- Following in the steps of Toyota’s first BEV, the bZ4x, Toyota has revealed the Urban Cruiser: a compact, fully-electric SUV, set to compete with the likes of the Volvo EX30, Ford Puma Gen-E, and Kia EV3.
- The Urban Cruiser marks one of the fifteen zero emission vehicles it will offer in Europe by 2026, including six BEVs built on a dedicated platform.
- Its debut marks the return of the Urban Cruiser name for Europe, after the previous model was discontinued back in 2014.
Toyota’s new EV revealed, arrives next year
Toyota is aiming the Urban Cruiser at the compact battery electric SUV market, a segment that is seeing more and more competition. Just last month, Ford revealed its answer to the segment in the form of the Puma Gen-E. With that car’s petrol variant being the most popular car on sale in the UK, there’s a clear opportunity for Toyota to also sell the Urban Cruiser in strong numbers.
Whilst not specifically mentioned by Toyota, you might notice this car looks familiar. That’s because underneath, it’s essentially the same as the Suzuki e VITARA, which was revealed back in November, thanks to a partnership between the two brands. The two battery sizes that’ll be offered on the Urban Cruiser are 49kWh and 61kWh – the same two options available on the Suzuki. Whilst the rear of the two cars look similar, Toyota looks to be differentiating between the e VITARA by using a completely redesigned front fascia, which aligns with the design elements of other Toyota cars currently on the market.
The 49kWh option will be availble exclusively in front-wheel-drive form, producing 144 horsepower. Stepping up to the 62kWh battery option, this can be specified in either a front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive powertrain – with power figures of 174 and 184 horsepower respectively. No word on range, yet, but all cars will come as standard with an energy-saving heat pump.
Toyota expects the Urban Cruiser to launch in the UK during Q3 of 2025, with a similar date likely for other European territories. Pricing is yet to be announced, but considering the affordability of rivals, expect the entry level Urban Cruiser to be priced at least below £35,000.
