The Urban Cruiser EV is an electric SUV by Toyota; the new advanced features and battery options have been made by the technology that Toyota owns.
Officially launched by Toyota on 12th December 2024, the car is now very much in the Indian market, which is thick and fast with competition. This compact SUV is in every sense a scaled-down version of the Suzuki e Vitara, further emphasising the already deeper collaboration of the two automotive manufacturers in the EV segment. The Urban Cruiser EV will make its public debut at the Brussels Motor Show 2025.
Design Features
The Urban Cruiser EV boasts a state-of-the-art design philosophy-the so-called ‘Urban Tech.’ It sports a rather unique ‘hammerhead’ front end that integrates headlamps and daytime running lights. The side and rear looks are almost identical to that of e Vitara, including the design of alloys. Urban Cruiser EV will feature different variants and will be loaded with either 18 or 19-inch wheels. The Urban Cruiser EV is noticeable given its pretty large size of 4285mm long, 1800mm wide, and 1640mm high, with a 2700 mm wheelbase.
Interiors within Comfort
The Urban Cruiser is designed with vertical air conditioning vents and an instrument panel, which is otherwise a horizontal instrument panel housing the instrument cluster and the infotainment system. The digital instrument cluster is 10.25 inches large, while the infotainment screen is the same at 10.1 inches, equipped with smartphone connectivity and part of a high-quality JBL audio system. Other interior features include 12 ambient colour options, a rear sliding seat system to maximise passenger space, and split-folding rear seats in a 40:20:40 configuration.
Advanced Technology
Toyota has loaded the Urban Cruiser EV with a multitude of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) for the characteristic features of its product models. These are the pre-collision system, adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert, and lane-keeping assist. It also boasts a 360-degree camera that eases the parking and manoeuvrability of this vehicle, ensuring that it requires little effort to navigate tight spaces.
Battery Options and Performance
- The Urban Cruiser EV is expected to come with two battery options, a 49kWh battery pack for FWD models, and a 61kWh battery pack available both for FWD and AWD configurations.
- The front-wheel-driven vehicle with 49kWh produces an output of 142 bhp and torque of 189Nm. The 61-kilowatt FWD version will generate an output of 172bhp, while the AWD is rated to deliver 181bhp and a tremendous 300 Nm of torque.
- AWD features Downhill Assist Control and Trail Mode, while the FWD variant has a snow mode for optimal torque management on smooth terrains.
Positioning in The Market
Competition for the Urban Cruiser EV is likely to be Suzuki e Vitara in the Indian market. All these SUVs are preparing themselves for battles with best-selling names in compact SUVs, namely Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Volkswagen Taigun, Skoda Kushaq, and many others. Bringing electric powertrains can play a significant role in attracting such customers who are environmentally conscious.
Production and Availability
The new Urban Cruiser EV will roll off the lines in one of Suzuki’s Gujarat, India, factories, which will also make this new Suzuki e Vitara. Both of these will be exported to selected countries worldwide, including Europe and Japan. While the Suzuki e Vitara is expected to launch in Q2 2025, Toyota’s Urban Cruiser EV is likely to arrive later that year.
With the announcement and launch of the Urban Cruiser EV, Toyota has established itself as a strong competitor in the electric vehicle marketplace. This consumer product has a beautiful design but offers great usability with features meant to click in the performance stakes with everyday practicality. This is the new electric offering from Toyota-styling including summary specs and market impacts when competition heats up in this segment. Aligning itself with global trends toward sustainable transportation has been the electrical mobility push and all that goes with it in the company.
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