Best INNOVA Scan Tools 2023 [Review & Comparison]

Innova is a well-known scanner manufacturer in the US. They’ve got a bunch of scanners to choose from, catering to different skill levels and needs.

I know finding the perfect scan tool can be as tricky as trying to find a missing bolt in a messy toolbox. That’s why I tested many products from this brand to come up with a list of the best INNOVA scan tools.

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Table of contents:

• 4 Best INNOVA Scan Tools Comparison Chart
• 4 Best INNOVA Scan Tools Reviews
• 4 Best INNOVA Scan Tools: Full Comparison Chart

• INNOVA Scanner Products Comparison Chart
  1. INNOVA Professional/ DIY Scanners
  2. INNOVA Code Readers/ OBD2 Scanners

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4 Best INNOVA Scan Tools Comparison Chart

[Mobile users: Swipe left for full table]

Product	Score	Levels/ Type
Editor's Pick INNOVA 5610	9.5	• Home mechanics/ DIYers • Bi-directional scanner	Check Price
Best Cheap INNOVA 5210	9.0	• Professionals/ technicians • Full OBD2 scanner	Check Price
INNOVA 6100P	8.5	• Home mechanics • Code reader	Check Price
INNOVA 3020RS	8.0	• Home mechanics • Engine/ ABS code reader	Check Price

Click HERE to see full comparison chart (PDF, Free Download)

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4 Best INNOVA Scan Tools: Reviews

• Group 1: For beginners/ DIYers with basic repair skills
  1. INNOVA 3020RS
  2. INNOVA 5210
• Group 2: For home mechanics/advanced DIYers with mid-level repair skills
  1. INNOVA 6100P
  2. INNOVA 5610

Best INNOVA Scanners for Beginners/DIYers with Basic Repair Skills

#1. INNOVA 3020RS: Cheapest INNOVA code reader with ABS scanning

If you’re on a budget and still want a scanner that can read ABS codes, INNOVA 3020RS is the way to go.

First off, I was pleasantly surprised at how accurate the codes were when I tested it on some cars. The results on this cheap scanner are exactly the same as the ones on my high-end scan tool. 

But there’s one catch: it only shows the code name, no description. 

No worries though, just connect INNOVA 3020RS with RepairSolutions2 app (free for INNOVA scanner owners). It provides not only detailed code descriptions but also suggests possible causes and even tells you which part needs replacing (and an estimated price tag to go with it).

Now, I gotta be real with you about a couple of things. 

First, this scanner doesn’t support live data. Blame it on the small screen, I suppose. Speaking of which, the screen itself is teeny-tiny, just 2 inches. It’s got that old-school vibe and, to be honest, it’s not a backlit display. 

If you decide to use the scanner without the app, reading the screen can be a bit difficult. 

My advice? Stick with the app for a smoother experience.

On the bright side, its small size makes it lightweight and easy to carry around or keep in the toolbox. Say goodbye to those pesky trips to the auto parts store just to get codes read and cleared.

Overall, if you’re looking for an affordable and reliable ABS scanner, INNOVA 3020RS is worth checking out. It may not be perfect, but it gets the job done without breaking the bank.

Today’s best INNOVA 3020RS price:

#2. INNOVA 5210: Upgraded version of INNOVA 3020RS with live data on a larger screen

INNOVA 5210 is the upgraded version of INNOVA 3020RS. That means it can do everything the 3020RS can, and then some!

Not only can it help me:

• Read & clear codes from engine, transmission, and ABS system
• Prepare for smog check

like INNOVA 3020RS,

But INNOVA 5210 is also better than the 3020RS in every way: from design to functions.

Let’s start with the screen. The 5210 has a larger color screen that’s easy on the eyes while I’m working on cars. And guess what? The description of the codes pops up right there on the screen, along with the severity level. You can know the overview of your car’s issues right away and can tackle the most urgent ones first.

Besides, INNOVA 5210 boasts more hot buttons that the 3020RS doesn’t have (up & down button or back button), making it easier to navigate through the functions. 

Overall, my experience with the 5210 has been a whole lot smoother compared to its little brother, the 3020RS.

Oh, and here’s a heads-up: both of these scanners come with a rather short cable (just 3 feet). So, I highly recommend grabbing an extension cable to give yourself some extra wiggle room.

Now, let’s talk about functions. The INNOVA 5210 goes all out with full OBD2 capabilities (which the 3020RS lacks). This means you can watch live data in numbers and in graphs to diagnose your car more easily. But I have to admit that the live data capability is basic and limited. My feeling is the numeric live data is decent, the graph is not big enough. Overall, I prefer using the former.

Oh, and did I mention the battery/alternator test function? It’s good as well. You can monitor your car battery’s health regularly and avoid any sticky situations due to a weak battery. 

So, INNOVA 5210 is the best INNOVA scanner if you want to own a scanner with ABS diagnostics and live data accompanied by a larger screen.

Today’s best INNOVA 5210 price:

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Best INNOVA Scan Tools for Home Mechanics/Advanced DIYers with Mid-level Repair Skill

#1. INNOVA 6100P: Best budget INNOVA scanner with four-system diagnostics

The first option for this group is INNOVA 6100P. If you’re looking for a scanner that can handle engine, transmission, ABS, and airbag systems with ease, then this scanner is what you need.

Just like its other INNOVA brothers, this scanner shows me:

• Trouble codes’ description 
• Trouble codes’ severity

And don’t worry about accuracy and speed. As long as your vehicle is compatible, INNOVA 6100P delivers accurate and fast results for engine, transmission, ABS, and airbag codes.

In terms of looks, it’s like the other INNOVA 5000 & 6000 series – a large and colorful screen that’s easy on the eyes, plus more buttons for your scanning pleasure.

Plus, thanks to the oil level monitor, INNOVA 6100P can prevent engine parts from being exposed and open to heat damage and corrosion.

Okay, time for some small gripes, the cord is quite short compared to many scan tools I’ve used. This three-feet long cable makes me hunch forward to read the screen when plugging it in.

Also, you have to download the manual online. For this price, I’d expect them to provide a fully printed manual in the box instead of having to download it. It’s kind of inconvenient for anyone who wants to read it on paper. 

But let’s not dwell on the negative. INNOVA 6100P is hands down the best choice for all you DIYers out there who want to tackle ABS, SRS, and transmission codes.

Today’s best INNOVA 6100P price:

#2. INNOVA 5610: Best INNOVA scan tool with bi-directional control

If you are a home mechanic/DIYer with a generous budget, don’t hesitate to buy the INNOVA 5610. This is a scanner with bi-directional control for under $350 that I think is worth buying.

Note that active tests are only for the powertrain control module, so bi-directional control options are limited. 

Depending on the make and model, this has various bi-directional features available to use. For example, on a 2016 Toyota Corolla, I have around 45 options, while on a 2016 Nissan Maxima, there are only 15 options for me.

But at this price, I’m quite satisfied with what it does.

Also, I can read and clear codes in all available systems thanks to its full-system diagnostics and even OEM-specific codes. No codes are missed.

And for those who want to perform service functions, the INNOVA 6100P also has 6 functions: oil reset, battery reset, EPB reset, DPF reset, SAS calibration, and ABS bleeding. It’s easy to perform these maintenances on your own instead of going to repair shops.

I have to be honest, though. INNOVA missed the mark on a couple of things. For the price tag of over $300, you’d expect a nice carrying case to go with it, right? Nope, not included. 

And wait for it…the user manual isn’t even attached! I had to visit the INNOVA website and wrestle with a 120-page PDF.

But, one thing I love about 5610 is that the cable length is improved (around 5-6 feet).

Since the INNOVA 5610 supports active tests, I still find this drawback acceptable. For those on a budget but need bi-directional control, the INNOVA 5610 is a standout option that should not be ignored.

Today’s best INNOVA 5610 price:

Read more: INNOVA 5610 Scanner: Cheapest Bi-directional Scanner with Free Lifetime Updates

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4 Best INNOVA Scan Tools: Full Comparison Chart

[For mobile users: Rotate your phone and swipe left for full table]

	INNOVA 5610	INNOVA 6100P	INNOVA 5210	INNOVA 3020RS
FUNCTIONS
RepairSolutions2	✅	✅	✅	✅
Battery test	✅	✅	✅	-
Full OBD2 modes	✅	✅	-	-
Active tests	✅	-	-	-
Diagnostics	Full system	Engine, transmission, ABS & SRS	Engine, transmission, ABS	Engine, transmission, ABS
Service functions (*)	6	1	-	-
VEHICLE COVERAGE	Car & light trucks	Car & light trucks	Car & light trucks	Car & light trucks
DESIGN & HARDWARE
Connection type	Wired	Wired	Wired	Wired
Cable length	6 ft	5 ft	3 ft	2 ft
Screen size	3.5"	2.8"	2.8"	2"
AFTER-SALES SERVICE
Free update	Lifetime	Lifetime	Lifetime	Lifetime
Waranty	1 year	1 year	1 year	1 year
Customer service	8.5/10	8.5/10	8.5/10	8.5/10
	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price

(*): Vary by vehicle models.

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INNOVA Popular Products Comparison Chart

INNOVA Professional/ DIY Scanners

	5610 Check Price	5610RS Check Price	5510 Check Price	5410 Check Price
DIAGNOSTICS
System supported	Full systems	Full systems	Full systems	Full systems
Suggested fixes	✅	✅	✅	✅
Live data	✅	✅	✅	✅
OEM Live data	✅	✅	✅	✅
Active tests	✅	✅	–	–
OTHER FUNCTIONS
Full OBD2	✅	✅	✅	✅
Battery test	✅	✅	✅	✅
Oil reset	✅	✅	✅	✅
Battery initialization	✅	✅	✅	✅
EPB reset	✅	✅	✅	–
ABS bleeding	✅	✅	✅	–
DPF regen	✅	✅	–	–
Key programming	–	–	–	–
VEHICLE COVERAGE
OBD2 car/light truck	✅	✅	✅	✅
OBD1 car/light truck (+ adapters)	✅	✅	✅	–
DESIGN & HARDWARE
Screen size	3.5”	3.5”	2.8”	2.8”
	Check Price	Check Price	Check price	Check Price

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INNOVA Code Readers/ OBD2 Scanners

	5310 Check Price	3100RS Check Price	5210 Check Price	3040RS Check Price	5110 Check Price	3020RS Check Price
DIAGNOSTICS
System supported	Engine/ ABS/ SRS	Engine/ ABS/ SRS	Engine/ ABS	Engine/ ABS	Engine/ ABS	Engine/ ABS
Suggested fixes	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
Live data	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	–
Full OBD2	✅	✅	✅	✅	–	–
OTHER FUNCTIONS
Smog test	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
Battery test	✅	✅	✅	✅	–	–
Oil reset	✅	✅	✅	✅	–	–
Battery initialization	–	–	–	–	–	–
VEHICLE COVERAGE
OBD2 car/light truck	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
OBD1 car/light truck (+ adapters)	–	–	–	–	–	–
DESIGN & HARDWARE
Screen size	2.8”	2.8”	2.8”	2.8”	2.8”	2.8”
	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price

Conclusion

If you’ve read this far, I hope you’ve found your favorite and suitable scanner.

However, I would like to know:

• Which product did you choose?
• Is there any product you want to be reviewed but doesn’t appear here?

Don’t hesitate to share it with me in the comment section below.