All-new electric Toyota Urban Cruiser unveiled

Toyota has unveiled its all-new battery electric compact SUV, the Urban Cruiser, which will come with 49kWh and 61kWh battery options.  

UK model range, specification and pricing will be announced at a later date.

Toyota says the new SUV’s introduction marks another important step in its wider multi-path strategy to offer customers a broad choice of electrified drivetrain technologies across Europe. 

By 2026, Toyota will have 15 zero emission vehicles in its range, including six battery electric vehicles (EVs) using a dedicated platform. 

The expansion of Toyota’s battery electric line-up, combined with a wide range of plug-in hybrid, full hybrid and fuel cell electric vehicles, will progressively lower Toyota’s emissions towards the goal of a 100% CO2 reduction by 2035, contributing to Toyota Motor Europe’s goal of full carbon neutrality by 2040. 

The two battery packs and, according to market, the option of front or all-wheel drive, both use lithium-iron phosphate technology. 

The 49kWh battery will be available exclusively in the FWD version, giving an output of 106kW /142bhp/144 DIN hp. Additionally, for the FWD model, a 61kWh battery produces 128kW/172bhp/174 DIN hp. 

In the all-wheel drive version the 61kWh battery delivers 135kW/181bhp/184 DIN hp. 

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

The car is constructed on a new platform dedicated to battery electric vehicles (BEVs).

Toyota says it is strong yet lightweight and provides a spacious interior with built-in protection for the car’s high-voltage parts. 

The structure’s design avoids the need for crossmembers in the floor, freeing up more space to accommodate the battery. 

One of the qualities of the new Urban Cruiser, it says, is the availability (according to local market) of an all-wheel drive system.  

The addition of a 48kW motor to the rear axle aims to give stable and secure performance on loose and slippery surfaces, giving both peace of mind in difficult conditions and a more rewarding driving experience.  

The system also provides Downhill Assist Control and a Trail Mode which detects and brakes a spinning wheel while directing drive torque to the opposite wheel. 

The front-wheel drive model benefits from a “snow mode” which controls drive torque to help reduce wheel-slip when driving on snow-covered roads. 

Wheels are 18 or 19-inch diameter alloys, according to model grade, fitted with full wheel covers that save weight and support the car’s wind-cheating aerodynamic quality. 

A wide range of exterior colours will include bi-tone options with a contrasting black roof. 

The Urban Cruiser’s comparatively long wheelbase (+140mm vs Yaris Cross) is key to a spacious interior. 

Thanks to a sliding rear seat system, the couple distance between front and rear passengers can easily be adjusted to create space that is on a par with much larger, D-segment SUVs.

The seats split-fold in a 40:20:40 configuration and can also be reclined. 

Upholstery and trims combine black and dark grey, while ambient lighting offers 12 different colours to set an appropriate cabin mood for the journey or time of day. 

Meanwhile, equipment specifications deliver the latest technologies for safety, information and connectivity. 

All Urban Cruiser versions benefit from a comprehensive package of active safety and driver assistance systems, helping recognise and avoid a wide range of common accident risks.

Features include a pre-collision system, adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert and lane keep assist. 

A 360-degree camera system gives the driver a complete view of the car’s surroundings when manoeuvring across rough ground or parking in tight spaces. 

The instrument panel seamlessly integrates the driver’s 10.25-inch digital combimeter and 10.1-inch multimedia display into a single unit. 

The multimedia system is designed for fast, intuitive operation with satellite navigation that uses cloud-based data to factor in the latest traffic flow intelligence. 

Smartphone integration is provided so the driver can access their preferred apps and services with ease. 

Technology is also at hand to help with the day-to-day management of running an electric vehicle. 

The Toyota HomeCharge domestic wallbox provides a recharging facility that is designed for seamless operation with Toyota models. 

There is also the MyToyota app, which owners can use to check the state of their vehicle’s battery charge, locate convenient charging stations and schedule and monitor charging sessions. 

Other features available, according to model grade, include power driver’s seat adjustment, a JBL premium audio system and a fixed sunroof.