Toyota has officially introduced its new compact electric SUV, the Urban Cruiser EV, marking its entry into the growing electric vehicle (EV) market. Based on the Suzuki eVitara, which was recently showcased at EICMA 2024 in Milan, the Urban Cruiser EV will make its public debut at the 2025 Brussels Motor Show. Toyota plans to launch six fully-electric models globally by 2026, with Europe as the initial market for these vehicles.
Inspired Design and Dimensions
The Urban Cruiser EV builds on Toyota’s Urban SUV Concept, which was unveiled last year. While it shares its mechanical foundation with the Suzuki eVitara, Toyota has given the Urban Cruiser a distinct design. The SUV adopts the “Urban Tech” theme, featuring a bold “hammerhead” front end, heavily cladded side panels, and squared wheel arches. It retains the blacked-out pillars and aero-optimized alloy wheels seen in the concept model, available in 18-inch or 19-inch sizes.
The rear showcases modern LED lighting stretching across the tailgate, while a charging flap is placed on the front left fender. The SUV measures 4,285mm in length, 1,800mm in width, and 1,640mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,700mm and a 5.2-meter turning radius. Toyota will offer the Urban Cruiser EV in various single- and dual-tone color options.
Interior and Features
Inside, the Urban Cruiser EV mirrors the Suzuki eVitara with a sleek, modern design. The dashboard features soft-touch materials, vertical AC vents, and a twin-screen setup comprising a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. The cabin will be available in dual-tone black and dark grey trims.
The SUV comes packed with features, including wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a JBL premium sound system, a wireless phone charger, automatic climate control, a powered driver’s seat, and a 12-color ambient lighting system. Passengers can enjoy a fixed glass roof, reclining rear seats, and Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) for safety, offering adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and more.
Electric Powertrain Options
The Urban Cruiser EV will be powered by a dedicated BEV skateboard platform. It offers two battery options: a 49kWh unit and a larger 61kWh pack. The smaller battery supports a front-wheel-drive setup producing 142 bhp and 189 Nm of torque. The larger battery comes with front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive options. The AWD variant delivers 182 bhp and 300 Nm of torque and includes off-road-focused features like hill descent control and ‘Trail Mode.’ Toyota has not disclosed the vehicle’s range, but estimates suggest it will be between 400 and 500 km on a single charge.
Launch Plans and Expected Price
While Toyota hasn’t confirmed if the Urban Cruiser EV will be available in India, its strong connection to the Indian market through the Urban Cruiser nameplate raises the possibility. The SUV will first launch in Europe, priced around ₹23 lakh (ex-showroom). If it comes to India, it will compete with models like the Tata Curvv EV, MG ZS EV, Mahindra BE 6e, and the upcoming Hyundai Creta EV.
Toyota’s Urban Cruiser EV aims to combine futuristic design, advanced technology, and practicality, offering a compelling option in the compact electric SUV segment.
