Toyota has unveiled its latest addition to the growing electric SUV market: the Urban Cruiser. If its design feels familiar, there’s a reason—it shares a strong resemblance to the Suzuki e-Vitara, albeit with a Toyota badge and subtle design tweaks. This new electric SUV fills the gap between the Yaris Cross and C-HR in Toyota’s increasingly crowded European SUV lineup.
The Urban Cruiser’s dimensions measure 4,285 mm in length, positioning it as a compact SUV. Its exterior design draws heavily from Toyota’s Urban SUV Concept introduced last year. Distinctive hammerhead headlights and unique taillight graphics set the Urban Cruiser apart from its Suzuki counterpart, though these differences are largely superficial. Beyond these design touches, the similarities between the two models are evident.
Inside, the Urban Cruiser offers a tech-heavy cabin with a focus on functionality. A digital cockpit includes a 10.25-inch instrument cluster and a 10.1-inch infotainment display. The floating center console is finished with glossy black accents, complemented by dark-themed upholstery for a sleek, modern feel. Additional options include a premium JBL audio system and a fixed sunroof. Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) are standard across all trims, adding to the vehicle’s appeal.
Despite its compact exterior, Toyota claims that the Urban Cruiser provides interior space comparable to a midsize SUV. This is largely due to its EV-specific architecture and a 2,700 mm wheelbase, which is 140 mm longer than the Yaris Cross. The extended wheelbase not only enhances cabin space but also allows for practical features like sliding and reclining rear bench seats.
The Urban Cruiser rides on a platform dedicated to electric vehicles and offers multiple powertrain configurations. Front-wheel-drive (FWD) versions produce either 142 hp or 172 hp with a single electric motor, while the all-wheel-drive (AWD) variant delivers 182 hp via a dual-motor setup. Two battery options are available: a smaller 49 kWh unit paired exclusively with FWD models and a larger 61 kWh battery available with both FWD and AWD configurations.
Although official WLTP range figures have not yet been released, the Urban Cruiser is equipped with features to optimize energy efficiency. These include a heat pump for the air conditioning system and a battery pre-heating function, which can be manually activated for colder climates.
Toyota plans to showcase the Urban Cruiser publicly for the first time at the 2025 Brussels Motor Show in January. Pricing details will be revealed closer to its European market launch later that year, but the Urban Cruiser is already positioned as a promising new contender in the electric SUV segment.