Toyota Innova-X for Malaysia gets wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto

When the refreshed Toyota Innova first made its Philippine debut last year, it only received minor exterior changes. With a slightly altered grille, new projector-style LED headlights, extra black trims, and a fresh set of alloy wheels, Toyota wanted to keep the exterior changes as minimum as possible.

The interior also gets a more subtle update by way of a new touchscreen infotainment that now comes with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. But other than that, you'd be hard-pressed to see any cabin revisions. As the saying goes, “if it ain't broke, don't fix it”, and the automaker seemed to have stuck to that notion for its popular MPV.

But over in Malaysia, however, Toyota was a bit more liberal in making the facelifted Innova stand out more by giving it a more high-tech infotainment system. This is the Toyota Innova-X and boy is it a looker.

Starting with the most obvious are the exterior enhancements which consist of bumper spoilers, overfenders, and extra molding on the rocker panels. Meanwhile, the 17-inch alloy wheels are painted in a darker shade that adds to the MPV's more aggressive look.

Moving inside, the touchscreen infotainment has been upgraded and now measures 9-inches. While the MPV was already available with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto before, they can only be used via a data/charging cable. For the latest update, Toyota decided to give the Innova's infotainment system wireless function for both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

For extra peace of mind, the Innova-X for Malaysia comes with a digital video recorder (DVR) or dashcam as standard. Last but not least, Toyota installed a USB-C charging port for quicker recharging of mobile devices.

Powering the Malaysian-spec Innova-X is not the 2.8-liter turbo-diesel. Instead, all variants of the MPV come with the 2.0-liter 1TR-FE four-cylinder engine with Dual VVT-i. It makes 139 PS at 5600 rpm and 183 Nm of torque at 4000 rpm. Power is then sent to a 6-speed automatic transmission that drives the rear wheels.

With the Innova-X exclusive only to Malaysia, there's little to no chance of it arriving in the Philippines. However, Toyota Motor Philippines could bring back the limited edition Touring Sport variant and give it the extra upgrades found on the Innova-X.

Do you think TMP needs to install wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for the Innova and other models in the country? Let us know in the comments.