Toyota has pulled the covers off its Urban Cruiser compact electric SUV ahead of its arrival in Q3 2025.

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The brand’s second fully electric car, the newcomer revives the Urban Cruiser name used for a crossover sold in Europe until 2014 and still used for models in other markets.

It’s twinned with the Suzuki e Vitara SUV unveiled last month under the carmakers’ ongoing collaboration and sits on Suzuki’s new Heartect-e architecture designed specifically for BEVs to maximise battery capacity and onboard space. The structure’s design avoids the need for crossmembers in the floor, freeing up more space to accommodate the battery.

Size-wise, it’s slightly larger than Toyota’s Yaris Cross full hybrid compact SUV that it sits above. A turning radius of just 5.2m aids manoeuvrability.

Market specific model ranges are yet to be announced but the line-up includes two lithium-iron phosphate battery options – 49kWh and 61kWh – plus front- and all-wheel drive powertrains to cover a wide range of customer preferences.

The entry-level model teams up the 49kWh battery with a 144hp front-mounted motor that delivers 189Nm. Sitting above it, the middle variant features the 61kWh battery and a 172hp front-mounted motor with the same 189Nm of torque. The top-rung version gets the same 61kWh battery and an extra 65hp motor at the rear, giving 181hp of power and 300Nm of torque, along with all-wheel drive. It also features Downhill Assist Control and a Trail Mode while front-wheel-drive model get ‘snow mode’. Figures are provisional at this stage.

Like Suzuki, the electric range hasn’t been disclosed yet. All versions come with a heat pump as standard and drivers can use the MyToyota app to check the state of their vehicle’s battery charge, locate convenient charging stations and schedule and monitor charging sessions. Toyota HomeCharge domestic wallbox will also be available.

Styling uses the ‘Urban Tech’ theme and features Toyota’s latest ‘hammerhead’ front-end and a striking rear light arrangement that spans the width of the back door.

Thanks to the Urban Cruiser’s comparatively long wheelbase, the interior comes with plenty of space and flexible options such as a sliding rear seat system, said to create space that is on a par with much larger, D-segment SUVs. The seats split-fold in a 40:20:40 configuration and can also be reclined.

The dashboard gets a low, horizontal instrument panel combined with a high-set seating position to enabling easy viewing. Upholstery and trims combine black and dark grey, while ambient lighting offers 12 different colours.

Wheels are 18- or 19-inch diameter alloys, according to model grade, fitted with full wheel covers that save weight and support the car’s aerodynamic quality. A wide range of exterior colours will include bi-tone options with a contrasting black roof.

The instrument panel integrates the driver’s 10.25-inch digital display and 10.1-inch multimedia display into a single unit. Satellite navigation uses cloud-based data to factor in the latest traffic flow intelligence while smartphone integration is provided.

Other features available, according to model grade, include power driver’s seat adjustment, a JBL premium audio system and a fixed sunroof.

Active safety and driver assistance systems fitted as standard 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 arrival of the Urban Cruiser marks another important step in Toyota’s wider 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 Urban Cruiser will debut at the 2025 Brussels Motor Show. Model ranges, specification and pricing will be announced at a later date.