Are you tired of visiting the petrol pump every week? If you are looking for a new SUV, the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder has likely popped up on your radar. It promises the fuel efficiency of a small bike in a mid-size SUV body.
But is it all good news, or are there hidden flaws you should know about? From real-world mileage to the massive April 2025 updates, here is the complete reality check before you book one.
1. The Headline Act: Unbeatable Mileage
Let’s start with why this car is famous. The Strong Hybrid variant claims a staggering 27.97 km/l.
Does it deliver in the real world? Yes. In real-world tests, the Strong Hybrid achieved around 20.28 km/l in the city and nearly 23 km/l on the highway. Because the car runs on EV mode for 50–60% of city driving, your fuel bills plummet.
- The Mild Hybrid Reality: If you opt for the cheaper mild-hybrid (NeoDrive) version, expect around 10.8 km/l in the city and 15.6 km/l on the highway. It’s decent, but the Strong Hybrid is the real efficiency king.
2. The Drive: Smooth Operator or Noisy neighbour?
- City Slicker: In traffic, the hybrid feels silent and responsive, just like an EV. The suspension is tuned perfectly for Indian roads—it handles potholes well without feeling too soft.
- The Noise Issue: However, owners have noted that when you push the accelerator hard, the 3-cylinder engine can sound unrefined and “diesel-like” inside the cabin. You might also hear some road noise and motor whine.
3. The “Weak Points” (And Did Toyota Fix Them?)
Early owners pointed out some specific annoyances. It is important to know these “weak points” reported by users:
- Plastic Quality: Some owners felt the interior plastics, door handles, and switches were borrowed from cheaper cars, which didn’t feel premium enough for a ₹20 lakh+ car.
- Tight Space: The headroom at the back can be tight due to the sloping roofline and battery placement, and boot space in the Hybrid is compromised.
- Sunroof Heat: The panoramic sunroof is great, but early users complained the glass let in too much heat, forcing the AC to work overtime.
4. BIG NEWS: The April 2025 Update Changed the Game
If you were worried about missing features, Toyota just dropped a massive update on April 07, 2025. They listened to the feedback!
Here is what’s new in the 2025 Hyryder:
- Safety First: 6 Airbags are now standard across all variants.
- AWD Automatic: Previously, the All-Wheel Drive (AWD) was only manual. Now, the AWD variant gets a 6-speed Automatic Transmission, making off-roading easier.
- Luxury Features: The new models get ventilated seats (driver and co-driver), a TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System) in more variants, and an 8-way power-adjustable driver seat.
- Convenience: They added Rear Door Sunshades (great for sunny days) and fast USB Type-C charging ports.
5. Is it Heavy on the Pocket? (Service Costs)
This is where Toyota shines. The maintenance is surprisingly cheap.
- Mild Hybrid: Average service cost is roughly ₹442 per month for the first 5 years.
- Strong Hybrid: It is slightly higher but still affordable at roughly ₹451 per month for the first 5 years.
- Warranty: You get a standard warranty of 3 years/1,00,000 km, and the hybrid battery is covered for 8 years/1,60,000 km.
Verdict: Should You Buy It?
Buy the Hyryder if:
- You want to slash your fuel bills by half (Strong Hybrid).
- You want a reliable car with low maintenance costs.
- You want AWD but hate changing gears (thanks to the new 2025 Auto AWD).
Look elsewhere if:
- You want a “punchy” turbocharged performance car; the Hyryder is built for comfort and efficiency, not racing.
- You need massive boot space for 5 people’s luggage.
Expert Tip: If your daily running is low (under 8,000 km/year), the Mild Hybrid might make more financial sense upfront, but for the true “Toyota experience,” the Strong Hybrid is the one that changes the game.
Dhanush, an automobile expert with over 5 years of experience in the latest auto news and updates. Your go-to source for every development in the world of cars and bikes
Dhanush, an automobile expert with over 5 years of experience in the latest auto news and updates. Your go-to source for every development in the world of cars and bikes