Toyota Urban Cruiser EV: All you need to know — And is it worth the price?

UMW Toyota recently introduced three pure electric cars in Malaysia: the Hilux BEV, Urban Cruiser BEV, and bZ4X. This offering provides Malaysians with a wider choice of electrified powertrain technologies, supporting the nation's goal of becoming carbon-neutral by 2050. 

Among the three, the Toyota Urban Cruiser BEV is the most unfamiliar to Malaysians and also the most affordable, priced at RM 198,000 (on the road, without insurance). Built in collaboration with Suzuki (shared with the e-Vitara EV), the EV represents the brand’s series push into the affordable electric SUV space.

Let’s dive deeper and get to know the Toyota Urban Cruiser EV in detail.

Compact and easy to manoeuvre 

The Urban Cruiser is a compact electric SUV measuring 4,285 mm in length, 1,800 mm in width and 1,640 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,700 mm. These dimensions put it in the B-segment SUV space, making it slightly larger than the brand’s hybrid compact SUV, the Yaris Cross. 

Equipped with 18 or 19-inch diameter alloys, the SUV has a turning radius of just 5.2 m, offering easy manoeuvrability on city roads. The boot space is measured at 238 litres, expandable up to 562 litres.

Built on a dedicated EV platform 

The new Toyota electric SUV is based on a dedicated new BEV platform that prioritises cabin space and optimum driving range. The vehicle’s floor is specifically designed to fit the battery pack, protecting it from collision damage with an outer frame and energy-absorbing side mounts. The placement of the battery under the floor lowers the centre of gravity, adding to improved stability and handling.

The automaker used high-tensile steels in key areas for strength and body rigidity, while keeping the weight in check. The fine-tuned aerodynamics help reduce power consumption and maximise the car’s driving range. Contributing to the reduced NVH levels are sound insulation material, special glass and additional covers and mounts. 

Impactful SUV design

The EV features an impactful and appealing design with an authentic SUV character, highlighted by a powerful lower body. Underpinning the “Urban Tech” theme, the car boasts a “hammerhead” front end with contemporary Toyota design cues. The rear bumper is powerfully designed and integrated with a striking light arrangement spanning the width of the back door.

Key feature highlights include - 

• LED headlights 
• LED daytime-running lights 
• LED tail lights
• 18-inch alloy wheels with blocky wheel arches 
• Shark fin antenna 
• Panoramic glass roof

The SUV’s colour palette includes four striking choices - Pearl Arctic White, Land Breeze Green, Grandeur Grey, and Pearl Bluish Black.

Spacious and well-equipped interior 

The EV comes with a spacious and versatile interior thanks to its 2,700 mm long wheelbase. It features a low-set instrument panel with a high-seat seating position, offering a great view for the driver and passengers. The multi-functional steering wheel is wrapped in synthetic leather in combination with synthetic leather and fabric combination seats. 

The feature kit comprises -

• 10.1-inch centre infotainment screen
• Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity
• 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster  
• Wireless smartphone charging pad 
• 4 USB charging ports 
• Ventilated and heated front row seats 
• Premium JBL sound system 
• Ambient lighting 
• PM 2.5 air filter
• Sliding rear seat system 

Single FWD drivetrain cruising up to 426 km

While the BEV is offered in single and dual motor powertrain options globally, the Malaysia-spec model comes in a single front-mounted electric motor, which produces a maximum power of 174 PS and a peak torque of 193 Nm. Feeding the motor is a 61.1 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery, which offers a driving range of 426 km on a single charge. 

As far as the charging time is concerned, the Urban Cruiser BEV takes 50 minutes for 15% to 80% SoC when using 67kW DC fast charging. However, a full AC charge at 7 kW takes 9.5 hours.

Alongside three standard drive modes - ECO, Normal, and Sport, the EV supports “Pedal Mode”, offering one-pedal driving. 

Advanced safety and driver-assistance systems

With a high-strength steel body structure, the Urban Cruiser EV comes packed with seven airbags, a 3D Panoramic View Monitor, and a comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assistance systems. The latter bundles the following functions -

• Adaptive Cruise Control 
• Adaptive High Beam System 
• Lane Departure Prevention 
• Brake Support System  
• Blind spot monitor 
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert
• Lane Keeping Assist 

Overall, the Urban Cruiser gives Toyota a strong presence in a fast-growing and competitive electric car segment in Malaysia, but the real question is - Is it worth the price?

Is the Toyota Urban Cruiser worth the price?

The Toyota EV offers a well-rounded package to Malaysians - a powerful design, family-friendly space, decent range and a well-equipped cabin, making it a sensible choice for everyday usability. 

However, when it comes to price, the SUV is noticeably expensive for its size and positioning, especially in comparison to similarly-sized Chinese rivals. What’s actually adding to the cost is import duties on CBU cars, as the EV is imported from India. 

Well, the all-electric Urban Cruiser may not be the most value-for-money option on paper, but its biggest strength is the brand trust and reliability, which buyers seek when transitioning to pure EVs for the first time. If you are the one who prioritises familiar badge, proven reliability, and peace of mind over affordability, the Toyota Urban Cruiser is a compelling option to explore. 

Also read: Toyota bZ4X Touring launched in Japan - 0-100 kmph in 4.6 secs, 734 km range