The Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder has made a significant impact on the Indian automotive landscape since its launch in September 2022. As Toyota’s first strong hybrid SUV in the mid-size segment for India, it represents a bold step towards sustainable mobility without compromising on the features and comfort that Indian consumers have come to expect from the brand.
Design and Exterior
The Urban Cruiser Hyryder boasts a design that seamlessly blends modern aesthetics with rugged SUV elements:
- Front Fascia: Features split LED headlamps and a gloss-black grille that gives it a premium look.
- Side Profile: Showcases dual-tone alloy wheels and black roof options for a sporty appearance.
- Rear Design: Incorporates C-shaped LED tail lamps that enhance its modern appeal.
Color options include:
- Sporting Red
- Speedy Blue
- Enticing Silver
- Cafe White
- Gaming Grey
- Cave Black
- Midnight Black
Additionally, four dual-tone color schemes are available, adding to its visual appeal.
Interior and Features
The interior of the Hyryder is designed to offer both comfort and functionality:
- Dashboard: Features a dual-tone black and brown scheme with silver accents.
- Infotainment: Comes with a 9-inch touchscreen system compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
- Seating: Offers comfortable seating for five passengers with ample legroom and headroom.
Key features include:
- 360-degree camera
- Automatic climate control
- Connected car technology
- Panoramic sunroof (in select variants)
- Ventilated front seats
- Heads-up display
- Wireless charger
Powertrain Options
The Urban Cruiser Hyryder offers multiple powertrain options to cater to different consumer preferences:
- Strong Hybrid Electric:
- 1.5-liter petrol engine (91bhp/122Nm) paired with an electric motor (79bhp/141Nm)
- Combined output: 114bhp
- e-Drive transmission
- Capable of running in pure EV mode
- Neo Drive (Mild Hybrid):
- 1.5-liter K-series engine
- 102bhp and 135Nm of torque
- Available with manual and 6-speed automatic transmission options
- CNG Variant:
- Introduced in January 2023
- Available in S and G variants
- Focuses on providing an eco-friendly and economical option
Performance and Efficiency
The Hyryder’s performance varies based on the chosen powertrain:
- Strong Hybrid:
- Claimed fuel efficiency: 27.97 km/l
- Real-world efficiency: 23.67 km/l (user-reported average)
- Neo Drive:
- Claimed efficiency: 21.12 km/l (manual) / 20.58 km/l (automatic)
- CNG Variant:
- Efficiency: 26.6 km/kg
The strong hybrid variant, in particular, has been praised for its smooth transition between electric and petrol modes, making it ideal for urban commutes.
Dimensions and Capacity
- Length: 4365 mm
- Width: 1795 mm
- Height: 1645 mm
- Wheelbase: 2600 mm
- Ground Clearance: 210 mm
- Boot Space: 373 liters
These dimensions place the Hyryder comfortably in the mid-size SUV segment, offering ample space for passengers and luggage.
Variants and Pricing
As of December 2024, the Urban Cruiser Hyryder is available in the following variants:
- E NeoDrive: ₹11.14 Lakh
- S NeoDrive: ₹12.81 Lakh
- S E-CNG: ₹13.71 Lakh
- S AT NeoDrive: ₹14.01 Lakh
- G NeoDrive: ₹14.49 Lakh
- G E-CNG: ₹15.59 Lakh
- G AT NeoDrive: ₹15.69 Lakh
- V NeoDrive: ₹16.04 Lakh
- S Hybrid: ₹16.66 Lakh
- V AT NeoDrive: ₹17.24 Lakh
- V Hybrid: ₹19.99 Lakh (Top model)
(All prices are ex-showroom, New Delhi)
Safety Features
Toyota has equipped the Urban Cruiser Hyryder with a comprehensive safety package:
- 6 airbags (in top variants)
- ABS with EBD
- Vehicle Stability Control
- Hill Hold Control
- ISOFIX child seat anchors
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System
- 360-degree camera (in select variants)
Competitors
In the Indian market, the Urban Cruiser Hyryder competes with:
- Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara
- Hyundai Creta
- Kia Seltos
- MG Astor
- Skoda Kushaq
- Volkswagen Taigun
Its strong hybrid powertrain and Toyota’s reputation for reliability give it a unique position in this competitive segment.
User Reviews and Reception
The Urban Cruiser Hyryder has received generally positive reviews from Indian consumers:
- Pros:
- Excellent fuel efficiency, especially in the hybrid variant
- Smooth and quiet operation in EV mode
- Premium interior feel with soft-touch materials
- Spacious and comfortable cabin
- Toyota’s reputation for reliability
- Cons:
- Some users find the petrol engine underpowered for highway driving
- Infotainment system can be overly sensitive
- Engine noise is noticeable when the petrol motor kicks in
- Some interior plastics feel hard and out of place for the price point
Overall, users appreciate the balance of efficiency, comfort, and features that the Hyryder offers.
Future Prospects
As India moves towards more sustainable automotive solutions, the Urban Cruiser Hyryder is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for hybrid vehicles. Toyota’s commitment to introducing more electrified options in the Indian market suggests that we may see further refinements and possibly new variants of the Hyryder in the coming years.
Conclusion
The Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder represents a significant step in the evolution of the mid-size SUV segment in India. By offering a strong hybrid option alongside conventional powertrains, Toyota has created a vehicle that caters to both environmentally conscious consumers and those seeking the traditional SUV experience. While it faces stiff competition in a crowded market, the Hyryder’s blend of efficiency, technology, and Toyota’s reputation for quality makes it a compelling choice for Indian car buyers looking for a future-ready SUV.
As the automotive landscape in India continues to evolve, with a growing emphasis on cleaner technologies, the Urban Cruiser Hyryder stands as a testament to Toyota’s commitment to providing sustainable mobility solutions tailored to the Indian market. Its success could pave the way for more hybrid and electric options in the country, potentially reshaping the future of the Indian automotive industry.