Introduced in 2022, the Urban Cruiser Hyryder and Maruti Grand Vitara were the first products co-developed through the partnership between Toyota and Maruti Suzuki. Currently, the Hyryder is Toyota’s bestselling SUV in India, averaging 7,000-9,000 units a month. If you are considering the Hyryder, we will help you decide whether this midsize SUV is suitable for you or whether you should look elsewhere.
Reasons to buy the Toyota Hyryder
Efficient strong hybrid engine
The petrol engine in the strong hybrid version runs on the Atkinson cycle that prioritises efficiency. Coupled with the battery and motor, the Hyryder can run temporarily on pure electric power, which helps curb fuel consumption. In our real-world fuel efficiency tests, the Hyryder strong hybrid delivered much higher efficiencies than the mild hybrid petrol automatic version: 20.28kpl in the city and 22.85kpl on the highway compared to 10.83kpl and 15.67kpl, respectively. Do note that this test was done before the rollout of E20 fuel.
Well-judged ride and handling
A combination of tough underpinnings and well-judged suspension helps the Hyryder have a balanced ride and handling setup. It handles tough roads with ease, and even the sharp surfaces are absorbed quite well. At higher speeds, the Hyryder remains glued to the road and composed, while direction changes and cornering abilities are predictable. Even when cornering, body roll is kept to a minimum despite its high 210mm ground clearance, which is remarkable.
AWD availability
The Hyryder is among the few models in the very crowded midsize SUV space to offer AWD. Available solely with an automatic gearbox, it comes with Suzuki’s AllGrip Select all-wheel-drive system, bringing decent off-road capability for the Hyryder, especially for those who regularly drive in snowy or slushy conditions. With the help of terrain modes and the ability to send 50 percent of its power to the rear wheels, it can tackle challenging roads.
Reasons not to buy the Toyota Hyryder
Engines lack outright performance
Strong-hybrid versions of the Hyryder are optimised for fuel efficiency over outright performance. Thus, drivers looking for a turbo-petrol-like exhilaration won’t be satisfied, as it lacks midrange punch. Apart from the strong hybrid, there’s also a mild hybrid version that utilises a 103hp, 139Nm 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine. Though it has enough pep in the city, as with the strong hybrid, you’ll find yourself longing for more power on the highway. Overtakes will require careful planning and working your way through the gears. At 14.01 seconds, the mild-hybrid’s 0-100kph time is slow by segment standards.
Limited boot space
With a capacity of 355 litres, the mild hybrid-powered Toyota Hyryder has one of the smallest trunks in the segment. Additionally, the Hyryder strong hybrid’s high fuel efficiency comes at the cost of boot space, which is reduced further to 255 litres because of the lithium-ion battery pack placed beneath it. This could be a dealbreaker for those who carry large suitcases on road trips.
Uday Singh
Dipan Sur
