Toyota’s latest entry into the ever-growing electric SUV game, the Urban Cruiser, has just been unveiled. And let’s be honest, if you think it looks familiar, you’re right. It’s basically a Suzuki e-Vitara in disguise, just with a Toyota badge and some slightly sharper edges. The Urban Cruiser is available in both FWD and AWD, offering what Toyota claims is a “spacious” cabin, for its size, at least.

Sizing Up the Urban Cruiser’s Footprint

Measuring 4,285 mm (168.7 inches) long, the Urban Cruiser slots in between the Yaris Cross and the C-HR in Toyota’s crowded European SUV lineup. Its exterior is heavily influenced by last year’s Urban SUV Concept, with just enough toned-down features to make it acceptable for production—basically, Toyota’s way of saying, “We liked that design, but we needed it to be less ‘concept car’ and more ‘can sell in 2025.’”

More: Toyota’s bZ3X Is A Sub-$14k Electric SUV That Americans Can’t Have

Now, if you’re wondering what makes it distinctly Toyota, it’s the face. Hammerhead headlights and unique tail light graphics set it apart from its Suzuki twin, but that’s pretty much where the differences end. Oh, and the wheels, they’re identical to the e-Vitara’s, so don’t bother squinting too hard when you spot one on the road.

Interior

The same goes for the interior, which features a bulky digital cockpit with a 10.25-inch instrument cluster and a 10.1-inch infotainment screen. The floating center console is decked out in glossy black inserts, paired with dark-themed upholstery. Options include a JBL premium audio system and a fixed sunroof, while all trims come standard with an array of ADAS.

Despite the small footprint of the Urban Cruiser, Toyota claims that the interior can be as spacious as a midsize SUV offering. This is made possible by the EV underpinnings and the generous wheelbase of 2,700 mm (106.3 inches), which is 140 mm (5.5 inches) longer compared to the Yaris Cross. Furthermore, the rear bench seats have sliding and reclining functions for added practicality.

Powertrain Options

As with its Suzuki twin, the Toyota Urban Cruiser rides on an EV-dedicated architecture and will be available with three power outputs and two lithium-iron phosphate battery options. The FWD models deliver 142 hp (106 kW / 144 PS) or 172 hp (128 kW / 174 PS) from a single electric motor, while the AWD version is good for 182 hp (135 kW / 184 PS) from a dual-motor setup. The smaller 49 kWh battery is exclusively available with FWD, while the 61 kWh unit can be had with both FWD and AWD.

WLTP range figures haven’t been disclosed yet, but the Urban Cruiser does feature an energy-saving heat pump for the A/C and a manually activated battery pre-heating function—ideal for colder climates.

Market Debut

The Toyota Urban Cruiser will make its first public outing at the 2025 Brussels Motor Show in January. Pricing will be announced closer to market launch in Europe sometime next year.

Toyota states that it is committed to achieving zero CO2 emissions in Europe by 2035 and full carbon neutrality by 2040. The automaker aims to have 15 zero-emission vehicles in its lineup by 2026, including six BEVs on a dedicated platform.

A few days ago, Suzuki finally ventured into the world of electric vehicles, unveiling the eVitara. It’ll be built in India and shares a lot in common with a new Toyota bZ SUV that’s also on the horizon. However, Suzuki remains trepidatious about future EV investments due to the ever-fluctuating industry.

The Japanese carmaker had originally promised to invest $35 billion to launch five EVs by 2030, but this may no longer happen. While speaking with media members at the launch of the eVitara, company president Toshihiro Suzuki acknowledged the slowdown in EV demand and increased competition from Chinese brands.

Read: New Suzuki eVitara Is Toyota’s Next bZ In Disguise

“We are in a very difficult situation at this moment as the sales of BEVs are slowing down and on the other hand, affordable and cheap EVs from China are coming into the market, so it is a very difficult time to introduce [further] BEVs,” he told Autocar. “Looking at the current situation, the government incentives for BEVs are going out and, [coupled] with Chinese EVs that have very strong [segment] competitiveness, you have to think carefully about what type of BEV should be introduced to the market and in what time.”

Suzuki teased its five planned EVs back in early 2023. One of these included an all-electric version of the Jimny and BEV variants of the S-Cross and Ignis. While the idea of an electric Jimny sounds compelling, the brand’s president recently poured cold water on the plan, suggesting the added weight of a battery pack “would ruin the best part” of the pint-sized off-roader.

So, what EV is next for Suzuki? It will be something smaller than the eVitara, but the date it’ll launch largely depends on how well the eVitara sells and future market trends.

While many other car manufacturers continue to rush towards EVs, despite some growth pains this year, Suzuki doesn’t have the same urgency. Part of the reason for this is that 48% of its annual car sales come from India, and combustion vehicles will continue to play a big role in that market for many years to come. As a result, Suzuki is developing hybrids, e-fuels, and vehicles that run on biogas.

Suzuki has finally dipped its toes into the electric waters with the debut of the eVitara, the brand’s first-ever EV. But if you were hoping that this signaled an electric Jimny on the horizon, think again. Comments from President Toshihiro Suzuki suggest that the pint-sized off-roader isn’t in line for the EV treatment anytime soon.

According to Suzuki’s boss, a fully electric Jimny would be fundamentally at odds with the vehicle’s essence. The president cited battery weight as a critical issue: “If you talk about the Jimny EV, I think it would ruin the best part of the Jimny. I think the core strength of the Jimny is the right weight.”

More: Suzuki Jimny Horizon Is A Special Farewell With A Retro Twist

Needless to say, these comments contradict the official announcement of Suzuki’s own electrification roadmap from early 2023. Back then, the company confirmed that a fully electric Jimny was indeed in development for the European market, even teasing a darkened silhouette featuring new LED headlight graphics around its Jeep-like grille. Either there’s a disconnect between corporate strategy and the president’s vision, or Suzuki is hedging its bets on whether the Jimny can withstand the pressures of electrification without losing its character.

As reported by Autocar, Suzuki’s president also poured cold water on speculation about a hybrid Jimny. Rumors of an electrified variant—potentially offering some form of hybrid powertrain—have circulated for years, but Toshihiro Suzuki suggested that for Europe, the Jimny would remain strictly a light commercial vehicle (LCV).

He went a step further, musing about alternative fuels as a possible future for the Jimny: “If we want to keep providing the Jimny to the market as tools for the professionals, maybe the e-fuel, or biofuel utilizing the ICE technology would be the way to keep Jimny supported in the future.” It’s a cryptic hint at a future where the Jimny holds onto internal combustion in some form, no matter what regulatory hurdles lie ahead.

For fans of the current-generation Jimny, which launched in 2018, this might come as bittersweet news. Since 2021, European buyers have only had access to a two-seater LCV version, as the standard passenger variant was axed to sidestep harsh emissions regulations. There’s been some hope that the upcoming mid-cycle refresh might bring back the full passenger model, by adding mild-hybrid or self-charging hybrid powertrain options. While the technology is already available in other Suzuki models, its president’s comments suggest that the electrification treatment might not be applied to the Jimny after all.

Notably absent from Suzuki’s statements was any mention of a timeline for the facelifted Jimny or any additional variants. The Jimny is exclusively offered as a three-door model in Europe and South America, but other markets including India, and Australia, have access to a more practical and spacious five-door variant as well. Furthermore, a pickup version has been rumored to be under consideration, potentially expanding the Jimny lineup.

In the meantime, Suzuki has kept enthusiasts entertained with special editions like the Jimny Mata inItaly, and the Jimny Horizon in Germany. Both were billed as farewell specials, suggesting that the facelifted version would arrive sooner rather than later.

Fifteen years after the Nissan Leaf made EVs a reality for buyers with real-world budgets, and just as many other automakers are scaling back their own battery-vehicle plans, Suzuki has finally unveiled its first electric car. The eVitara is built in India, but will be exported to other markets alongside a Toyota bZ-branded sister car that’s yet to debut.

Though it wears the Vitara name, the eVitara has very little in common with the automaker’s nine-year-old combustion-powered utility. The production version of last year’s eVX concept rides on Suzuki’s Heartect-e EV platform and shares the show car’s boxy wheelarches, slim grille and the kicked-up window line.

Related: Suzuki’s First Electric SUV Will Be Sold As A Toyota Too

At 4,275mm (168.3 inches) it’s also 100 mm (3.9 inches) longer than the existing Vitara and the 2,700 mm (106.3 inches) wheelbase is 200 mm (7.9 inches) bigger, so it should be much roomier for passengers. Base cars come with a 49 kWh battery and 142 hp (144 PS / 106 kW) motor driving the front wheels, but upgrading to the bigger 61 kWh battery bumps the pony count to 172 hp (174 PS / 128 kW) while maintaining torque at 140 lb-ft (190 Nm). No range figures have been released.

Going for the larger battery also unlocks the possibility of all-wheel drive, made possible by adding a 64 hp (65 PS / 48 kW) motor to the rear axle. The total system output only comes to 181 hp (184 PS /135 kW) but the 221 lb-ft (300 Nm) torque peak should make itself felt, and help offset a 4190-lbs (1,899 kg) curb weight that’s 434 lbs (197 kg) up on the entry-level 2WD model.

The interior looks surprisingly un-budget thanks to the fashionable slab of glass that covers two thirds of the upper dashboard and combines a digital instrument pack and center touchscreen. Suzuki says the cabin features “robust-looking coatings” (let’s hope they really are robust and don’t just look it) to reflect a “High-Tech and Adventure” theme.

And to help you in your adventuring quests Suzuki’s Allgrip-e system includes a Trail mode that uses the brakes to mimic the operation of a traditional limited slip differential. We’ll have to wait to see if the eVitara can outclimb and outcrawl the automaker’s Jimny. We don’t like its chances.

The eVitara enters production at Suzuki Motor Gujarat’s plant in India in spring 2025 and sales to Europe, India and Japan start in the summer. The same plant will also build Toyota’s version of the SUV, which it has yet to reveal, but was previewed by last year’s Urban SUV concept.

Update 10/31: As noted by our readers, the upcoming BEV models will most likely be the production versions of the Suzuki eVX and Toyota Urban SUV concepts. Both electric concepts were introduced in 2023, featuring identical proportions and shared styling cues.

Suzuki and Toyota have announced plans to take their collaborative efforts up a notch, expanding their shared lineup with a new all-electric SUV. Specifically, Suzuki will be supplying Toyota with its upcoming battery-powered SUV, likely resulting in evolved versions of the Suzuki eVX and Toyota Urban SUV concepts. Production is slated to kick off in spring 2025, with a global launch to follow.

More: Suzuki Is Reportedly Working On A Fully Electric Minivan

The Suzuki eVX concept was originally unveiled in January 2023, but an updated version followed in October 2023, bringing it one step closer to production. In December 2023, Toyota introduced the Urban SUV concept, featuring identical proportions and shared styling with the Suzuki.

Unlike many rival offerings, the SUV twins have been designed exclusively as BEVs, so there’ll be no internal combustion or hybrid variants. This is a ground-up electric vehicle, developed through a joint venture involving Suzuki, Toyota, and Daihatsu.

4WD Capability and Range

It has been confirmed that Suzuki’s first battery-powered model will be available with a 4WD system, promising better off-road credentials than your typical urban-oriented electric crossover. The company also claims it will deliver “ample cruising range and a comfortable cabin”, suggesting a focus on everyday practicality as well as capability. The concept version was equipped with a 60 kWh battery pack, projected to offer a range of around 500 km (311 miles).

Measuring 4,300 mm (169.3 inches) in length, the electric SUVs slot in alongside models like the Suzuki SX4 S-Cross/Vitara and Toyota Yaris Cross. Besides riding on the same underpinnings, the models are expected to share the greenhouse and a number of body panels, albeit with different facial features.

This collaboration marks the first time Toyota and Suzuki have joined forces on a BEV. Production of the new models will begin at Suzuki’s Gujarat plant in India, with a launch targeted for spring 2025. The two companies are planning a worldwide rollout, aiming to capitalize on the “remarkable growth” of the global SUV market. Furthermore, the zero-emission offerings will help both companies get closer to their carbon-neutral goals.

Suzuki President Toshihiro Suzuki expressed gratitude for the deepened collaboration with Toyota, noting that while the two companies remain competitors, they are committed to “solving social issues” and advancing toward a carbon-neutral society through a “multi-pathway approach.”

Toyota President Koji Sato echoed this sentiment, highlighting the shared development of the BEV platform. “This will allow us to deliver various choices that contribute to a carbon-neutral society to customers worldwide,” he said. “We would like to learn from each other’s strengths, compete, and further joint efforts based on a multi-pathway approach.”

More: 2025 Suzuki eVX Rendered In Production Form Looking Like An Electric Vitara

Both Toyota and Suzuki have their roots in Enshu, which is the western part of Shizuoka Prefecture in Japan. Their partnership, which began in 2016, initially focused on the mutual supply of vehicles and the gradual push toward electrification. Since then, they’ve been swapping badges across markets from Japan to Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, as well as in Suzuki’s stronghold of India.