Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder

Expert Review by Maxabout

Overview

Toyota is no stranger to hybridization; they pioneered hybrid technology many years ago. Toyota is now seeking to provide the technology to the masses at a reasonable price. Its relationship with Maruti Suzuki has opened doors to this hybrid tech revelation. After a few cross-badged items, Urban Cruiser Hyryder is the first true co-developed offering from their alliance.

2023 Toyota Hyryder is larger and takes on the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos. It also takes on the new German duo of Taigun and Kushaq. The reincarnated Maruti Grand Vitara would be its co-developed sibling. The sub-four-metre Urban Cruiser (based on the new-gen Brezza) may continue but under a different name. But Toyota has not yet revealed any specifics about it.

Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder Design and Style

Toyota is eradicating the worn-out automobile image with each new model. The Hyryder is no exception; it has the same silhouette and majority of panels as its Suzuki equal, Grand Vitara. Hyryder appears more sleek and sophisticated in person than in photographs. It looks great in the 'Speedy Blue' dual-tone colour scheme with a glossy black upper part.

The most eye-catching feature up front is its dual daytime running LEDs. They also function as indicators and are separated by a chrome sash. The grille's pseudo carbon fibre treatment appears classy and neat. The gaping grille flanked by LED projector headlamps is reminiscent of the Glanza. It lacks fog lamps since the lights are located lower on the bumper. The bumper has a stylish dual-tone gun metal finish.

The sleek lines and extended shape of the tiny crossover make it even more appealing from the side. This is also the perspective from which it appears to be nearly identical to the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara. The alloys are different, and Hyryder has a more stylish set of wheels.

The back of the Hyryder appears clean and tidy. It sports stylish wrap-around tail lights with a C-shaped LED design. It lacks the attached tail lamps found in most current SUVs. Toyota should have done the same since it would have made the bargain far more compelling. They might be preserving it for a future remodel. Like the Grand Vitara, the reversing and indicator lights are mounted on the bumper. With its all-around design, the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder appears chic and flamboyant.

Interior of Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder

2023 Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder has an impressive road presence at 4365x1795x1635mm. But a little extra height would have improved its proportions. When you enter, a bright blue 'power' button greets you as an aide-mémoire to its hybrid nature. The cabin layout and design are straightforward and utilitarian rather than attractive.

There are familiar features around the cabin that have been scrounged from the Maruti Suzuki parts bin. Some of them appear to be acceptable here, while others do not. The steering wheel is nice and meaty, and the floating touchscreen responds quickly and is simple to use, especially while driving.

The plastics around the gear lever, appear simple, particularly for a car joining a competitive category. Soft-touch materials in rich brown, cover the dashboard and door pads. Also, the cleverly designed cascading dash offers a spot for your smartphone with a wireless charger at its base.

When it comes to the front seats, they are spacious and pleasant. Even the overall visibility isn't too poor. Although it is easy to climb into the back, headroom is limited. This is due to the hybrid powertrain's battery being placed underneath. So headroom is compromised, especially for taller passengers. Another disadvantage of battery placement is the reduced boot space.

There is enough room for two cabin-size luggage and a couple of duffle bags. The second-row bench's base is detachable to allow access to the battery hookups. Then there's the under-thigh support, and the legroom is more than adequate. Three people seated here would only be comfortable for short excursions.

Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder Engine and Gearbox

The sharing of hybrid technology was part of Toyota and Maruti Suzuki's collaboration, and we get our first taste of it in the Hyryder. The engine is a 1.5-litre NA three-cylinder that has served in many Toyota models around the world. It has a max power of 92.4 HP and a peak torque of 122 Nm. A 59kW (around 80.2 HP)/141 Nm electric motor is paired with the engine and is powered by a lithium-ion battery pack. The total system output is 115 horsepower, when turned on, the system starts in EV mode.

An electronic brain then decides whether to use the electric motor or the gasoline engine. This usually occurs when the battery percentage drops or the system is under increased load. Like any other powerful hybrid, there's a power flow indicator on the infotainment/MID/HUD. Despite being a three-cylinder, the engine isn't jittery when it comes to life. Because it comes on after the silent EV mode, it appears to be noisier than it is. When pushed hard enough, it does become vocal. The CVT automatic transmission performs admirably in everyday driving conditions. When you slow down, the regen system immediately begins charging the battery.

Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder Ride and Handling

2023 Toyota Hyryder effortlessly glides around town in EV mode. The engine produces enough power to keep up with traffic and carry the Hyryder's heavier gross weight with ease. The powertrain would switch to EV mode for highway speeds on lighter throttles. Descending those odd crests or flyovers, or cruising around, even reaching triple-digit speeds. Although it can easily cruise at highway speeds all day, it becomes sluggish when pushed beyond triple-digit speeds.

Toyota offers the new Hyryder with three drive modes: Normal, Eco, and Power. But the difference in throttle response between these modes is barely discernible. There is a B mode on the gear lever after the D, which slightly increases the brake energy recuperation. As a result, the battery charges faster and the use of a gasoline engine for most driving conditions is reduced, saving fuel. When it comes to fuel economy, the claimed figure is 27.97 km/l.

2023 Toyota Hyryder's ride quality remains supple and comfortable across the majority of the surfaces. It handled rough road surfaces with grace. With large speed breakers or cobbled surfaces, the Hyryder handled them with ease. Even at highway speeds, the undulations and sudden sharp potholes or road joints are handled deftly. It can comfortably maintain highway speeds all day and does not feel shaky under hard braking. The steering has a good weight to it and responds quickly when turned two and a half turns lock-to-lock. When thrown around, there is some body movement, but it is not intended for attacking corners. At the end of the day, the Hyryder isn't particularly sporty, but it's also not dull for daily driving.

Key Features of Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder

The feature list of this top-tier Hybrid-V trim includes everything you'd expect from this segment. LED projector, DRLs, and tail lamps, 17-inch dual-tone wheels and a panoramic sunroof. A 9" touchscreen with wireless smartphone connectivity. Cooled front seats, auto AC, Arkamys sound system, ambient lighting, and cruise control. An air purifier, auto headlamps, a wireless charger, a 360-degree camera, a heads-up display (HUD), and an auto-dimming IRVM. The all-digital instrument cluster is well-designed and provides all the necessary information. Toyota i-Connect also includes cutting-edge connected car technology. It has six airbags, disc brakes on the rear wheels, ABS with EBD, TPMS, rear sensors, three-point seat belts for all passengers, and hill assist.

Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder Competitors

Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, MG Astor, Maruti Grand Vitara, Nissan Kicks, Skoda Kushaq, and Volkswagen Taigun are all competitors for the new Hyryder. The new Mahindra Scorpio Classic is a tough alternative as well.

Conclusion

If you're looking for a Toyota SUV that delivers serious class, elegance, comfort, and fuel efficiency, consider the Hyryder. It does not match the outright performance of its turbocharged competitors. But it delivers on what it promises: much lower fuel bills.

Besides you get a sophisticated-looking SUV with a spacious and plush interior brimming with amenities. This SUV is a great blend of everyday driving comfort and impressive fuel efficiency.

The hybrid powertrain will be simple because the hybrid powertrain (except for the battery) is now manufactured at Toyota's Bidadi plant. Sharing parts with Maruti Suzuki would also help the cause.

With the new Totota Hyryder, the Japanese automaker hopes to bring hybridization to the masses. While also capturing a piece of the lucrative C-SUV market. The Hyryder has the advantage of being the segment's first hybrid. Toyota is aiming for higher fuel efficiency, a well-equipped feature list, a large service network, and competitive pricing.