Toyota previews its next electric car, but is it a Suzuki in disguise?

Toyota has unveiled a new concept vehicle designed to preview a new city-sized electric SUV, due in European showrooms in the first half of next year.

Known as the Urban SUV Concept, it fits between the Yaris Cross and C-HR in size, and is described as a "close to production" preview of an electric SUV due in European showrooms in the first half of next year.

However – just as the Toyota BZ4X is twinned with the Subaru Solterra – the Urban SUV Concept appears to be closely related to the upcoming Suzuki EVX electric SUV.

Spotted by Drive illustration contributor Theottle, the two vehicles share near-identical proportions, body lines and full-width tail-light designs.

The vehicles are differentiated up front – with a Toyota-specific 'hammerhead' fascia on the new concept – but otherwise appear identical on the outside.

Toyota owns a 5 per cent stake in Suzuki, and the two companies have previously collaborated on models for Europe – including rebadged Toyota RAV4 SUV and Corolla wagon models sold as the Suzuki Across and Swace.

Details of the concept are scarce, however at 4300mm long, 1820mm wide and 1620mm tall it is slightly smaller than a C-HR, and larger than a Yaris Cross.

Toyota says there will be a choice of two battery sizes, and front or all-wheel drive depending on model.

Possibly pre-empting between the Urban EV and the Suzuki version, Toyota's media release highlights how all-wheel drive is "a key part of Toyota’s product DNA".

The showroom version of the Toyota Urban EV concept – which could be named BZ2X – will be one of six electric vehicles Toyota plans to offer in Europe by 2026.

It has been confirmed to join the existing BZ4X, the production versions of the Compact SUV and Sport Crossover concepts – the latter due in 2025 – and two further vehicles.

In Europe it plans to end sales of petrol and hybrid vehicles by 2035.