Toyota has unveiled the Urban Cruiser EV, its latest electric SUV offering in Europe.
Sharing its platform and design roots with the Suzuki eVitara, the Urban Cruiser features Toyota-specific design tweaks and a range of powertrain options to bolster its appeal.
This addition places the model between the Yaris Cross and the C-HR in Toyota’s expanding European lineup.
At 4285mm in length, the Urban Cruiser maintains compact proportions but incorporates a design influenced by Toyota’s Urban SUV Concept.
While its silhouette and wheels are nearly identical to the Suzuki eVitara, Toyota has given the model unique hammerhead headlights and bespoke taillight graphics to distinguish its identity.
Toyota’s efforts to balance conceptual aesthetics with practicality make this SUV more production-ready than its concept predecessor, ensuring a market-friendly design for 2025.
The Urban Cruiser's interior prioritises technology and space efficiency.
A digital cockpit anchors the dashboard, featuring a 10.25-inch instrument cluster alongside a 10.1-inch infotainment display. Dark-themed upholstery, glossy black accents and optional features like a JBL premium sound system and fixed sunroof elevate the cabin's appeal.
Despite its small footprint, the SUV offers impressive interior space thanks to a 2700mm wheelbase - 140mm longer than the Yaris Cross.
Sliding and reclining rear seats enhance practicality, while Toyota claims the cabin rivals midsize SUVs in roominess, thanks to its EV-specific underpinnings.
The Urban Cruiser comes with three power outputs and two lithium-iron-phosphate battery choices.
The FWD options include single-motor setups delivering either 106kW or 128kW, while the AWD model features a dual-motor system producing 135kW. Battery options include a 49kWh unit for FWD only and a 61kWh unit available with both FWD and AWD configurations.
While WLTP range figures remain undisclosed, Toyota has equipped the model with a heat pump for energy-efficient climate control and a battery pre-heating function, ensuring optimal performance in colder climates.
Set for its public debut at the 2025 Brussels Motor Show, the Urban Cruiser is part of Toyota’s broader push towards carbon neutrality.
The Japanese automaker has pledged to achieve zero CO2 emissions in Europe by 2035 and carbon neutrality globally by 2040.
By 2026, Toyota aims to introduce 15 zero-emission vehicles, including six BEVs on a dedicated platform.
Pricing for the Urban Cruiser will be revealed closer to its European market launch in 2025. There's no word yet on a New Zealand launch, unfortunately.
