Comparison: Honda Elevate vs Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder

Current times seem like a do-or-die situation for Honda and it is pretty clear that the upcoming Elevate SUV is an imperative determinant for Honda’s future in India. Business-wise, things have been going south for Honda for the past few years and the Honda Elevate is expected to be the boost they need to get back to their glory days. Based on the Honda City, the Elevate has been purposefully engineered and seemingly possesses the potential to meet its manufacturer’s objective.

However, the Japanese SUV is coming to the most-crowded segment in which there is another Japanese SUV, Toyota Hyryder that it will have to compete with. Built with the combined forces of Maruti Suzuki and Toyota, the Hyryder is the rebadged version of the Maruti Grand Vitara and is more than capable of posing a strong challenge for the Honda Elevate. For buyers looking for a Japanese midsize SUV, the rivalry between the Elevate and Hyryder can be confusing. Therefore, in this comparison of the Honda Elevate vs Toyota Hyryder, we compare the two at decisive parameters and find out which one is more suited to your requirements. To a great degree, this comparison also holds true for the Honda Elevate vs Maruti Grand Vitara as the Grand Vitara is the Maruti twin of the Toyota Hyryder.

Honda Elevate vs Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder: Dimensions

No individual would ever want their family or friends to be uncomfortable in a car they paid nearly Rs 15 lakhs for, especially when it is an SUV. This is why dimensions are so vital in the game of SUVs. Among these two SUVs, the Hyryder is 53 mm longer and 5 mm wider than the Elevate, but 5 mm of extra width cannot make any appreciable difference in the overall spaciousness of the cabins. What can make a difference is Elevata’s 50 mm longer wheelbase which frees more legroom and the 458-litre boot space which is a far more attractive luggage-carrying capacity than Hyryder’s 265 – 373 litres boot space. The smaller 265-litre boot space of Hyryder is of its strong-hybrid variants in which the placement of battery and motor eats into the boot space. Overall, the Elevate is a more spacious offering as compared to Hyryder, however, the Hyryder is sufficiently spacious to accommodate 5 adults and deliver a comfortable ride.

Looks matter a lot, especially when it comes to SUVs since it is their big authoritative appeal that makes their owners feel powerful as they drive down the roads. A big reason behind the failure of Honda’s earlier midsize SUVs, BR-V and WR-V, was their dull looks which were a mix of MUV and SUV elements and lacked the appeal of a true-blue SUV. Better late than never as Honda has finally got the formula right and the Elevate’s macho appeal has certainly impressed many Indians. An upright front bumper with an almost flat bonnet with barely any dip at the front and a large black grille, makes the Elevate look bold. Around the side and rear, the bodywork is rather clean and with the addition of black rook, it gives the SUV a touch of sophistication. Moreover, the ‘double-inverted L’ tail lights connected via a red bar and the raked rear glass are a couple of design choices that show Honda is in line with the current trend.

On the other hand, the Toyota Hyryder looks rather sophisticated, especially from the front where it features a small closed-off grille which is essentially a black panel with a carbon fibre pattern. There is also some tasteful chrome treatment on the grille as well as surrounding the headlamps. To go well with the fashioning of the front, the side profile is neat and clean, although the squared-off wheel arches, plastic body cladding and silver roof rails add much-needed ruggedness. While the overall silhouette of the Hyryder is the same as that of the Maruti Grand Vitara, Toyota has designed it well to present it as its own SUV.

Honda Elevate vs Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder: Engine & Transmission

Both of these two Japanese SUVs have something special to offer with its powertrains. While its power figures are considerably less than those of the Honda Elevate, the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder is primarily intended to keep you from worrying about the running cost as you go about your day-to-day commutes. With its strong-hybrid engine that can deliver the mileage of 27.97 km/l, the Hyryder is the most fuel-efficient petrol-hybrid car in India and even mileage figures of its mild-hybrid and CNG powertrain are exceptionally appealing for a midsize SUV. Moreover, Toyota has also made sure that the Hyryder does not lack the required refinement, despite its engine being a three-cylinder unit.

The mild-hybrid petrol engine of the Hyryder also has an option of all-wheel-drive which can come in handy while driving through uneven patches. However, the Hyryder is not recommended for off-roading, since, apart from all-wheel-drive, it lacks every other characteristic of an off-roader. Furthermore, this SUV is best suited for sedate driving and does not resonate with the requirements of a driving enthusiast.

On the other hand, Honda has equipped Elevate with their 1.5-litre DOHC four-cylinder petrol engine that functions on its legendary i-VTEC technology. This is the same engine which powers the iconic Honda City and has built a reputation for being one of the best naturally aspirated petrol engines among the mainstream cars in India. Instantaneous power delivery across the RPM range is the main strength of i-VTEC engines and at the same time, they are immaculately refined which helps them deliver a pleasing drive experience. Since the Elevate shares its powertrain with the Honda City, its mileage figures are expected to be close to Honda City’s 17.8 – 18.4 km/l mileage figures.

Honda Elevate vs Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder: Features & Comfort

Both these SUVs feel substantially premium on the inside, however, the cabin of the Honda Elevate has a luxurious touch that makes it stand out. What adds this luxurious touch is the combination of some small yet noticeable bits such as the wooden and leatherette finish on the dashboard, leatherette padding on the centre console and doors, and the quality plastic and upholstery. The most salient, however, is the Black and Tan colour scheme that makes the cabin feel classier than its rivals. Meanwhile, Toyota has fashioned Hyryder’s interior with a Black and Brown theme. Such colouring in addition to the padded area on the dashboard and the vertical silver trim bits on the centre console, makes things reminiscent of the Toyota Fortuner. The seats on both Elevate and Hyryder are well-bolstered, however, the front two seats of the Elevate replicate those of the Honda City which has made a name for itself in the comfort department.

Feature-wise, both these SUVs are amply equipped to offer a comfortable as well as premium ride. However, the Hyryder has some features that give it an edge over the Elevate. These features include ventilated seats, a head-up display, a 360-degree camera, and most importantly, a panoramic sunroof. While the panoramic sunroof imparts a sense of openness which lifts the overall experience to another level, the ventilated seats are a relaxing add-on for the front passengers. Moreover, the head-up display facilitates you with real-time driving information such as speed, and navigation, without requiring you to take your eyes off the road ahead, whereas the 360-degree camera helps make parking a breeze in a large car like the Hyryder.

Honda Elevate vs Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder: Safety Features

To ensure maximum passenger safety, both Elevate and Hyryder are equipped with all the essential safety features such as up to six airbags, ABS with EBD, hill assist, traction control, ESP, TPMS and more. However, the Elevate has the advantage of also sporting the Level-2 ADAS safety suite that consists of collision mitigation braking system (CMBS), lane watch/ keep assist, auto high beam, road departure mitigation system, adaptive cruise control, and lead car departure notification.

Honda Elevate vs Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder: Price Comparison

While Honda is tight-lipped about the prices of Elevate as of now, they are expected to launch it ahead of the festive season and we expect the prices to be Rs 12 – 17 lakh (ex-showroom). At these prices, the Elevate will be quite a value-for-money deal, considering its spaciousness, premium cabin, passenger safety, and reputed powertrain. Moreover, since it will be offered with only one engine, its top variant is expected to undercut the top variant of the Hyryder. All the same, for the frugality of its powertrains and more premium features, the Hyryder at Rs 10.73 – 19.74 lakh (ex-showroom), is as attractive a package as the Elevate, but in a different way.

Honda Elevate vs Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder: Summary

Now the question is, among these two Japanese SUVs which one should you pick? Of the two, the Honda Elevate has a more spacious cabin and boot, and due to the availability of the ADAS safety suite, it emerges as a better proposition as far as passenger safety is concerned. Moreover, it comes with by far the best naturally-aspirated petrol powertrain across the Indian market, and as compared to the Hyryder, it will serve you far better if you seek some performance. All the same, if you want an SUV with frugal powertrains and some more upmarket features such as a panoramic sunroof, then the Hyryder is the one to go for.

Honda Elevate vs Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder: FAQs