Dorset, Somerset &amp; Bristol


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="819" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/06/Toyota-Urban-Cruiser-.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-118495" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/06/Toyota-Urban-Cruiser-.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/06/Toyota-Urban-Cruiser--800x437.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/06/Toyota-Urban-Cruiser--1000x546.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/06/Toyota-Urban-Cruiser--400x218.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/06/Toyota-Urban-Cruiser--768x419.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>This is Toyota&#8217;s first fully electric compact SUV, a five-door car joining the All Electric bZ4X and upcoming All New C-HR+ in Toyota&#8217;s new EV line up.  When <a href="https://www.snows.co.uk/toyota/contact-us/snows-toyota-bournemouth/?utm_source=website&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=toyota-bournemouth-muddy-stilettos" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Snows Toyota in Bournemouth</a> offered to lend us the All-New Toyota Urban Cruiser for a few days, we couldn&#8217;t wait to get behind the wheel.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-look">THE LOOK</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="2000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/03/toyota-IMG_3379.jpeg" alt="toyota urban cruiser review" class="wp-image-116675" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/03/toyota-IMG_3379.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/03/toyota-IMG_3379-600x800.jpeg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/03/toyota-IMG_3379-750x1000.jpeg 750w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/03/toyota-IMG_3379-300x400.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/03/toyota-IMG_3379-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/03/toyota-IMG_3379-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>I was apprehensively expecting a monster of a motor and was pleasantly surprised that, while the tall body with great visibility all round and chunky wheels definitely gives big SUV vibes, this is a compact little beauty. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-inside">INSIDE</h2>



<p>It&#8217;s all black and dark grey, with super shiny surfaces and subtle ambient lighting here and there, which you can set to match your mood (a calming blue after a stressful day? A zingy red to get you in the mood for a night out?).  The heated, black fabric seats in the cosy cabin are set really high so you get great views all around – which I Ioved.  </p>



<p>Plenty of leg room in the front for me (a 5&#8242; 6&#8243;woman), a clever sliding system allows you to increase the space between the front and rear seats – or create more space in the boot – if you&#8217;ve got long-legged yoofs or their uni luggage in the back. The rear seats can also fold back and recline, if that long trip to or from uni is too tiring for your little darlings. Also in the back: ISOFIX points for child car seats, USB points and cup holders if you fold down the middle seat. It&#8217;s worth pointing out that the rear doors open extra wide –&nbsp;handy for when you&#8217;re loading up younger kids or older rellies.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-boot">THE BOOT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="2000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/03/toyota-IMG_3342.jpeg" alt="toyota urban cruiser review" class="wp-image-116673" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/03/toyota-IMG_3342.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/03/toyota-IMG_3342-600x800.jpeg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/03/toyota-IMG_3342-750x1000.jpeg 750w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/03/toyota-IMG_3342-300x400.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/03/toyota-IMG_3342-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/03/toyota-IMG_3342-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>At 238 litres, the manually opening boot&#8217;s easily big enough for a good weekly shop or luggage for a weekend away. Need more space? Just slide the rear seats forward to increase the area by just under a third to 310 litres –&nbsp;brilliant. Loved the removable rubber mats for when you&#8217;re travelling with a muddy dog and/or wellies.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-tech">THE TECH</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/03/toyota-IMG_3372.jpeg" alt="toyota urban cruiser review" class="wp-image-116674" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/03/toyota-IMG_3372.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/03/toyota-IMG_3372-800x600.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/03/toyota-IMG_3372-1000x750.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/03/toyota-IMG_3372-400x300.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/03/toyota-IMG_3372-768x576.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>An instrument panel with two screens – a digital driver&#8217;s screen behind the (heated) steering wheel and a larger central infotainment touchscreen (through which everything –&nbsp;bar the air-con – can be controlled) – are all part of the same, slick, unit.  </p>



<p>With wireless Apple car play, Android Auto,  SATNAV and high quality JBL audio quality sound system there&#8217;s plenty going on with but I needed a bit more practice to find my way confidently around all that&#8217;s on offer. Note to self: set up shortcuts which can be operated from the steering wheel – much easier. Folding electric wing mirrors are handy, especially when parked on a narrow street. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-drive">THE DRIVE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/03/toyota-IMG_3306.jpeg" alt="toyota urban cruiser review" class="wp-image-116676" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/03/toyota-IMG_3306.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/03/toyota-IMG_3306-800x600.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/03/toyota-IMG_3306-1000x750.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/03/toyota-IMG_3306-400x300.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/03/toyota-IMG_3306-768x576.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Like a dream, even over the inevitable potholes.  I&#8217;m always a bit tentative when getting behind the wheel of a new car and it usually takes a good ten minutes or so to feel comfortable. Not so with the Toyota Urban Cruiser. From the moment I took my foot off the brake and the car moved slowly forward, I felt immediately at ease. Quiet and smooth, with simple controls, it really couldn&#8217;t be easier to drive and unlike some SUVs, it doesn&#8217;t feel like you&#8217;re driving a tank. </p>



<p>I wooshed up and down some undulating and narrow country lanes – taking some <em>very</em> steep hills in my stride – as well as in and around town, and along the A303 dual carriageway. It handled everything well, with light steering it&#8217;s easily manoeuvrable around parked cars and other traffic, and has quite an impressive turning circle. Something called &#8216;active cornering control&#8217; is said to help when travelling around corners. </p>



<p>Pretty nippy, it can go from 0 to around 60mph in 8.7 seconds if you need it to, with gentle bleeps reminding you of speed limits. Reassuringly – especially down dark country roads – the headlights lit up the whole road. Big wheels and cushioned suspension made light work of uneven road surfaces (though this is a front-wheel not four-wheel drive). Breaking was responsive and while there&#8217;s no one-pedal driving, you can change the regenerative braking settings before you set off. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-range">THE RANGE</h2>



<p>With a choice of two batteries – a 49kWh unit and a 61kWh – the latter with up to a 265-mile range (above average in its class), I didn&#8217;t need to recharge over the whole two days I borrowed the car. If I had had to charge up, the charging port is very handily located behind the passenger side front wheel, and you can get from 10 to 80% in about 45 mins on a DC fast charge. </p>



<p>No need to worry about the battery conking out after a few years – Toyota guarantee at least 70% capacity for up to a million kilometres (620,000 miles), or 10 years. One small gripe, the charging cables are stored under the boot floor which could be a bit irritating if you&#8217;ve only gone and packed the boot for a long journey.  </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-safety">SAFETY</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/03/toyota-IMG_3310.jpeg" alt="toyota urban cruiser review" class="wp-image-116688" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/03/toyota-IMG_3310.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/03/toyota-IMG_3310-800x600.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/03/toyota-IMG_3310-1000x750.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/03/toyota-IMG_3310-400x300.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/03/toyota-IMG_3310-768x576.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>The car has a Euro NCAP rating of 4 stars, with 77% protection for adults and 85% protection for kids, and all kinds of safety reminders and aids. These include a seat belt reminder (you can&#8217;t start the car without the driver being belted up); lane keep assist; lane departure alert; vehicle, pedestrian and cyclist detection; adaptive cruise control; blind-spot monitoring; and pre-collision systems – all fitted as standard and designed to detect and prevent potential accidents.  </p>



<p>I&#8217;m used to straining my neck to see what&#8217;s behind me when reversing or parking , and I was a little worried that the rear seat head rests might obscure the rear window but there&#8217;s no need as a brilliant 360-degree camera gives you all round visibility. There&#8217;s even a fatigue monitoring system which measures how alert you are (you&#8217;ll hear a bleep if you haven&#8217;t moved your head for a certain amount of time, the car&#8217;s worried that you might be falling asleep). </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-muddy-verdict">THE MUDDY VERDICT</h2>



<p><strong>Good for</strong>:  Smooth, silent, safe and oh-so-easy driving round busy town and city streets as well as winding country lanes.</p>



<p><strong>Not for:</strong> Really rough roading it: it&#8217;s a front-wheel not four-wheel drive.</p>



<p><strong>The damage:</strong> It&#8217;s yours from £28,495.</p>



<p><strong>See for yourself</strong>: Book a test drive at <a href="https://www.snows.co.uk/toyota/contact-us/snows-toyota-bournemouth/?utm_source=website&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=toyota-bournemouth-muddy-stilettos" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Snows Toyota in Bournemouth</a>.</p>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-in-the-mood-for-more">IN THE MOOD FOR MORE?</h2>



<ul>
<li><a href="https://dorsetsomerset.muddystilettos.co.uk/cars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Muddy car reviews</a></li>



<li><a href="https://dorsetsomerset.muddystilettos.co.uk/eat-out/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Muddy guide to the best places to eat near you</a></li>



<li><a href="https://dorsetsomerset.muddystilettos.co.uk/home/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Homes and gardens</a></li>
</ul>


Car review: Muddy test drives the all-new Toyota Urban Cruiser

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