EXCLUSIVE: Toyota’s Hyundai Creta Rival Gets A Name

• Toyota’s plant in Bengaluru will handle production of the Hyryder and its Maruti counterpart.

• The SUV will be shared with Maruti, but will get styling differences spotted in early spy images.

• Features should include a large touchscreen infotainment system, 360-degree camera, and ventilated front seats.

• Will be powered by a segment-first self-charging hybrid powertrain.

• Hybrid engine likely to work with a 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine.

We know that Toyota is developing a compact SUV shared with Maruti to take on titans in the segment like the Hyundai Creta. Well, we’ve now uncovered through our sources that the Toyota SUV (codenamed D22) will be called the Hyryder. In fact this name has also been recently trademarked by the carmaker. 

Hopefully, as its name suggests the Toyota Hyryder really does ride high, and it seems quite accurate according to earlier spy images. While the SUV was under heavy disguise, we do know it’ll get chunky proportions. Also, the Toyota SUV will get its own identity over its Maruti counterpart. By that we mean styling differences between the front and rear fascias are likely to separate the two SUVs; similar to the recently facelifted Maruti Suzuki Baleno and Toyota Glanza hatchbacks, as well as the Toyota Urban Cruiser and Maruti Vitara Brezza sub-4 metre SUVs.

While we’re yet to have a look inside, the differences are likely to be very minute. Aside from different colours and badging, both SUVs should be equally well equipped. Some key features could include a 360-degree camera, large touchscreen infotainment system, ventilated seats and a sunroof. 

The real party trick of the Toyota Hyryder and its Maruti counterpart will be under the hood. It’ll run on a localised version of the TNGA-B platform and plonk in a self-charging hybrid powertrain, a segment first for India. Toyota’s latest 1.5-litre, three-cylinder petrol-hybrid unit that powers the Yaris Cross will likely be the engine onboard.

The Toyota Hyryder is slated to break cover first in June, followed by a likely launch in July or August. Its Maruti counterpart should follow suit sometime in the second half of 2022. With localisation of parts thanks to the two SUVs being produced from Toyota’s plant in Bengaluru, expect competitive pricing against not only the Hyundai Creta, but also the Kia Seltos, MG Astor, Volkswagen Taigun and the Skoda Kushaq.