Toyota Hyryder 7-Seater Spotted Testing: Toyota’s plans for a larger three-row SUV based on the Urban Cruiser Hyryder appear to be back on track. A new test mule of the upcoming Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder 7-seater has been spotted testing in India, indicating that development work is ongoing after earlier uncertainty around the project.
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Toyota Hyryder 7-Seater Spotted Testing- Longer body confirms
The camouflaged prototype was seen testing in a high-altitude region, suggesting that Toyota is evaluating the SUV under demanding road and weather conditions. While the vehicle was heavily covered, its extended proportions were clearly visible.
Compared to the standard five-seat Hyryder, the test mule features a noticeably longer rear overhang and a stretched side profile, confirming that this is the three-row version.
Apart from the added length, the SUV retains the familiar silhouette and alloy wheel design of the current Urban Cruiser Hyryder, indicating that Toyota is likely to keep the overall design language consistent across both versions.
AWD capability seen on test mule
One of the most significant takeaways from the latest spotting is the presence of visible rear axle shafts on the test vehicle. This strongly suggests that the Hyryder 7-seater could be offered with an all-wheel-drive system. Toyota and Maruti Suzuki currently offer AWD on select mild-hybrid variants of the Hyryder and Grand Vitara, using Suzuki’s AllGrip technology.
If confirmed, this would give the upcoming 7-seater an advantage over several rivals in the segment, where AWD options are limited or entirely absent.
Hybrid powertrains likely to continue
Mechanically, the three-row Hyryder is expected to carry forward the same engine options as the five-seat model. These include a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine paired with a 12V mild-hybrid system, producing around 103 bhp, and a strong-hybrid setup combining a petrol engine with an electric motor for a total output of 116 bhp.
For Indian buyers, this hybrid focus could be a key differentiator. With fuel efficiency remaining a major purchase factor, especially in larger SUVs, hybrid powertrains may help Toyota and Maruti Suzuki position their three-row offerings as more economical alternatives to conventional petrol and diesel rivals.
Segment impact and expected timeline
The three-row midsize SUV segment is currently dominated by models such as the Tata Safari, Mahindra XUV700 and Hyundai Alcazar. The entry of hybrid-powered options from Toyota and Maruti Suzuki could add a new dimension to competition, particularly for buyers prioritising mileage and long-term running costs.
The renewed testing activity also puts to rest earlier speculation that the Toyota Hyryder 7-Seater Spotted Testing and the related Grand Vitara 7-seater had been shelved. While Toyota has not shared an official launch timeline, the SUV is expected to debut in the second half of the year or early next year.
More details on specifications, features and pricing are likely to emerge as testing progresses in the coming months.
Disclaimer: Details in this report are based on spy images and industry inputs. Final specifications, features and launch timelines may vary at the time of official announcement by the manufacturer.
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Raj Prajapati is a senior automobile content writer at How2Guidess.in with over 3 years of experience in auto news, vehicle launches, comparisons, and EV updates. With a background in Computer Science & Engineering, he focuses on research-based, clear, and reader-friendly automobile content.