The Toyota Urban Cruiser has made its global debut as a rebadged version of the upcoming Maruti Suzuki eVX electric SUV. This move sees Toyota utilizing the existing name of its compact SUV for the electric variant, with only a few design changes differentiating it from its Maruti counterpart. Let’s explore what the Toyota Urban Cruiser offers, including its design, features, performance specs, and anticipated launch timeline.
Toyota Urban Cruiser Design: A Blend of Familiar and Fresh
The front profile of the Toyota Urban Cruiser showcases a clear departure from the Maruti eVX, with a prominent width-spanning chrome strip connecting the headlamps. This setup is further emphasized by a black casing. The Urban Cruiser also features 12 round DRLs on each side, a thick bumper, and vertically placed air vents to enhance its aggressive appearance.
From the side, the design largely mirrors that of the Maruti eVX, including squared-off wheel arches, thick door cladding, and C-pillar mounted rear door handles. The only notable change here is the design of the alloy wheels, which gives the Toyota Urban Cruiser a distinct visual appeal.
At the rear, the Toyota Urban Cruiser retains the massive bumper, roof-integrated spoiler, and end-to-end connected tail lamp setup seen in the eVX. However, the tail lamps feature a unique round lighting element, similar to the front DRLs, to further differentiate the Urban Cruiser from its donor vehicle.
Toyota Urban Cruiser Interiors and Features: Premium Yet Familiar
Inside the Toyota Urban Cruiser, the cabin layout is almost identical to the eVX. The key difference is the all-black cabin theme, which contrasts with the more neutral tones of the Maruti version. The dashboard is layered, with semi-leatherette upholstery, squarish AC vents, and touches of brushed aluminum and gloss black elements throughout. The flat-bottom steering wheel and the center console layout are also retained.
As for technology and features, the Toyota Urban Cruiser comes with a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 10.1-inch digital driver’s display, and a fixed glassroof. The vehicle is equipped with a JBL sound system, wireless phone charging, and both wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Automatic climate control ensures comfort, while powered driver seats add to the convenience.
For passenger safety, the Toyota Urban Cruiser is loaded with ADAS (advanced driver assistance systems) features such as lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and autonomous emergency braking. Other safety features include a 360-degree camera, electronic stability control (ESC), a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), and multiple airbags.
Toyota Urban Cruiser Battery Pack, Motor, and Performance
The Toyota Urban Cruiser shares the same battery pack options and powertrain with the Maruti eVX, with several configurations available for buyers. The battery packs include 49 kWh and 61 kWh options, paired with electric motors that produce varying power outputs:
- 144 PS motor with 189 Nm of torque (FWD)
- 174 PS motor with 189 Nm of torque (FWD)
- 184 PS motor with 300 Nm of torque (AWD)
These powertrains offer a combination of front-wheel-drive (FWD) and all-wheel-drive (AWD) setups, ensuring versatility in performance for different driving needs. While Toyota has not officially disclosed the range of the Toyota Urban Cruiser, it is expected to offer a range of around 550 km on a full charge, similar to its Maruti counterpart.
Toyota Urban Cruiser Expected Launch and Pricing
The Toyota Urban Cruiser is set for its official launch in the United Kingdom in the third quarter of 2025, followed by its anticipated arrival in India by the end of the same year. The Urban Cruiser is expected to be priced starting from ₹23 lakh (ex-showroom), making it a competitive player in the electric SUV market. The vehicle will compete with models like the MG ZS EV, Tata Curvv EV, and the upcoming Hyundai Creta EV.
Conclusion: A Strong Contender in the EV Market
With the unveiling of the Toyota Urban Cruiser, the company has entered the electric SUV segment with a promising offering that blends familiarity with innovation. The Toyota Urban Cruiser’s sleek design, premium interiors, advanced technology, and impressive performance specs position it as a strong contender in the growing electric vehicle market. As Toyota prepares to launch this vehicle in international markets, it is expected to make waves in India by the end of 2025, offering consumers a compelling alternative in the electric SUV category.