The Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, launched as part of Toyota’s ambitious foray into the hybrid SUV market, aims to establish itself as a formidable competitor in the C-SUV segment. With its combination of petrol, CNG, and hybrid powertrains, the Hyryder brings a fresh approach to fuel efficiency while packing a well-rounded feature list. In this review, we delve into what makes the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder a noteworthy option and whether it’s capable of challenging the likes of Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and Mahindra Scorpio-N.
Design and Exterior
The Urban Cruiser Hyryder strikes a balance between elegance and functionality with its sleek European-inspired design. The front fascia is dominated by a stylish split-LED headlamp setup, flanked by a gloss-black grille and a honeycomb-pattern air dam. Complementing these elements is a contrast-colored front skid plate, adding a rugged touch. The side profile features a sporty, dual-tone roof and eye-catching alloy wheels, while the rear is characterized by C-shaped LED tail lamps.
Toyota offers the Hyryder in seven single-tone and four dual-tone color schemes, including Sporting Red, Enticing Silver, and Gaming Grey, ensuring a variety of aesthetic options for potential buyers.
Interior and Comfort
Step inside the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, and you’re greeted by a premium cabin with a black-and-brown dual-tone theme. Soft-touch materials adorn the lower dashboard and door panels, giving the interior a luxurious feel. The 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, stands out as the centerpiece of the cabin.
Although the rear headroom may feel slightly constrained for taller passengers due to the sloping roofline, the seats offer ample legroom and a comfortable recline angle. Additionally, the inclusion of a panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting, and ventilated front seats enhances the overall passenger experience. However, the hybrid version does compromise boot space slightly, offering 225 liters, which is 100 liters less than non-hybrid variants, due to the battery placement.
Performance and Powertrain Options
Under the hood, the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder offers a variety of powertrains, including petrol, CNG, and a strong hybrid variant. The hybrid model combines a 1.5-liter petrol engine (91bhp/122Nm) with a 79bhp electric motor, delivering a total output of 114bhp. One of the highlights of the hybrid system is its ability to run in pure EV mode, improving fuel efficiency significantly. The transition between EV and petrol modes is seamless, ensuring a smooth driving experience.
For those preferring a more traditional setup, the Neo Drive variant is powered by Suzuki’s 1.5-liter petrol engine, producing 102bhp and 136Nm of torque. This version comes with the option of a five-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. Meanwhile, the CNG variant, available in S and G trims, offers a more eco-friendly alternative but at the cost of slightly reduced performance.
The hybrid version, in particular, shines in terms of fuel economy, offering an impressive mileage of 20.58 kmpl to 27.97 kmpl. City driving benefits greatly from the EV mode, while highway journeys allow the engine to switch off intermittently, further boosting fuel efficiency.
Features and Technology
Toyota has packed the Urban Cruiser Hyryder with an array of tech and comfort features to keep up with the competition. Key features include:
- EV Mode (for hybrid models)
- Panoramic sunroof
- Ventilated front seats
- 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- 360-degree parking camera
- Wireless charging pad
- Head-up display (HUD)
- Ambient lighting
- Rear seat recline function
On the safety front, the Hyryder doesn’t disappoint either. It comes equipped with six airbags, ABS with EBD, hill-hold assist, TPMS, and ISOFIX child-seat anchors. However, the lack of some advanced safety features, such as ADAS, might be a drawback for some.
Ride Quality and Handling
The Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder excels in ride comfort, thanks to its well-tuned suspension system. Whether navigating city roads or cruising on highways, the SUV handles bumps and imperfections with ease. The steering, though lacking some feedback, is light enough for urban driving and responsive on the highway.
One of the highlights is the hybrid’s ability to operate in pure electric mode at lower speeds, providing a silent and smooth ride. The eCVT transmission complements the hybrid powertrain by ensuring effortless acceleration. However, drivers seeking the peppy response of turbocharged engines might find the hybrid’s performance less thrilling, though it’s more than adequate for everyday driving.
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Pricing and Variants
The Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder is available in four variants – E, S, G, and V – with prices starting from Rs. 11.14 lakh (ex-showroom) for the base petrol model and going up to Rs. 19.99 lakh for the top-spec hybrid variant. Toyota’s decision to offer multiple powertrain options across these variants ensures that there’s a Hyryder for a wide range of budgets and preferences.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Hybrid system delivers excellent fuel efficiency.
- Loaded with modern features like EV mode, panoramic sunroof, and wireless charging.
- Smooth ride quality with a robust suspension setup.
- Toyota’s extensive service network ensures reliable after-sales support.
Cons:
- Rear headroom may be uncomfortable for taller passengers.
- Hybrid models have reduced boot space.
- Some interior materials could be improved in quality.
- Lacks certain premium features like electric seat adjustment or ADAS.
Final Verdict
The Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder is a well-rounded package that brings something fresh to the C-SUV segment. Its hybrid powertrain, modern features, and Toyota’s reliability make it a compelling choice for buyers prioritizing fuel efficiency and comfort. While it may lack the driving excitement of turbocharged rivals and some advanced tech features, the Hyryder shines where it matters most – delivering a smooth, efficient, and feature-packed driving experience.
For anyone looking to enter the hybrid space without breaking the bank, the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder presents itself as a top contender in the market.
