Toyota Hyryder Gets BIG Updates For 2025: More Features, Better Safety
The Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder has received a thoughtful set of updates for 2025, aiming to strengthen its position in India’s competitive compact SUV space. With more emphasis on safety, comfort and everyday usability, the new version continues to offer strong hybrid efficiency while making key upgrades that reflect evolving buyer expectations.
Safety First: Now with Six Airbags Standard
One of the most significant changes in the 2025 Hyryder is the inclusion of six airbags as standard across all variants. Earlier, base models came with just two airbags — a point of concern for many buyers in a price-sensitive market increasingly prioritising safety. This move brings the Hyryder in line with global safety expectations and sets a new benchmark among compact SUVs in the ₹11–20 lakh bracket.
Toyota has also made structural enhancements for improved crash protection. In higher automatic variants, there's now an electronic parking brake (EPB) with auto-hold, which not only helps during hill starts but also makes city driving easier — especially in stop-go traffic.
Mid-level variants now come with a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), helping drivers keep an eye on tyre health — particularly useful given the mixed road conditions in India. These additions come on top of features already offered in higher variants, such as a 360-degree camera and auto-dimming rearview mirror, making the Hyryder one of the better-equipped SUVs in its segment from a safety perspective.
Comfort and Cabin Upgrades: Small Touches, Big Impact
Toyota has also worked on making the cabin experience more premium and convenient. In higher trims, drivers now get an 8-way power-adjustable seat with lumbar support, and front occupants can enjoy ventilated seats — a welcome feature in India’s hot and humid weather.
Rear passengers aren’t left out either. Rear window sunshades, ambient cabin lighting, and upgraded USB-C fast-charging ports (15W) make the rear seat more comfortable, especially for families on long drives.
Other small but meaningful updates include LED reading lamps across all variants and a new air quality index (AQI) display in top models. The AQI system automatically activates air recirculation when pollution levels rise — a useful addition for city dwellers. A clearer, updated digital speedometer addresses previous user feedback about visibility, making the instrument cluster more user-friendly.
Smoother Performance with New Automatic AWD Variant
Toyota has made a significant mechanical change to the all-wheel-drive (AWD) variant, replacing the older 5-speed manual with a 6-speed automatic gearbox. This gives buyers a more refined and effortless driving experience without compromising on the AWD capabilities, which still come courtesy of Suzuki’s trusted ALLGRIP system.
This update places the Hyryder ahead of the Maruti Grand Vitara, which only offers AWD with a manual transmission, and helps it better compete with popular automatics like the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos, even though they don’t offer AWD at all.
The engine lineup remains unchanged:
• A 1.5-litre mild hybrid (103 PS, 137 Nm) with 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic
• A 1.5-litre strong hybrid (116 PS combined output) paired with an e-CVT
• A CNG option (88 PS, 121.5 Nm) with a 5-speed manual
The strong hybrid continues to be the most efficient petrol SUV in India with a claimed mileage of 27.97 km/l.
Where It Stands in the Market
With prices starting at ₹11.34 lakh (ex-showroom), the Hyryder remains a premium proposition in the compact SUV segment. It may be slightly more expensive than rivals like the Maruti Grand Vitara, Hyundai Creta, and Kia Seltos, but it offers features that those models often skip — especially in lower and mid variants.
Crucially, it’s the only model in this price range to offer both strong hybrid tech and AWD with an automatic gearbox — making it a practical and well-rounded option for both city and weekend usage.
Toyota also backs the hybrid battery with an 8-year/160,000 km warranty, giving buyers some extra peace of mind when investing in newer tech. The brand’s reputation for reliability and a strong service network further sweeten the deal for urban professionals and families alike.
What’s Next for the Hyryder?
Toyota isn’t done yet. The company is reportedly working on a 7-seater version of the Hyryder, along with an all-electric Urban Cruiser EV, both of which are expected to arrive by late 2025. These moves underline Toyota’s growing focus on hybrid and electric options tailored for Indian roads.
For now, the 2025 updates reinforce the Hyryder’s reputation as a feature-rich, fuel-efficient SUV that blends global technology with local needs. With over 1 lakh units sold since its launch, the Hyryder remains a strong contender for those looking for a tech-forward and safety-conscious SUV that doesn’t skimp on comfort or practicality.