Toyota Revives Urban Cruiser Nameplate for New Electric Crossover
Toyota has recently announced the revival of the Urban Cruiser nameplate for its latest electric crossover vehicle. This move comes as the Japanese automaker aims to expand its electric vehicle lineup and meet the increasingly stringent emissions targets set by regulators.
The decision to introduce a new electric model is crucial for Toyota, especially in light of the UK’s Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate, which requires a 28% mix of electric vehicle sales by 2025. With the brand’s bZ4X electric crossover falling short of the sales target for this year, the introduction of the Urban Cruiser is seen as a strategic step towards achieving compliance with regulatory requirements.
Serving as an indirect successor to the previous crossover model that was discontinued in Europe in 2014, the Urban Cruiser is positioned as a slightly larger electric alternative to the popular Yaris Cross, which has been one of Toyota’s best-selling vehicles with 18,878 units sold in the UK. In the competitive crossover segment, the Urban Cruiser will compete against rivals such as the Volvo EX40, Peugeot e-3008, and Mini Aceman.
Unlike its bZ naming convention for EVs, Toyota has opted for the Urban Cruiser moniker for this new electric model, aligning with the trend of other automakers like Honda and Mercedes-Benz who are moving away from numerical or alphabetical designations for their electric vehicles.
Collaborating with Suzuki, the Urban Cruiser shares its platform with the Suzuki e-Vitara, marking the first joint vehicle project between the two companies. Production of the Urban Cruiser will take place alongside the e-Vitara in India, a market where the Urban Cruiser name is still used for a rebadged Suzuki Grand Vitara.
Based on Suzuki’s Heartect-e architecture, the electric Urban Cruiser offers two battery options: 49kWh or 61kWh, with power outputs varying based on the selected battery size. The smaller battery pack comes with a 142bhp motor, while the larger pack offers a 172bhp motor. Additionally, the 61kWh battery option can be equipped with four-wheel drive, featuring an additional motor on the rear axle for increased power and torque.
