Toyota is stepping into the Indian EV market with its first all-electric SUV, the Urban Cruiser EV. Developed alongside Maruti’s eVX under the Toyota-Suzuki partnership, this electric compact SUV is all set to debut in India by late 2025. With a promise of modern styling, long range, and trusted Toyota quality, the Urban Cruiser EV is shaping up to be a serious rival in the under ₹25 lakh segment.
India Launch Timeline
Toyota has already confirmed that the Urban Cruiser EV will be locally manufactured at the Suzuki Motor Gujarat plant. The first public debut is expected between April and June 2025. Full market launch and retail deliveries are scheduled for the festive season, likely starting in October or November 2025.
Test prototypes have already been spotted testing near Bengaluru, and dealer training will begin around August 2025. The timeline suggests Toyota is sticking to a well-planned rollout, giving it time to ramp up production and marketing.
Price Expectations
The upcoming Urban Cruiser EV is expected to start around ₹18 lakh and go up to ₹25 lakh, ex-showroom. Toyota is likely to offer two main variants based on battery size:
- 49 kWh variant: ₹18-20 lakh
- 61 kWh variant: ₹23-25 lakh
These price points place the Urban Cruiser EV slightly above the Maruti eVX but below imported EVs like the BYD Atto 3. Toyota may also release a special GR-Sport cosmetic variant later, depending on customer response.
Battery Specs and Powertrain
The Urban Cruiser EV will sit on Toyota’s 27PL skateboard platform, developed in collaboration with Suzuki. This setup offers a flat floor and low center of gravity for better handling and space.
There are three key powertrain configurations expected:
- 49 kWh FWD
142 hp, 189 Nm
Real-world range: ~350 km - 61 kWh FWD
172 hp, 189 Nm
Real-world range: ~450 km - 61 kWh AWD
181 hp, 300 Nm
Real-world range: ~500 km
The top-end AWD variant will deliver the highest performance and longest driving range. All variants will support 11 kW AC charging and 150 kW DC fast charging, with 10 to 80 percent charge completed in about 30 minutes.
Performance and Driving Dynamics
Though Toyota hasn’t officially revealed the 0-100 km/h times, internal test data suggests the 61 kWh FWD variant can do it in under 9 seconds. Top speed is limited to 160 km/h to preserve range. The turning radius is a compact 5.2 meters, ideal for tight city roads and parking spaces.
With a low center of gravity and solid structure, the Urban Cruiser EV is expected to offer confident handling and a stable ride, even on highways.
Size and Styling
In terms of dimensions, the Urban Cruiser EV will be 4,300 mm long, 1,820 mm wide, and 1,620 mm tall with a 2,700 mm wheelbase. This makes it slightly larger than most current compact SUVs, offering more cabin and boot space.
Design-wise, it will retain much of the Urban SUV Concept’s styling. That includes:
- Signature C-shaped LED DRLs
- Gloss-black closed grille
- Squared-off wheel arches
- Flush door handles
- Dual-tone paint with contrasting roof (top variant only)
These elements give the SUV a tougher, more rugged appearance compared to the Maruti eVX.
Cabin and Features
Inside, the Urban Cruiser EV will feature a dual-screen setup:
- 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster
- 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
Other premium features include:
- Rotary drive mode selector
- Shift-by-wire gear control
- Panoramic sunroof with UV-cut glass
- 64-color ambient lighting
- Dual-zone climate control with heat pump
- Ventilated front seats
- Reclining rear bench
- 430-litre boot space with flat floor
The cabin aims to feel high-tech yet family-friendly, offering both comfort and utility.
Safety Equipment
Toyota is offering a strong safety package as standard across all trims:
- Six airbags
- ABS with EBD
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Top variants will include Level-2 ADAS features like:
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane-keep assist
- Automatic emergency braking
- 360-degree camera with see-through bonnet view
This combination of passive and active safety features puts the Urban Cruiser EV ahead in its segment.
Charging Infrastructure and Support
Each vehicle will come with a 7.4 kW wall-box charger. Toyota is also expanding its DC fast charging network to over 150 dealerships in 40 major cities by launch time.
Through its dedicated mobile app, users will be able to:
- Check real-time charger availability
- Track pay-per-use pricing
- Plan routes with live battery status
Toyota is also working with Tata Power and ChargeZone to allow cross-network charging, easing long-distance travel for customers.
Competitors to Watch
The Urban Cruiser EV will enter a competitive market. Key rivals include:
- Hyundai Creta EV (expected by mid-2025)
- Tata Curvv EV (claimed 450 km range)
- MG ZS EV facelift (updated 50.3 kWh battery, 461 km ARAI)
Toyota’s edge will likely come from its expected long-term reliability and a strong warranty program. Current reports hint at an 8-year/1,60,000 km battery warranty, compared to the 1,25,000 km warranty offered by most competitors.
Why the Urban Cruiser EV Matters
Toyota hasn’t launched any fully electric vehicle in India yet. This model marks a major step for the brand. By tapping into Suzuki’s supply chain and producing locally, Toyota can price the Urban Cruiser EV competitively and still deliver a high-quality product.
With the electric SUV segment heating up, Toyota’s entry adds a new option for buyers seeking reliable, feature-rich electric mobility without paying a premium. The Urban Cruiser EV is likely to appeal to Indian families upgrading from petrol to electric while still wanting a full-featured SUV.