Under the hood, the Hyryder is powered by a 1.5L TNGA petrol engine that works in tandem with an electric motor. Together, they deliver a combined output of approximately 91 bhp at 5,500 rpm and a consistent 122 Nm of torque over a broad range. Paired with an e-CVT transmission, the power delivery is extremely smooth—a characteristic I truly appreciated during my drives in both heavy city traffic and on open highways.

On my first city drive, the hybrid system impressed me with its seamless transitions. The car moves effortlessly from a stop, thanks to a gentle push from the electric motor that makes navigating through congested streets very rapid and effortless. While it’s clear that the Hyryder isn’t built for heart-racing acceleration, it more than makes up for it with its calm and efficient performance. Toyota claims a mileage of 27.97 kmpl, and while I observed slightly lower figures at around 26 kmpl, it is still impressive.

During highway driving, the transitions between electric assist and petrol power are almost imperceptible, thanks to the Hyryder’s e-CVT’s refined shifting. This minor lag reminds you that the Hyryder is engineered more for steady, reliable performance than for sporty thrills, especially when the battery is drained. The hybrid system’s regenerative braking further enhances overall efficiency by recovering energy during deceleration. In EV-only mode, I managed about 1.3 km before the petrol engine kicked in.

Stepping into the cabin of the Urban Cruiser Hyryder felt like entering a modern, well-thought-out space designed for both comfort and practicality.

I was immediately impressed by the spacious layout that, despite the compact exterior dimensions, manages to provide ample legroom and okay-ish headroom for all five occupants. The seats are well-cushioned and supportive—qualities that really made a difference during longer journeys.

The dashboard design is both functional and contemporary. Dominating the center is a large touchscreen infotainment system equipped with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay via a wireless connection. I found the touchscreen responsive and the interface intuitive, which is a major plus when you need to access information quickly without taking your eyes off the road. The plastic quality on the buttons and AC vents feels a bit flimsy for a ₹22 lakh car. The HUD is a gimmick and makes me laugh—what’s the point of it when you have to look down anyway?

The instrument cluster features a digital display that provides key information—speed, fuel economy, and range—in a clean, easily digestible format. This modern digital readout is not just stylish but also highly informative, keeping me well aware of the car’s performance metrics during my drives.

The driver and front passenger seats lack electric adjustment but offer decent support and comfort even on longer drives. I took it to Murthal twice, and the rear seats, although comfortable for shorter trips, show their limitations when it comes to extended journeys for taller passengers. Our cameraman Karan constantly complained about lower back problems, even though he is just 5 feet 2 inches tall. The rear headroom is also compromised for anyone who is 6 feet or above.

The boot space is limited due to the additional space taken up by the hybrid components, so you will need to plan cargo accordingly. Other niceties include ventilated seats, a sunroof, and a 6-speaker sound system.

The first impression of the Hyryder Hybrid V is its Harrier-like front fascia and slim, clean grille devoid of any unnecessary vents and holes. It manages to look both stylish and purposeful, paired with sharp LED projector headlamps and DRLs.

The machine-finished 16-inch wheels look a bit dull, to be honest. They should have at least been glossy black. At the rear, sleek LED taillamps wrap around the tailgate, creating a cohesive look that ties the design together seamlessly. The ground clearance of 210 mm is just enough to handle rough urban roads while ensuring stability during spirited drives.

Safety is a crucial aspect of any family-oriented vehicle, and the Urban Cruiser Hyryder Hybrid V is no exception. The SUV comes equipped with a host of safety features, including six airbags, ABS with EBD, and rear parking sensors. Additional features like seat belt reminders, an engine immobilizer, and door ajar warnings enhance the overall safety package, ensuring that every drive feels secure. While the vehicle hasn’t yet undergone a full global safety evaluation, Toyota’s reputation for robust build quality gives me confidence in its ability to protect occupants in various scenarios.

In the compact SUV segment, the Urban Cruiser Hyryder Hybrid V faces stiff competition from models like the Grand Vitara Hybrid CVT.

After spending considerable time with the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder Hybrid V, I can confidently say it’s a well-rounded compact SUV that delivers on its promise of efficiency. However, you will have to make do with annoying bits like a useless wireless charger, lack of electrically adjustable seats, and low boot space.