Toyota Unveils The Urban Cruiser, A New Electric SUV For Europe
by AutoExpert | 12 December, 2024
Toyota has unveiled its latest electric SUV, the Urban Cruiser, which is essentially a rebranded Suzuki e-Vitara, with some subtle tweaks to give it a more distinct Toyota feel. The Urban Cruiser is available in both front-wheel-drive (FWD) and all-wheel-drive (AWD) variants, and Toyota boasts that it offers a surprisingly spacious cabin for its compact size.
At 4,285 mm (168.7 inches) long, it sits between the Yaris Cross and the C-HR in Toyota's European SUV lineup. The design heavily draws inspiration from the Urban SUV Concept from last year, but it has undergone modifications to make it more production-friendly.
Toyota’s signature touch comes in the form of hammerhead headlights and unique taillight graphics, setting it apart from its Suzuki counterpart. The exterior features are otherwise quite similar. Inside, the Urban Cruiser adopts a modern digital cockpit, including a 10.25-inch instrument cluster and a 10.1-inch infotainment screen.
Optional upgrades include a JBL premium audio system and a fixed sunroof. Toyota claims the interior feels as spacious as some midsize SUVs, thanks to the electric platform and a generous 2,700 mm (106.3 inches) wheelbase, which is 140 mm (5.5 inches) longer than the Yaris Cross. The rear seats also have sliding and reclining functions for added practicality.
The Toyota Urban Cruiser rides on a dedicated EV platform and will be available with three power outputs and two battery options. The FWD models offer 142 hp or 172 hp, while the AWD version delivers 182 hp with a dual-motor setup. Battery choices include a 49 kWh unit exclusive to FWD and a 61 kWh option available for both FWD and AWD models.
The Urban Cruiser features a heat pump for energy efficiency and a manually activated battery preheating function for colder climates. The SUV will debut at the 2025 Brussels Motor Show in January, and we will share pricing details closer to its European launch in 2025.