The Electric Toyota Urban Cruiser AWD: A Surprisingly Capable Off-Roader
Efficient Performance Showcased in Toyota Urban Cruiser AWD's Departure
The Toyota Urban Cruiser might be labeled as an electric city car, but this compact SUV is anything but meek. Its powerful drivetrains and dynamic performance not only excel on city streets but also tackle light off-road adventures with ease thanks to its all-wheel drive (AWD) system.
Toyota is joining the competitive B-segment electric vehicle market with the launch of the Urban Cruiser. Sharing its technical base with the Suzuki eVitara, the SUV comes in two front-wheel drive (FWD) variants, each delivering 106 kW/144 PS and 128 kW/174 PS respectively. A top AWD variant boosts power up to 135 kW/184 PS, providing a more dynamic off-road driving experience. Prices for the Urban Cruiser begin around €30,000, with deliveries expected later this year [source].
At first glance, the bold design of the Urban Cruiser stands out. Its robust character is accentuated by the confident front end, smooth LED daytime running lights, and prominent black plastic underbody protection. The combination of classic controls and a modern cockpit with a touchscreen presents the driver with information in a clear and well-structured manner. Despite its off-roader appearance, the AWD version's off-road capabilities will likely exceed most buyers' needs [source].
The two FWD variants each feature a motor at the front axle with 193 Newton meters of torque. The entry-level version sports a 49 kWh battery, offering up to 344 kilometers according to the WLTP cycle with a consumption of 14.9 kWh/100 km. The larger 144 PS variant with a 61 kWh battery boasts an official range of up to 426 kilometers, with a norm consumption of 15.1 kWh/100 km [source].
The AWD version utilizes the larger battery and an additional electric motor at the rear axle, producing 307 Newton meters of torque for more power. Accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h takes just 7.4 seconds. Toyota has equipped both battery sizes with lithium iron phosphate cells for increased durability [source].
During a test drive in the top AWD variant, the Urban Cruiser proved to be pleasantly quiet, agile, and confident in city traffic. Its rear axle only supports at low speeds below 90 km/h when the front wheels' traction is insufficient, resulting in a maximum range of 395 kilometers. However, its firm suspension and wind noise at highway speeds slightly detract from the driving experience [source].
The Urban Cruiser's interior impresses with clean lines and functional design. A blend of classic switches and touch controls, combined with a modern infotainment system featuring modern connectivity standards and integrated navigation, offers convenience. The driver's seats are both comfortable and durable, while the trunk space is standard for the class at 310 liters. Toyota demonstrates its flexibility by allowing the rear seats to slide back about 16 centimeters for more passenger legroom or fold in a 40:20:40 ratio [source].
The compact SUV proved to be a versatile partner during off-road testing. Although details on its overall off-road performance are limited, it showed stability and control in mixed conditions. The hill descent control and Trail Mode features available in the dual-motor AWD variant further enhance its off-road performance, making it a more capable off-roader than a standard FWD electric SUV. However, these features come at a higher price: the AWD Urban Cruiser starts at around €42,990 in Germany [source].
Specifications
Powertrain Options:
- 49 kWh battery with a front-axle-mounted motor producing 144 PS and 189 Nm of torque.
- 61 kWh battery in two configurations:
- A single motor with 174 PS and 189 Nm.
- A dual-motor AWD system with a combined 184 PS and 300 Nm.
Battery Type:
Lithium-iron phosphate cells for enhanced durability and performance.
Range:
- The 49 kWh version offers approximately 214 miles.
- The 61 kWh version provides an estimated 265 miles.
Charging:
Peak DC speed of 67 kW with a 10 to 80% charge taking around 45 minutes.
Safety Features:
- Six airbags.
- 360-degree camera.
- ADAS suite with pre-collision system, adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert, and lane keep assist.
Off-Road Features:
- Hill descent control.
- Trail Mode for the dual-motor AWD variant.
- The Urban Cruiser AWD, while primarily designed for city living with its electric-vehicle technology and compact design, showcases a surprisingly capable off-roading lifestyle with its all-wheel drive system and off-road features.
- In addition to its bold design and functional interior, the Urban Cruiser boasts various gadgets such as a 360-degree camera, ADAS suite, and hill descent control, which contribute to its overall modern lifestyle appeal.
- With its powerful motor vehicles, including both front-wheel and all-wheel drive options, and the option for either a 49 kWh or 61 kWh battery, the Toyota Urban Cruiser caters to different preferences in terms of power, range, and, in the case of the AWD variant, off-road capability.
