BYD eMax 7 vs Toyota Innova Hycross: Battle of Hybrid and electric MPVs!

BYD India recently launched the new BYD eMAX 7 electric MPV in the Indian market. The new EV MPV is essentially the facelifted version of the BYD e6 and features cosmetic changes, an updated interior with more features, tech, three-row seating and much more. Interested customers can book the vehicle online or by visiting their nearest dealership, The booking amount is set at INR 51,000 and the deliveries will begin soon.

The company also announced special offers for customers who book the EV MPV before October 8, 2024, and take delivery on or before March 25, 2025. This offer includes benefits of up to INR 51,000 and 7kW and 3 kW chargers to the first 1,000 customers for the first 1,000 customers. The eMAX 7 doesn’t have a direct rival but it’s squarely aimed at the Toyota Innova Hycross Hybrid in the Indian market. In this article, let’s compare both MPVs in terms of pricing, features, specifications and more.

Price and variants
Comparing the variants and pricing first, the BYD eMAX 7 is offered in two variants and a 6 and 7 seat layout. It gets Premium and Superior variants priced between INR 26.9 lakh to 29.9 lakh (ex-showroom). The Hycross on the other hand is offered with 7 and 8 seat layout and two petrol engine options. It gets GX, GX(O), VX, VX(O), ZX and ZX(O) variants and is priced between INR 19.77 lakh to INR 30.9 lakh (ex-showroom).

Dimensions
Comparing the dimensions, the Innova Hycross measures 4775 mm in length, 1850 mm in width, 1795 mm in height and has a wheelbase of 2850 mm. The BYD eMAX 7 measures 4710 mm in length, 1810 mm in width, 1690 mm in height and has a wheelbase of 2800 mm. Hycross gets 18-inch alloy wheels whereas the eMAX 7 gets 17-inch alloy wheels.

Powertrain
Now let’s compare the engine, the Innova is offered with two petrol engine options - a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder NA petrol engine which puts out 173hp of power and 209Nm of torque. It comes paired only with a CVT automatic gearbox. Another engine is the 2.0-litre strong hybrid petrol engine which puts out a combined 184hp of power and comes with an e-Drive transmission. Both engines of the Innova Hycross are front-wheel drive only and do not get a manual transmission option. Toyota claims a fuel efficiency figure of 23.24kpl for the hybrid and the regular petrol variants get a claimed fuel efficiency figure of 16.13kpl.

The BYD eMAX 7 is an all-electric vehicle and is offered with two battery pack options - a 55.4kWh unit with an NEDC range of 420km with 163hp and 310 nm torque. Another battery pack option is a 71.8kWh unit with 530km of claimed range with 204hp and 310 nm torque. It has a top speed of 180 kph. The EV MPV gets 7kW AC charger as standard. The Premium variant gets 89kW DC fast charging and the Superior trim gets 115kW. It also gets vehicle-to-load charging.

Features and Safety
Comparing the features, the Hycross features a large 10.1-inch floating touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, ventilated front seats, memory function for the driver’s seat, ambient lighting, powered tailgate, Rear sunshade, 360-degree camera, semi-digital cluster, Dual-zone climate control, powered leg rest (second row), quilted leather seats, 9-speaker JBL sound system and more. Safety wise it gets six airbags, Vehicle Stability Control, Hill-Hold assist, TPMS and ADAS features such as Lane-keep assist, Adaptive cruise control, Blind spot monitor, Automatic high beam and rear cross-traffic alert.

The eMAX 7 gets a 12.8-inch floating touchscreen infotainment system, two wireless charging pads, a semi-digital cluster with a 5-inch LCD MID, a panoramic sunroof, 6-way electric adjustment for the driver seat, ventilated front seats, 6-speakers, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, type-C ports, voice assistant, automatic climate control, air filter, electric tailgate and more. In terms of safety, it gets six airbags, TPMS, electric parking brake, ABS, ESC, TCS, EBD, hill hold, 360-degree camera, auto hold and Level 2 ADAS features such as auto braking, cruise control, blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning and much more.