Toyota takes on Volvo’s EX30 with Urban Cruiser compact electric SUV

Toyota has just presented a new compact electric SUV and has taken inspiration from the past. The new Urban Cruiser EV takes its name from a car that first appeared in the early 2000s and is based on the company’s Urban SUV concept revealed last year. It appears to be designed to compete with Volvo’s EX30 and, just like that vehicle, it will come with a number of battery and drive options.

To give you an idea of ​​size, the Urban Cruiser will be slightly larger than Toyota’s hybrid compact SUV, the Yaris Cross. It will be built on a new battery electric vehicle (BEV) platform that frees up additional space for the battery and occupants.

It will come with two battery options, 49 kWh and 61 kWh, a bit smaller than the EX30’s offerings (51 kWh and 69 kWh). The smaller pack supports up to 144 HP and 140 lb-ft, while the larger pack option increases that to 174 HP and the same torque. If you upgrade to the dual-motor system, you’ll see 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. These power levels are much lower than the EX30, which offers 268 hp as standard and 422 hp on the two-motor performance version.

The Urban Cruiser will offer active safety features such as adaptive cruise, active collision avoidance and lane departure warning, as well as a 360-degree camera. Inside, you’ll get a 10.1-inch infotainment screen as well as a 10.25-inch driver’s display, all in one unit. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will be standard.

Pricing and range haven’t been revealed yet, but Toyota will struggle against the much more powerful Volvo EX30 if the sticker isn’t significantly lower. The Urban Cruiser is also arguably less attractive. It is expected to arrive in the UK and elsewhere in Europe in the third quarter of next year.