Get Ready to Roam: Toyota's Electric Urban Cruiser Splashes into Off-Road Territory
Agile Departure of the Toyota Urban Cruiser AWD Proves Capable
The electric Toyota Urban Cruiser shatters stereotypes by ditching the city car moniker and embracing its off-roading prowess. With a range of powerful drivetrains and an all-wheel-drive (AWD) option, this compact SUV proves it's more than capable of conquering both city streets and rugged terrain.
Toyota's recently-launched Urban Cruiser welcomes competition in the B-segment, sharing technology with its twin, the eVitara developed by Suzuki. Offered in multiple configurations, this versatile vehicle boasts two front-wheel-drive (FWD) models with 106 and 128 kW power, and a top-of-the-line AWD version with a whopping 135 kW. Starting from around €30,000, the Urban Cruiser is expected to hit the roads in the latter half of this year.
First impressions reveal a confident design: a muscular front end, LED daytime running lights, and robust black plastic underbody protection create a commanding presence. The interior offers a blend of classic controls and a modern cockpit adorned with a touchscreen, presenting essential information clearly and structure-wise. Despite its off-road appearance, most buyers may never fully test the AWD version's off-roading capabilities.
The front-wheel-drive models feature two electric motors, each delivering 193 Newton meters of torque. The base variant employs a 49 kWh battery that promises up to 344 km of travel on a single charge according to WLTP, while the larger battery option with 61 kWh allows for a range of up to 426 km, with consumption of 15.1 kWh/100 km.
Power, Performance, and more!The top-of-the-line AWD version utilizes the 61 kW battery and features an additional electric motor on the rear axle, amplifying its performance. With 307 Nm of torque, it boots from 0-100 km/h in just 7.4 seconds. Toyota elects to use lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cells for both battery sizes to ensure excellent durability, safety, and longevity without sacrificing power.
Quiet, agile, and confident, the Urban Cruiser handled city traffic impressively during a test drive. However, its firm suspension and wind noise at highway speeds slightly detracted from the overall experience.
Introducing a Perfect Blend of Space, Comfort, and VersatilityThe interior impresses with clean lines and functional design. A mix of classic switches and touch controls graces the dashboard, while the infotainment system boasts modern connectivity standards and integrated navigation. Seats offer both comfort and durability, and while cargo space is standard for the class at 310 liters, Toyota demonstrates clever flexibility with a rear bench that slides back for extra passenger legroom, and adjustable rear backrests in a 40:20:40 ratio.
The versatile Urban Cruiser excels as an off-road companion, though it's unclear where and when the rear-axle motor engages on challenging tracks. The smooth transitions between power distribution systems make it capable of handling light off-roading and rural roads, especially with the AWD variant.
As a budget-friendly electric off-roader, the Urban Cruiser AWD unfortunately demands the highest "Lounge" trim level, setting buyers back at least €42,990 in Germany.
Sources:- ntv.de- Martin Westerhoff/sp-x- Additional information from analyticinsight
Fun Fact: Outside of the main battery options, the electric Urban Cruiser also comes equipped with enhanced durability, safety, and longevity thanks to the use of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cells.
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- The electric Toyota Urban Cruiser, predominantly designed for transporting persons, intrudes the off-road territory with its AWD option and powerful drivetrains, challenging other vehicles in the B-segment.
- As the industry embraces more electric cars, the Urban Cruiser boasts a commanding presence with its modern design and integration of automotive technology, including a touchscreen and lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cells for superior durability and longevity.
- The Urban Cruiser proves itself a suitable option in the finance sector, as it offers multiple configurations at varying price ranges, starting from €30,000, making it an accessible alternative for those interested in electric vehicles.
- With its impressive performance, space, and versatility in transportation, the Urban Cruiser caters to a particular lifestyle, fitting seamlessly into urban environments while being ready for off-road adventures, shattering the stereotype of electric cars as solely city vehicles.
