Toyota has officially unveiled its latest electric vehicle, the Urban Cruiser compact SUV, which is set to hit the European market in the third quarter of 2025. The Urban Cruiser is a collaborative effort with Suzuki, built on a new EV platform that shares design inspiration from last year's Urban SUV concept.

The compact SUV boasts a wheelbase only 5 inches longer than the European-only Yaris Cross, making it an attractive option for those seeking a fun-sized electric vehicle. The Urban Cruiser joins a growing list of compact electric SUVs in the European market, including the Ford Puma Gen-E and Hyundai Inster.

In terms of specifications, the Urban Cruiser features a side-by-side 10.25-inch cluster screen and a 10.1-inch infotainment system. The vehicle comes with two battery options: a 49 kWh battery with a front-wheel drive (FWD) drivetrain and a 61 kWh battery with an option for all-wheel drive (AWD). The AWD version boasts a power output of up to 135kW, with 40kW on the rear axle for "stable and secure performance on loose and slippery surfaces," and up to 300 Nm of torque.

While the official range has not been announced, it is expected to match the E Vitara's expected 248 miles on a single charge. The Urban Cruiser also features downhill assist and trail modes for added control, with the FWD model including a snow mode. All models come equipped with a heat pump and the ability to manually start preconditioning the battery to prepare for a DC fast charging session.

Toyota has been slower to adopt electric vehicles compared to other legacy manufacturers, instead focusing on its hybrid technology and hydrogen vehicles. However, the automaker is committed to expanding its electric offerings, with plans to introduce 15 EVs, including six models on a next-gen shared platform, by 2026.

Toyota has also invested nearly $1 billion in a paint facility in Kentucky to prepare for the production of a three-row electric SUV for the US market. This move signals the company's growing commitment to electric vehicles and its efforts to catch up with competitors in the EV space.

The Urban Cruiser's compact size and electric performance make it an attractive option for environmentally conscious consumers in the European market. As the demand for electric vehicles continues to grow, Toyota's latest offering is a significant step towards expanding its electric offerings and reducing its carbon footprint.

With the Urban Cruiser set to debut at the Brussels Motor Show next month, consumers can expect to learn more about the vehicle's features, pricing, and availability in the coming weeks. As the electric vehicle market continues to evolve, Toyota's latest offering is a promising sign of the company's commitment to innovation and sustainability.