The name Innova comes from the English word ‘innovate’. Its official name in Indonesia is Toyota Kijang Innova, while for other countries it is simply called “Innova”. Development started in 1999 and was led by Kaoru Hosokawa, the chief engineer and product planning leader of Toyota Commercial Vehicle Development Centre. Targeted annual production in Indonesia was 80,000 units, including 10,000 units for export.
Compared to the long-wheelbase fourth-generation Kijang wagon, the Innova was made 30 mm (1.2 in) longer and 100 mm (3.9 in) wider while gained a more rounded MPV proportions. Its wheelbase also grew by 100 mm (3.9 in). Unlike its predecessor, the Innova could be equipped with modern safety features such as ABS and airbags as it was designated as a more global oriented model.
The Kijang Innova was introduced in Indonesia on 1 September 2004. It was initially available in E, G and V grade levels, equipped with either 2.0-litre petrol or 2.5-litre diesel engine. Manual transmission was offered in all grades, while the automatic transmission was only offered in G and V grades.