Hyryder Makes History: Beats Innova, HyCross To Become India's Best-Selling Toyota
For the first time in Toyota’s India journey, a mid-size SUV has become its bestselling model. The Urban Cruiser Hyryder has overtaken the long-reigning Innova nameplate, which had led Toyota’s sales in India for almost 20 years. This marks a clear shift in buyer preferences and a new direction for Toyota’s product strategy.
Hyryder Edges Ahead of the Innova Duo
In May and June 2025, the Hyryder sold 7,573 and 7,462 units respectively. These were strong and steady numbers that helped the mid-size SUV surpass both versions of the Innova, the Hycross and the Crysta, when looked at separately.
Toyota sold 8,882 Innova units in May and 8,802 in June. But these figures are split nearly 50:50 between the Hycross and the Crysta. That means the Hyryder, as a single model line, sold more units than either Innova variant.
While the Crysta continues to perform better than expected, it now shares the spotlight with the newer Hycross, making the Hyryder Toyota’s top standalone model in India.
What Is Fueling Hyryder’s Popularity
Several factors have worked in favour of the Hyryder. Toyota leads the strong hybrid market in India with an 80 percent share. The Hyryder hybrid delivers a fuel efficiency of 27.97 Kmpl (ARAI certified), making it one of the most efficient mid-size SUVs available today. This helps it attract buyers looking to save on running costs, especially with rising fuel prices.
The Hyryder also offers plenty of choices. It comes in mild-hybrid and strong-hybrid versions, with both manual and automatic gearboxes. There is also an all-wheel drive variant. Prices range from ₹11.34 lakh to ₹19.99 lakh, allowing it to reach a wide mix of customers, from budget-conscious buyers to those seeking more features and power.
Toyota has also packed the Hyryder with features that buyers expect in this segment. These include a panoramic sunroof, ventilated seats, a 360-degree camera, and six airbags as standard. The company’s reputation for long-lasting vehicles and strong warranty support only adds to its appeal.
Toyota’s Brand Strength Still Wins
Even though the Hyryder shares its platform and many parts with the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota’s version has done better in sales. In May, the Hyryder sold 7,573 units compared to the Vitara’s 5,197. In June, the Hyryder again stayed ahead with 7,462 units versus the Vitara’s 6,828.
This shows the power of the Toyota brand. Buyers still place high trust in Toyota’s quality, resale value and service network, enough to choose the Hyryder even if it costs a bit more than the Vitara.
Toyota’s strategy of selling rebadged models from its Maruti partnership has paid off. Nearly half of Toyota’s total sales now come from these shared products. However, Toyota ensures its models look and feel different, with small design and feature changes that make a big difference to customers.
Mid-size SUV Success Reflects Toyota’s New Focus
The Hyryder’s rise has happened alongside a strong overall performance for Toyota in India. The company saw a 28 percent growth in FY2025, and India is now its fourth-largest market worldwide. SUVs and MPVs now make up more than 35 percent of Toyota’s total sales here.
The mid-size SUV segment in particular is growing fast. Buyers in this segment want stylish, fuel-efficient and feature-packed cars that are also easy to drive. The Hyryder fits that need perfectly. Its real-world mileage figures range from 18 to 26.5 kmpl, making it one of the best options for people who drive daily in cities or for long distances.
Hyryder’s Win Is More Than Just Sales
The Hyryder has sold over 1.5 lakh units since its launch. For Toyota, it is more than just a successful model. It has helped bring hybrid technology into the mainstream. With monthly sales now regularly crossing 7,000 units, the Hyryder has proved that Toyota can move beyond legacy models like the Innova and Fortuner and compete successfully in the mass-market SUV space.
The story of the Hyryder proves that even a newer model can shake up long-standing market leaders, as long as it offers the right mix of value, technology and trust. For Toyota, it is a signal that the future lies in smart, fuel-saving SUVs, not just in relying on past favourites like the Innova.