Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder 7-Seater Snapped Testing — What To Expect?

Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) is officially expanding its SUV footprint with a three-row version of the Urban Cruiser Hyryder. The new seven-seater model was snapped undergoing high-altitude testing in India Wednesday, marking its first public appearance in prototype form.

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Slated for a late 2026 launch, the stretched Hyryder aims to bridge the gap between the standard SUV and the premium Innova Hycross. The move follows a broader industry trend of manufacturers offering three-row variants of successful midsize SUVs to capture the growing “large family” segment.

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Spied: The Stretched Hyryder Silhouette

The test mule reveals a significant departure from the standard model’s proportions. While the front fascia and side doors remain familiar, the prototype features an extended roofline and a noticeably longer rear overhang. This extra length is essential to accommodate the third row of seats without compromising cargo space.

Furthermore, enlarged quarter glass panels were visible behind the C-pillar. This design change aims to reduce claustrophobia for passengers in the final row. Interestingly, the prototype retained the same alloy wheel design as the 5-seater Hyryder, though the final production version may receive a unique 18-inch set to balance the increased length.

Anticipated Features and Tech Upgrades

While the interior remains under wraps, the 7-seater Hyryder is expected to serve as a tech flagship for the Urban Cruiser sub-brand. Industry insiders suggest the inclusion of a larger 10.1-inch infotainment system and a revised dashboard layout.

Next, the feature list will likely include ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a head-up display. Safety remains a priority, with Level 2 ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) and a 360-degree camera expected to be standard on higher trims. Other luxuries could include a power tailgate with gesture control and a cooled wireless charging pad.

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Powertrain: Proven Hybrid Efficiency

Toyota is expected to double down on its strong hybrid technology for this heavier variant. The 1.5-litre petrol engine, paired with an electric motor and an e-CVT, will likely be the primary powertrain choice. This setup is favored for its class-leading fuel efficiency, especially in urban stop-and-go traffic.

Alternatively, a mild-hybrid 1.5-litre petrol engine with a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic torque converter will cater to budget-conscious buyers. However, unlike the 5-seater, the 7-seater version is unlikely to offer an All-Wheel Drive (AWD) option to keep the weight and cost within segment standards.

Reality Check

Toyota markets this as a “larger family” SUV. Still, the Hyryder’s platform was originally optimized for a compact footprint. Therefore, the third row in the 7-seater version will likely be “child-only” or best suited for short city trips. In fact, adding a third row often consumes the entire boot space unless the seats are folded. Thus, buyers expecting Innova-levels of comfort in the third row may find the Hyryder 7-seater a bit cramped.

The Loopholes

The “late 2026” launch window is a broad target. In fact, global supply chain pressures on hybrid components have previously delayed Toyota’s domestic rollouts. Therefore, while testing is underway, a delay to early 2027 is a distinct possibility. Still, the use of a “stretched” existing platform is a clever loophole that allows Toyota to enter the 7-seater segment with much lower R&D costs than building a ground-up new vehicle.

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What This Means for You

If you have been eyeing the Hyryder but need extra seats for occasional family outings, this is the model to wait for. First, evaluate your “third-row” needs; if you regularly transport seven adults, you might still need to look at the Hycross. Then, track the fuel efficiency figures; the strong hybrid in a 7-seater body will still likely beat any diesel rival in its class.

Finally, realize that the 7-seater version will carry a premium of roughly ₹1.5 lakh to ₹2 lakh over the standard model. You should plan your purchase for late 2026 if you want the latest ADAS and safety tech. Before the official reveal, watch for the Maruti Suzuki version of this SUV, which will be built alongside the Toyota at the Bidadi plant.

What’s Next

More detailed spy shots of the interior are expected to surface by mid-2026 as testing moves to urban environments. Then, Toyota will likely showcase a “near-production” concept at the next major Indian auto expo. Finally, the official price announcement and bookings for the 7-seater Hyryder will commence in the third quarter of 2026.

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