Toyota Unveils Urban Cruiser
Production Version of Urban SUV Concept
Built on a New Electric Vehicle Platform
Toyota has introduced its new compact electric crossover, the Urban Cruiser. Built on Suzuki’s e-Vitara platform, it features Toyota’s signature design tweaks and offers a fresh take on the compact SUV segment. With a spacious interior and the latest tech, it’s poised to compete with other compact electric SUVs, such as the Volvo EX30, Kia EV3, Hyundai Kona Electric, and Peugeot e-2008.
The Urban Cruiser is based on the Urban SUV concept shown last year, and it’s built on a new electric vehicle platform developed with Suzuki. This platform is designed to be lightweight and features high-voltage protection for improved safety and efficiency. Toyota’s latest addition is set to challenge rivals in the growing electric SUV market, combining practicality with cutting-edge technology.
Reflecting on the Latest Design Language
Developed Exclusively for Europe
In the case of the Urban Cruiser, as it is a mass-produced model of the Urban SUV concept car, the design is based on the Urban SUV Concept. The unique hammerhead-style front grille, which reflects Toyota’s latest design language, is an element that strengthens Toyota’s identity. The body size of the Urban Cruiser is 4,285 mm (168.7 inches) in length, 1,800 mm (70.9 inches) in width, 1,640 mm (64.6 inches) in height, and 2,700 mm (106.3 inches) in wheelbase. Compared to the size of the Kia EV3, the overall length is 25 mm (1.0 inches) shorter, and the wheelbase is 20 mm longer.
As a model developed exclusively for Europe, it seems to have been designed to provide ample interior space, which European consumers prefer. The side emphasizes the volume of the upper part of the rear wheel fender, making the car look larger. The rear is characterized by a large plastic bumper area, which seems to have been prepared for European city centers with a lot of vehicle contact. Depending on the option, 18-inch or 19-inch lightweight wheels are applied.
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems and
Various Driving Modes Included as Standard
The Urban Cruiser’s interior features a low, horizontal instrument panel and a high seat position to ensure the driver has the best view. The digital instrument panel has a digital cockpit, including a 10.25-inch display and a 10.2-inch infotainment screen. The floating center console is finished in glossy black to match the dark theme of the interior.
In addition, a JBL premium audio system and a fixed sunroof are available as options. All trims have advanced driver assistance systems, such as a heat pump, collision avoidance system, adaptive cruise control, 360-degree parking camera, and lane-keeping assist. The vehicle also offers various driving modes, such as hill descent assist, trail mode, and snow mode.
Three Power Options
Set to Debut in January Next Year
The Urban Cruiser is built on an electric-only architecture. It offers three power output options and two lithium-iron-phosphate battery options. The front-wheel drive model produces 142 or 172 horsepower, while the all-wheel drive model produces 182 horsepower. The battery is available in two capacities: 49 kWh and 61 kWh. The 49 kWh battery is available for the front-wheel drive model, and the 61 kWh battery is available for both the front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
The driving range has not yet been officially announced, but it is expected to be around 400 km (249 miles), similar to the Suzuki e-Vitara. The Urban Cruiser will debut at the Brussels Motor Show in January next year. The European market launch price is also expected to be announced in 2025. Meanwhile, Toyota plans to achieve zero carbon dioxide emissions in Europe by 2035 and complete carbon neutrality by 2040. To this end, it plans to launch six electric vehicles based on a dedicated platform by 2026.
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