The Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder is one of the most modern-looking cars from the Toyota stable. Yes, it is based on the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and this is quite visible especially when one looks at the SUV from the side profile. However, the Hyryder has its own design and styling that sets it apart. For example, the grille up front with the chrome strips that connect to the LED DRLs look fantastic. The LED headlamps get chrome surrounds and are located in the bumper. The lower bit of the bumper is finished in a matte grey and this makes the front end look great. When viewed from the side profile, the dual-tone, diamond-cut alloy wheels are sure to grab your attention. They have a unique pattern and look very stylish indeed. You also get a dual-tone finish on the side profile where the pillars and the roof are blacked out. The rear is where the Toyota Hyryder looks the most stylish. The sleek LED tail lamps, along with the chrome trim and the chunky bumper contours make the SUV stand out in a crowd. Inside the SUV is a classy brown and black interior trim with one of the largest panoramic sunroofs in the segment. 

The Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder is based on the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and as a result, the same engine and drivetrain options are available. The Neodrive variants are all powered by a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder, mild-hybrid engine. It puts out 101.6bhp at 6,000rpm and 136.8Nm at 4,400rpm. An Integrated Starter-Generator provides an increased drive assistance to the engine when needed. The top-spec Neodrive variant is also available with AWD. The hybrid variants though are powered by a proper pure-hybrid system. This includes a 1.5-litre Atkinson cycle petrol engine that produces 91.1bhp and 122Nm combined with an AC Synchronous motor. Together, it is capable of producing up to 141Nm of torque. It is also capable of functioning in electric mode only. The pure hybrid is only available in 2WD.

The very fact that the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder is available in two types of hybrids goes to show that it is one of the most efficient SUVs in the segment. The mild hybrid variant boasts a fuel efficiency of 20.58km/l while the pure hybrid variant takes it a notch up with a fuel efficiency figure of 27.97km/l.

The Urban Cruiser Hyryder is one of the most technologically advanced vehicles that Toyota has launched in the Indian market. In addition to the fact that it is available with a pure-hybrid system, the Hyryder is available with lots of new features. This includes a full connectivity suite that allows you to control the air-conditioning and ignition through your mobile phone. In addition, you also get voice control, smartwatch connectivity, switchable drive modes, smartphone wireless charger, ventilated seats, head-up display, touchscreen infotainment, etc.

Toyota is well-known for its pure hybrid vehicles. In India though, the brand’s pure hybrid cars were pretty expensive and therefore out of reach for most buyers. In addition, India is an SUV-loving country. Now, with the arrival of the Toyota Hyryder, we have the option to choose a proper hybrid powertrain or even a mild-hybrid powertrain, in an SUV. The Hyryder will surely be the bestselling hybrid vehicle from the Toyota portfolio.