Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor 1.0 AT Review
Intro: Wasn’t the Urban Cruiser name used for the Hyryder? Also, doesn’t it look similar to the Maruti Suzuki Fronx?
Yes, Toyota’s naming convention in India can be a little confusing. For the sake of this review, we’ll stick to calling it the Toyota Taisor. The “Urban Cruiser” prefix has been Toyota’s way of branding all its Suzuki-derived crossovers in India, setting them apart from its more rugged, body-on-frame SUVs like the Fortuner and Hilux.
As for the resemblance, you’re absolutely right. Much like the Glanza-Baleno duo, the Fronx and Taisor are essentially the same car. The only real differences lie in the cosmetic details — such as the front bumper design, DRL signature, and tail-lamp graphics.
Who is the Toyota Taisor for?
The Taisor is squarely aimed at SUV-crazed urban buyers in India who see their cars as an extension of their personality. While it shares its foundation with the Glanza/Baleno, Toyota has given it a more muscular, SUV-inspired design with body cladding and a raised stance to project a rugged crossover look.
Within the crowded sub-four-meter crossover segment, the Taisor stands out with its funky paint options (most notably orange), sporty styling with 16-inch alloys, and a coupe-like rear profile. Together, these design cues make it appealing for younger, style-conscious buyers who want a mix of practicality and street presence.
How are the Toyota Taisor’s interiors?
Step inside the Taisor, and you’re greeted by a spacious, well-laid-out cabin. From the driver’s seat, all controls fall easily to hand, lending a user-friendly feel. Unlike the Baleno–Glanza duo, the differences between the Fronx and Taisor interiors are minimal, limited largely to the badging on the steering wheel and infotainment system.
The driver’s seat is six-way manually adjustable, including height adjustment. The steering wheel can be manually adjusted for both rake and reach, helping drivers find a comfortable position.
At the rear, the seats are well cushioned to help in reducing travel fatigue during longer journeys. The Taisor can comfortably seat two average-sized adults and a child while Seating three adults for longer journeys may be a bit of a squeeze. The sloping coupe-like roofline, while stylish, does compromise headroom for occupants over 6 feet tall.
In terms of features, the Taisor misses out on a power-adjustable driver’s seat, sunroof, and ventilated seats. While not deal-breakers, these omissions do detract slightly from the premium experience.
Tell me about the Toyota Taisor’s infotainment
The infotainment system sits neatly in the center console, offering a smooth and responsive interface. It supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, complemented by wireless charging, reducing the clutter of cables.
A 360-degree parking camera comes standard and proves especially handy in tight spaces. The feed quality is good, and even at night, visibility remains clear. The V variant also adds a head-up display (HUD), projecting speed, RPM, gear position, and time. While more of a vanity feature, it does contribute to the car’s premium feel. That said, a fully digital instrument cluster would have further elevated the cabin’s sense of modernity.
Engine and Transmission
The Taisor is powered by a 1.0L turbo-petrol engine sourced from Suzuki, producing 100 PS and 148 Nm of torque. Buyers can choose between a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission, depending on the variant.
We tested the 1.0L with the 6-speed AT, and it proved to be peppy and refined. The automatic shifts smoothly, tuned for relaxed city driving. For a more spirited drive, you can switch to manual mode and use the paddle shifters, which also come in handy when overtaking on ghats, giving the driver greater control.
Toyota claims an ARAI-rated efficiency of 19.86 km/l for the AT, though in real-world conditions you can expect around 15 percent lower figures.
Ride and Handling
As you would expect from a crossover, the ride and handling of the Taisor are among its highlights. The 190 mm ground clearance (20 mm higher than the Glanza) allows it to tackle broken roads and gravel tracks with confidence. Out on the highway, the car feels stable even at triple-digit cruising speeds, with most bumps and undulations being absorbed by the suspension rather than transferred into the cabin. The added height does bring a bit of body roll, but nothing unsettling for either the driver or passengers.
Is the Toyota Taisor safe?
The Taisor comes equipped with a comprehensive set of safety features right from the base variant. Driver and passenger airbags are standard across the range, along with ABS, EBD, seatbelt pre-tensioners, and ISOFIX child seat anchors. Higher trims add more equipment: the top-of-the-line V variant offers parking sensors, a 360-degree camera, and six airbags, enhancing both convenience and safety.
Although the Taisor has not yet been tested under Bharat NCAP protocols, it shares its underpinnings completely with the Maruti Suzuki Fronx. Given the Fronx’s 4-star performance in the Japan NCAP, a similar safety rating can reasonably be expected.
Should I buy one?
The Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor presents itself as a well-rounded package at a competitive price point. Its SUV-inspired styling adds a sense of presence that will appeal to younger buyers. While it is based on the Fronx, Toyota has given it a distinctive front fascia that feels a little more youthful.
Practicality is also a strong suit: a spacious cabin, a 308-litre boot, and good everyday usability make it ideal for young families or buyers looking for a compact SUV that can handle both daily commutes and weekend getaways.
With prices starting at INR 9 lakh (ex-showroom), the Taisor delivers a solid package for first-time SUV buyers, combining style, features, safety, and Toyota’s service network into an attractive overall proposition.
