URBAN CRUISER REVIEW: CLASS LEADER OR YAWN AGAIN?

EV Channels Review

The Toyota Urban Cruiser is presented as a potential turning point for Toyota's EV strategy, but the review suggests it falls short of class leadership. While the exterior design receives some praise for its new Toyota-specific styling, the interior is criticized for its affordable materials, fingerprint-prone surfaces, and a laggy infotainment system. Practicality is also a concern, with a small 238L boot and inconvenient cable storage. Charging speed is noted as slow, with a 10-80% top-up taking 45 minutes at a maximum of 67 kW. The reviewer highlights the high price point, starting at £29,995 for the entry-level model and reaching £35,795 for the top spec, offering a vast array of more compelling alternatives. Real-world efficiency is a significant disappointment, with the larger battery version achieving only 2.3 miles per kWh, translating to a range of approximately 140 miles, well below Toyota's claimed 264 miles. Positives include the reliable Toyota/Suzuki platform, a user-friendly My Toyota app, and a generous 10-year warranty, but these are overshadowed by the car's numerous shortcomings, leading to a verdict that it's a competent but uninspiring vehicle that struggles to justify its price.