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.
Prices and further details will be announced later, ahead of order books opening in the summer and expected first deliveries to customers during the fourth quarter of this year. But the following is what we can reveal so far about this exciting new model…
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 |
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.
In the UK, Urban Cruiser will be offered with two battery packs and front-wheel drive. Both battery packs use lithium-iron phosphate technology, which has the benefit of durability, safety and reduced cost.
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 |
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.
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.
The launch line-up comprises three equipment grades: Icon, Design and Excel. Each provides a generous specification that addresses today’s customer priorities for seamless connectivity, intuitive digital interfaces, advanced safety provisions and strong balance of comfort and everyday versatility.
GRADE | KEY FEATURES |
Icon | 49kWh battery, 10.1-inch multimedia display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, 10.25-inch digital combi-meter, ambient cabin lighting with 12 colour options, 40:20:40 folding and 60:40 slide-adjustable rear seats, black fabric upholstery, driver monitoring camera, rear view camera, blind spot monitor, pre-collision system/adaptive cruise control/lane trace assist/road sign assist, air conditioning system with energy-saving heat pump |
Design | Additional to above: heated steering wheel, heated front seats, auto-retracting heated door mirrors, wiper de-icer, rear cabin vents |
Excel | Additional to above: 61kWh battery, 19-inch alloy wheels, JBL premium sound system, bi-tone exterior paintwork, part-synthetic leather upholstery, panoramic roof with manual sunshade, LED adaptive high-beam headlights, wireless smartphone charger, panoramic view monitor |
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.
Prices and further details will be announced later, ahead of order books opening in the summer and expected first deliveries to customers during the fourth quarter of this year.