Do wheel alignment at 5K without fail and balancing at 10K. Rotate tires at 10K.


I have seen a 2.8 with 3lakh on the ODO (white board) and had a chance to speak with the owner at service center, when I asked him about ATF change, he had a blank face. It was never done on his car and after our chat he ordered the ATF fluid. Toyota really overengineer their products.


Cheers.

[deecee]

Great update on your Innova Crysta, very helpful! I've been waiting to put up my experience as well, but never had the time, hopefully soon!

Originally Posted by jonesanto

Has anyone changed Toyota head-unit to a good Android Auto? Inbuilt GPS is not that good, I am thinking about getting a good Android Auto but, things like parking camera, sensor bleep, USB behind arm rest, navigation showing at MID etc will be plug and play? That is my main concern.

I've recently changed mine from the stock 2018 version to the 2023 OEM version that has AndroidAuto and CarPlay and works flawlessly. This is the same unit that's available on the current Innova Crysta's, it works natively with the parking camera, the USB connector and the buttons on the steering wheel as well.

I din't want to go the aftermarket route due to potential compatibility and fitment issues.

The connectors are not directly plug and play though, due to the pin configuration, but the installer has built a very robust custom connector that's plug and play without splicing of cables whatsoever.

The newer units do not have an inbuilt GPS, hence, this data won't be available on the MID. Besides that, the MID does not show caller and music track information. I'm awaiting a pin-connector update from my installer, he mentioned that with the change in the pin layout this information should be available in the MID.

[jonesanto]

180000 service update.


Service is done last month. As a part of 180k service, entire car inspection was recommended, considering the mileage of the car I said okay to this, inspection costs 3640rs, little on the expensive side, but I got a detailed report about the cars condition. Upper arm ball join and end steering rack showed damage and those were replaced promptly, mechanically and electrically no other errors were found. Other recommendations were, engine flush, cabin filter change. Then the usual AC duct cleaning which costs 1700rs, considering how dusty the road conditions are due to six lane work in progress, given a go ahead for this. Car was kept at service station for a day, I am mostly happy with the service.




Observations after service:


First major change I noticed was the AC cooling, after the cabin filter replacement, cooling improved. The old one must have been really dirty. Toyota usually don’t change cabin filter at every service, they clean it. Overall, the car felt smoother to drive, it is a typical feeling after every service. Car was cleaned well, delivery was on time like promised, service advisor communicated well regarding the service and parts.

Things I am not happy about:


Driver side door and boot door started developing small creaking noise while opening, not always, but the noise is there. I reported this and it was never attended, in the bill I was charged 746 rupees for TGLOSS Mech care, when asked about it, they said, it’s the lubrication for door, battery terminal etc. This was a 100% rip off, even at battery terminal, no grease was applied.


In the morning, while reversing, slight noise comes from back drum while applying brake, you can hear it only if the windows are down. It goes away completely once the car has run about a kilometre. Told them to check the rear drum and clean, if required. Nothing was done about this too.


After the service, I gave a feedback and the same day I got a call from service centre and later from service advisor who attended the car. They apologized for missing these two areas and requested me to drop the car and offered to waiver TGLOSS Mech care charge, I have not gotten the time to drop the car yet, but planning to do it with in a week’s time.




New car itch is there, but the situation has not changed, I am not in station most of the time, it doesn’t make any financial sense to purchase a new car. An ideal upgrade will easily cost 40 lakh plus. Most importantly, Crysta doesn’t give any reason to justify a new car purchase either. It runs absolutely fine. Shut the door, outside noise stays outside, even after 180K, that’s saying something. No squeaking, whining, even if the music is off, cabin is silent and provide me with a pleasant driving experience every time. Over the years I have become an extremely sedate driver, but when push comes to shove Crysta still surprises me with the power she has on tap.



With 2017 Hexa AT

Correct me if I’m wrong, Hexa is the last BOF from Tata, right? I am pretty sure Crysta will be axed this year or max by next year. But if GOVT doesn’t put a stop to it, we will be seeing first gen Innova’s and Crysta’s plying through our streets even in 2045.

[jonesanto]

Happened to see a video about Toyota 2.8 engine.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JiBMgX__Y0c

Video is in Malayalam, so I will briefly explain the content.


List of cars this engine is used, Innova Crysta, Fortuner, Hilux, Prado, LandCruiser 70 Series, Land Cruiser LC250 Prado Upgrade. Sure, there are other engine options available too, what it shows, how capable this engine is with 4x4.

Remember the Fiat 1.3-litre multijet diesel engine was used in some 8 different models at one time?

Adding: Land Cruiser LC250 Prado Upgrade, if launched, it will be 1cr Ex-showroom. Fortuner is 55 lakh, Legender is 60 lakh. Back in 2016 when this engine was available for 26 lakh many said it’s overpriced, a point I already stated in my review.

[mohan41]

Curious about the AT: Was the automatic transmission fluid changed during any service ?

[jonesanto]

Originally Posted by mohan41

Curious about the AT: Was the automatic transmission fluid changed during any service ?

Hey, Mohan, yup, at 1lakh kilometer I changed ATF, planning to do it again at 2lakh service. I got it done from Bangalore. I hear that in some states service center don't encourage ATF change calling it "Sealed for life". If you ask me, I'd say, don't push AFT more than 1.5lakh kilometers.

[kozhissery]

Originally Posted by mohan41

Curious about the AT: Was the automatic transmission fluid changed during any service ?

Even I've the same machine (2.8Z) and changed the ATF at 1L (currently @1.22L KMS). In Trivandrum, just made a call to my SA and he did not say anything (he is a follower of TBHP ). Took almost 1 full day