The trend towards electric and hybrid vehicles is gaining traction due to rising fuel prices. Priced between Rs 15.11 lakh and Rs 18.99 lakh (ex-showroom), the recently launched strong-hybrid version of the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder seems quite an attractive option in this race. Currently, it is India’s most affordable pure hybrid vehicle. The Tata Nexon EV MAX is another option in this price range, which is again very popular among buyers.
So in this battle of greener mobility, which of these two will be the most suitable choice for you? Let’s find out.
Price Comparison
| Toyota Hybrid | Rs 15.11 – 18.99 lakh (self-charging strong-hybrid) |
| Tata Nexon EV MAX | Rs 18.34 – 19.34 lakh |
Specifications and Running Cost
| Tata Nexon EV MAX | Toyota Hyryder* | |
| Powertrain Nature | Pure Electric | Strong-Hybrid |
| Engine/Motor | 95kW permanent synchronous motor | 1.5-litre, 3-cylinder, TNGA petrol |
| Battery Pack | 40.5 kWh | 0.76kWh |
| Max Power Output | 143PS | 116PS (combined) |
| Max Torque Output | 250Nm | Engine: 122Nm, Motor: 144Nm |
| Transmission | Single-Speed Automatic | Single-Speed e-CVT Automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
| Drive Modes | Eco, City & Sport | EV, Eco and Sport |
| Claimed Fuel Efficiency | – | 27.97kmpl |
| Claimed Range | 437km/charge | ≈ 1258km in a full tank |
| Per KM Running Cost** | Rs 1.72 | Rs 3.45 |
*The Toyota Hyryder also comes with Suzuki-sourced 1.5L mild-hybrid petrol engine.
** Based on the petrol price in Delhi (Rs 96.72/L) at the time of writing this story and the public charging rate at Tata’s EV network (Rs 18.56/kWh).
– Being a pure electric offering, the Tata Nexon EV MAX has more power and torque on offer. It also offers faster acceleration for obvious reasons.
– Thanks to the self-charging hybrid technology, the Toyota Hyryder offers class-leading fuel efficiency of almost 28kmpl which translates to a full tank range of over 1200 kilometres. On the other hand, the Tata Nexon EV MAX claims a maximum range of 437km on a single charge, which is almost one-third of the Hyryder’s range.
– With regards to running costs, the EV will cost you almost half of the Hyryder if you use public charging stations. Using a home charger will further decrease the overall running cost.
Note: The above calculations are based on the claimed mileage/range figures, which may differ in real-world driving conditions. For reference, the Tata Nexon EV MAX offers an actual drive range between 250-320 km per charge. In contrast, the Hyryder’s strong-hybrid variants can deliver a fuel efficiency of around 25-26kmpl if you stay gentle on the throttle.
Dimensions
| Tata Nexon EV MAX | Toyota Hyryder | |
| Length | 3993mm | 4365mm |
| Width | 1811mm | 1795mm |
| Height | 1606mm | 1645mm |
| Wheelbase | 2498mm | 2600mm |
| Ground Clearance | 205mm | 210mm |
| Boot Space | 350L | ≈ 255L |
Being part of the sub-4m segment, the Tata Nexon EV MAX is shorter than the Toyota Hyryder. However, due to the placement of the battery pack in the boot, the Hyryder’s cargo volume is at par with some compact hatchbacks.
Features
| Common | Automatic projector headlamps, alloy wheels, auto AC, rear AC vents, regenerative braking, cruise control, auto-dimming IRVM, ventilated front seats, wireless smartphone charger, leatherette upholstery, floating touchscreen infotainment system with Apple Carplay & Android Auto, connected car tech, premium sound system, keyless entry with push-button start, height-adjustable driver’s seat, dual-front airbags, hill hold assist, electronic stability control, tyre pressure monitoring system. |
| Additional Features In Tata Nexon EV MAX | Selectable regen braking levels, sem-digital instrument cluster, single-pane electric sunroof, air purifier, rain-sensing wipers, and hill descent control. |
| Additional Features In Toyota Hyryder | Soft-touch material finish on the dashboard & door trims, puddle lamps, wireless smartphone integration, heads-up display (HUD), 360-degree camera, panoramic sunroof, digital rider’s display, ambient lighting, side & curtain airbags, and 3-point seat belts for all seats. |
Both SUVs are well-loaded, but the Hyryder gets the edge with a higher number of airbags, a heads-up display, a 360-degree camera, and wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto. Both cars also get our beloved electric sunroofs, but Toyota offers a huge panoramic unit.
Verdict
The features-loaded Toyota Hyryder Hybrid is excellent for its mileage and offers superb value for the bucks. It seems to act as an ideal bridge between ICE and electric vehicles. EVs, on the other hand, might be the future, but range anxiety is a foremost concern, and the story is no different for the Nexon EV MAX.
For maximum mileage on those litres of fuel, look no further than the Toyota Hyryder’s strong-hybrid version. Nevertheless, if you need a car primarily for urban needs and if you want something that contributes to a greener planet, you should consider the Nexon EV MAX.
