Toyota Urban Cruiser

A huge plus point is its fuel efficiency, reducing your overall upkeep cost in the long run. It comfortably offered a mileage of 22 kmpl in the city to our team, delivering a driving range of approximately 800 kilometres on a full tank. Even with a heavy foot, the fuel efficiency will seldom drop below 17.9 kmpl, which is quite impressive for an SUV. In cities, drivers prefer shutting off the engine and running the car on battery and motor to extract more power.

Read: Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder: 10,000 km Long-Term Review

When talking about the design language, three things come to mind. Simple, sharp, and likeable. It is inspired by Japanese builds, focusing on instant recognition and not anything loud or overpowering.
Core design principles we observed include

• Upright proportions for commanding visibility
• Flat panels that reinforce structural strength
• Minimal surface clutter for a clean aesthetic
• Practical detailing over decorative trim

While reviewing the exterior elements, what we observed was that the brand chose functionality over aesthetics. The longevity makes up for any lack of drama.
Observed exterior characteristics include

• LED headlamps with a strong spread
• Crystal acrylic upper grille and a wide honeycomb lower grille
• Dual-tone finish on the side stance
• Split LED tail lamps at the rear

"For a mid-size SUV, the Hyryder is very agile and compact, giving the feeling of driving a sedan on high heels," notes Janak Sorap.

While testing, it felt like the car had been thoughtfully put together in terms of interior space. The designers focused on deriving the best benefits out of hybrid technology to make your experience superior and efficient.

Seating and Ergonomics

The front seats are height-adjustable for the driver's and passenger's convenience. You can enjoy a 60/40 split in the rear for a comfortable posture.

Materials and Quality

The dark dashboard with a brushed silver interior and soft-touch materials adds to the premium feel. There is a substantial use of leatherette on the dashboard, seats, steering wheel, door pad, and central armrest.

The standard tech features include ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, powered windows, and front and rear central armrests.
Key Technology Highlights include

• Wireless smartphone connectivity
• Head-up display
• 360-degree camera
• Automatic climate control
• Nine-inch infotainment touchscreen on higher variants

"There is no better car than the Toyota Hyryder, as it checks all the boxes of an efficient car," states Janak Sorap.

The base model comes equipped with standard safety features.

• Adjustable front seat belts
• ABS with EBD
• Six Airbags
• Rear parking sensors with a camera
• ISOFIX mounts
• Tyre pressure monitoring system
• Hill-hold control
• Vehicle stability control

Its higher variants have additional features like hill descent control, an auto-dimming IRVM, and a 360-degree surround camera. It does not feature ADAS in any of the models. This model has not yet been rated by Global or Bharat NCAP.

Talking about efficiency, we observed during our trip that the boot space is limited.

The reason is simple. The hybrid battery pack takes up the space, but it feels like a fair trade-off due to other advantages. Although the rear seat split is 60/40, you will not get a flat floor after folding them down.

It is one of the most comfortable and easy-to-handle rides in the SUV segment. During our test drive, we found that the suspension is quite firm, so you can easily navigate through bumpy and rough roads. The steering wheel is so smooth that you will not feel fatigue even after covering a long distance.
When driving on highways, the suspension maintains stability, ensuring that you do not lose control at high speeds or while overtaking. In cities, the steering may feel a bit on the heavier side, but crossing narrow passages is still convenient.
"While EVs need plugging to reach destinations, this hybrid just needs a plan. You switch between power sources, not your habits," adds Janak Sorap.

The price range in India reflects its status as a high-intent purchase.