Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder 1.5 AWD — Road Test Review

The Hyryder AWD comes with a mild hybrid 1.5l engine and you can get it with only a manual gearbox. The AWD is not available with an automatic which might limit its appeal.

Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder 1.5 AWD

New Delhi: The Hyryder as our first-drive review pointed out is a capable SUV and also its hybrid powertrain stood out as the main highlight. However, our first experience with the Hyryder was with the hybrid only and since then we spent a few days with the 1.5 AWD manual version to see how good this version is. Along with the hybrid, the addition of an AWD system is something new to the segment and did pique our interest. AWD also will mean that it appeals to a new segment of buyers who want a degree of off-roading with their compact SUVs. The Hyryder AWD comes with a mild hybrid 1.5l engine and you can get it with only a manual gearbox. The AWD is not available with an automatic which might limit its appeal but for now, let us see more about the driving experience.

The engine while not being turbocharged is refined and is excellent in the city with a smooth power delivery further helped by the light clutch as well as the light throws with the 5-speed gearbox. In the city, the engine feels good enough and feels sprightly. The relatively compact dimensions and the good visibility are also noted here. This engine is not very quick though and does take time but that's more apparent on the highways as in the city due to the gearing, you generally won't find anything to complain about.

Out on the highway, the driving experience feels top-tier in terms of the ride and handling with good high-speed stability and confidence-inspiring steering. It is not the most fun but comes across tougher and more stable. The 1.5l NA engine feels down on power here but it will cruise well, even if feeling a bit strained. On the highway, the other good factor about this engine also showed up and that is the efficiency which hovers around 12-14 kmpl and that's very good. The hybrid version is obviously a lot more efficient.

The real reason for the AWD to shine is when you get into the rough stuff. Now the Hyryder AWD is not a proper 4x4 low-range or anything but instead, it is an on-demand all-wheel-drive system which sends power when needed. You can toggle the settings with an electronically controlled all-wheel drive system. There is Snow, Sport, Lock and Auto. Most of the time it is FWD but it sends power to the rear wheels when it is slipping you can lock it or use the 'Sport' mode for a better drive where power is sent at the rear for better traction. If driving on low traction surfaces, the Snow mode is also there.

The system is neat and adds a new layer of ruggedness in taking it to hilly places or where you will find low traction surfaces- for that this is very important and helpful.

The Hyryder AWD is significantly more expensive than the other FWD versions and makes sense to buy if you are travelling more and driving on hilly surfaces or low traction surfaces. Hence, if you do a bit of off-roading but do not require a full-time 4x4, the AWD Hyryder makes for a good buy right now while it is indeed a niche.