Toyota has confirmed that the Urban Cruiser Hyryder Strong Hybrid now uses a smaller battery pack as part of an update introduced with the 2025 model year. The change came to light after owners noticed a difference in the battery specifications and discussed it on online forums.
In an official statement, Toyota said the update was part of its ongoing product improvements carried out during the vehicle’s lifecycle. The company also stated that the change does not affect the SUV’s performance or fuel efficiency.
The strong-hybrid version of the Urban Cruiser Hyryder was initially equipped with a 0.76 kWh lithium-ion battery. However, from the 2025 model year update introduced in April last year, the battery capacity was revised to 0.60 kWh.
Despite the reduction in battery size, Toyota continues to claim an output of 115.56 PS and an ARAI-certified fuel efficiency of 27.97 km/l, indicating no official change in performance or efficiency figures.
The Hyryder’s strong-hybrid system continuously charges and discharges the battery while driving, allowing the vehicle to switch between petrol and electric power automatically.
A smaller battery could result in the SUV spending slightly less time in electric-only mode before the petrol engine starts assisting. At the same time, the reduced battery capacity may also allow it to recharge more quickly during normal driving, leading to shorter but more frequent charging cycles.
Toyota has not indicated any noticeable impact on the overall driving experience and maintains that the vehicle’s claimed performance and efficiency remain unchanged.
Apart from the revised battery capacity, the strong-hybrid powertrain remains unchanged.
The Urban Cruiser Hyryder continues to use a 1.5-litre, three-cylinder Atkinson-cycle petrol engine paired with an AC synchronous electric motor and an e-CVT automatic transmission driving the front wheels.
The petrol engine develops 92 HP and 122 Nm, while the electric motor produces 80 HP and 141 Nm. Combined system output stands at 115 HP.
Toyota says the battery revision is part of a routine product update and does not alter the vehicle’s overall specifications or efficiency claims.
