Toyota Urban Cruiser driving report: More lounge than long distance

For a long time, hybrid pioneer Toyota was only an onlooker when it came to all-electric vehicles. Only the recently upgraded mid-range SUV bZ4x held the electric flag comparatively haplessly. This is now set to end: By the end of 2026, ten electric models across all classes are to be launched in this country. The Urban Cruiser is now making the start. At first glance, the all-electric B-SUV looks like a small off-roader: boxy and angular, short overhangs, lots of robust plastic cladding for driving anywhere outside. In reality, however, it is best suited to the city and as an electric commuter with a limited range.

Under the body of the 4.28 meter long Urban Cruiser is a BEV platform developed jointly with Suzuki, which keeps the underbody free of cross members. This creates space for the LFP batteries, even if it doesn't do wonders in terms of dynamics. There is a choice of three battery variants: 49 kWh with 106 kW (144 hp) front-wheel drive, 61 kWh with 128 kW (174 hp) and also front-wheel drive, and the all-wheel drive version with 135 kW (184 hp) and an auxiliary motor on the rear axle. On paper, this should be enough for 344 to 426 kilometers depending on the battery, but in practice - as is usual with electric cars - it will be less, depending on how often and intensively the right pedal is used.

However, the sporting spirit is not the main discipline of the bulky, compact electric SUV anyway. At the steering wheel, it quickly shows what it is designed for: calmness, composure, comfort. The insulation is surprisingly effective, wind and rolling noise remain largely outside, and the 2.70 meter wheelbase makes the car bounce rather than rumble on bad roads. This is complemented by steering that moderates rather than directs. It is precise enough to guide the Urban Cruiser safely through bends and tight corners, but is noticeably sluggish. The chassis also remains neutral for a long time, with the body weighing around 1.8 to 1.9 tons only pushing good-naturedly towards the outside edge of the bend late on. There is no trace of sporty sharpness, even in sport mode the car does not really become more agile, it only briefly flexes its muscles without doing anything with them. The bottom line is that this is a car that decelerates its driver rather than encouraging an active driving style

And indeed, the Urban Cruiser is a quiet glider in the city. The more powerful front-wheel drive with 128 kW pushes on confidently, without aggression, but with enough punch to keep up with the pace. It accelerates to 100 km/h in a brisk 8.7 seconds, while the all-wheel drive version is almost a second and a half faster. Those who regularly drive on more than gravel parking lots and forest paths are better served with the additional 48 kW rear engine. However, Toyota itself only expects a mini proportion for the all-wheel drive. Either way, neither of them can go faster than 150 km/h.

The Urban Cruiser is really interesting when it comes to energy management - not only because of the fuel consumption, but also because of the recuperation. This can be set in several stages and actually brakes almost to a standstill. In the city, coasting is often enough instead of braking; the one-pedal feeling may not be radical, but it is suitable for everyday use. Together with the heat pump fitted as standard and the efficient LFP battery, the WLTP values are surprisingly close to being achieved with a moderate driving style. Our test consumption of a good 18 to 19 kWh on a mixed route shows: The Cruiser doesn't consume more electricity than necessary as long as you don't constantly shoo it.

On long journeys, reality catches up with it at the fast charging station. 53 kW DC for the small battery and 67 kW for the large one are charging capacities on a par with a veteran, not a newcomer intended to compete with Chinese and European rivals. It takes a long 45 minutes to charge from 10 to 80 percent, regardless of which battery you choose. This is too little for a car that is also supposed to be able to handle vacation trips. Toyota argues that the typical customer charges at home or in the office anyway. But even there, it cannot manage more than 11 kW alternating current. In terms of its overall design, the Urban Cruiser may therefore be more suited to the commuter profile than the long-distance driver and, with its range suitable for everyday use, standard heat pump and decent fuel consumption, it is perhaps also well positioned as a second car or main city car. But the market continues to evolve and anyone who buys a new electric car today rightly expects it not to look old in five years' time in terms of charging performance and infotainment.

Even the cockpit of the car doesn't look brand new. The driver looks at a 10.25-inch instrument cluster, which is complemented by a 10.1-inch touchscreen in the middle, although the display looks a little out of date. On the other hand, the menu is largely logical and the most important functions are not hidden three levels deep. The air conditioning, temperature and airflow are controlled in the traditional way using buttons, while the seat heating is outsourced to the touchscreen as if it were a rarely required special function. Smartphone integration is also effortless, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto run wirelessly and there are USB ports at the front and rear. However, the navigation system was a letdown on our test drives, with a working speed more reminiscent of an office than fiber optics. Some turn-by-turn directions only appeared after the bend had already been taken and the graphics here also have something of an early console generation about them.

Otherwise, the interior of the Urban Cruiser impresses with space, variability and a feeling of space that is more reminiscent of the compact class than the small car class. In the front, you sit high up with a good overview, albeit somewhat on the seat rather than in it, as the seat cannot be lowered low enough. In the rear, the bench can be moved by 16 centimeters and the backrest can be tilted in several stages. This allows you to either inflate the luggage compartment, which then has a capacity of 310 to 566 liters depending on the position, or convert the rear into a lounge area. However, the rear roofline requires a little humility when getting in, but the head remains free in the seating position.

On the materials side, there is a clear mix of effort and economy. Although soft surfaces, color-accentuated air vents and a floating center console with piano lacquer look chic, the extensive use of hard plastic reminds you that the budget has been used up elsewhere, for example in assistance and comfort. The former is certainly one of the strengths of the Urban Cruiser. Lane keeping, distance, adaptive cruise control - all on board as standard, including emergency braking for pedestrians and cyclists. On the highway, the Toyota follows the lane well, regulates the distance cleanly and takes the strain off the driver. In combination with the good noise insulation, this results in a stress level that doesn't quite match the high pulse rate at the fast-charging station.

In terms of price, the Urban Cruiser is clearly in the subsidy zone announced for next year, according to which e-cars up to 45,000 euros can be subsidized with up to 5000 euros. However, the starting price for the entry-level "Active" version with a 49 kWh battery and 106 kW was recently increased by €2,000 to €31,990. This means that the anticipated best-selling "Teamplayer" version with a 61 kWh battery and 128 kW of power starts at 38,990 euros. The all-wheel drive top model with an identical battery but 135 kW of power will cost at least 44,990 euros.

It remains to be seen whether the Urban Cruiser can score points with this price structure against the now strong competition in the B-SUV segment. In addition, development partner Suzuki has now announced that its model counterpart, the e-Vitara, will be available from as little as 29,990 euros at the beginning of next year and will also remain 2,000 euros below the Urban Cruiser in all other engine/battery configurations. That takes a lot of brand loyalty. (aum)

Data Toyota Urban Cruiser 4x4

Length x width x height (m): 4.28 x 1.80 x 1.64
Wheelbase (m): 2.70
Drive: Electric, AWD, 1-speed aut.
Power: 135 kW / 184 hp
Max. Torque: 307 Nm
Top speed: 150 km/h
Acceleration 0 to 100 km/h: 7.4 sec.
WLTP average consumption: 12.1 kWh
Battery capacity: 61 kWh
Range (WLTP): 395 km
Max. Charging power: 11 kW AC/ 67 kW DC
Unladen weight / payload: 1939 kg / 421 kg
Trunk volume: 306-562 liters
Towing capacity: 750 kg
Price: 44,990 euros