The TOYOTA URBAN CRUISER HYRYDER was introduced in the Indian market in September 2022, with a price bracket of 10.48 lakh to Rs 19.99 lakh (ex-showroom pan-India). Though Toyota is a bit late to the mid-size SUV party, it comes with some segment-first mild hybrid, strong hybrid, and All-wheel drive and with CNG as well. It competes in the segment of the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos, being the top chart sales record holder.
As we see diesel is in the phase of extinction, demand for the low running cost of vehicles, electric vehicles being somewhat expensive, and the demand for hybrid is booming. Toyota offers the Hybrid powertrain from its base variant starting at Rs. 15.99 Lakhs (ex-showroom), making it the most affordable hybrid in the segment.
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DYNAMIC STYLING:-
Since the Toyota Hyryder is built on Suzuki’s Global C platform, this vehicle and the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara share their underpinnings with the second-generation Maruti Brezza. Now let us talk about the design language of the Hyryder. The front of the Hyryder gets a raised flat bonnet, with LED DRLs connecting the logo. Talking about its headlamps, it gets a full LED projector setup but the omission of the fog lamps makes it a little plain in terms of design. The front parking camera is placed in the grill for the 360-degree camera.
When we come to the side, it gets squared-off wheel arches, HYBRID written neatly on the door panel below the ORVM. The plastic body cladding along silver roof rails adds much-needed ruggedness to a neat and clean side profile. 4,365mm in length, the Hyryder is longer than the Creta and Seltos but the Seltos is wider than the Hyryder and has a 10 mm less wheelbase than the Creta and Seltos. It comes equipped with 17-inches alloys which has a radical design element and enhances the side profile of the Hyryder. It gets a dual-tone paint scheme, but Toyota doesn’t sell it as a separate variant.
Coming to the rear, it gets a split tail lamp set-up which is very interesting with attractive twin C-shaped LED elements in the brake lamps. The reverse light and indicators are placed lower, in a separate vertical housing but are halogens, giving it a mixed treatment. Talking about the boot space, it is compromised since the Hybrid Battery is kept in the boot, approximately eating about 100L of space.
DYNAMIC STYLISH INTERIORS:-
Toyota has done a great job of dressing up the cabin, befitting a car in this segment. Since it shares its majority of parts like the dashboard, gear lever, and steering with Maruti, the interior ambiance of the Hyryder will seem very familiar with the second-generation Maruti Brezza. The cabin’s brown and black theme looks appealing. The feel of the material gives a premium appeal to the cabin. The soft materials used on the dashboard enhance the overall aesthetics of the car.
The massive panoramic sunroof takes its premium quotient up a notch. The unique point in the sunroof is that both the panes of the sunroof slide open, liberating a large opening area. The down factor of the sunroof is its shade. It lets the sun’s heat filter in. The seat cushioning is spot-on and very comfortable. The driver seat is commanding and upright but the position of the inside mirror and the free-standing large infotainment panel do hinder frontal visibility to some extent.
Talking about its features on offer, it gets a handy 360-degree parking camera, a wireless charger, and ventilated seats. The EV MODE switch and Drive Mode switch help to alter the engine performance and improve fuel efficiency. Talking of the Hyryder’s rear seat experience, it is a very good experience, with good cushioning and supportive seats. There is a good amount of knee room and legroom for six-foot-tall passengers. The headroom is adequate for all except those around six feet tall, who will find their heads brushing against the roof.
The boot space is also good enough with 355 Litres of space but in the hybrid version, the boot space is reduced by 100 litres due to battery placement in the boot. The full-sized spare tire is tucked on the outside, beneath the boot, like in the Innova and Fortuner. The rear seat passengers get USB TYPE-C ports for the charging which is a boon in today’s modern time.
Talking about safety for the rear seat passengers, all the individuals get a 3-point seatbelt reminder and pampering is increased by rear AC vents.
NOW LET US TALK ABOUT IT’S DRIVING PERFORMANCE AND THE MAIN FACTOR FUEL EFFICIENCY:
ENGINE:-
The Hyryder comes equipped with 2 engine options. One is a 1.5L 4-cylinder engine that is Naturally Aspirated and a 1.5L 3-cylinder engine which comes equipped with a battery and a motor for the hybrid powertrain. The Hybrid engine produces about 92 BHP of power along with 122Nm torque. The motor produces a power of about 115 BHP and a peak torque of about 141 Nm. Talking about the combined output, it would be somewhere between 120-125 BHP and 160 Nm torque. The engine’s refinement level is top notch but on the inside, some vibrations filter inside the cabin and can be felt on various panels of the car.
FUEL EFFICIENCY:-
With a fuel tank capacity of 45 Liters, the claimed efficiency is about 27km/L in the city, and in the real world, one can easily attain 22-24 Km/L. Even if you have a heavy foot, the worst you can achieve is around 18-19 Km/L in the city. This is a car that has better fuel efficiency in the city as compared to highways.
SUSPENSIONS:-
Talking about the suspensions of the vehicle, they are tuned to be on a softer side. They absorb bumps very subtly and at high speeds, the ride can become a bit bouncy. Overall the suspension setup is pliant for Indian road conditions and the 17-inch tyres also help in providing the utmost comfort to all the passengers inside the vehicle.
NOISE FILTRATION:-
When it comes to cabin insulation, the Hybrid powertrain makes the cabin super silent. There is no noise inside the cabin and once the engine starts, you’ll get the feel of the 3-cylinder engine and some vibrations filtering through the cabin. The road noise or the tire noise doesn’t filter inside the cabin and wind noise as well is cut off smoothly, making the cabin experience a step above the segment.
BRAKES:-
Since speed is an important factor for every enthusiast, the brakes also play an important role in the performance of the car. Hyryder comes equipped with all 4-disc brakes and ensures a sure-footed stopping. It has ABS, and EBD along with a Traction Control system that enhances the gripping and safety of the vehicle.
STEERING FEEL AND FEEDBACK:-
The feel and feedback from the steering wheel are decent enough. It comes equipped with an electronic power steering and on triple-digit speeds, it weighs up and provides a better feel and feedback. On curvy roads, the body roll is well-contained and the vehicle maintains its line.
VISIBILITY:-
The all-around visibility from the driver’s point of view is decent enough. The A-pillars are not that wide and don’t create a blind spot. Talking of the ORVMs, they are decently sized and give a good view of what’s behind them.
So YAAYYYYYYYYYYY OR NAAAIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII?
The Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder hybrid is indeed a practical product and tough competition in the segment. Getting a Hybrid powertrain from the base variant makes it quite an interesting deal and the fit-finish quality of the vehicle is top-notch. It provides sheer comfort in both the rows and the best-in-class cabin experience. Team Motargaadi gives it a full THUMBS UP from our side and is a sure recommendation in the segment.
FAQs ( Frequently Asked Questions)
Q.1 What is the cost of the Toyota Hyryder Hybrid?
A.1 The price for the Hybrid variant starts from Rs. 15.99 Lakhs (ex-showroom) and is available from the base variant.
Q.2 Is the Toyota Hyryder hybrid worth buying?
A.2 With the hybrid powertrain and the best-in-class fuel efficiency, it is a strong competition in the segment and if planning for hybrid, then it’s a definite pick.
Q.3 What is the mileage of the Hyryder full hybrid?
A.3 As per ARAI reports, the claimed efficiency of the Hyryder Hybrid is 27.82 Km/L and with a 45 Liter fuel tank, it would return around 23-24 Km/L in the city.
Q.4 Are hybrids cheaper than full electric?
A.4 Hybrids are better than full electric and talking about the price point the per kilometre cost of a hybrid is a little above that of the full electric car but in a hybrid you get excellent fuel efficiency and in full electric you get a certain amount of range you can travel.
