23rd May 2025, 23:03
| #1 |
| BHPian Join Date: Jun 2019 Location: Bangalore
Posts: 127
Thanked: 271 Times
| My Toyota Hyryder G Hybrid Review As someone who moved from a practical yet engaging Maruti S-Cross petrol AT, this transition to the Hyryder Hybrid was guided more by logic than emotion. I was looking for a comfortable, efficient automatic that could easily handle city commutes and long highway drives while being reliable, affordable to run, and somewhat future-ready in the age of rising fuel costs. This is also complemented by a fun-to-drive character, thanks to a sorted chassis and a reliable engine, with short electric boosts and underpinnings from the Global C Platform that can handle anything thrown at it. The result: A Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder Hybrid G-AT, in the Dual Tone Sportin Red & Black, purchased in October 2024 from Nandi Toyota, Kanakpura Road, now crossing 15,600 km.  Why the Hyryder? What I was looking for: -Automatic transmission - Preferably a CVT or Torque convertor over DSGs with probable reliability issues in future. (Though I know many who have no issues with DSGs over the last 5-7 years). -High fuel efficiency. An absolute must considering distances clocked can vary between (1500-3000kms) a month. The car has now touched 15000 kms in about 6 months. -Reasonably spacious for 4 adults and luggage. Boot space is a sore point, however, manageable for two plus our pet on road trips. -Long-term reliability - Ideally the Japs. Toyota, Suzuki or Honda. This time, the Toyota won, over my long-standing ownership with Suzuki since 2012. Honda Elevate came close, but not having a USP did not help much. -Peace of mind on running costs : Generally associated with most Japanese cars. Suzuki has been excellent over the last decade. -Decent ride quality over varied surfaces. The Global C platform is brilliant and the SCross was one fantastic handler. This car has all that handling DNA sorted close enough, but slightly short of the Cross, which has a lower GC with a better planted feel. -A well-balanced family car with hybrid tech. Shortlisted Options: Honda Elevate CVT: Loved it, booked it, and almost went for delivery before the last long test drive that made me question the NVH levels. The engine is superb, but noisy at high revs and has constant wind-cutting noise at speeds above 80kph. I still ogle at the Elevate on road, especially the ones in Obsidian Blue and Dark brown. Grand Vitara Hybrid: Identical to the Hyryder, but somehow lacked the premium feel thanks to the all black interior with champagne trims. The toyotas mocha brown and black feel much more plush, though the materials used in the cabin are the same! Presentation is key and the GV did not feel like a step above the SCross although this is literally the same car with advancement in technology. For some strange reason, the Hybrid system in the Grand Vitara felt noisier than the Hyryder. Taigun/Kushaq 1.0 AT: Fun to drive, but turbo lag and FE wasn't great. Plus, the 3 pot motor just did not feel refined. Briefly toyed with the 1.5 DSG, an absolutely thrilling drive experience let down by a boomy engine note and dull interiors. This was also on the cards but pricing was simply out of budget for the top-of-the-line variants. Hyundai Creta IVT: Comfortable and feature-rich, but no hybrid and was boring to drive. Good car, but not for me. The DCT 1.5 was disappointing at the low end with the gearbox constantly nudging between gears at crawling speeds. Good at higher gears but wasn't impressed with the driveability. Why Hyryder Won: -Full-hybrid drivetrain with self-charging tech. There is no range anxiety associated with EVs, although newer EVs can give range a run for their money! -Claimed 27+ km/l FE (real world ~20–23 km/l is consistently achievable!). There are scenarios where I have touched 30kmpl as well. Its all dependent on the driving style. -8-year/160,000 km warranty on the battery -Silent, smooth city driving in EV mode, though gruffy and noisy in petrol mode. More on that later! -Toyota reliability. The brand is reputed for reliability although dealership level of service is extremely questionable and can be a hit or miss. Interiors, features and cabin experience. The Dual-tone dash is functional and well laid out. All the controls are ergonomically accessible and the cabin is all about functionality. The quality of plastics aren't exactly what you call soft, but seem durable and well put together. The soft padded leather trims in Mocha brown add to a sense of premiumness. However lower down the dashboard, the plastics are quite scruffy but not exactly bothersome. The S-cross does feel slightly better built in terms of interior plastics and hasn’t rattled in the last 50000 kms over the last 3 years.  Relatively plush cabin with certain shortcomings. Where this cabin falls short is the rattling experience. For a car north of two million INR, this is quite disappointing. The first rattling issue was reported in just 1000 kms as I do a lot of drives on rough roads in rural sites for work. The center screen creaks to glory when driven on rough roads and Viva Toyota has added damped foam in the console and door pad trims. The rattling effect has come down, but once in a while it throws a tantrum, albeit much more muted! The center console could have definitely fared better as it shares components from the cheaper Baleno and Fronx. The 9” touch screen pops out of the dash and not flushed like the SCross and this reduces the vertical line of vision between the screen and IRVM and takes some getting used to. The climate controls are however brilliantly damped and it’s a pleasure toggling the switches. The MID is hybrid-focused — real-time power flow, EV usage stats, Mileage and other details are well laid out. The resolution is of high quality and readability is exremely clear. TPMS is missed out, available only on the V variant but is displayed in Kpa and not PSI.  Well defined MID with some unbelievable figures! More on that later. The infotainment is good but nothing great. When you compare them to the slickness of the Hyundai-Kia or even the Skoda VW, the interface leaves a lot to be desired and can seem slightly outdated. It is very functional and good to use especially with wireless apple carplay which has been a seamless experience so far. However for android auto, I have come across many complaints of random disconnections. The resolution is good, though the reverse camera could be way better for the price you pay. I still rely on my old school instincts of the IRVM and ORVM and thus a lack of 360 camera doesn’t really bother me. There is no ADAS and I love it that way. The camera based adas on the Elevate gave me a couple of heart in the mouth moments with the CMBS cutting in at traffic crawls creating a potential rear end situation and having to reset the settings to disable it each time you start the car can be a pain. The seats are comfortable for long drives and well bolstered. The bolstering is fantastic and hugs you snug, giving one the feel of a well-bucketed car seat. For broader users, this can feel slightly tight and under thigh support could be better by half an inch. That said I have no complaints per se with the seats though lumbar adjustable supports would have made the experience better. That said, these are some of the best seats I've experienced compared to others in the segment and even those above. The seat controls are manual and I prefer it this way. Newer models come with electric adjust and fabric seats with ventilation and the latter would have sealed it for me. Rear seat has good legroom & recline angle — a strong point, though headroom for taller passengers can be limiting. Within a height of 6’, space is manageable but for those taller, please take a test drive with the backseat experience to take a call. The panoramic sunroof does eat a couple of inches into the headroom and this was much better in the S Cross without the sunroof. Sunroof: A Neutral experience. The panoramic sunroof is awesome on the hills, especially on an early morning drive and on starry nights. The sunroof with the curtain-like sunshade is a real spoilsport during summers. While the AC is powerful, having your body in the cold and your head baking isn’t exactly a great experience. Currently evaluating the 3M CR series for the sunroof. The newer updated version comes with a blocked-out net for the sunroof and this makes a world of a difference as it blocks out sunlight. There is no option for existing owners to change the sunshade at present. Boot space: Slightly compromised due to battery, but still usable for road trips if you can space plan smartly. Audio System: Average. Gets the job done, but don’t expect much. The sound clarity is good but lacks depth with bass. I’m not exactly an audiophile, although I do appreciate a good sound system and this by all means isn’t exactly what I’d like. Neither were the so called Bose of Kia’s good, they were as average as this sound system is. The TATAs harman Kardon setups are leagues apart. The door pads need damping to prevent internal panel vibrations while playing music at higher decibels. Missing features in G Variant: No ventilated seats - The new 2025 G versions apparently get them with fabric seats and man this is something I would die for! G was chosen mainly for its fabric seats. For our tropical summers, fabric seats fare far better compared to OEM art leather. The V variant's leather seats felt slippery and not exactly comfortable to me. The fabric seats felt firmer too, but this is from my point of view only. No 360° camera - Not a deal breaker. Also, the 360 cam on the V variants has terrible resolution. Not worth the additional moolah IMO. No leather upholstery - Again, not a dealbreaker as mentioned above. For these missed-out features, the top variants come at a premium delta of 1.8 Lakhs, which doesn't justify the price. Further, a sweeter discount on the MRP by 1.5 Lakhs for the G Variant came shockingly closer to the price of the S variant and sealed the deal! Booking & Delivery Experience PDI Experience : All good, and Nandi Toyota had the car transported by flatbed to the dealership yard from Bidadi. The car was fresh for viewing and had 5 km on the Odo. Did a thorough check with the PDI checklist, and everything was good to go. The car was delivered at 6kms on the Odo.  A gorgeous and clean-looking unit! An absoluter stunner! Booked at Nandi Toyota, Kanakpura Road. For this segment and pricing, the delivery experience was pretty sub-par. The experience was rushed and there were too many deliveries ongoing at the same time. Credit to the staff though, for doing their part, but they were simply understaffed for the day.Suzuki NEXA dealership delivery experience was miles ahead! Experience: Good sales team and staff but sub-par delivery experience.. Delivery was rushed and underwhelming — no excitement, no thorough explanation of features, although I was aware of most of them, and all I did was drive out the very moment I got my keys! Credit to Nandi Toyota for 7 Test drives over a span of 100kms during the finalization process.   First fill at Shell Kanakpura road. Gobbled up 44L of fuel. Service Timeline and Experience 1000 Kms - The first 1000kms came up within a week. Since delivery, the car has been seeing a lot of highway runs. The purpose of buying this car was the requirement for a workhorse and it stays true to its purpose. Minor rattling issues at the front left door pad and center console were reported apart from a general checkup. No outcome or response from Nandi Toyota. The dealership is an ocean in size and service staff keep constantly scurrying with an overload of vehicles for service. Left at it and moved on. 5000 Kms Came up within 60 days of ownership. The same rattling issues were reported again—now even more pronounced—yet there was no resolution or acknowledgment. I was willing to leave the car with them for a couple of days to address it, but they brushed it off with a vague promise to 'fix it at the 10,000 km service,' which felt completely hollow. While the overall check-up was satisfactory, their so-called '60-minute express service' stretched to over 300 minutes. They have some genuinely skilled technicians, but they're clearly being let down by poor management. The experience was further marred when they couldn’t even locate my car after the job was supposedly completed. And the icing on the cake? They wiped the car with a dry cloth—despite clear, written instructions on the job card not to clean it—leaving behind fresh swirls and blemishes. A lot left to be desired. Service Experience : 5/10 10000 Kms Came up within 120 days. Disappointed with Nandi Toyota service, I needed a switch over. A close friend with the same car recommended Viva Magna on Mysore Road - an absolutely refreshing experience. The Service manager Mr. Chandrashekhar and his team were very invested and looked into my complaints of rattling from the central console. The same was resolved with damping foam in the central console and some areas of the door pads. The following items were undertaken during the third service : Engine oil change - 0W16 specific to Hybrid Engine Oil filter and gasket AC filter replacement With the Toyota smiles package up to 20000 kms, only consumables were charged. The bill value was INR 786/-. I left the car with them for a couple of days to address the issues, after which I was taken on a 20 km test drive. Following some damping work, the rattles and vibrations have definitely reduced—but they haven’t been fully resolved. Service Experience : 8/10. That said, let me state it clearly: the Maruti Nexa service at Mysore (from my S-Cross ownership days) was miles ahead in terms of professionalism, responsiveness, and overall experience. Engine & Drivability: 1.5L TNGA M15D-FXE (3-Cylinder) – At the heart of the Hyryder's hybrid system lies Toyota’s M15D-FXE — a 1.5L, 3-cylinder, Atkinson-cycle petrol engine, paired with a strong hybrid setup consisting of an electric motor, battery, and an e-CVT transmission. On paper, the petrol engine produces 91 PS at 5,500 rpm and 122 Nm of torque between 3,800–4,800 rpm. The electric motor contributes an additional 79 PS with 144 NM at 0 rpm with a combined system output of 115 PS, sent to the front wheels via an e-CVT. In terms of refinement, this car has it at extremes. The EV Mode is eerily silent, while the petrol mode is gruff and hoarse. It does have quite a growl when revved and you learn to like it over time. The car almost always starts in EV mode, silently gliding out of parking lots and navigating stop-go traffic effortlessly. In gentle throttle scenarios, the EV mode sustains speeds up to 40 km/h, making city commuting feel remarkably smooth and quiet. The transitions between electric and petrol power are seamless, and the absence of gear shifts adds to the sense of calm and linearity in motion. The hybrid system doesn't demand feather-footing either — it naturally encourages relaxed driving and rewards it handsomely. Overall, the drivability is fantastic and cruising on the highway with sufficient power on tap for overtakes makes you smile. The torque-assisted pull is really good and though it may sound modest on paper, you will only experience this when you drive it. During idling, you can feel the 3 pot motor vibrations when the battery is getting charged. This does create some areas of rattle especially in the sunglasses holder if you have your glasses stowed and the passenger seat belt tapping the B Pillar trim when no one is seated. This can be annoying but once you get used to this, you learn to live with these shortcomings. The 4 cylinder K15C does not have these vibrations and rattles in comparison. City Driving – The Hybrid's Playground This is where the car truly excels: The Hyryder Hybrid almost always starts in EV mode, gliding silently out of parking spots and through traffic. In gentle driving, EV mode stays active up to around 40 km/h, making it feel like an EV for much of your city commute. Transitions to the petrol engine are smooth and barely noticeable, and the absence of gear shifts ensures a consistently quiet and seamless drive. Consistently sees 20–24 km/l in city traffic, depending on the weather. Hotter summers see the figures down to 20kmpl with AC in full blast. Winters have seen better figures with 22-23kpl. The Hybrid needs no feather footing — it encourages gentle driving. In traffic and stop-go conditions, the Hyryder Hybrid is effortless to drive — there's no clutch or heat buildup to worry about, the creep function mimics a torque converter perfectly, and regenerative braking feels smooth and natural. At signals, it's so quiet in EV mode that you often forget the engine is even there. Highway Driving – The Grand Tourer At highway speeds beyond 70–80 km/h, the petrol engine takes over almost entirely, with some level of EV assistance. The car is best driven in Normal mode, using the Pulse and Guide technique. Pulse and glide is a driving technique used to maximize fuel efficiency in hybrid (especially full-hybrid) cars by strategically alternating between acceleration ("pulse") and coasting ("glide") — making the most of the electric motor and reducing reliance on the petrol engine. Pulse: Accelerate moderately to reach cruising speed efficiently, using the engine and motor together, building momentum while slightly recharging the battery. Glide: Lift off the accelerator to coast in EV mode or with the engine off; this phase uses little to no fuel, especially effective at lower speeds in hybrids. This works pretty well at higher speeds when the battery is charged and on the ghats, especially downhill. The e-CVT has some rubber-band effect under hard acceleration, but one can live with it by working on progressive throttle inputs. The car is quick at high speeds with moderated throttling though lead footing can result in overtakes feeling delayed. You need to let the car do its work and understanding its way of working is important. Engine is audible under load, and the 3-cylinder thrum is noticeable — but not harsh. Cruise control works seamlessly and makes long-distance drives effortless. Real-world highway efficiency stays strong at 22–24 km/l with light loads and steady speeds around 100 km/h. While overtaking is possible, it’s best approached with anticipation due to the hybrid’s smooth but linear power delivery. In Sport mode, the car exhibits a surprising sense of urgency—throttle inputs are highly sensitive and can easily catch you off guard. While this makes for an engaging drive on the highway, it also means the torque spread is consumed rather quickly. Frequent throttle modulation builds speed rapidly, but also keeps the engine in petrol mode almost constantly, where its gruffness becomes quite noticeable at higher speeds. In contrast, Normal mode offers a more balanced experience. The torque is spread more evenly, and there's a smoother interplay between the EV motor and the petrol engine. As a result, performance feels more controlled and refined, with the engine noise toned down to a more acceptable level. Eco mode feels noticeably dull and is best suited for city driving, where the car operates in EV mode most of the time. While this works well at lower speeds, the car feels sluggish, and overtaking becomes a challenge, often making it feel underpowered. That said, for those who doubt the capability of this engine, a proper test drive should put concerns to rest. The car can hold its own against larger engines when pushed—though doing so will come at the expense of fuel efficiency. Driving in the hills : Uphill driving, especially on steep hairpins, demands the use of Power mode. While the car pulls well even with a full load, the engine gets loud—almost tractor-like—and the noise can be quite annoying. It gives the impression that the car is struggling, making you instinctively want to ease off the throttle, even though performance-wise, it’s coping fine. Uphill climbs can see the range drop quite sharply. On inclines and steep hills, once can see mileage figures drop to 11-12kmpl. That said, overtaking capability remains commendable in such conditions provided you play well with the throttle and torque spread which is instant from 0 rpm. On the flip side, using Eco mode for uphill climbs is a definite no-go—it feels underpowered and inadequate for the terrain. Driving downhill is best managed in Eco mode, especially when paired with B mode. B mode provides strong engine braking, enabling near one-pedal driving with minimal use of the brake pedal. This not only improves downhill control but also contributes to a more relaxed driving experience. The Hybrid’s braking performance is strong, and B mode complements it well. Since the car stays in EV mode for much of the descent, Eco mode also delivers excellent efficiency figures in these conditions. Cruise control works flawlessly and is ideal for long runs. This car can run marathons all day long, not the kind that you would like to launch for sprint runs. The claimed 0-100 in about 12 seconds isn’t too bad, not that it matters much, though in gear acceleration is quick with the hybrid assistance.   Somewhere in the hills of Ooty.. Ride and handling : The Hyryder employs a MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear setup. At low speeds, there's a slight firmness, to its 17-inch wheels, but this doesn't compromise comfort. It’s a great balance between comfort, ride quality and handling and the C Platform by Suzuki is a testament to this. At medium to high speeds, the suspension effectively absorbs road imperfections, ensuring a composed ride even on rough terrains. This setup contributes to its stability at highway speeds, providing a planted feel without excessive vertical movement. At corners, you feel a mild roll due to the height, but nothing much in terms of discomfort. This is a superbly balanced chassis and you will enjoy driving it all day long. Steering : The steering is well-calibrated and carries a reassuring heft. At lower speeds, it feels noticeably heavier than most modern VAG cars and significantly more substantial than the feather-light steering setups found in today’s Hyundai-Kia models. At higher speeds, the steering weight builds nicely, offering good confidence while cruising or changing lanes. There is a slight vagueness around the center, but it’s far from being devoid of feel or feedback. The weight feels well-balanced when taking smooth corners at speed, making it a more engaging experience compared to many rivals. That said, it still doesn’t quite match the pure mechanical heft and feedback of the S-Cross, which remains a benchmark in this regard. Braking : The braking bite is strong and grabby, but can be vague and needs some getting used to. The car can shed speeds pretty quickly though the pedal sinks in more than one would like and isn’t consistent with the brake bite, mostly owing to the hybrid setup. Braking System Details • Front Brakes: Disc brakes • Rear Brakes: Disc brakes (standard across most variants) • Additional Systems: • ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) • EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution) • Brake Assist • Regenerative Braking (for hybrid variants) Regenerative Braking (Strong Hybrid only) • Helps recharge the battery while slowing down the vehicle. • Provides a smooth deceleration feel, especially at lower speeds. • Not aggressive—Toyota has tuned it for comfort, so you won't feel a sudden "braking drag" like in some EVs like the Nexon or ZS EV. The bite could be sharper, and you will find yourself standing on the pedal at times. Detailing and accessories : Interior Leather Steering Wrap and leg pad wrap : The G Variant does not come with leather-wrapped steering. Shivakumar from Imperial Leathers at Arekere, Bannerghatta Road, took care of this requirement and wrapped the steering beautifully in Napa Leather to give the wheel an OEM feel. The job was executed meticulously, and the knee pad beside the console was also padded.  Steering Leather Wrap well done.  Got the knee pad trim leather wrapped. The feel of bare plastic against the knee was irritating and padding this section has done wonders. PPF treatment at 3M Koramangala : Got the car wrapped up five months into ownership. I was initially apprehensive about going for PPF, mainly due to the high upfront cost and the fact that it typically needs replacement within 4–5 years. It’s also worth noting that PPF won’t protect the car in the event of a fender bender—you’ll likely have to repaint and reapply it in such cases. After several conversations with Vinay at 3M—where I spent countless hours picking his brains about the technical nuances (and chatting about cars, of course)—I finally decided to take the plunge. By that time, the car had already picked up a fair number of stone chips on the bonnet and A-pillars from extensive highway driving. This isn’t a garage queen; it’s been hitting the highways right from day one. I use my cars extensively, but I’m also obsessive about cleanliness—waxing at least once a month is the norm.  Monthly session at Dabbler Kanakpura road.  The second monthly session at my parking lot. Pressure washed with a coat of Turtle Wax Ice and Seal. Having followed the ownership threads of BHPians Abirnale and Robi Mahanta, both of whom have used 3M’s services, I felt well-informed and confident in making the decision. The process took four days, which included swirl and paint correction before the PPF was applied. The outcome? Outstanding. The finish, attention to detail, and professionalism at 3M Koramangala were top-notch. Their honest, no-nonsense approach really stood out. I opted for the 3M Gloss 150 Series, which set me back by ₹1.24 lakhs. A significant investment, yes—but one I believe is fully worth it. Maintenance has become significantly easier, and the peace of mind while driving on highways is unmatched. I strongly recommend PPF if you drive extensively and plan to keep your car for at least 6–7 years."       The result was absolutely smashing with paint correction and swirl removal. The chrome bits were wrapped and Gloss black and the car looks dapper! Within a week of application, 3M advised bringing the car in for a follow-up inspection to address any air-lifting issues, as part of their standard protocol within the first 1,000 km. Coincidentally, the car had just completed a 1,000 km round trip to Kerala and back. True to their word, the team promptly corrected and trimmed the few sections where minor air-lifting had occurred. Their attention to post-installation detail reaffirmed my confidence in their workmanship and customer care. Over and above the application, 3M also did a booster ceramic spray coat for ease of maintenance without any charges and recommends the application once in 6 months. Overall, this is a decision worth considering. Will do an in-depth review of this process and experience shortly. The gloss factor has definitely gone up notches and the paint looks fresh. It looks newer than it was during the time of delivery! Attachment 2760451 Some parting images for now :  Resting in Palakkad after a drive  My puppy's lunch break spot during road trips.   At the farm in Shoolagiri Some more pictures :      Will keep this thread running for further drive experiences and the journey of ownership. To those considering this Hybrid, please take multiple test drives if possible to make an informed decision. This is a car that may not necessarily be suited to everyone's taste especially on the lines of refinement and average space management. Happy motoring! |
|  (49)
Thanks
|
| |
|
23rd May 2025, 23:33
| #2 |
| Team-BHP Support   Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Singapore
Posts: 9,581
Thanked: 14,597 Times
| |
| (1)
Thanks
|
|
24th May 2025, 16:50
| #3 |
| BHPian Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: New Delhi
Posts: 732
Thanked: 285 Times
| |
|
| (1)
Thanks
|
|
24th May 2025, 18:23
| #4 | |
| Senior - BHPian  Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: PCMC, Pune-MH14
Posts: 3,609
Thanked: 5,040 Times
| re: My Toyota Hyryder G Hybrid Review Quote:
 same as the stunning looks of your car. Many thanks for sharing this wonderful review . Great detailing about the looks (interior/exterior), the engine and hybrid system, the ride, drivability and other aspects of the car. Serves your use case perfectly. It's a pity that the service quality levels differ so vastly between two service centers. Nevertheless, it's always better to get your car serviced from the place which listens to you and ensures that the complaints are addressed adequately. I wish and hope that your car keeps munching miles and keeps giving you trouble free service for years to come. Do keep sharing your experiences here. | |
|
|
|
25th May 2025, 08:55
| #5 | |
| BANNED Join Date: Mar 2022 Location: KOLKATA
Posts: 242
Thanked: 584 Times
Infractions: 0/1 (10) | re: My Toyota Hyryder G Hybrid Review Quote:
A 1.5L engine delivering an exceptional mileage of around 21–25 km/l even in heavy traffic feels nothing short of a magic trick. Sadly, it’s not a blockbuster on the sales chart. Feels like one of those brilliant movies that win National Awards but get steamrolled by brainless ₹1000 crore “masala” flicks. This car gives me the same vibes — a true gem, hiding in plain sight. | |
|
|  |
 |
Most Viewed