Suzuki e Vitara vs Toyota Urban Cruiser EV – Which EV is Better?

The Toyota has just unveiled its Urban Cruiser EV based on the Suzuki e Vitara

In this post, we are comparing the recently launched Toyota Urban Cruiser EV with the Suzuki e Vitara. Both these are, essentially, the same products. However, as a part of the joint venture between Suzuki and Toyota, they sell each other’s cars with their own logos. That has been quite popular in the Indian automobile market in the last few years. Each company is able to leverage the strength of the other to expand its respective portfolios globally along with sharing technology of the future. The Urban Cruiser EV will be showcased at the upcoming 2025 Brussels Motor Show in January. Interestingly, it will be manufactured at Maruti Suzuki’s Gujarat plant even though it will cater to the international market. For now, let us take a look at this thorough comparison between the two based on the information available at the moment.

Suzuki e Vitara vs Toyota Urban Cruiser EV – Exterior Styling and Dimensions

Let us commence with the way these two look from the outside. The new Urban Cruiser EV gets a slightly toned-down iteration of the concept car. That is expected when any car goes from the concept to the production phase. At the front, we see a massive chrome slab which connects the two LED headlamps on either side. I particularly like the LED DRLs integrated inside the headlamp cluster and the sleek black sealed-off grille section. Down below, the bumper is quite aerodynamic with a rugged black section in the lower half. In fact, the air intakes on the extreme edges are modern too.

On the sides, the EV gets chunky wheel arches with matte black claddings which house 18-inch or 19-inch alloy wheels. The black roof and side pillars lend it a floating roof effect. The rear door handles are positioned on the C-pillars. Also, the rugged side body cladding on the door panels accentuates the adventurous traits. Completing the exterior design is a connected LED light bar which culminates into the LED taillamps. Also, there is a shark fin antenna and a solid rear bumper with a sturdy skid plate. All in all, the electric SUV looks butch.

On the other hand, the Suzuki e Vitara looks slightly more imposing with a modern front fascia and muscular elements. At the front, it gets a rugged personality with prominent LED lighting at the front including LED DRLs, a sturdy front fascia with a chunky bumper and fog lamps on the lower grille section. This makes the front quite butch. Moving down the sides showcases 18-inch or 19-inch aero-designed alloy wheels with colossal and imposing wheel arches with tough cladding on them and on the door panels, black side pillars and C-pillar-mounted rear door handles. Clearly, the side section also adds to the overall imposing demeanour. Finally, the tail section contains a roof-mounted spoiler, connected LED taillamps via a light console, and a sporty bumper. Hence, the similarities in the rear profiles of the two EVs are quite apparent. Nevertheless, both these have their distinct road presence. Also, the difference between the dimensions is only marginal.

Suzuki e Vitara vs Toyota Urban Cruiser EV – Features

It is clear that modern car buyers need the latest tech and convenience amenities in their cars. In essence, new-age cars have become gadgets on wheels. Hence, carmakers equip their products with all the bells and whistles pertaining to tech, connectivity, convenience, safety, etc. Firstly, let us see what the new Toyota Urban Cruiser EV comes with:

• 10.25-inch Digital Instrument Cluster
• 10.1-inch Touchscreen Infotainment Display
• Electronic Parking Brake with Auto Hold Function
• Automatic Climate Control
• Wireless Phone Charger
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Powered Driver’s Seat Adjustment
• JBL Audio System
• Electric Sunroof
• Sliding and Reclining Rear Seats
• 40:20:40 Split Folding Rear Seats
• ADAS Active Safety Suite
• 360-degree Camera
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Lane Departure Alert
• Lane Keep Assist
• 6 Airbags
• Pre-collision System

On the other hand, even the Suzuki e Vitara possesses modern functionalities including:

• 10.2-inch Digital instrument Cluster
• 10.1-inch Touchscreen Infotainment Display
• Physical Controls for HVAC and Multimedia
• Electric Sunroof
• Rear USB Ports
• Retractable Rear Seats
• Stylish AC Vents
• 12-colour Ambient Lighting
• Drive Modes
• 2-spoke Steering Wheel with Controls
• 6 Airbags

Note that there are many features to be revealed at the launch of the Suzuki e Vitara and I shall complete this list at the time. For now, we are carrying on with the available information. Remember these details have surfaced from the walkaround tour of the Suzuki e Vitara in some international markets in recent times. The launch of the Indian model will reveal all the amenities in times to come.

Specs

This is where things are quite similar. Since both these Japanese companies are co-developing this product, they will share the platform and powertrains. Therefore, both electric SUVs use Suzuki’s new HEARTECT-e platform with two battery pack options – a 49 kWh or a 61 kWh. The EVs will make between 142 hp / 189 Nm to 172 hp / 189 Nm and 181 hp / 300 Nm (AWD) of peak power and torque, depending on the variant. Apart from that, the buyers will also be able to choose between a single-motor 2WD or a dual-motor AWD configuration. For the latter, the EVs will utilize Suzuki’s trademark ALLGRIP-e technology by distributing torque where it is needed the most. The ground clearance of the e Vitara is 180 mm and the EV weighs between 1,702 kg and 1,899 kg. I am sure the ground clearance and weight of the Toyota Urban Cruiser EV will almost be identical. Again, we shall know the exact details once the EVs are launched in India either by the end of 2025 or the beginning of 2026. In any case, we shall receive the Suzuki e Vitara first.

My View

The Suzuki and Toyota partnership has been quite successful. Note that it has worldwide implications. For instance, in the Indian market, we simply get badge-engineered Toyota cars which are actually developed by Maruti Suzuki. The Glanza, Urban Cruiser, Rumion, etc are the perfect examples of it. However, on the global stage, Suzuki benefits from the technology from Toyota. Hence, both are channelling the synergies and creating the most compelling products for the potential buyers depending on the market situation. Talking about these two electric SUVs, we shall see the Suzuki e Vitara in our market first. This will take place anytime next year. Thereafter, the Toyota’s version will follow. This will add to the constantly expanding EV portfolio in India. I am sure that it will boost the EV revolution here on the back of massive developments in this space in the last couple of years. I shall keep our readers posted once more details regarding either of these two electric SUVs emerge.

Also Read: New Maruti Suzuki e Vitara vs MG ZS EV – Specs Comparison