Toyota has become synonymous with ‘hybrid’ but it certainly hasn’t pioneered fully electric vehicles in the same way. It’s taken until the 2023 model year before Toyota has finally delivered a widely available EV – the bZ4X. Born from a joint venture with Subaru, this is an excellent albeit pricey new entry to entice electric car shoppers.
2023 Toyota bZ4X
- Toyota's First Widely Available EV
- 222 Miles Of Driving Range
- Optional All-Wheel Drive
- Model: bZ4X AWD Limited
- Power Output: 214 HP
- Torque: 196 LB-FT
- Range: 222 Miles
- Transmission: Single-Speed
- Driveline: All-Wheel Drive
- MSRP: $42,000
- MSRP (As Tested): $52,468
- Lexus-Level Refinement
- SUV Capabilities
- Futuristic Design
- Funky Steering Wheel Positioning
- Mediocre Infotainment
- Lackluster EV Electronics
A Lexus With A Toyota Badge
Among the myriad of vehicles that Toyota sells, only two are propelled by electricity alone and one of those, the hydrogen-fueled Mirai, can’t be purchased outside of California. So, it’s this new bZ4X that introduces the masses to a Toyota EV - though the $42,000 starting MSRP might limit enthusiasm, particularly because all of Toyota’s federal tax credits go away on January 1, 2023. It’s a roomy, small crossover SUV slotting just above the RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid in terms of price and offering up to 252 miles of driving range.
But if you want all the goodies the bZ4X offers, this all-wheel drive Limited grade can only muster 222 miles on a full charge and wears a conspicuous sticker price of $52,468 including a handful of options. That’s not cheap but this bZ possesses a pronounced sophistication that mostly legitimizes its cost. It could easily wear a Lexus badge without embarrassing itself with a very refined drive, whisper-quiet cabin, and quality-driven craftsmanship.
Subaru's Contributions
There is over 8.0 inches of ground clearance here, Subaru’s X-MODE off-road drive settings, and the assurance of a dual motor all-wheel drive system. So, the bZ4X is no creampuff despite Toyota’s admonition to keep it on the pavement unless unavoidable. But, for snow, dirt and muddy conditions where added traction is beneficial, this is a well-equipped driving partner.
With a set of winter tires, the bZ4X would be virtually unstoppable. And during my test week, that’s exactly what we’ve been experiencing – snow, and lots of it. Even on the Bridgestone Turanza all-seasons tuned for electric vehicle use the bZ4X impresses in its ability to grip. While either stopped or traveling at speeds below 13 mph X-MODE can be engaged, tuning the traction control and all-wheel drive systems for driving on slippery roads.
There are three modes: normal, Snow/Dirt, and Deep Snow/Mud. There’s also a slow-speed cruise control setting called Grip Control worked by a center console switch to vary speed between two and six mph, allowing the driver to focus on steering while the pace is controlled by the car. X-MODE automatically kicks off at speeds above 25 mph.
Overall, the drive is smooth and quiet much like in the Venza hybrid. Its 214 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque produce a 0-to-60 mph time of 6.5 seconds – certainly quick enough to move its 4,464 pounds with ease. The low center of gravity and multi-link rear suspension also imbue impressive handling and forgiving ride quality, though there is no sport mode. The one-pedal drive is easily activated by the Regeneration Boost switch on the console and works beautifully to slow the car by simply lifting off of the accelerator.
Goofy Name, Smart Packaging
Even though its name is seemingly derived from a cat walking over a keyboard, the bZ4X encompasses the tenets EV drivers love: immediate, robust power delivery, peacefully quiet motoring and progressive design. With its smooth front end, slim headlights and judicious use of LED lighting the bZ4X possesses modern styling befitting an EV.
It looks sharp and smartly utilizes its engine-free design to create generous amounts of passenger and cargo volume, though despite an almost 4.0-inch advantage in length the bZ4X provides significantly less luggage room and slightly less passenger space than the RAV4. You won’t find more stuff-it space under the aluminum hood either – just high-voltage cables and the power control unit.
Charging Matters
The charge port is located on the driver’s side front fender. Plugging in to replenish the 72.8 kWh lithium-ion battery can be accomplished via a trio of methods: a standard household outlet which takes a couple of days, a Level 2 charger expediting matters to about nine hours and, most quickly, a DC fast charger requiring about an hour or less.
The maximum charge rate for a DC connection is 100 kW – 50 kW less than the front-drive bZ4X with its slightly smaller battery and single motor – so it’s not able to take advantage of the fastest public chargers. For instance, the Hyper-Fast plugs at Electrify America.
Toyota includes one year of complimentary charging through its partner EVgo, which in my area, is mostly capped at a 50 kW rate so that’s a bummer. Unlike the purchase of a Chevrolet Bolt EUV which includes Level 2 home charger installation, Toyota will only facilitate the entire process on your dime, the cost of which can run nearly $2,000 before incentives and rebates.
An Arcade-Style Steering Wheel
The front seats are supremely comfortable; soft and supportive they’re some of the best I’ve ever tested though the passenger has to make do with manual controls. But what grabs the headline in here is the positioning of the steering wheel and high-mounted driver display. With a huge, squared-off windshield reminiscent of that found in a Volkswagen model, the seating position is commanding and SUV-like.
However, the steering wheel needs to be tilted down to the extreme in order to not obscure the speedometer and the rest of the display. Akin to a car racing game at Dave and Buster’s, the wheel is in your lap. It takes some getting used to, for sure. Ditto for the circular shifter which needs to be pressed down and turned to select the gear.
The bZ4x Is An EV Right?
In terms of its electronic EV features, they are muted. Whereas most electrics offer countless ways to monitor, view and manipulate driving range and other critical information with regard to the battery Toyota offers very few here. Even the range indicator itself is demure in its appearance among the bits of information in the digital driver display.
Over on the big touchscreen housing Toyota’s latest infotainment system there’s almost nothing related to EV duties. And because my tester doesn’t have an active navigation subscription, I can’t even say for sure there’s an EV plug finder in here though there’s got to be. I like big, prominent graphical depictions of driving range and the variables affecting it as found in most other EVs and that’s clearly missing here.
Not Inexpensive But Excellent
Available in XLE and this jam-packed Limited grade in either front- or all-wheel drive, my tester has it all including a rear spoiler, heated rear seats, radiant foot and leg warmers in the front, and a 9-speaker JBL audio system that punches above its weight. There are less expensive options for a first EV purchase including the aforementioned Bolt EUV and the Hyundai Kona but the bZ4X rises above with a truly premium experience – one that’s a little shy on range but nevertheless a winner.