Toyota is making bold strides in expanding its electric vehicle (EV) lineup, with the unveiling of the Urban SUV Concept at a recent conference in Brussels. Unlike many of Toyota’s previous electric car concepts, the Urban SUV Concept stands out as it directly previews a forthcoming production model, set to hit European markets next year.
While the Urban SUV Concept maintains the styling cues seen in Toyota’s recent electric car concepts, such as Prius-like full-width headlights and crisply creased sheet metal, it introduces distinctive features. Notably, the absence of the bZ designation in the name is compensated by its inclusion in the design of the taillight ends. The vehicle’s boxier and more robust shape, coupled with prominently pumped-up fenders, emphasizes its SUV identity.
Toyota positions the Urban SUV in the B-segment for the European market, aligning it with the Yaris Cross in terms of size. Although slightly smaller than a Corolla Hatchback, the Urban SUV compensates with a height that exceeds the Corolla by more than 6 inches. The design choices reflect an intentional emphasis on SUV characteristics.
Toyota has officially confirmed the production model’s release for Europe, highlighting its debut at the Brussels conference. However, no specific mention has been made regarding other markets. Despite its similarities in size to a Corolla, there is uncertainty about its potential introduction in the United States. The B-segment, where the Urban SUV competes, is not typically conducive to the cost premium associated with EVs in the U.S. market. Toyota may yet surprise observers, but it’s speculated that the other five EVs in their production pipeline for Europe by 2026 may have a higher likelihood of making it to the U.S. market. Overall, the Urban SUV Concept marks a significant step for Toyota as it expands its electric vehicle offerings, showcasing a production-ready model with distinctive design elements.
