Zipping Through Cities and Gravel: Toyota Urban Cruiser's AWD Off-Road Capabilities Unleashed
Toyota's Urban Cruiser AWD delivers impressive performance during departures.
The Toyota Urban Cruiser, a city car in disguise, flaunts a rugged exterior that belies its true nature. Underneath this tough exterior lies a compact SUV with powerhouses within, ready to take on the dirt without breaking a sweat thanks to its all-wheel-drive (AWD) feature.
Toyota's latest offering in the bustling B-segment market, the Urban Cruiser, teams up with Suzuki in creating this dynamic SUV. Although primarily offered as a front-wheel-drive (FWD) electric vehicle, the AWD version packs a punch with up to 184 PS. This electric SUV is available for a starting price of around €30,000 and will hit the roads later this year.
At first glance, the Urban Cruiser's confident design catches the eye with its muscular front end, LED daytime running lights, and black plastic underbody protection that exudes a rough and rugged charm. The blend of classic controls and a modern cockpit with a touchscreen presents a clear and organized layout, delivering all necessary information to the driver. Despite the off-road appearance, most customers may never test the AWD variant's true off-road capabilities.
The two FWD variants are equipped with a single motor at the front axle, producing 193 Newton meters of torque each. The entry-level model boasts a 49 kWh battery, yielding up to 344 kilometers on the WLTP cycle with a consumption of 14.9 kWh/100 km. The larger 144 PS variant with a 61 kWh battery can travel up to 426 kilometers, consuming 15.1 kWh/100 km.
The AWD model, however, uses the larger battery and sports an additional electric drive at the rear axle. Boasting 307 Newton meters of torque, it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.4 seconds. Intriguingly, Toyota employs Lithium Iron Phosphate cells for both battery sizes, which are less energy-dense than typical Lithium-ion batteries but cheaper.
During a test drive in the top all-wheel-drive variant, the Urban Cruiser demonstrated a quiet yet agile performance in city traffic. Although it confidently handled urban terrain, the firm suspension and wind noise at higher speeds marred the overall experience.
Inside, the interior flaunts clean lines and practical design. Modern connectivity standards and built-in navigation complement traditional switches, providing a harmonious blend of technology and convenience. The robust driver seats offer comfort and durability, though trunk space remains standard for the class at 310 liters. Toyota reveals clever innovation with the rear seats, which can slide back for extra legroom or folded in a 40:20:40 ratio to increase cargo space.
On off-road adventures, the Urban Cruiser transforms into a versatile companion. It's challenging to detect when the rear-axle motor kicks in on challenging terrains, as transitions are smooth. For those living in snowy areas or foresters searching for an electric compact car with AWD, the Urban Cruiser could be an appealing choice, but it's limited to the highest trim level for markets offering the AWD version, starting at least at 42,990 euros in Germany.
While the electric Urban Cruiser boasts impressive off-road capabilities, it's important to note that its AWD version may not be readily available on a global scale. Another model, called the Urban Cruiser Hyryder, offers an AWD configuration, but it runs on a petrol engine rather than electricity. Here are its specifications:
- Engine Type: K15B Petrol
- Displacement: 1462 cc
- Max Power: 101.64 bhp @ 6000 rpm
- Max Torque: 136.8 Nm @ 4400 rpm
- Transmission Type: Manual
- The Toyota Urban Cruiser, with its AWD feature, presents an intriguing lifestyle option for individuals seeking a city car with off-road capabilities, powered by technology and equipped with gadgets like LED daytime running lights and a touchscreen.
- Despite the AWD model of the Urban Cruiser primarily being available as a high-end, luxury offering in certain markets, it stands out as an alluring choice for drivers in snowy areas or foresters, due to its robust performance and versatile electric-vehicle architecture.
- Amidst the growing trend of electric vehicles, the Urban Cruiser interweaves technology and lifestyle preferences, offering an electric compact car with AWD that seamlessly adapts to various lifestyles—be it zipping through city traffic or braving off-road adventures.
