Unlike some car manufacturers who jumped onto the electric vehicle (EV) train with both feet, the Japanese giant Toyota, were more cautious and hedged their bets. The result of that caution is that the brand now has boasts a multipath philosophy and offers a successful and broad range of cars with all the options for motive power. The introduction of the all-new Urban Cruiser featured here is the latest step in the expansion of Toyota’s battery electric vehicle (BEV) catalogue of electric sport utility vehicles (SUV) models in all sizes.
The advantages of EV transport for urban drivers in towns and cities cannot be overstated. Electric city driving just makes sense and the premium Urban Cruiser, available in two power versions, covers all the bases in that it is practical, roomy and will travel over two hundred miles on a single charge. That makes it suitable for ranging out into the countryside and has power enough to keep up with motorway (autoroute) high speed traffic.
The 49kWh version has an equivalent output of 142BHP (144PS/106 kW) and produces a maximum 193Nm of torque. The driving range is up to 213 miles. Extending customer choice, Toyota also offer a 61kWh, battery. This produces 172BHP (174PS/135kW) and 193 Nm. The driving range on this version is up to 264 miles. Later in 2026, an all-wheel-drive version will be offered, but only on the more powerful version.
On The Outside
Based on a dedicated electric platform, the Urban Cruiser’s exterior design broadcasts an authentic SUV quality. Developed on a theme, called ‘Urban Tech’, they say, its sophisticated, premium styling generates a bold appearance from every angle. That SUV character is evident in the strong lower body treatment and robust sill and wheel arch mouldings and lower bumper sections.
The ‘hammerhead’ front end is a contemporary Toyota design cue, accentuated here by a slim margin line around its leading edge. The visual effect is enhanced by slim headlight units with light guides for the horizontal LED daytime running lights and turn indicators, and a U-shaped trim around a ‘bi-LED’ that projects both headlight high and low beams. A strongly defined lower bumper with a gloss black finish accentuates the car’s wide stance.
At the rear, a carefully designed rear lighting unit spans the width of the back door and wraps around into the car’s strong haunches. LED lights are arranged in parallel lines to create a distinctive illumination signature. The car’s overall dimensions are slightly greater than Toyota’s full hybrid mid-SUV, the Yaris Cross.
On The Inside
The Urban Cruiser benefits from a wheelbase that is surprisingly long for a model in is class and thus delivers a spacious and versatile interior. A low-set instrument panel with strong horizontal lines and a soft-touch finish amplifies the sense of space and openness.
The car’s authentic SUV character is reflected in a high driving position with excellent all round visibility for driver and passengers alike. The centre console design places key controls within close reach so operation does not impact on the driver’s focus on the road ahead. These controls include a dial-type shift selector and electronic parking brake switch.
Cup holders and, on the Excel trim level, a wireless smartphone charger are integrated in the design, which forms a bridge over a handy open storage tray. This lower section of the console also houses a power outlet and USB-A and USB-C ports for device connection and charging. The rationalised design incorporates some controls in the multimedia touchscreen in place of physical switches, such as those for the seat heaters. The air conditioning system can be operated using switches or the screen.
The cabin has a smart black and grey finish with either fabric upholstery or, on the Excel model, a combination of fabric with high-quality animal-free material. The cabin atmosphere can be tailored to suit the journey or the driver’s mood with an ambient lighting system that offers a choice of 12 different colour settings and seven brightness levels, highlighting the door panels and console tray.
Thanks to a sliding rear seat system, the distance between the front and rear passengers can be adjusted in a wide range, rivalling that found in much larger SUVs. Adding further versatility, the rear seats split-fold 40:20:40 and can also be reclined. This designed-in flexibility allows the interior to be easily adapted for extra passenger comfort or extended load space, according to need. When the rear seats are in their furthest forward position, there are 310 litres of luggage space, loading to the roof. Move the seats to their rearmost position and the volume is 244 litres. Maximum capacity, with the seats fully folded, is 566 litres.
Convenient features for rear seat passengers include two USB ports in the rear console for device charging, a smartphone tray and folding centre armrest. Design and Excel trim level models come equipped as standard with a ‘Cold Pack’, which brings together a range of features designed for on-board comfort and improved visibility. These include heated door mirrors and an L-shaped windscreen de-icer on the exterior. Inside the vehicle, occupants benefit from heated front seats, a heated steering wheel and extra ducting to channel warm air to the rear of the cabin. All this and the car is excellent value too.
Naturally, It’s Digital
Clarity, ease of use and personalisation are the key qualities of the digital user experience across the Urban Cruiser’s instrumentation and multimedia functions. The instrument panel seamlessly integrates a 10.25 inch ‘combimeter’ and 10.1 inch multimedia touchscreen display into a single unit. Both displays can be customised to suit the driver’s priories for information and preferences for layout and readability.
The multimedia system provides intuitive operation and prompt response. It offers both an embedded navigation system and access to efficient cloud-based route planning that is able to factor in the latest traffic flow information. Smartphones can be wirelessly integrated with the vehicle via both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. High grade models provide a wireless device charger as standard.
Driving
Driving is straightforward and, like so many of us drivers, is set for comfort rather than speed, so don’t expect sports car handling but, especially on the 172BHP version, progress can be brisk. The Toyota Urban Cruiser is easy to drive with good grip.
The driving is made easier and safer with a comprehensive array of technically advanced active safety and driver assistance features. All versions are equipped with a ‘Brake Support System’. Its capabilities include recognising imminent collision risks, with other vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles and pedestrians. It will first alert the driver to take action and, if necessary, initiate braking to help avoid or mitigate the consequences of an impact. If a collision does happen and an airbag is inflated, multiple collision braking is activated to help prevent a secondary impact. ‘Adaptive Cruise Control’ with ‘Lane Keep Assist’ are also standard features and help ease the burden of driving by keeping the car at a selected speed and safe distance from vehicles ahead. ‘Lane Departure Prevention’ helps keep the car safely within its driving lane and ‘Traffic Sign Recognition’ provide useful visual confirmation of speed limits and principal traffic warnings.
MHH International
MHH International offer a wide range of vehicles from a host of prestige car manufacturers, including Toyota, for export worldwide to destinations like New Zealand and Kenya. We offer a comprehensive range of services such as VAT reclaim assistance, where applicable. Our website Home Page has full details.
