What are the best cars for long drives, or highway driving in India? Today, we take a look at the Maruti Suzuki Invicto and Toyota Innova Crysta, and their variants to find out what makes them comfortable cars for road trips in India.
In this article, we will share
- What a long-distance road trip lover looks for in a car
- Maruti Suzuki Invicto vs Toyota Innova Crysta – an in-depth analysis of their features, fuel efficiency, space, and safety
- How to pick the right car for you
What a Long-Distance Road Trip Lover Looks for in a Car
What a long-distance road trip lover should look for in a car:
- Fuel Efficiency – The car should have high fuel efficiency so that long-distance trips are economical
- Space – The car should have good space for a comfortable and enjoyable trip
- Safety – The car’s safety ratings should be high, and adequate safety features
- Handling – The car’s handling must be superior, and it should have high-speed stability
Long-distance road trip lovers prioritize comfort, fuel efficiency, and safety when choosing a car. A spacious cabin with ergonomic seats, adjustable steering, and climate control ensures a fatigue-free journey. Efficient engines and smooth transmissions maximize mileage without compromising performance. Stable handling and advanced safety features like airbags and traction control provide peace of mind on highways.
Infotainment essentials include a user-friendly touchscreen with navigation, smartphone connectivity, and premium audio. Ample boot space accommodates luggage for extended trips. Overall, a long-distance road trip lover seeks a car that balances comfort, efficiency, safety, and entertainment for an enjoyable driving experience.
Why Maruti Suzuki Invicto and Toyota Innova Crysta are popular
The Maruti Suzuki Invicto and Toyota Innova Crysta have gained popularity among long-distance road trip enthusiasts for their ideal blend of comfort, reliability, and features. Both MPVs offer spacious cabins with well-designed seats, ample legroom, and adjustable steering, ensuring a comfortable ride on extended journeys. The Invicto’s plush suspension and the Innova Crysta’s robust build quality provide a smooth and stable ride, even on rough roads.
In terms of efficiency, both the Invicto and Innova Crysta feature fuel-efficient engines that deliver impressive mileage without compromising on performance. The Invicto’s hybrid powertrain offers a perfect balance of power and efficiency, while the Innova Crysta’s diesel engine provides excellent torque for effortless highway cruising.
Safety is a top priority for both MPVs, with features like multiple airbags, ABS with EBD, and vehicle stability control providing peace of mind on long trips. The Innova Crysta’s robust build quality and the Invicto’s advanced safety features inspire confidence, even on challenging terrains.
The Invicto and Innova Crysta come equipped with user-friendly touchscreens that support smartphone connectivity, ensuring seamless access to navigation and entertainment on the go. The Invicto’s SmartPlay infotainment system and the Innova Crysta’s premium audio setup create an immersive audio experience for extended drives.
Maruti Suzuki Invicto and Toyota Innova Crysta variants shortlist in Rs 23-25 lakh range
For Maruti Suzuki Invicto, we have:
Variant | Price (INR) as on 28 March 2024 |
Zeta Plus 7Str | ₹24,82,000 |
Zeta Plus 8Str | ₹24,87,000 |
For Toyota Innova Crysta, we have:
Variant | Price (INR) as on 28 March 2024 |
2.4 VX 7 STR | ₹24,64,000 |
2.4 VX 8 STR | ₹24,69,000 |
Maruti Suzuki Invicto Zeta Plus 7Str
The Maruti Suzuki Invicto Zeta Plus 7Str, priced at Rs. 24,82,000, offers a comfortable ride with its spacious cabin, automatic climate control, and a SmartPlay Magnum infotainment system with navigation. The efficient petrol engine and smooth CVT transmission deliver a refined and fuel-efficient performance, making it a great choice for long trips. If you’re safety conscious, you can read our comparison of the Invicto with Toyota Innova Hycross.
Maruti Suzuki Invicto Zeta Plus 8Str
The Maruti Suzuki Invicto Zeta Plus 8Str, at Rs. 24,87,000, shares the same features as the 7-seater variant but offers an additional seat, providing more flexibility for larger families or groups. The comfortable leather upholstery, ample legroom, and advanced safety features make it an ideal companion for extended journeys. If you’re a tech-savvy gadget lover, you can check out our comparison of the Invicto with Tata Safari 2023.
Toyota Innova Crysta 2.4 VX 7 STR
The Toyota Innova Crysta 2.4 VX 7 STR, priced at Rs. 24,64,000, is a popular choice among long-distance road trip lovers. Its spacious and premium cabin features comfortable seating for seven, automatic climate control, and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The powerful diesel engine and smooth manual transmission offer excellent performance and fuel efficiency on highways. If you’re a performance enthusiast, you can read our comparison of the Innova Crysta with Mahindra XUV700 2024.
Toyota Innova Crysta 2.4 VX 8 STR
The Toyota Innova Crysta 2.4 VX 8 STR, at Rs. 24,69,000, offers the same features as the 7-seater variant but with an additional seat, making it suitable for larger groups. The Innova Crysta’s robust build quality, comfortable ride, and reliable performance make it a trusted companion for long-distance adventures.
Our Pick for the Best variant among Maruti Suzuki Invicto and Toyota Innova Crysta for Long-distance road trip lovers
After careful consideration, the Toyota Innova Crysta 2.4 VX 7 STR emerges as the best variant for long-distance road trip lovers. Priced at Rs. 24,64,000, this variant offers a perfect combination of comfort, reliability, and features, making it an ideal choice for extended journeys.
The Innova Crysta 2.4 VX 7 STR boasts a spacious and well-appointed cabin with comfortable seating for seven passengers. The ergonomically designed seats provide excellent support, reducing fatigue during long hours on the road. The automatic climate control and rear AC vents ensure a pleasant atmosphere inside the cabin, regardless of the outside weather conditions.
Under the hood, the Innova Crysta 2.4 VX 7 STR is powered by a reliable 2.4-liter diesel engine that delivers an impressive 147 bhp and 343 Nm of torque. The engine’s linear power delivery and minimal turbo lag ensure a smooth and effortless driving experience on highways. The 5-speed manual transmission offers precise shifts, allowing the driver to make the most of the engine’s capabilities.
Safety is a top priority in the Innova Crysta 2.4 VX 7 STR, with features like three airbags, ABS with EBD, and vehicle stability control. The MPV’s robust build quality and stable handling inspire confidence, even on challenging roads.
The Innova Crysta 2.4 VX 7 STR’s 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system comes with smartphone connectivity, allowing easy access to navigation and entertainment on the go. The premium audio system enhances the audio experience, making long drives more enjoyable.
With its comfortable and spacious cabin, reliable and efficient diesel engine, advanced safety features, and user-friendly infotainment system, the Toyota Innova Crysta 2.4 VX 7 STR is the best variant for long-distance road trip lovers. It offers a perfect blend of features that prioritize comfort, reliability, and safety, ensuring an enjoyable and stress-free road trip experience.
The Top 3 choices
- Toyota Innova Crysta 2.4 VX 7 STR
- Toyota Innova Crysta 2.4 VX 8 STR
- Maruti Suzuki Invicto Zeta Plus 7Str
Variant | Touchscreen Navigation | Climate Control | Seating Adjustments | Knee/curtain airbags | Cruise Control |
Toyota Innova Crysta 2.4 VX 7 STR | Yes | Yes | Power | Yes | Yes |
Toyota Innova Crysta 2.4 VX 8 STR | Yes | Yes | Power | Yes | Yes |
Maruti Suzuki Invicto Zeta Plus 7Str | Yes | Yes | Manual | Yes | Yes |
How to Pick the Right Car for You
- The Toyota Innova Crysta 2.4 VX 7 STR, as discussed earlier, offers the perfect blend of comfort, reliability, and features. Its spacious and well-appointed cabin, with comfortable seating for seven and automatic climate control, ensures a pleasant journey for all occupants. The reliable diesel engine and smooth manual transmission provide a smooth and efficient driving experience, while the advanced safety features offer peace of mind on long trips.
- The Toyota Innova Crysta 2.4 VX 8 STR shares the same features as the 7-seater variant but offers an additional seat, making it suitable for larger groups or families. The MPV’s robust build quality, comfortable ride, and user-friendly infotainment system make it an excellent choice for extended journeys. The power-adjustable seats add an extra level of comfort and convenience.
- The Maruti Suzuki Invicto Zeta Plus 7Str is a great option for those who prioritize comfort and efficiency. Its spacious cabin, with automatic climate control and comfortable seating for seven, offers a pleasant experience on long trips. The efficient petrol engine and smooth CVT transmission deliver a fuel-efficient and refined performance, making it an economical choice for extended journeys. The Invicto’s advanced safety features and SmartPlay infotainment system further enhance its appeal.
These three variants cater to the diverse needs of long-distance road trip lovers by offering comfortable cabins, efficient and reliable engines, advanced safety features, and user-friendly infotainment systems. The final choice among these top contenders depends on individual preferences, budget, and specific requirements for seating capacity, fuel efficiency, and comfort features.
If you’re interested in reading more such face-to-face comparisons of popular car variants, head over to our Buying Advice section.