Toyota is looking to expand its strong hybrid portfolio in India. It sees hybrids as the ideal alternatives to the soon-to-be-discontinued diesel products in key segments. The upcoming CAFE norms are also a catalyst for this shift. Here are three strong hybrid Toyota models expected to be launched soon. These include high-volume SUVs and MPVs.
The Innova Hycross already has a good presence in the MPV space. Now, it is selling alongside the diesel-powered Innova Crysta, which interestingly, continues to be the more popular one.
As the CAFE III norms kick in, Toyota will phase out the diesel Crysta, around March next year. Along with its size and ride quality, the reliable diesel engine was one of the biggest selling points of the Crysta. Also, it is still more affordable than a high-end Hycross. The phasing out will thus leave a visible gap in Toyota’s portfolio and a vacuum in India’s fleet segment. The Crysta continues to enjoy stellar acceptance among fleet buyers.
Toyota plans to address this by rolling out a lower-spec version of the Hycross. It will be targeted straight at fleet buyers, and will serve as an alternative to the Crysta. The regular petrol version of the Hycross is unfit for fleet roles due to its lower fuel efficiency and higher operational costs compared to the the Crysta.
The fleet-spec Hycross is expected to omit many features of the regular MPV, but will use the same 2.0-litre strong hybrid petrol powertrain that generates around 182hp and comes paired with an e-CVT transmission. It will be based on the same TNGA-C platform.
The strong hybrid powertrain on the Innova Hycross is claimed to offer a fuel efficiency of up to 23.24 kpl. From our driving experience, the real-world fuel efficiency under mixed driving conditions was around 18 kpl. This almost makes it the ideal alternative to the Crysta’s diesel engine, in the fleet segment.
Fleet buyers would otherwise have to resort to options from Maruti Suzuki and Kia. Models like the Ertiga and Kia Carens have good representation in the taxi segment. These may not be as large or comfortable as the Crysta, but will still serve the purpose for many.
Toyota is also working on a seven-seater version of the Hyryder SUV. This compact SUV is in good demand among people looking for strong hybrid mid-size SUVs. The upcoming three-row SUV was recently spied undergoing high-altitude testing in India, with heavy camouflage. These spy shots show the vehicle to be longer, with a longer wheelbase.
Details of this model aren’t known yet. We expect it to use the same powertrains as the five-seater-1.5-litre mild-hybrid petrol and a 1.5-litre strong hybrid. The former will offer the choice of both manual and automatic transmissions while the latter will come with the familiar e-CVT gearbox.
When launched, this SUV will sit between the five-seater Hyryder and the lower-spec Hycross discussed above. It will be to the regular Hyryder what the Hyundai Alcazar is to the Creta. It will compete with the Alcazar, Kia Carens Clavis and others. There are also reports that Maruti Suzuki is working on a seven-seater version of the Victoris. If materialised, that will also be a potential rival to this SUC.
Pricing the seven-seater Hyryder can be tricky for Toyota. If not done right, it will target the same set of customers as the lower-spec Hycross, potentially leading to some amount of cannibalisation. The Hyryder 7-seater is likely to sit in the Rs 15-22 lakh bracket, while the lower-spec Hycross could start at around Rs 24 lakh. Both ex-showroom. Time remains before we find out.
Toyota launched the Hyryder in India in 2022. It was one of the first products built under the joint venture with Maruti Suzuki. The Grand Vitara is essentially a badge-engineered Hyryder. The Hyryder is now awaiting a facelift. The update is expected to bring minor design changes and notable feature additions to the SUV, and make it more relevant in the mid-size SUV segment.
It is likely to get a redesigned front grille, revised bumpers and new wheels. In terms of features, it may even get a level 2 ADAS suite. Features like ADAS and ventilated seats are now common finds in the mid-size SUV space. The addition of these will allow Toyota to place the Hyryder more squarely against its newer rivals.
Powertrains are likely to remain the same- 1.5-litre mild-hybrid petrol, CNG and 1.5-litre strong hybrid petrol. Much like the outgoing version, the new model is likely to offer AWD on higher variants.
In short, these upcoming models show Toyota’s intent to go big on hybrid technology across segments and price points. It seems to have plans to democratise the technology even more.
Why is Toyota phasing out the Innova Crysta diesel?
This is to comply with the upcoming CAFE 3 (Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency) norms. Using greener, hybrid products instead of the heavy diesel engine will help Toyota meet its CAFE targets.
Can the Hycross handle the high mileage required for fleet operations?
Possible. If driven in an energy-efficient way, the Hycross’ petrol hybrid engine can deliver a fuel efficiency of 18-20 kpl. The real-world mileage of Crysta is 13-15 kpl. The Hycross hybrid should thus be able to match the mileage requirements for fleet operations.
Will Hyryder facelift get ADAS?
Most likely yes. The carmaker hasn’t confirmed it officially. The mid-size SUV segment has been evolving rapidly. ADAS has become a standard find. So the Hyryder may also get it on the facelift.
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