BYD eMax7 vs Toyota Innova Hycross: Detailed Comparison

Chinese automobile giant BYD has recently launched the eMax7 in the Indian market. This is a fully-electric MPV which replaces the discontinued BYD e6 model. The e6 electric vehicle debuted in India in 2021.

However, the BYD eMax7 starts at an ex-showroom price of Rs 26.9 Lakh. 

The 2024 eMax7 now competes directly with the Toyota Innova Hycross. The latter iteration is available in both petrol and strong hybrid versions. 

Since these two vehicles have a lot in common, we will compare both these MUVs and figure out which makes more sense and for whom. 

Exterior Design and Looks

The Toyota Innova Hycross is slightly bigger in every dimension compared to the BYD eMax7 and it has a muscular stance, thanks to the big SUV-like bonnet and a huge grille, making it unlike the small and rather simpler, MPV face of the BYD eMax7. 

In terms of looks, the Innova Hycross looks big and bulky, whereas the eMax7 looks simple, sharp, and understated, but in a good way. The Innova offers 17-inch or 18-inch alloy wheels, depending on the variant you choose, but the eMax7 only has 17-inch wheels as standard. 

That said, the optional 18-inch alloy wheels on the Hycross give the vehicle a more proportionate look. 

So, if a plush and imposing design is what you want, the Innova Hycross is the vehicle for you.

Interior Design and Features

Inside, the bigger dimensions work in favour of Innova Hycross, because its cabin feels spacious and the third-row space is also better here.

The Chinese counterpart also has good space and very comfortable seats in the first and second rows but the third is good for kids on longer rides. Adults can also sit in the third row, which is surely better than the Innova Crysta, but the lack of under-thigh support may become a disadvantage for longer journeys. 

The Innova Hycross can be had with a standard seven and an optional eight-seater configuration, whereas the eMax7 is available in a six or seven-seat configuration. So, if you want the maximum space then the Innova is the better bet here.

In terms of features, the Innova Hycross has either an 8-inch display or a 10.1-inch screen for infotainment, whereas the BYD has a 12.8-inch infotainment screen. Both vehicles are loaded with ADAS, six airbags, automatic climate control AC, digital instrument cluster, touchscreen infotainment unit, auto HVAC, etc. 

The Innova Hycross offers a panoramic sunroof whereas the eMax7 has a panoramic moonroof. For reference, the moonroof is not openable as the sunroof. The choice is up to you.  

Performance 

The top-end Superior variant of the BYD eMax7 produces 200hp and 310Nm of torque, whereas the strong hybrid version of the Toyota Innova Hycross churns out 183hp and 250Nm of torque. In terms of power figures, BYD has a slight edge here, and as you can expect, the power delivery will be much better than its Toyota counterpart.  

Toyota claims 0 to 100 kmph time of 11.95 seconds for the Hycross, while BYD e Max7 can reportedly sprint from 0 to 100 kph in just 8.6 seconds.

As you can see, in terms of outright performance numbers, the BYD eMax7 is way ahead of the Toyota Innova Hycross. But, BYD has an electric drivetrain and Toyota has a petrol hybrid setup.

But when it comes to practicality, versatility and peace of mind, the Hycross can go to remote parts of India without any hesitation because petrol is easily available nationwide. On the flip side, poor electricity prevalence and lack of charging infrastructure in India limit this BYD vehicle's operational range.

Even though the BYD claims 530 km of driving range on a single charge for the 71.8kWh battery pack model. The range anxiety, however, for most EV owners is still very real and one needs serious reconsiderations before making a purchase.

Pricing 

BYD eMax7 starts at Rs 26.9 lakh for the base variant and goes up to Rs 29.9 lakh for the top-end variant. The Toyota Innova Hycross starts at Rs 25.9 lakh and goes up to Rs 30.98 lakh for the top-end variant. There is a Rs 1 lakh price difference between the top-end variants of these two vehicles. All are ex-showroom figures, as of October 2024. 

Conclusion

One major factor before buying any vehicle is after-sales support and reliability. In that area, Toyota has been one of the best brands, which is also one of their primary USPs. Another plus point with Toyota is the humongous cabin with great comfort and luggage space. 

Now, if you are someone who lives in remote areas of the country and doesn’t have proper electricity to charge your car, then the Innova Hycross could be the car for you.

For anyone who has access to electricity and charging networks, and more importantly you have short inter-state journeys (like Delhi to Gurugram), and don't fear range anxiety, the eMax7 should be your pick.