Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder

Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder Review

Despite its larger Fortuner being a wildly popular SUV, Toyota wasn’t quick on capitalising on the increasing popularity of the compact SUV segment. The Japanese brand took its time to develop one, and the final product has multiple core strengths. The Urban Cruiser Hyryder is the first product that Toyota has developed in a partnership with Maruti Suzuki, with the petrol engine being developed by Maruti Suzuki and the petrol + electric strong hybrid being developed by Toyota. This has also allowed its twin — the Grand Vitara — to have a distinctive external appearance, making both offerings more appealing. Let’s take a look at what makes the co-engineered Urban Cruiser Hyryder a special car in the segment.

Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder Pros and Cons 

Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder Exterior Design 

The Urban Cruiser Hyryder's design seamlessly blends rugged SUV aesthetics with the flair of a soft roader. A flat bonnet, high-mounted LED DRLs supported with LED headlamps mounted lower in the bumper, and a characterful two-part grille with the upper half being sealed off by a carbon-fibre-like material, contribute to its upright stance, and clean looking split LED tail lamps give the rear a unique appearance. Built on Suzuki's Global C platform, it is one of the longest SUVs in its class as well, allowing for spacious interiors.

Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder Interiors 

While the interior design of the Hyryder doesn’t feel as special as some rivals, Toyota has taken a few steps in the right direction in the quality and finish department. The layered dashboard, embellished with chrome, leather, and double stitching, exudes an upmarket feel. However, the narrow footprint means that the cabin is not very wide. Making up for the drawbacks are the features on offer, including a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a panoramic sunroof, wireless charging, heads-up display, and more. 

Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder Comfort 

When it comes to comfort, the Urban Cruiser Hyryder does a decent job overall. The seats, though a tad firm, provide ample support and will be comfortable over long journeys. The cabin, however, isn’t very wide, so three passengers at the back will be a squeeze. The suspension setup is also tuned for sophistication, effectively absorbing road shocks and handling bumps with finesse. This translates into a stable and controlled ride, whether navigating city streets or venturing onto uneven terrains. 

Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder Performance and handling

The Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder offers a variety of powertrain options, catering to a diverse range of driving preferences. The base engine is Suzuki's 102 bhp, 1.5-litre K15C Dualjet engine — which also powers the Brezza and Ertiga — equipped with a mild hybrid system for better efficiency. This engine can be coupled with either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed automatic. Toyota also offers its 'All Grip' all-wheel drive system, featuring a 'lock' function that ensures a balanced power split between the front and rear. But the same isn’t available with the automatic gearbox, or even the strong hybrid drivetrain. Same is the case with CNG variants, which are also available only with the mild-hybrid drivetrain and manual gearbox.

The other powertrain option is Toyota's strong hybrid system, which is renowned for its fuel efficiency. The system comprises a three-cylinder, 1.5-litre petrol engine that utilises direct and indirect injection, and operates on a more efficient Atkinson Cycle. This hybrid drivetrain is also the more powerful of the two, reaching a combined output of 114 bhp and 141 Nm. However, it is important to note that both of these powertrains are aimed towards efficiency, and don’t offer enthusiastic performance. The handling on the other hand is a pleasant surprise for anyone who loves driving. Despite being tuned for comfort and a high 210 mm ground clearance, the Urban Cruiser Hyryder still manages to be plenty fun around the corners.

Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder Key specifications 

Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder Safety Features

The Urban Cruiser Hyryder is yet to undergo a proper Global NCAP or Bharat NCAP crash test, but while it hasn’t been crash tested yet, it makes a strong case for itself on the safety front. Underpinning the Urban Cruiser Hyryder is the same platform as the Brezza, which scored a 4-star crash test rating at Global NCAP. Furthermore, the Urban Cruiser Hyryder also packs a fair bit of hardware to enhance safety, such as six airbags, ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, ESP, Hill hold and hill descent control, tyre pressure monitoring system, ISOFIX child seat mounts, and 3-point seatbelts for all passengers. Adding a layer of convenience are 360-degree cameras with sensors, and an auto-dimming IRVM.

Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder Technology and Infotainment

Technological features take centre stage in the Urban Cruiser Hyryder, being equipped with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The system is paired with either an Arkamys sound system or a more premium sound system by Clarion, depending on the variant. Strong hybrid models also get a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, and a heads-up display is also a part of the tech features list. The cabin is also equipped with a panoramic sunroof, a 360-degree camera, wireless charging, and many other features.  

Is the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder for you?

In the grand scheme of compact SUV offerings, the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder stands as a compelling option, challenging norms with its hybrid technology. If you prioritise efficiency, comfort, and modern features, then this SUV warrants serious consideration. It not only challenges established players, but sets a new standard in the segment, delivering the highest fuel efficiency figure of the segment. Not just that, but the Urban Cruiser Hyryder is also available with CNG and all-wheel drive. However, the biggest con is that all of these can’t be availed at the same time. Hybrid doesn’t get AWD, neither does CNG, and both AWD and CNG don’t get an automatic gearbox. But with so many different permutations and combinations possible on the drivetrain front, you are more than likely to get an option that works for you. While the Urban Cruiser Hyryder offers a ton of drivetrain options, what isn’t one of them is a sporty one, and if you are looking for something that’s brisk, then you might have to look elsewhere.