Finally! The all-new Urban Cruiser. We’ve been waiting for this.
You and me both. It’s the newest EV on the block, and it’s supposedly the new entrypoint to Toyota’s electrified lineup. Activity on our website and social media channels have indicated that the hype is definitely real for this one...but there’s a big ‘but.’
But what?
The price. It comes with a P2.135 million price tag.
That sounds about right for the Toyota Urban Cruiser...right?
That’s up for a huge debate. It’s only slightly more affordable than the base variant of the all-new RAV4, and that one has way more space, a lot more tech, and is overall just a better package.
It’s also a high starting point, so the bZ4X—which is arguably a much better EV—looks like it’s within striking distance at ‘just’ P2,699,000. I’d say you can just splurge and buy that other EV.
What does P2.135-M get you with the Toyota Urban Cruiser, anyway?
To be fair, it’s still a lot. For starters, the electric powertrain puts out 174hp and 193Nm of torque, and that’s way more than the typical MPV or sedan. That power is put down quickly and almost instantaneously when you slam on the pedal, too. If you won’t drive like an animal, you should be able to eke out 475km from that 61kWh lithium-iron battery.
You also get a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster matched with a 10.1-inch infotainment system. The latter is paired with a nine-speaker JBL sound setup and comes with wireless connectivity for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Toyota Safety Sense features are also equipped here. Lane-departure warning with lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and Toyota’s pre-collision system are all available. The Urban Cruiser also gets front and rear sensors with a 360-degree-view camera.
The Urban Cruiser’s quite loaded, then.
It is, and you see, that’s not the issue here. What I’m not sold on apart from the hefty price tag is the overall ride experience. And mind you, I only drove and rode in this for less than a couple of hours in total.
The ride feels quite stiff, and when you’re in a cabin as cramped as the Urban Cruiser’s, something like that will feel even more apparent. The driving position is okay, but if you’re a passenger, I can’t guarantee you’ll have a pleasant time—especially if you’ll be sitting in the back. If you’re at least six-feet-tall, you should also forget about the backseat.
At some point during our quick drive, I was working on my laptop in the back. By the time we stopped so I could take the wheel again, I was already feeling lightheaded. I seldom use my laptop inside a moving car because I get dizzy easily when I do, but this was way worse (and quicker) than the usual.
That’s the only thing you don’t like?
Well, there’s also the interior. It’s not bad, believe me, but it doesn’t feel like you’re in a two-million-peso car. It feels more of a Suzuki than it does an expensive Toyota. It is the Suzuki e-Vitara’s twin, after all. Granted, the bZ4X may also be a twin of another model from another brand (we’re referring to the Subaru Solterra), but at least the bZ4X actually feels premium and its interior can justify its SRP.
The seats in the Urban Cruiser are darn soft, though, I’ll give it that.
So...it’s not worth the price tag?
It’s still too early to tell since that’ll require a full review over the course of a week or so. But as it stands, I know I’ll be happier getting the base RAV4 even if it’s not a fully electric vehicle, and I know a lot of buyers will share the same sentiments. I’m sure it’ll still sell because it’s a Toyota, but I do hope I’m eventually proven wrong about my initial sentiments, though.
