Toyota Urban Cruiser is back as a 100% electric SUV

Known name: Toyota Urban Cruiser

First, let’s start with the fact that the name Urban Cruiser returns to Toyota’s lineup. The Toyota Urban Cruiser is a compact crossover that was produced between 2008 and 2014. That model was also compact and had a higher seating position. So in that sense, Toyota chose a name that fit the car. The Urban Cruiser was and is a compact SUV.

New platform

The Urban Cruiser is built on a new platform specifically for battery-electric vehicles. At Suzuki, that platform is called Heartect-e. With this platform, the battery pack is part of the body. This structure design eliminates the need for crossbars in the floor, freeing up more space for the battery.

Compared to the Yaris Cross – Toyota’s hybrid model in the B-SUV segment – the Urban Cruiser is just a little bigger in every way.

• Overall length comes out to 4,285 mm (+103 mm over Yaris Cross)
• Overall width is: 1,800 mm (+35 mm over Yaris Cross)
• Overall height is 1,640 mm (+45 mm over Yaris Cross)
• And the wheelbase comes out to 2,700 mm (140 mm vs. Yaris Cross)

Wheel covers

The Toyota Urban Cruiser has a turning radius of 10.4 meters and becomes available with 18- or 19-inch size wheels. The wheels have wheel covers that save weight and improve aerodynamics. Toyota offers several exterior colors, including bi-tone options with a contrasting black roof.

Interior Toyota Urban Cruiser

The interior, like the exterior, is actually completely consistent with the Suzuki e Vitara. We detect a split-sliding rear seat and seats that fold down in a 40:20:40 configuration. On request, this Toyota has a power-adjustable driver’s seat and a panoramic roof. You overlook a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.1-inch multimedia display. The multimedia system also features smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto). A JBL Premium audio system is available as an option.

The powertrains

The Toyota Urban Cruiser will come to market with the same powertrains as the Suzuki e Vitara. So think a 49 kWh or 61 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery. The 49 kWh battery is only available with front-wheel drive and an output of 106 kW (144 hp). The 61 kWh battery – with 128 kW (174 hp) of electric motor – also comes standard with front-wheel drive. The 61 kWh battery comes with optional all-wheel drive. You then get two electric motors and an output of 135 kW (184 hp). Toyota mounts a 48 kW motor on the rear axle in this case.

All Urban Cruiser versions are equipped with an energy-saving heat pump for the air conditioning system and manual battery pre-heating to optimize performance in colder conditions.

Safety and assistance systems

All versions of the Toyota Urban Cruiser have various driver assistance systems. These include a pre-collision system, adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert and lane keep assist. A 360-degree camera system gives the driver a full view of the surroundings.

Public debut in Brussels

In January, the Toyota Urban Cruiser will make its public debut at The Motor Show in Brussels. From January 10 to 19, 2025, the 101st edition of The Motor Show will take place at the Heysel Palaces (Brussels Expo).