Toyota Expands Electrified Lineup With bZ4X, Urban Cruiser And Hilux BEV In Malaysia

UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) has brought Toyota’s latest electrified vehicle lineup in Malaysia with the introduction of three new EVs, which include bZ4X crossover SUV, Urban Cruiser compact SUV, and Hilux BEV pickup truck, as part of the company’s “long-term commitment to advancing lower emissions mobility.”

Toyota bZ4X

The bZ4X serves as the flagship BEV in Toyota’s lineup, positioned within the SUV segment and built on a dedicated e-TNGA platform that integrates electric drivetrain components with a low center of gravity to improve stability and handling. The crossover comes with up to 12 sensors as part of Toyota Safety Sense package, with collision avoidance, cruise control, lane-keeping, blind spot monitoring, and several other safety features available.

Performance-wise, the front-wheel-drive motor delivers 167kW (224hp) and 269Nm from the 73.1kWh battery, which is good for a claimed 525km range, with a 30-minute charge time to reach 80% via 150kW DC fast chargers (there’s also 22kW AC fast charging available). Given that Toyota is known for reliability, the automaker made sure its battery will be worthy of its reputation, with a claimed 90% retention even after 10 years or 250,000km of use. UWMT says local pricing starts from RM220,000.

Toyota Urban Cruiser

Following the bZ4X, the Urban Cruiser enters the B-segment electric SUV market with compact dimensions suited for city driving (at 4285 x 1800 x 1635 mm), as well as sharing most of its characteristics with the Suzuki eVitara. Its electric drivetrain produces 128kW (172hp) of power and 193Nm of torque, supplied by a 61.1kWh lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) battery that provides a driving range of up to 426km. Charging options include DC fast charging from 15-80% in approximately 50 minutes and 7kW AC charging that goes from 15-100% in about 9.5 hours.

For Toyota’s version’s of this B-segment SUV, it incorporates multiple driving modes and a one-pedal driving, along with safety systems that include adaptive cruise control, lane assist, blind spot monitoring and a 360-degree camera system. Interior features include dual digital displays for instrumentation and infotainment (with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support) and a JBL audio system, variable-color interior lighting, alongside wireless charging and multiple USB ports. The Urban Cruiser is available starting from RM198,000.

Toyota Hilux BEV

Completing the lineup, the Hilux BEV represents the first fully electric version of the all-conquering Hilux pickup, built on the same body-on-frame design ubiquitous among utility vehicles. Its powertrain involves dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup delivering a combined output of 144kW (193hp) with two claimed torque figures: the front motor delivers 206Nm, while the rear supplies 267Nm, both powered by a 59.2kWh battery that offers a driving range of up to 315km. A 30-minute 150kW DC fast charging charges the cells from 10-80%, whereas 10kW AC charging does 10-100% in about 6.5 hours.

The Hilux BEV maintains key characteristics associated with the Hilux nameplate, including payload capability of up to 750kg and off-road performance supported by a reinforced structure and a multi-terrain select system. The inclusion of electric power steering improves power efficiency (important for BEVs) and handling response, while safety systems include a suite of driver assistance features and a panoramic view monitor for improved visibility. The electrified workhorse is now available starting from RM226,300.

Pokdepinion: Toyota is a latecomer to the EV game, but you don’t need to be the first to win after all.