Toyota Urban Cruiser EV unveiled, based on Suzuki e Vitara

Toyota has officially released the production version of the urban SUV concept that debuted last year. Dubbed the Toyota Urban Cruiser, the electric SUV strictly follows the design of the original concept and shares some similarities with the Maruti Suzuki eVX-based e Vitara. The dimensions of Urban Cruiser EV are 4,285 mm long, 1,800 mm wide and 1,640 mm high. This makes it 15mm shorter and 20mm narrower than the concept car, which is 4,300mm long and 1,820mm wide. However, the wheelbase remains unchanged at 2700mm. The Toyota Urban Cruiser EV is only slightly longer by 10mm compared to the Suzuki e Vitara’s 4,275mm length. Let’s dive into more details about this exciting new Toyota electric SUV.

Toyota City Cruiser EV: Design

The Urban Cruiser EV retains the core design of the original concept, albeit with some tweaks for the production model. It comes with standard LED headlights with integrated daytime running lights connected by a black bar with the Toyota logo above. There’s a dark lower grille and bumper, and air ducts ahead of the wheel wells are designed to optimize airflow. Additionally, the charging port is located on the front left quarter panel. Other notable features include C-pillar-mounted rear door handles, squared wheel arches, tough door cladding and new alloy wheels.

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The rear of the vehicle is dominated by a bold bumper, a seamlessly integrated roof spoiler and a continuous taillight strip with reflective elements in the middle. The circular lighting bits embedded in the taillights are similar to the DRLs and add a unique touch to the overall appearance.

Toyota Urban Cruiser EV: Interior

The Urban Cruiser EV’s cabin is very similar to the e Vitara, with a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a two-spoke steering wheel and a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen. It includes single-zone automatic climate control, electronic parking brake with auto-hold function, driving modes and a wireless phone charger. For added comfort and convenience, higher-spec versions will come with a sunroof, a JBL audio system and an electrically adjustable driver’s seat.

The rear seats will feature a 40:20:40 split-folding setup and will be able to slide and recline for added flexibility and comfort. Urban Cruiser EV will be equipped with a comprehensive safety suite, including tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), 360-degree camera and ADAS lane departure warning with pre-collision system, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control and other functions.

Toyota Urban Cruiser EV: Powertrain

Toyota’s electric vehicle features the same flexible skateboard platform, battery pack and electric motor configuration as the e Vitara. The Urban Cruiser EV uses lithium iron phosphate batteries and is available in two options: 49kWh and 61kWh. The 49kWh version of the Urban Cruiser EV uses a front-wheel drive (FWD) setup and produces 142bhp and 189Nm. The 61kWh version comes with a more powerful 172bhp front motor and 189Nm of torque. The Toyota EV will also come with an all-wheel drive (AWD) option, powered by a 61kWh battery supplemented by an additional 64bhp electric motor at the rear axle, similar to the Suzuki EV. The all-wheel drive model has a combined output of 181 hp and 300 Nm.

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All-wheel-drive versions will come with an off-road mode that senses wheel spin and applies braking to the spinning wheels while redistributing torque to the opposite wheel to improve traction. In contrast, front-wheel-drive versions will include a Snow mode designed to minimize wheel slip and enhance stability on snow and icy roads.

Toyota Urban Cruiser EV: India launch

Toyota is yet to announce the launch date of the electric Urban Cruiser in India, but it is expected to be launched by the end of 2025 and is expected to be priced at Rs 23 lakh (ex-showroom). It will compete with the Tata Curvv EV, MG ZS EV and the upcoming Hyundai Creta EV. However, the model’s world premiere will take place at the 2025 Brussels Motor Show, which opens on January 10.