
A new 7-seater XUV700 rival has been spotted in the wilds completely camouflaged for the first time.
Toyota is preparing to expand its presence in the C-SUV segment with an all-new Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder 7-seater, which has been spied testing on Indian roads. This move comes in sync with Maruti Suzuki also developing a 7-seater version of the Grand Vitara, with both models set to cater to the growing demand for three-row SUVs in India.
New Design Language Inspired by Urban Cruiser EV
The 7-seater Urban Cruiser Hyryder is expected to draw design cues from the Urban Cruiser EV concept, first showcased at the 2025 Auto Expo. Spy shots reveal a new rear profile with a more premium look, likely featuring a connected LED tail-lamp setup similar to what is expected on the Grand Vitara 7-seater. While the test mule retains the familiar round exhaust tip from the current Hyryder, it clearly indicates an ICE setup rather than an EV.
Compared to the existing model, the 7-seater variant will feature a longer body and extended wheelbase to accommodate the third row. This design update aims to offer a more spacious cabin while aligning with Toyota and Suzuki’s strategy of targeting premium customers in the mid-size SUV segment.
Expected Features and Interior Layout
Although interiors haven’t been officially revealed, the new Urban Cruiser Hyryder 7-seater is expected to offer premium features such as a panoramic sunroof, powered ventilated front seats, climate control, wireless charging, a cooled glovebox, a frameless IRVM, and a premium audio system. There are strong expectations of Level-2 ADAS, further enhancing its appeal among safety-conscious buyers.
The cabin may feature a 6-seater configuration with captain seats in the middle row or a traditional 7-seater layout. The interior theme is likely to mirror that of the Urban Cruiser EV, offering an upgraded and more luxurious feel.
Powertrain Options and Launch Timeline
The 7-seater Hyryder will be powered by the familiar 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine and the 1.5-litre strong hybrid powertrain. The NA petrol will be available with a 5-speed manual and 6-speed automatic transmission, while the hybrid will be paired with an e-CVT. Toyota may tweak these engines to deliver improved performance and torque. As seen on the current model, only the NA petrol engine is expected to offer a 4WD option.
The launch of the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder 7-Seater is expected to follow the debut of the 7-seater Grand Vitara. Industry insiders suggest a possible unveiling around early to mid-2026, likely timed with the festive season to capture strong market interest.
Final Thoughts
The upcoming Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder 7-seater is positioned to bring a fresh design, enhanced features, and greater practicality to the Indian SUV market. It will further solidify Toyota and Suzuki’s joint strategy to dominate the C-segment SUV space in India with versatile and feature-rich offerings.
Source: 91wheels