Toyota Urban Cruiser EVella first drive: Same EV, new badge, familiar problems
Table of Contents
Toyota has finally entered this space with an electric SUV that wears its badge, but if you look closely, it is very clear what this car actually is. The Toyota Urban Cruiser EVella is basically the Suzuki eVitara underneath, with a few cosmetic tweaks and a different logo.
There are a couple of visible changes, but most of the car remains the same. The idea seems simple. Take the eVitara, make a few design adjustments, change the branding, and bring it to the market as a Toyota.
What’s actually new on the Toyota version
If you park the eVitara and the EVella side by side, the differences are not dramatic. You need to look closely to spot them.
Main exterior changes include:
New front bumper
New headlamp design with pixel style treatment
Revised tail lamps
Toyota badging all around
EVella and Urban Cruiser badges
Speakers changed from Infinity to JBL
Fog lamps removed on the Toyota version
That is pretty much the visible update list. The overall shape, proportions, and most of the panels remain identical to the Suzuki.
Battery, power and range
The Urban Cruiser EVella will come with two battery options.
Battery and motor options
49 kWh battery
Power: 142 hp
Torque: 193 Nm
Front wheel drive
0 to 100 km/h: 9.6 seconds
61 kWh battery
Power: 171 hp
Torque: 193 Nm
Front wheel drive
0 to 100 km/h: around 8.5 to 8.7 seconds
AWD version (global markets only)
Combined power: 181 hp
Combined torque: 307 Nm
0 to 100 km/h: 7.4 seconds
Range
Claimed range: up to 543 km
Real world estimate: around 400 to 420 km
The batteries are LFP units sourced from BYD and come with IP67 protection.
Charging details
11 kW onboard AC charger
10 to 100 percent: about 5.5 hours (AC)
DC fast charging up to 70 kW
10 to 80 percent: around 45 minutes
Expected positioning and competition
The EVella is expected to compete with:
Hyundai Creta Electric
Tata Curvv EV
Mahindra electric SUVs in the same price band
There is talk of aggressive pricing and even battery as a service options to keep the initial cost low.
Exterior design and dimensions
The EVella sits in the same size category as compact electric SUVs like the Hyundai Creta Electric.
Key dimensions and details:
Length: around 4,275 mm
Wheelbase: 2,700 mm
Ground clearance: 185 mm
19 inch wheels
Hidden rear door handles
Active aero curtains
Front and rear parking sensors
Camera based ADAS hardware
The design looks cleaner than the eVitara, mainly because of the new lighting elements. The pixel style tail lamps and headlamps give it a slightly more modern look.
However, nothing here feels dramatically different or groundbreaking.
Front cabin and features
Up front, things are better, but not class leading.
Highlights:
10 way powered driver seat
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Wireless charging pad
Electric parking brake with auto hold
Dual screens:
10.25 inch instrument cluster
10.1 inch infotainment system
JBL sound system
Ambient lighting with multiple colour options
Seven airbags
Level 2 ADAS features
The seats at the front are comfortable, and the steering is adjustable for both reach and rake. Storage areas are decent, and there is a proper dead pedal as well.
However, there are some clear drawbacks.
Main complaints about the cabin:
Lots of hard plastics
Several dummy buttons
Important functions buried inside the touchscreen
Complicated menu structure
Average camera quality
Moonroof instead of a full sunroof
No heads up display
The interface feels dated and not very intuitive. Simple tasks like changing regen levels or activating seat ventilation require multiple steps inside the touchscreen.
Rear seat experience
The rear seat is one of the weakest parts of this car.
Key issues at the back:
Very upright seating position
Poor under thigh support
Limited headroom for tall passengers
Small door pockets
No rear sunblinds
Basic centre armrest setup
There is decent legroom, and the floor is flat, which helps the middle passenger. You also get:
Rear AC vents
One USB A and one USB C port
ISOFIX mounts
But the overall seating comfort is not impressive, especially for longer journeys.
Boot space and practicality
This is one area where the car clearly struggles.
Boot space: 238 litres
With rear seat adjustment: 306 litres
Full size spare wheel included
40:20:40 split rear seats
For a compact SUV, 238 litres is very small. Even some smaller hatchbacks offer similar or better space. The sliding rear seat helps a bit, but even then, the capacity remains average at best.
Driving impressions
On paper, the performance looks decent, but the actual driving experience is mixed.
What feels good:
Smooth and linear power delivery
Decent acceleration for daily use
Easy to drive in the city
What feels off:
Noticeable body roll
Poor low speed ride quality
Not very stable at higher speeds
Lots of road and wind noise
Steering feel is average
Brakes feel weak in some situations
The car weighs around:
1,702 kg with the smaller battery
Around 1,800 kg with the larger battery
Top speed is limited to 150 km/h.
Safety and platform
Built on the new electric platform shared with the eVitara
Seven airbags
Level 2 ADAS
Expected strong crash safety performance similar to the Suzuki version
The real issue: it still feels like a rebadged car
The biggest problem is not the performance or the range. It is the overall feel of the product.
The EVella does not feel like a proper Toyota effort. It feels like a Suzuki with a Toyota badge, and many of the issues from the eVitara are still here:
Weak rear seat comfort
Small boot
Complicated touchscreen interface
Average ride and insulation
Too many cost cutting signs
If the price is very aggressive, some of these issues might be easier to accept. But if it sits close to rivals that offer better cabins and ride quality, it could struggle.
Verdict
The Toyota Urban Cruiser EVella is not a bad electric SUV, but it also does not stand out. It offers decent range, acceptable performance, and good safety equipment. But it lacks polish in several key areas.
If Toyota prices it smartly, it could attract buyers who want a Toyota badge with electric running costs. If not, there are stronger and more refined options already in the market.
In short, this is a practical EV with a familiar formula. Just do not expect it to feel like a true Toyota from the ground up.
Sources and References
- Toyota Motor India official website
Model information, specifications, features, and announcements.
https://www.toyotabharat.com - Suzuki global media and product pages
Technical details related to the eVitara platform and specifications.
https://www.globalsuzuki.com - Autocar India
First drives, technical breakdowns, and verified specifications.
https://www.autocarindia.com - Overdrive
Road tests, feature analysis, and EV comparisons.
https://www.overdrive.in - CarDekho
Variant details, battery options, and feature lists.
https://www.cardekho.com - ZigWheels
Specifications, comparisons, and first drive reports.
https://www.zigwheels.com
