Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder V

Buying a new car is a big decision, especially in India where so many factors come into play. You think about your budget, how safe the car is for your family, what monthly maintenance costs will be like, if it has all the latest features, and of course, how good the company service is. It's a lot to consider! But what if there was an SUV that ticked most, if not all, these boxes? Well, get ready, because today we are taking a deep dive into one such promising contender: the new Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder V.

This is not just another compact SUV. The Hyryder V is the top-of-the-line strong hybrid variant, promising impressive fuel efficiency, a host of features, and the legendary reliability that Toyota is known for. So, let’s find out if this Hyryder V is the right fit for your driveway.

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

The heart of the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder V is its advanced strong hybrid powertrain. It’s a clever system that blends petrol power with electric efficiency.

• Engine Type: 1.5-litre TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) Atkinson Cycle petrol engine (M15A-FXE)
• Engine Power: 92 PS (at 5500 rpm)
• Engine Torque: 122 Nm (at 4400-4800 rpm)
• Electric Motor Power: 80 PS
• Electric Motor Torque: 141 Nm
• Combined System Output: 116 PS
• Transmission: e-CVT (Electronically Controlled Continuously Variable Transmission)
• Fuel Efficiency: Boasting an ARAI-certified mileage of over 27 kmpl, this is one of the most fuel-efficient SUVs in India.

Design Overview

Exterior Design

The Hyryder V has a confident and modern SUV presence. It gets a distinctive front fascia with sleek twin LED DRLs (Daytime Running Lights) that flow into the chrome-heavy grille. The main LED headlamps are placed lower down on the bumper, giving it a unique look.

• Stylish 17-inch alloy wheels
• Body cladding all around for that rugged SUV appeal
• Available in dual-tone colour options for a premium finish
• Sharp character lines along the side and a chunky rear bumper with C-shaped LED tail lamps complete the modern look.

Interior Design

Step inside the Hyryder V and you are greeted by a dual-tone cabin that feels premium and spacious.

• Black and brown interior theme
• Soft-touch materials on the dashboard and door pads (on specific areas)
• Well-laid-out dashboard with easy-to-reach controls
• Comfortable seating for five adults, with good under-thigh support
• Tilt and telescopic steering adjustment for finding the perfect driving position

Key Features

Being the top-end "V" variant, the Hyryder strong hybrid comes loaded with features to enhance your driving experience and comfort.

• 9-inch SmartPlay Pro+ Infotainment System
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Connected Car Technology (Suzuki Connect/Toyota i-Connect) with remote functions
• Large Panoramic Sunroof
• 360-degree Surround View Camera
• Wireless Smartphone Charging
• Automatic Climate Control
• Head-Up Display (HUD)
• Ventilated Front Seats
• Cruise Control
• Push Start/Stop Button
• Rear AC Vents

What is the Ground Clearance of Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder V?

The Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder offers a healthy 210 mm of ground clearance, which is excellent for tackling Indian road conditions and mild off-roading.

What is the Boot Space of Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder V?

Due to the placement of the battery pack for the strong hybrid system, the Hyryder V (strong hybrid) has a boot space of 255 litres. While sufficient for daily needs, it is slightly less than some rivals.

What is the Dimensions of Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder V?

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

Powertrain Options

While the "V" variant focuses on the Strong Hybrid, it's good to know the Hyryder also offers another powertrain option:

1. Strong Hybrid (Self-Charging): The 1.5L TNGA engine with e-CVT, offering incredible fuel efficiency. This is what the Hyryder V features.
2. Mild Hybrid: A 1.5L K-series petrol engine with Integrated Starter Generator (ISG), available with both 5-speed manual and 6-speed automatic transmission options. It also comes with an optional All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with the manual gearbox.

Safety Features

Toyota has equipped the Hyryder V with a comprehensive suite of safety features to keep you and your passengers protected.

• 6 Airbags (standard on V variant)
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
• Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
• Hill Hold Control
• Hill Descent Control (AWD variants only, but relevant to Hyryder range)
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
• ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts
• Reverse Parking Sensors
• Rear View Camera (apart from 360-degree camera)
• All Wheel Disc Brakes

NCAP Rating Table

Safety is a paramount concern, and the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder has demonstrated good crashworthiness.

Note: The Global NCAP rating was applicable to the similar Grand Vitara/Hyryder platform. The Bharat NCAP 5-star rating was recently awarded (January 2024), making it one of the safest SUVs in its segment.

Rivals of Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder V

The mid-size SUV segment in India is highly competitive. The Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder V faces stiff competition from several popular models:

• Hyundai Creta
• Kia Seltos
• Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara (its platform twin)
• Skoda Kushaq
• Volkswagen Taigun
• Honda Elevate
• MG Astor

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Let’s break down the advantages and disadvantages of the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder V to help you make an informed decision.

Advantages (Pros)

• Exceptional Fuel Efficiency: The biggest highlight is its class-leading mileage, making it very economical to run.
• Refined and Quiet Ride: The strong hybrid system offers a very smooth and silent driving experience, especially in city traffic where it frequently runs on electric power.
• Feature-Rich Cabin: Comes loaded with premium features like a panoramic sunroof, ventilated seats, and connected car tech.
• Toyota Reliability and Service: Backed by Toyota’s renowned reputation for reliability and a widespread service network.
• Good Ground Clearance: Handles rough roads and speed breakers with ease.
• Strong Safety Package: High NCAP ratings and a comprehensive list of safety features provide peace of mind.

Disadvantages (Cons)

• Limited Boot Space: The 255-litre boot is on the smaller side for the segment, especially for long trips with a full family.
• Performance is Adequate, Not Enthusiastic: While refined, the strong hybrid powertrain is focused on efficiency, not outright performance. It might feel a bit underpowered for spirited driving.
• Premium Pricing: The strong hybrid technology adds to the cost, making it one of the more expensive options in its segment.
• Interior Plastics: While premium in some areas, some hard plastics are noticeable in certain parts of the cabin.
• No AWD for Strong Hybrid: Unlike the mild hybrid, the strong hybrid variant does not offer All-Wheel Drive.

Conclusion

The Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder V emerges as a highly compelling option for Indian car buyers who prioritize fuel efficiency, refined city driving, and a feature-packed cabin, all wrapped in a reliable Toyota package. It stands out with its strong hybrid technology, offering significant savings on fuel bills in the long run.

While the boot space might be a point of consideration for some, and the performance won't set your pulse racing, the Hyryder V excels as a practical, comfortable, and safe family SUV. If your daily commute involves a lot of city driving, and you value a quiet, smooth ride along with modern amenities and peace of mind from Toyota’s service, then the Hyryder V deserves a serious look. It truly redefines what a "city SUV" can be, offering a perfect blend of sustainability and style for the evolving Indian automotive landscape. Go take a test drive and experience it for yourself!