Global Premiere of Toyota Urban Cruiser EV: Competing with Suzuki eVitara
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Following the recent unveiling of the Suzuki e Vitara, Toyota has introduced the new Urban Cruiser EV, which is the all-electric version of the SUV. The Toyota Urban Cruiser EV was initially presented as the Maruti eVX Urban SUV concept during the 2023 Auto Expo in Delhi. The finalized production model, known as the Suzuki e Vitara, made its global debut last month and is anticipated to launch in India at Bharat Mobility 2025. The Urban Cruiser EV is built on the same platform as the e Vitara.
Toyota Urban Cruiser EV: New Design
In contrast to the Suzuki e Vitara, the newly introduced Toyota Urban Cruiser EV features a distinct design while maintaining a similar profile. The front end exhibits a sharper appearance, characterized by a narrower grille and sleeker headlamps. The front bumper is less aggressive than that of the concept model, incorporating air intakes that are designed with functionality in mind. Additionally, vertically arranged air vents are positioned at both ends, which are intended to assist in cooling the brakes. The Urban Cruiser EV is equipped with either 18-inch or 19-inch wheels optimized for aerodynamics.
The Toyota Urban Cruiser EV presents a notably unique appearance and is slightly larger than the e Vitara. Its distinctive design is accentuated by a sloping roofline, and the rear door handles are seamlessly integrated into the C-pillar. The rear profile features wraparound taillights, which have been simplified from the concept version, spanning the width of the vehicle. Additionally, the lower section is adorned with black body cladding, enhancing its rugged aesthetic. Overall, the rear design closely resembles that of the e Vitara, with the exception of the prominently displayed Toyota badge on the tailgate.
Toyota Urban Cruiser EV: Dimensions
With respect to dimensions, the Toyota Urban Cruiser EV measures 4,285 mm in length, 1,800 mm in width, and 1,640 mm in height. This makes the Toyota-badged model slightly larger than the e Vitara, while the wheelbase measures the same at 2,700 mm.
Toyota Urban Cruiser EV: Battery and Motor Specifications Unveiled
The Toyota Urban Cruiser EV will be built on the skateboard platform that it shares with the e Vitara, incorporating the same battery packs and electric motors. According to Toyota, this model will utilize lithium-iron phosphate technology for its batteries, offering two options: 49 kWh and 61 kWh. The 49 kWh variant will feature front-wheel drive (FWD) with an output of 142 bhp and a peak torque of 189 Nm. In contrast, the 61 kWh version will also have an FWD configuration, producing 172 bhp and maintaining the same peak torque of 189 Nm. Additionally, an all-wheel drive (AWD) option will be available for the 61 kWh model, delivering 181 bhp and a peak torque of 300 Nm. The AWD variants will be equipped with a Trail Mode, which is designed to detect and brake a spinning wheel while transferring drive torque to the opposite wheel. The FWD models will include a snow mode to minimize wheel slip on icy roads.
The cabin design of the Toyota Urban Cruiser EV is similar to that of the e Vitara, featuring an identical dashboard configuration, a two-spoke steering wheel, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system.Toyota Urban Cruiser EV: Cabin
The cabin of the new Toyota Urban Cruiser EV is identical to the e Vitara complete with the two-spoke steering wheel, dashboard layout and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system. There’s also a 10.1-inch digital instrument console. Other features include an electronic parking brake, auto hold, auto climate control, wireless charging, an electrically adjustable driver’s seat, a JBL sound system, and a sunroof. The electric SUV will also come with a 360-degree camera and an ADAS suite of safety features comprising adaptive cruise control, pre-collision system, lane-departure alert, and lane-keeping assist. Expect to see six airbags as standard on the upcoming offering.
The confirmation of the Toyota Urban Cruiser EV for the Indian market is still pending; however, it is set to be manufactured by Suzuki at its facility in Gujarat for distribution in global markets.Upcoming Toyota Urban Cruiser EV: Expected Launch in India by Late 2025
The Suzuki e Vitara, branded under Maruti, is anticipated to debut early next year, while the new Toyota Urban Cruiser is expected to be introduced in India during the latter half of 2025. Although Toyota has not yet confirmed the model's entry into the Indian market, it is important to note that the electric SUV will be produced in India at Suzuki's manufacturing plant in Gujarat for distribution in global markets. Further information regarding the model's launch is expected to be revealed in the upcoming weeks. In the meantime, the Urban Cruiser EV will be showcased to the public in Europe on January 10 at the Brussels Motor Show in the UK, with its launch planned for the third quarter of 2025.
