Toyota Hyryder V AWD AT

Choosing a new car in India is always an exciting yet challenging journey. You're not just looking for a vehicle, but a companion that fits your budget, keeps your family safe, doesn't burn a hole in your pocket with monthly maintenance, offers the latest features, and comes with reliable company service. In the bustling compact SUV segment, one car has been quietly making a strong case for itself, especially if you value practicality and a bit of adventure: the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder V AWD AT. Today, we're taking a deep dive into this particular variant to help you decide if it's the perfect fit for your garage.

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

The Toyota Hyryder V AWD AT comes with a proven and reliable powertrain. Under its hood is the 1.5-litre K-Series mild-hybrid petrol engine. This engine, shared with its Maruti Suzuki sibling, is known for its refinement and fuel efficiency. It produces a healthy 103 PS of power and 137 Nm of torque, which feels adequate for city commutes and comfortable highway cruising. The 'AT' in its name stands for Automatic Transmission, specifically a smooth 6-speed torque converter unit that makes driving a breeze in traffic and on open roads.

Design Overview

Exterior

The Hyryder boasts a distinctive and attractive design that stands out in the crowd. It carries a proper SUV stance with its bold front fascia, featuring sleek dual-DRL signature and a large grille that exudes a premium feel. The chunky wheel arches and strong character lines on the sides give it a robust appeal, while the split headlamp design adds a touch of modernity. The rear, with its slim C-shaped LED tail lamps, completes the contemporary look. It's a design that balances urban sophistication with a hint of ruggedness, making it apt for both city streets and occasional off-road adventures, especially with the AWD capability.

Interior

Step inside the Hyryder V AWD AT, and you are greeted by a well-laid-out and comfortable cabin. The dual-tone interior theme (black and brown) in the V variant adds to the premium feel. Quality of materials is good, and everything feels well put together. The dashboard design is clean and ergonomic, ensuring all controls are within easy reach. The seats are comfortable and offer good support, making long journeys enjoyable. There's ample space for five occupants, with decent legroom and headroom even for taller passengers.

Key Features

The V AWD AT trim is the top-of-the-line mild-hybrid variant and comes packed with features to enhance your driving experience and comfort:

• Infotainment System: A large 9-inch SmartPlay Pro+ touchscreen infotainment system with Arkamys Surround Sense for an immersive audio experience.
• Connectivity: Supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with Toyota i-Connect connected car features.
• Sunroof: A panoramic sunroof that adds to the cabin's airy feel and allows for great views.
• 360-degree Camera: Helps immensely with parking and navigating tight spots.
• Wireless Charging: Convenient pad to charge your compatible smartphone without cables.
• Automatic Climate Control: Ensures a comfortable cabin temperature at all times.
• Head-Up Display (HUD): Projects crucial driving information onto the windshield, keeping your eyes on the road.
• Ventilated Front Seats: A blessing in India's hot climate, providing extra comfort.
• Cruise Control: For relaxed highway driving.
• Push Start/Stop Button: For keyless ignition.

Ground Clearance of Toyota Hyryder V AWD AT

The Toyota Hyryder offers a substantial ground clearance of 210 mm. This is excellent for Indian road conditions, allowing you to tackle speed breakers, potholes, and rough patches with confidence, significantly reducing the risk of scraping the underbelly.

Boot Space of Toyota Hyryder V AWD AT

The Hyryder V AWD AT offers a boot space of 355 litres. While slightly less than its 2WD counterparts due to the AWD hardware, it's still practical for daily use and weekend getaways, accommodating a good amount of luggage for a family.

Dimensions of Toyota Hyryder V AWD AT

The Hyryder is a compact SUV with a strong road presence. Here are its key dimensions:

• Length: 4365 mm
• Width: 1795 mm
• Height: 1645 mm
• Wheelbase: 2600 mm

Powertrain Options

While we are focusing on the V AWD AT, it's good to know the Hyryder comes with two main powertrain options:

• 1.5L K-Series Mild-Hybrid Petrol: Available with 5-speed Manual (MT) and 6-speed Automatic (AT) transmissions, and in 2WD or AWD configurations (AWD only with AT). This is the engine in our featured variant.
• 1.5L Strong Hybrid Petrol: Paired with an e-CVT automatic transmission and exclusively available in 2WD. This variant offers exceptional fuel efficiency.

Safety Features

Toyota has equipped the Hyryder V AWD AT with a comprehensive suite of safety features to protect its occupants:

• 6 Airbags (Front, Side, Curtain)
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
• Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
• Hill Hold Control
• Hill Descent Control (specific to AWD variant)
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
• ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts
• Rear Parking Sensors and 360-degree Camera

NCAP Rating Table

As of now, the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder has not been independently crash-tested by Bharat NCAP. However, its platform sibling, the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, received a 4-star safety rating for both adult and child occupant protection in Global NCAP crash tests. Given that the Hyryder shares its platform and many structural components, it is expected to offer a similar level of safety performance. Toyota's commitment to safety is generally high, and the strong build quality is reassuring.

Rivals of Toyota Hyryder V AWD AT

The Toyota Hyryder V AWD AT competes in a fiercely contested segment. Its primary rivals include:

• Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara (its platform twin, offering similar features)
• Hyundai Creta (a segment leader, known for features and design)
• Kia Seltos (stylish, feature-rich, and strong performance options)
• Skoda Kushaq
• Volkswagen Taigun
• MG Astor

Among these, the Hyryder stands out with its optional AWD system and Toyota's renowned reliability.

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Here's a balanced look at what makes the Toyota Hyryder V AWD AT a compelling choice, and areas where it could be better:

Pros

• AWD Capability: The biggest differentiator. It offers enhanced traction and confidence on challenging roads, making it suitable for light off-roading or slippery conditions.
• Fuel Efficiency: The mild-hybrid system ensures decent fuel economy for an automatic AWD SUV.
• Toyota Reliability & After-Sales: Known for their bulletproof reliability and excellent service network, which means peace of mind for owners.
• Feature-Rich: Top-tier features like panoramic sunroof, 360-degree camera, ventilated seats, and HUD add to the premium experience.
• Spacious & Comfortable Cabin: Good space for five adults and a comfortable ride quality.
• High Ground Clearance: 210 mm is ideal for Indian road conditions.
• Refined Powertrain: The 1.5L engine and 6-speed AT offer a smooth and comfortable driving experience.

Cons

• Mild-Hybrid Performance: While refined, the 1.5L mild-hybrid engine doesn't offer the outright punch or spirited performance of some turbo-petrol rivals.
• Boot Space (AWD): The 355-litre boot space, though adequate, is slightly smaller than some competitors due to the AWD components.
• Price: Being a Toyota and offering AWD, it can be on the higher side of the segment, potentially impacting budget-conscious buyers.
• No Diesel Option: For those who prefer diesel for long highway drives, there's no option available.

Conclusion

The Toyota Hyryder V AWD AT emerges as a highly sensible and appealing choice for Indian car buyers looking for a versatile compact SUV. It blends Toyota's legendary reliability with modern features, a comfortable and spacious cabin, and the unique advantage of an All-Wheel Drive system in its segment. If your priorities include robust build quality, decent fuel efficiency, a feature-loaded interior, and the added confidence of AWD for occasional adventures or tricky road conditions, all backed by Toyota's excellent service, then the Hyryder V AWD AT should definitely be on your shortlist. It's a car that promises to be a reliable and enjoyable companion for years to come. Do visit your nearest Toyota dealership for a test drive and experience it yourself!