Does Toyota Hyryder Strong Hybrid Make More Sense Over Mild Hybrid — Efficiency Review In Pics

Fuel efficiency matters and even more so with high prices pinching car buyers' wallets. In the SUV space currently, it is the Toyota Hyryder Hybrid that scores with a stellar efficiency of 27.97 kmpl.

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For efficiency, there is nothing better than a strong hybrid but that also brings in more cost so the question is whether the Hyryder strong hybrid makes more sense over the mild Hybrid and whether a strong hybrid really is that efficient.

To answer those questions we drove the Hyryder hybrid for a long time and in the matter of a few weeks got to know how this technology really works. Strong hybrids bring you the best bit of an EV but without the charging bit required. In the case of the Hyryder hybrid the combined power output is roughly 114 bhp and standard is an eCVT. Importantly the car runs on electric mode most of the time depending on the throttle that you give and that separates a strong with a mild hybrid.

Depending on the battery charge, you start off in EV mode and that gives it an advantage in cruising in absolute silence when compared to a mild hybrid which does not get a standalone EV mode. If you are gentle on the throttle, most of the time you will 'EV mode' flashing on the instrument cluster although from time to time the engine does come in. The change from electric to petrol is seamless and smooth although you are aware of this. That said, for city use, this is a brilliant powertrain as it is smooth like an EV most of the time and it is very relaxing to drive. The key to the Hyryder hybrid is maintaining a light throttle and not getting too aggressive. If you put your foot down the petrol engine is audible and it does not have the grunt of a turbo unit while driving it in a relaxed manner and you will be surprised with how smooth the driving experience is. Also, the EV is not limited to speed as it will also come in when cruising at steady throttle at high speeds.

The best bit? Of course the efficiency. That is what you pay for and on a trip to Agra, the Hyryder Hybrid got us 24kmpl when mostly driving it in eco mode while in the city we got 19kmpl! We drove it in eco mode most of the time and it suits the car while the efficiency is also brilliant. When driven hard, the efficiency will max drop down to 15-16 kmpl but way more than any other petrol SUV.

On the Agra trip, the high speed stability was very good and it is very relaxing to drive while also top marks for the ride comfort which is top-notch. It absorbs our bad roads and also feels tough which is a highlight. On the other hand, the suspension is soft and the steering feedback isn't sporty but that is not what this car is about.

While the hybrid is down on boot space when compared to the mild one, there is still plenty of it and removing the parcel tray also brings in more. The interior is also a pleasing space to be with pretty good quality levels. We like the heads-up display, the 360 degree camera which is helpful and the cooled seats which proved to be a blessing in disguise considering our summers. The Hyryder hybrid is pretty well equipped although a powered drivers seat could have been offered. That said, it also gets a massive panoramic sunroof which is a 'must-have' feature but a clear issue is the sunroof cover being too light and it brings in a lot of heat into the cabin during summers. The AC works well which is a saviour though. We also noticed that the doors sometimes need to be closed much harder and they don't close at first.

The hybrid range starts from just under Rs 17 lakh while the top-end is around 19.99 lakh. Hence, the Hybrid is much more expensive when compared to the mild hybrid one but in our opinion, the difference is worth it because of the hybrid powertrain as it is smooth and the efficiency. If your running is high, this variant makes more sense especially with diesel losing favour and how you get the benefits of an EV along with a conventional petrol car. Hence, if you drive a lot and need comfort/ease of use and efficiency, then the Hybrid Hyryder it is. What we like - Efficiency, hybrid powertrain, ride comfort, features, looks. What we do not - sunroof cover is too thin, no powered driver seat. (All Photos: Somnath Chatterjee)