The compact electric SUV segment just got a new spark (pun intended), as Toyota has officially taken the wraps off its Urban Cruiser EV. Based on the Suzuki e Vitara, this electrified marvel is Toyota’s answer to your prayers for a stylish, tech-loaded, and efficient compact electric vehicle (EV). It’s set to debut in January 2025 at the Brussels Motor Show, and we’re already charging our excitement levels.

Here’s everything you need to know about this all-electric dynamo (and then some):

Design: The ‘Urban Tech’ Glow-Up

Source: TOYOTA

• Exterior: Let’s talk about that front end — the Urban Cruiser EV wears Toyota’s ‘hammerhead’ design with pride, sporting integrated LED headlamps and DRLs that look sharp enough to cut through traffic. It’s an SUV, but with the urban tech flair that says, “I’ll take on potholes, but I’ll look good doing it.”
  • Rugged black plastic cladding ensures it looks tough (even if you’re just driving to the mall).
  • Stylish 18-inch or 19-inch alloy wheels add that extra oomph for those “Hey, check out my EV” moments.
  • At the rear, connected tail lights and a chunky bumper complete the look. The two-tone roof? Chef’s kiss.
• Dimensions: Bigger than your average city car but compact enough for urban shenanigans:
  • Length: 4,285mm
  • Width: 1,800mm
  • Height: 1,640mm
  • Wheelbase: 2,700mm (translation: legroom for days!)

Cabin: Techy, Comfy, and a Little Fancy

Source: TOYOTA

• Interior: Step inside, and you’ll find a space that says, “I’m here to impress… but in a chill way.”
  • A 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster ensures you’ll always know how fast you’re going (even if it’s just to Starbucks).
  • The 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so you can blast your road trip playlist with ease.
  • JBL audio system? Check. Ambient lighting with 12 fancy colors? Oh, you’re spoiled.
• Comfort Features:
  • Sliding and reclining rear seats make sure your passengers aren’t grumpy.
  • Split-folding rear seats (40:20:40 configuration) for when you need to haul groceries and a yoga mat.
  • A fixed sunroof adds some vitamin D to your drive.
• Practical Goodies:
  • Wireless phone charging, powered driver seat adjustments, and auto climate control — because who has time to fiddle with manual settings anymore?

Safety: Peace of Mind (and ADAS Flex)

Toyota didn’t skimp on safety. The Urban Cruiser EV comes loaded with:

• Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS):
  • Pre-collision system: Because bumping into things is so last decade.
  • Adaptive cruise control: Makes highway drives feel like a breeze.
  • Lane departure alert and lane-keep assist: Perfect for when your lane-drifting tendencies kick in.
• Six airbags, a 360-degree camera, and hill-descent control on AWD variants round out the package.

Powertrain: A Buffet of Battery Options

Source: TOYOTA

Toyota knows one size doesn’t fit all, so the Urban Cruiser EV offers multiple battery configurations:

• 49kWh version:
  • Front-wheel drive (FWD)
  • Power: 144hp and 189Nm torque
  • Ideal for the “commute, coffee, and chill” lifestyle.
• 61kWh version:
  • FWD variant with 174hp and 189Nm torque.
  • All-wheel drive (AWD) adds a 65hp motor to the rear axle for a total output of 184hp and 300Nm torque.
  • Perfect for folks who like to venture off the beaten path (or at least pretend they do).
  • Trail Mode in AWD models ensures you don’t embarrass yourself on a gravel road.

Launch and Production: Coming Soon to a Showroom Near You

• Manufacturing: Toyota’s trusted partner Suzuki will build this zippy SUV at its Gujarat plant in India. (Talk about teamwork making the dream work!)
• Global Debut: January 2025 at the Brussels Motor Show.
• India Launch: Later in 2025, which is great news for India’s rapidly growing EV market. Pricing will be revealed closer to the UK launch in Q3 2025, but you might want to start saving now.

Why the Urban Cruiser EV?

The Urban Cruiser EV isn’t just another electric SUV. It’s Toyota saying, “We can do compact, rugged, and electrified… with style.” Whether you’re navigating city traffic or heading out for a weekend road trip, this EV seems ready to tackle it all. And with its blend of practicality, tech, and Toyota reliability, it might just be the compact SUV you didn’t know you needed.

So, mark your calendars, start practicing your “electric is the future” speech, and prepare to fall in love with the Toyota Urban Cruiser EV. Who said going green couldn’t be fun?