Meet the all-new Toyota Urban Cruiser, a model that will bring powerful design, interior spaciousness and rich technology to the compact battery electric SUV market. Previewed by last year’s Urban SUV Concept, the new Urban Cruiser will give us a strong presence in this fast-growing and highly competitive segment and increase the breadth of our all-electric line-up in Europe.
Full UK specifications will be revealed at a later date. But the following is what we can reveal so far about this exciting new model…
Toyota Urban Cruiser: design with impact
The Urban Cruiser’s impactful design is a defining quality in differentiating it from its competitors. A key element is its authentic SUV character, which is communicated by a powerful lower body section that offers a commanding and mature appearance from every angle. The ‘hammerhead’ front end – a contemporary Toyota design cue – is powerfully rendered, while the striking rear light arrangement spans the width of the rear hatch in order to wrap around into the car’s muscular haunches.
Those haunches are filled with 18- or 19-inch diameter alloy wheels (according to grade) and styled with full covers to save weight and support the car’s aerodynamic performance. A wide range of exterior colours will include bi-tone options with a contrasting black roof.
| Urban Cruiser | Yaris Cross | Difference | |
| Length | 4,285mm | 4,172mm | + 113mm |
| Width | 1,800mm | 1,765mm | + 35mm |
| Height | 1,640mm | 1,595mm | + 45mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,700mm | 2,560mm | + 140mm |
| Turning radius | 5,200mm | 5,300mm | + 100mm |
Spacious interior
The Toyota Urban Cruiser’s comparatively long wheelbase (see table above) has helped our engineers create a spacious and versatile interior.
Thanks to a sliding rear seat system, the distance between front and rear passengers can easily be adjusted to create space that is equivalent to that of a much larger, D-segment SUV. The rear seats split-fold in a 40:20:40 configuration and can also be reclined – flexibility which allows the interior to be easily adapted for extra passenger comfort or extended load space, according to need.
The interior versatility is matched by a robust, SUV-inspired design. The look is clean and open with a low, horizontal instrument panel combining with high-set seats to give a great view for all occupants. Upholstery and trims combine black and dark grey, while ambient cabin lighting offers 12 different colours to set an appropriate mood for the journey or time of day.
Multiple powertrain options
The Urban Cruiser will be offered with two battery packs and, according to market, the option of front or all-wheel drive. Both battery packs use lithium-iron phosphate technology, which has the benefit of durability, safety and reduced cost. Acceleration is prompt and linear, both from standstill and at overtaking speeds.
Front-wheel drive models will be available with either a 49kWh or 61kWh battery pack. All 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.
| Front-wheel drive | Front-wheel drive | ||
| Battery capacity | 49kWh | 61kWh | |
| Power | 106kW / 142bhp | 128kW / 172bhp | |
| Torque | 189Nm | 189Nm |
Toyota Urban Cruiser: new BEV platform
The car is constructed on a new platform dedicated to battery electric vehicles. It is strong yet lightweight and provides a spacious interior with built-in protection for the car’s high-voltage parts. The structure’s thoughtful design avoids the need for crossmembers in the floor, which frees more space to accommodate the battery.
Technology-led specifications
Equipment specifications deliver the latest technologies for safety, information and connectivity. All 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. Further convenience is provided by 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.
Toyota Urban Cruiser: increasing customer choice
The all-new Toyota Urban Cruiser will make its public debut at the 2025 Brussels Motor Show, with the model scheduled for UK launch during the third quarter of 2025.
Its introduction will mark another important step in our 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 using a dedicated platform.
The expansion of our 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 across the region. The goal is a 100% CO2 reduction by 2035 and full carbon neutrality throughout Europe by 2040.
All information in this article was correct at the time of publishing.
The UK model range, specification and pricing will be announced at a later date.
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