Cracking the Pavement: The Toyota Urban Cruiser AWD - An Electric Adrenaline Rush on the Off-Road
Toyota Urban Cruiser All-Wheel Drive provides a solid performance on departure.
Gone is the city slicker label for the Urban Cruiser. This compact SUV, whipped up by Toyota and Suzuki, flaunts powerful drivetrains that can catapult it beyond city limits - and with its all-wheel drive, it's no stranger to dirt paths.
Soon to be unleashed in the cutthroat B-segment market, the electric Urban Cruiser is looking to cement its place. With front-wheel-drive versions offering 106 kW/144 PS and 128 kW/174 PS, and the top-tier all-wheel-drive variant boasting 135 kW/184 PS, even city drivers might find it overpowered. You can snag one in the second half of the year starting from around €30,000.
At first glance, the rugged design speaks volumes. The strong front, sleek LED daytime running lights, and sturdy black plastic underbody protection radiate power. The interior blends the charm of classic controls with a modern cockpit, keeping you informed and in control. Despite the off-road appearance, the all-wheel-drive variant's off-road capabilities might be a stretch for most drivers.
Standard fare in the front-wheel-drive variants include 193 Nm of torque at each motor. The entry-level model with a 49 kWh battery is rumored to reach 344 kilometers on a full charge, while the more powerful variant with a 61 kWh battery can travel up to 426 kilometers.
Assuming you opt for the all-wheel-drive model, you'll also be treated to an additional electric motor at the rear axle. Boasting a whopping 307 Newton meters of torque, it sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in under 7.4 seconds. Toyota makes use of lithium iron phosphate cells in both battery sizes, offering energy savings at the cost of reduced energy density compared to conventional lithium-ion batteries.
Taking it for a spin, the Urban Cruiser AWD performs quietly and efficiently in urban jungles. The auxiliary motor on the rear axle only kicks in when the front wheels struggle with grip, below 90 km/h. This results in a maximum range of 395 kilometers. The stiff suspension and wind noise on highways might mar the overall experience, however.
The interior is a marvel of streamlined design with a blend of touch controls and classic switches. A modern infotainment system includes modern connectivity standards and navigation, while the comfortable and durable driver's seats keep you snug. The 310-liter cargo area is acceptable for its class, but Toyota adds a touch of ingenuity with its sliding rear bench, adjustable trunk space, and folding rear seats that tilt in different ratios.
This flexible partner doesn't shy away from adventure. In backcountry with gravel roads or deeply rutted tracks, the rear-axle motor seamlessly joins the party. Adjustments are smooth and nearly imperceptible, making it an exciting option for residents of snowy regions or foresters eyeing electric compact cars - just be prepared for the highest trim level "Lounge" at least €42,990 in Germany.
Toyota's Electric Ecosystem:
Electric VehiclesWhile not readily available in the UK market, the AWD version of the Urban Cruiser EV has some tantalizing specs on the table. The electric Urban Cruiser is rumored to offer two primary battery sizes: 49 kWh and 61 kWh. The latter is associated with a dual-motor AWD system. Expect to see a combined power output of 184 PS and 300 Nm of torque from the AWD version. Performance details like acceleration and top speed haven't been disclosed yet, but the dual-motor setup is anticipated to deliver a performance boost over its front-wheel-drive counterparts. The driving range for the AWD version remains undisclosed, but typically, heavier AWD electric vehicles may experience slightly reduced ranges compared to front-wheel-drive models due to increased energy consumption. The Urban Cruiser EV will also feature a host of safety features, such as a 360-degree camera and an advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) with pre-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning.
The all-wheel-drive (AWD) version of the Toyota Urban Cruiser, planned for the B-segment market, will not only offer powerful electric drivetrains but also entail significant investments in the field of electric vehicles finance, as its starting price in Germany will begin at €30,000 for the front-wheel-drive models and escalate to €42,990 for the AWD Lounge trim.
The AWD Electric Urban Cruiser, with its 61 kWh battery and dual-motor system, is poised to offer a combined power output of 184 PS, ensuring excellent transport of persons via motor vehicles principally designed for that purpose, while maintaining robust finance implications.
