2023 Toyota bZ4X: Late to the EV Party

Toyota is a brand that is often viewed of as one that is environmentally friendly. They pioneered the launch of the hybrid car with the Prius in the late 1990’s and have since created an impressive lineup of gas-electric models. However, when it comes to pure electric vehicles, Toyota has mostly stayed away from investing in this technology. Toyota bet big time that hybrid cars were the vehicles of the future. They invested a ton of resources into a technology that they were comfortable with. Federal regulations calling for zero emission vehicles by governments across the world put a damper on Toyota’s hybrid plans. Toyota, an environmental leader in the industry was now far behind traditional and startup rivals. As the competition parades around showcasing their newest and most innovative electric models, Toyota for years had nothing to show. Now they had to play catch up, which in the automotive industry is quite difficult. They partnered with Subaru and pledged to the buying public that they will invest in electric propulsion. Now, at last, Toyota has finally launched an electric vehicle called the bZ4X. The name doesn’t roll off the tongue very well and the bZ stands for “Beyond Zero”. Toyota plans on creating an entire family of similarly named bZ vehicles, so I guess we have to get used to it. One would think that the brand that produces top in class hybrid vehicles should be able to jump right into the electric segment with a world class competitor. Right?

Exterior Design: Love it or hate it styling that looks futuristic

The Toyota bZ4X has styling that you either love or hate. Its futuristic, bold and takes Toyota away from conventionally boring designs. As Toyota’s first electric vehicle, it signals a start of a new design language for the brand. It’s worth mentioning that since the vehicle was developed with Subaru, they essentially sell the same product called Solterra. In terms of size, the bZ4X is a little longer and lower than the Rav4. The bZ4x has a smooth front end with no grille. Slim profile headlights and a clamshell hood bring attention to the front end. Black body panels cover over the wheel arches in all trim levels. In the rear, a light bar spans across the vehicle connecting a pair of sleek wrap around LED taillights. The roofline of the vehicle tapers in the rear for aerodynamics and it is completed with a ducktail rear spoiler. The bZ4X has a style that is chiseled, yet also smooth.

As mentioned earlier the styling of this car is a main point of conversation. In my opinion I think it looks quite distinctive and that it stands out in a sea of similarly sized crossovers. Its futuristic and unique, but then again I like quirky and differently designed cars. So I was interested to learn what others thought of it. To my surprise most people that I asked thought that the bZ4X looked really cool. Most people that liked the design were in their 20’s and 30’s, a demographic that Toyota would love to bring to their brand. So maybe Toyota is on to something with their edgy exterior styling.

Interior: Airy, sci-fi feel

The interior of the bZ4X is roomy and airy. The first thing that you notice when you sit in the driver’s seat is that the steering wheel is positioned slightly lower than in other vehicles. This is because the unique digital instrument panel is placed higher up and further back then it would be in most vehicles. It’s supposed to be positioned above the wheel rim and better aligned with your line of sight. Depending on your height, this might be problematic as the wheel rim may block some of the most important gauges (like the speedometer). The bZ4x features a gray cloth fabric trim on the dash, which is an odd choice. A 12.3-inch center touchscreen is integrated in a convenient location with a conventional look. Under the screen are touch sensitive buttons that illuminate when the car’s turned on. For the most part these controls are simple to use and the center screen is easy enough to navigate. The vehicle comes with a push button start and a weird dial knob shifter that took some time to adjust to. Harder plastics surround the upper dash and lower compartments. Shiny piano black trim that leaves finger prints upon the first touch can be found around the center console controls and touchscreen. Since the floor is flat, space is optimized in the bZ4X. There is a large open pass through under the center console, where a storage area is located. This design feature contributes to the airy, roomy and futuristic vibe that Toyota wants to give off with their electric vehicles. A fixed glass roof comes standard bringing light into the cabin and outward visibility is excellent, thanks to thin A pillars. Cargo space is slightly restricted when compared to conventionally shaped crossovers due to bZ4X’s sloping roofline. There is also no “frunk” (front trunk located under the hood) in the bZ4X. This feature has become a hallmark in electric vehicles and an extremely useful one because it adds more storage possibilities. It’s unfortunate that Toyota omitted the frunk from the bZ4X as the added storage would be nice to have when going on that trip to Costco. The back seats are firm and have enough room for most people. Headroom is adequate and legroom is very generous for rear passengers. Together, the rotating shifter, glossy black trim and large center screen helps create a sci-fi aura. The interior feels futuristic but not in the same simplistic or minimalist way that other electric models like Tesla have gone with. The open, airy feel contributes to the modern look of the bZ4X’s cabin. Toyota attempted to be bold with the interior and I feel that there is room for improvement. They tried to be different for the sake of being different. I feel that there are other EV competitors in the market that have more innovative and attractive interiors.

Flat floor provides generous legroom for rear passengers

How it drives: Its quick, but doesn’t blow you away

The bZ4x comes available in either front wheel drive (FWD) or All-wheel drive (AWD). In FWD form the bZ4X offers one 150-kilowatt electric motor positioned in the front of the vehicle. This setup produces 201 HP and 196 lb-ft of torque. The AWD version comes with two 80-kilowatt motors, positioned at the front and rear axles. In a strange twist, the dual motors only produce 214 HP and 248 lb-ft of torque. Many of the other competitors on the market that offer AWD and dual motors offer a substantial upgrade in power and performance versus the single motor variants. This is not the case with Toyota. I drove the FWD version and the bZ4X is very brisk off the line. While the bZ4X may be relatively fast, it’s not nearly as quick as some other EV competitors. For the most part the bZ4X is drama free and does not offer that same exhilarating rush of power that we have become accustomed to in EVs. The bZ4X is surprising in the sense that is handles pretty well with minimal body roll. It has a composed character when pushed hard, while the steering is precise and has a nice weight to it. The vehicle is a perfect commuter car around town but is not as fun to drive as the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Kia EV6, Hyundai Ioniq 5 or Tesla Model Y. Instead, with the bZ4X you are getting a competent package that puts comfort ahead of sportiness.

The bZ4X is quick but Toyota primarily aims for comfort and value

Toyota also does not offer complete one pedal driving in the bZ4X. One pedal driving has also become a key trait for electric cars as regenerative braking allows the car to come to a complete stop when the driver lifts their foot off the gas. To be clear, regen braking is present and can be adjusted, however the vehicle won’t come to complete stop unless you press the brake. Toyota must’ve decided to play it safe with this feature as the bZ4X drives more in line like a normal car, yet at the same time still uses the benefits of regen braking in allowing energy to be recaptured, therefore replenishing the batteries range.

Range: Somewhere in the middle of the pack

In terms of driving range, the FWD version has a 71.4 kW battery that is good for 252 miles (406 KM) and the AWD version gets worse range as the 72.8 kW battery can travel 228 miles (367 KM). All of these numbers are in line with the competitors more or less. However, Toyota does not offer as many configurations and battery size options as comparable models from other manufacturers do. This means that buyers who want more range with the Toyota may have to shop elsewhere and pay slightly more in-order to have an increase in driving range. For example, a base Nissan Ariya has a 63 kW battery with less range at 216.2 miles (346 KM). Pay more and Nissan will offer an Ariya that has better performance numbers than the Toyota, with an 87 kW battery and 304 miles of range (489 KM). Kia will sell you a base EV6 that’s close in price to the top trim bZ4X with 310 miles of range (499 KM). A top of the line GT version that produces an impressive 576 HP is available at Kia but gets worse mileage at 206 miles (332 KM). So basically it comes down to what you are looking for in an EV. If you want incredible power, Kia or Ford will offer you one that does sacrifice range. Most companies will offer you a vehicle trim that can go further than the Toyota. The bZ4X is kind of stuck in the middle. Range is alright but not amazing and while the vehicle is quick, it does not have the same sporting credentials as many of its rivals. Simply put it, Toyota’s bZ4X is merely a starting point for the brand in their EV journey.

Final Thoughts: Better Late than Never

Toyota is late to the EV party and will now have to catch up with rivals who have established themselves early in the EV game. The bZ4X is the brands first foray into the electric market and it sure does feel like a first time effort from a company that is new to creating EVs. There is a process to getting the EV formula right and for Toyota they are learning on the fly with the bZ4X. With that said, this Toyota may not be top of class but it still offers value and comfort in a uniquely designed package. Fans and loyal Toyota buyers will more than likely flock to the bZ4X. It also carries Toyota’s legendary reliability status, which alone will also bring in many shoppers. The bZ4X is definitely worth a look but in the highly competitive crossover EV segment there are many other standout models that are really well done. Toyota is ambitious and I have no doubts they will fix the minor issues. They plan on investing big on the technology, so I’m sure a class leading Toyota EV is just around the corner.

Pricing and Specifications:

FWD - One 150kW electric motor (front) - 201 HP

AWD - Two 80kW electric motors (front and rear) - 214 HP

Canada: *Rebates vary across country

L - $48,035

LE - $53,035

XLE AWD - $58,035

US: *Rebates vary depending on State

XLE - $42,000 (FWD or AWD available)

Limited - $46,700 (FWD or AWD available)

Main Competitors:

Chevrolet Blazer EV, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Fisker Ocean, Honda Prologue (early 2024 release), Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, Nissan Ariya, Subaru Solterra, Tesla Model Y, VW ID4

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