Vehicle Type: Non-luxury, mid-size fully electric SUV / crossover.
Price Range: $42,000 - $46,700 excluding a destination fee of $1,215.
Powertrain: A 201-horsepower electric single-motor paired with front-wheel-drive is standard.
There is an optional all-wheel-drive powertrain paired with a dual-motor system to produce 215-horsepower.
What’s New for 2022?
The Toyota bZ4X is an entirely new car for the automaker. As such, there are no previous generations to compare this new electric vehicle to.
What’s Good?
- An impressive optional all-wheel-drive version
- Roomy interior
- Generous standard safety and infotainment features
- Peppy acceleration
What’s Bad?
- Some class competitors charge faster
- The real-world driving range isn't great
- Regenerative braking isn't aggressive enough for one-pedal driving
Would we buy one? Yes! Looks like a good buy to us!
More Photos:
See more 2023 Toyota bZ4X Photos.
Overview:
The Toyota bZ4X is a midsize fully electric SUV that is completely new for 2023, sharing its e-TNGA platform with the Subaru Solterra and Lexus RZ 450e. Ever since the introduction of the Toyota Prius, the automaker remains the league leader in the hybrid automotive class. Now, Toyota re-enters the electric vehicle market with their bZ4X crossover. Its edgy styling helps set it apart from the automaker's lineup of gasoline-powered SUVs. The last all-electric vehicle offered by Toyota was the RAV4 EV; however, this model wasn't sold across Toyota dealerships nationwide like the new bZ4X. The bZ4X enters into the growing class of non-luxury electric SUVs, including competitors like the Subaru Solterra, Kia EV6, Ford Mustang Mach E, Chevrolet Bolt EUV, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Volkswagen ID.4, and the Tesla Model Y.
The bZ4X may sound like a bizarre name for a crossover, but the brand says bZ stands for "beyond Zero" emissions. The number 4 indicates the vehicle's size, and the X represents the SUV's body style. Don't lose sight of this name too soon because more electric bZ models will follow, including the Highlander bZ5X SUV.
This all-new electric vehicle boasts family-friendly features and interior comfort, making it the ideal family car for daily and long holiday road trips. Opting for the all-wheel-drive model encourages some off-road excursions if you are hoping to tackle the roads less traveled.
Offered in two trim levels, the XLE, and Limited trim, the bZ4X can be had either with a single electric motor paired with front-wheel drive or a dual-motor paired with all-wheel drive. The single electric motor produces 201-horsepower, while the dual electric motors produce 215-horsepower. These two powertrains share nearly identical batteries: a 63.4-kWh battery pack in the single-motor version and a 65.5-kWh pack in the dual-motor version.
Differences between the Subaru Solterra and Toyota BZ4x
Slightly lower and longer than the RAV4, the bZ4X shares many similar features with the Subaru Solterra. That is because Toyota co-developed the bZ4X with Subaru. So, what are the differences between the two when they are nearly identical? Below are the two main differences:
The bZ4X gets a trapezoidal non-grille, while the Solterra has a hexagon shape.
Toyota offers a front-wheel-drive single-motor model as standard as well as an all-wheel-drive dual-motor option. The Subaru is exclusively all-wheel-drive.
Overall Score: 3/5 stars
Driving Experience: 3.5/5 stars
Off-roading is a breeze when driving the all-wheel-drive model. That is because the bZ4X includes more than just your typical off-road gear. Thanks to its Subaru counterpart, the bZ4X features hill-descent control and X-Mode programming, which offers two off-road driving modes. There is also a brake-based system that helps send torque across the axles when one of the wheels loses grip on a surface.
Both the AWD dual-motor model and FWD single-motor variant accelerate quickly from a stop thanks to their available torque. Toyota notes that the AWD bZ4X can print from 0 to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds; however, that figure is slower than some other AWD rivals, like the Tesla Model Y, which takes 4.8 seconds.
The steering is precise with a decent amount of weighting, although the turning circle of 40.0 feet is slightly larger than other crossovers in its class. The ride quality is on the soft side and not too sporty, but still fitting for day-to-day town driving as it comfortably absorbs bumps in the road.
Unfortunately, there is a lack of full one-pedal driving. Several new EVs use their regenerative braking function to automatically slow down the vehicle and help it come to a complete stop when the driver lifts off the accelerator. While regenerative braking is the trend in EVs and typically makes driving easier, Toyota remained with the conventional setup where you need to use both the accelerator and brake pedals.
Safety Features: 4/5 stars
Neither the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) nor the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has crash-tested the 2023 Toyota bZ4X.
Like many other Toyota models, the bZ4X comes standard with an impressive list of active driver-assistance features. These standard safety features include automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, Safe Exit Assist, lane departure warning with lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control.
The bZ4X is the first Toyota model to debut the automaker's Toyota Safety System (TSS) 3.0. This new system features a wider detection range around the vehicle thanks to its new camera system, which helps improve lane recognition and even cyclist detection. The new systems also alert exiting occupants of the car of any vehicles approaching them from behind as they try to leave the vehicle.
The Toyota bZ4X competes well within its class for safety because of its long list of standard features. Several rivals like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 do not offer adaptive cruise control as a standard feature.
Value: 3.5/5 stars
Starting at a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $42,000, plus a destination charge of $1,215, the 2023 Toyota bZ4X carries pricing that is aligned with its rivals. It is similarly priced to the Volkswagen ID.4, Subaru Solterra, Kia EV6, and Chevy Bolt EUV. It costs slightly less than the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and the Ford Mustang Mach E.
According to Edmund's Toyota bZ4X review, the bZ4X provides enough value to convert shoppers into first-time EV owners. However, while it offers good value for money with its long list of standard features, it provides a considerably low driving range for its class, especially since it is priced similar to its rivals with greater driving ranges. You will also need to pay extra for your bZ4X if you want a body paint color that isn't black.
There is the possibility of a federal tax credit of $7,500 when buying a new Toyota bZ4X electric car. In addition, Toyota offers a year of free and unlimited charging at EVgo charging locations.
Toyota matches the warranty offering of many competitors in its class. However, it goes a step above the rest with above-average coverage with its included maintenance. The automaker offers complimentary maintenance of two years or 25,000 miles.
Tech Features: 3.5/5 stars
The Toyota bZ4X comes standard with a large 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen and a 7.0-inch digital gauge display. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, as well as Amazon Alexa/Google Assistant compatibility, navigation, an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot, and wireless smartphone charging. There is also "Hey Toyota," which obeys commands given by the driver in natural speech. Other standard tech features include LED exterior lighting, heated side mirrors, puddle lights, rain-sensing wipers, dual-zone automatic climate control, and remote climate/charging functions.
A six-speaker stereo with SiriusXM satellite radio comes standard with the bZ4X, but buyers can upgrade to a nine-speaker JBL stereo system on the Limited trim. However, some reviews note that the sound quality is somewhat underwhelming, considering it's a premium audio system.
The infotainment system offers easy-to-navigate menus, crisp graphics, and a navigation system with life-like street maps and helpful turn-by-turn directions. Toyota says the system can receive over-the-air (OTA) updates. This means owners will benefit from future upgrades and new features.
While there is a decent list of standard and optional technology features, some rivals go a step further with advancements like a head-up display with augmented reality, like the Hyundai Ioniq 5. The Hyundai also offers two 12.3-inch displays as part of its standard offering.
Practicality: 3/5 stars
There's no glovebox or frunk inside the bZ4X, something which many EVs in its class offer to add more storage space. The Tesla Model Y offers the largest front trunk in its class, while the Ford Mustang Mach E adds a drain hole so you can use it as an ice-filled cooler box. Unfortunately, you won't see anything but wires and electrical components when popping open the hood of the bZ4X.
The rear cargo hold of the bZ4X can accommodate between 26 to 28 cubic feet. That is sufficient for everyday driving and grocery shopping but still smaller than most rivals in its class, including the Ford Mustang Mach E (29.7 cubic feet) and its own sibling, the RAV4 with 37.5 cubic feet. Adding to the ease of using the cargo space is a low floor and a large liftgate opening. For added space, you can fold down the flat-folding rear seats.
The bZ4X takes good care of your phone with a practical little storage compartment in the console that includes wireless charging in the Limited trim. USB ports are plentiful, too; there's one larger USB-A port in the high center console and four other USB-C ports (two front, two rear).
Toyota located the battery pack under the floor of the bZ4X, contributing to a nice low center of gravity which helps enhance the feelings of agility and stability.
Styling & Design: 3.5/5 stars
U.S. version bZ4Xcrossovers get a fixed panoramic glass roof as standard, making the interior feel airy and more spacious. The thin pillars also aid the driver's outward visibility. The standard blind-spot monitoring system is welcomed because the wide rear pillars hinder the rear-three-quarter vision.
The rear seat cushion is low, allowing for enough headroom and generous legroom. With a slightly longer wheelbase than the RAV4, the bZ4X offers more interior space for the driver and the front and rear-seat passengers.
Unlike in Toyota Prius models, the bZ4X's digital instrument display is directly in front of the driver. It's positioned so that you look over the steering wheel directly at the information displayed; however, drivers who prefer a higher steering wheel position may find the display partially blocked.
The cabin area is laden with a mix of hard plastics, glossy piano black trim on the center console area, and softer surfaces for the armrests, dashboard, and other touchpoints. Toyota tried to spruce up the interior styling to make it a more modern and cozy EV. Unfortunately, the curved styling of the piano-black center structure sometimes reflects light directly into the driver's face at certain angles.
Efficiency: 3/5 stars
The XLE FWD single-motor trim gets an EPA estimated 131/107 MPGe city/highway and an EPA range of 252 miles. The Limited FWD single-motor model gets an EPA estimated 125/103 MPGe city/highway and an EPA range of 242 miles.
The XLE AWD dual-motor trim gets an EPA estimated 114/94 MPGe city/highway and an EPA range of 228miles. The Limited AWD dual-motor model gets an EPA estimated 112/92 MPGe city/highway and an EPA range of 222 miles.
The EPA ratings above and miles of range figures are not class-leading numbers. For instance, the shortest EPA-estimated range figure for the Volkswagen ID.4 is 245 miles, and one version is rated up to 280 miles. Several class rivals have a better driving range than the bZ4X. The bZ4X results align with the Nissan Leaf for the lowest highway driving range among EVs.
When the Toyota bZ4X uses a home charging setup with 240 volts, a FWD bZ4X takes on about 25 miles of range per hour. A DC fast charger takes the battery from nearly empty to 80-percent full in around 30 minutes. An AWD model needs about twice as long. The Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5 are both quicker than the bZ4X when it comes to charging.
What’s it Going to Cost Me?
The 2023 Toyota bZ4X starts at a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $42,000, plus a destination charge of $1,215 for the FWD XLE version. This standard model features a 201-horsepower electric single-motor paired with front-wheel-drive. It features 18-inch alloy wheels, puddle lights, rain-sensing wipers, heated side mirrors, leather-wrapped steering wheel, cloth/simulated leather seating surfaces, fixed panoramic glass roof, LED exterior lighting, dual-zone automatic climate control, and remote climate/charging functions.
Standard safety features include automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, Safe Exit Assist, lane departure warning with lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control.
Standard infotainment system features include a 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa/Google Assistant compatibility, wireless charging, Wi-Fi, four USB-C ports, one USB-A port up front, and navigation, satellite radio, and six speakers.
The Limited trim starts at $46,700 plus a destination charge of $1,215. The Limited trim adds a motion-activated power liftgate, a multi-view camera system, a digital key, a heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, 20-inch alloy wheels, upgraded LED headlights, and an 8-way power-adjustable driver's seat, and Softex faux-leather upholstery.
Additional options for the Limited trim include the Limited Weather Package for an additional $500. This package adds a radiant foot/leg front heater, heated rear seats, a split roof rear spoiler, and a 9-speaker/800-watt JBL audio system.
For both the XLE and Limited trim, it will cost an additional $2,080 for the second electric motor for the AWD version. There's just one standard exterior body color; black. White, red, silver, and gray cost $425 extra.
While the Limited's niceties make it worth the extra spend, we would rather stay with the standard front-wheel-drive powertrain. It is the more affordable model and still offers a lengthy list of standard technology and safety features.
