New Toyota Urban Cruiser: up close with Japan’s latest EV

• All-new small electric SUV
• Developed alongside the Suzuki e Vitara
• Expected to cost under £30,000

The Toyota Urban Cruiser has returned for 2025 – this time, as an all-new small electric SUV. It was revealed at the end of last year, but we’ve now had a chance to get up close and take a look at its interior in more detail.

The new Urban Cruiser is the second EV from Toyota and sits beneath the bZ4X, taking on rivals like the Kia EV3 and Volvo EX30. UK pricing hasn’t been confirmed yet, but it’s expected to land in the same ballpark as those rivals, meaning it could cost from around £30,000 when it arrives later this year.

What is the Toyota Urban Cruiser?

The Urban Cruiser is a small electric SUV that slots slightly above Toyota’s Yaris Cross hybrid in size. It’s built to appeal to urban drivers who need something compact, practical and cheap-to-run but don’t want to sacrifice SUV style.

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With its robust ‘Urban Tech’ design, it features Toyota’s ‘hammerhead’ front-end styling – as seen adorning the Toyota Prius – and a chunky, squared-off stance that’s all the rage these days. But this isn’t the first Urban Cruiser –  Toyota aficionados will know that the Urban Cruiser name was last used for a small petrol crossover back in the late 2000s.

The new Urban Cruiser was developed alongside the new Suzuki e Vitara, so you’ll notice that the two cars share much of their exterior design and interior. The same goes for what’s under the skin – they’re based on the same platform and share their batteries and electric motors.

How big is the Urban Cruiser?

It’s larger than the Yaris Cross hybrid and smaller than traditional mid-size SUVs, which should make it ideal for life in the city and the suburbs. The Urban Cruiser measures 4,285mm long, 1,800mm wide, and 1,640mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,700mm. Its compact dimensions allow for an impressive turning circle of just 5.2 metres, so it should be pretty handy in the supermarket carpark. By comparison, the MINI Aceman is 4,079mm in length, while the Volvo EX30 is 4,233mm, the Kia EV3 is 4,300mm and the Skoda Elroq is 4,488mm.

What’s the interior like?

We’ve now had a chance to poke around the interior of the new Urban Cruiser, and there are a few things that immediately stand out. The big digital dashboard takes centre stage, consisting of a 10.25-inch driver’s display and a separate 10.1-inch infotainment screen – both are bigger than you’ll find in the entry-level Toyota bZ4X.

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There are big, chunky air vents and a bank of physical controls, so you won’t have to rely on that central touchscreen for everything. Higher spec models get a sunroof, too, which brings in plenty of light into the cabin.

Inside, the Urban Cruiser offers surprising versatility according to Toyota. Thanks to its long wheelbase, it should provide decent space for passengers and their luggage. A sliding rear seat system lets you adjust the cabin to maximise either legroom or boot space. The seats can recline or split-fold 40:20:40 for added versatility.

The Urban Cruiser will be offered in Icon, Design and Excel trim levels, each bringing more kit than the last. All cars get the pair of digital displays, a reversing camera and keyless-entry, but you’ll need to upgrade to the mid-tier Design trim for heated seats and a heated steering wheel. For all of the above plus a JBL sound system and the sunroof, you’ll need to spring for the Excel model.

What battery sizes and motors will be available?

The Urban Cruiser is available with two battery sizes and both front and all-wheel drive options. The entry point is a front-wheel drive model with a 49kWh battery, good for 142bhp. There’s a front-wheel drive version with a large 61kWh battery, and it gets a power bump to 172bhp. The all-wheel drive model also gets the larger battery pack and has more power still, at 181bhp. It also gets some unique off-road driving modes to make the most of the added four-wheel drive traction.

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Toyota hasn’t quoted an official range figure yet, but given that it’s mechanically identical to the new Suzuki e Vitara, we expect the Urban Cruiser to match its twin. When equipped with the bigger 61kWh battery, the e Vitara can manage up to 248 miles of range, so that could also apply to the Toyota. There’s no word yet on range for the smaller 49kWh battery version.

All models come equipped with a heat pump and battery pre-heating, which should ensure the vehicle performs optimally and can charge more quickly in cold weather. Again, there’s no official word on charging speeds, but we expect the Suzuki’s 150kW maximum figure to be carried over here. That could allow for a 15 to 70% charge in around 30 minutes.

What technology does it include?

Toyota has equipped the Urban Cruiser with a comprehensive suite of modern technology, focusing on safety, connectivity, and convenience. Every version of the SUV comes with advanced safety systems, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert, and a pre-collision system to help avoid accidents. A 360-degree camera is also available, making parking and manoeuvring easier in tight urban spaces.

The aforementioned infotainment system supports cloud-based satellite navigation for real-time traffic updates, alongside Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Toyota’s MyToyota app also lets you monitor battery levels, locate charging points, and schedule charging sessions remotely.

How much will the Urban Cruiser cost?

Toyota hasn’t confirmed pricing for the Urban Cruiser yet, but it’s highlighted some key rivals. When it arrives later this year, it will be pitched against the Kia EV3, BYD Atto 2 and Vauxhall Mokka Electric, suggesting a starting price of under £30,000.

Why is this launch important for Toyota?

The Urban Cruiser is a key part of Toyota’s electrification strategy. By 2026, the brand aims to offer 15 fully electric vehicles in Europe, helping it move towards a 100% CO2 reduction by 2035 and full carbon neutrality by 2040.

Read our in-depth review of the Toyota bZ4X, or if that’s too large, take a look at our list of the best small electric cars