The Toyota bZ4X is quiet, comfortable, has plenty of range, and has a reassuring fast charging capability for long trips. Even if it's all late, will it be enough to put him ahead of the competition?
As a pioneer in electrification, Toyota has been designing and manufacturing hybrid vehicles for 27 years. It has an indisputably good reputation. Recently, it introduced the Toyota bZ4X, which is 100% electrified.
However, at least until a few years ago, the Japanese giant did not believe in 100% electric vehicles. It wasn't until 2022 that he timidly entered this category that had already moved from adolescence to adulthood. Since 2020, this market has grown by leaps and bounds, especially when it comes to compact electric SUVs. As a result, the positioning of the Toyota electric car bZ4X has gone from difficult to complicated, and its name is also partly responsible.
The Toyota bZ4X benefits from large black plastic fenders that highlight its rugged side. This seems to have enlarged the dome disproportionately. The BZ4 X is 4.69m long, which is 9 points longer than the RAV-4.
But if you think about it, the name bZ4X is ultimately the simplest clue to the electric Toyota. Or in any case, once explained, it seems very simple compared to its design or layout. Toyota calls its strategy "Beyond Zero," which includes achieving full carbon neutrality in vehicle production and use by 2050.
Therefore, the first two letters of the strategy "bZ" (lowercase b and uppercase Z) will become the manufacturer's electric sub-brand, and its product range will be expanded in the coming years. The "4" grouped the model into this new range, indicating that three smaller models would be introduced later, and apparently some larger ones. Finally, the "X" means it's a crossover. This, in turn, means that we pronounce it as an "X" instead of "Cross" like the Aygo X.
With a Cd of 0.29, aerodynamics is not its strong suit. Vertical front end, open wheels, standard roof rails...... The MG4-style dual-roof spoiler looks very caricature-like, and the tail is sharper than the sleek muzzle.
In terms of previous models, Toyota may not be the most recognized car design manufacturer. Take Volkswagen, for example. The Prius is a good example of this discontinuity. At the same time, it is also a way for Japanese manufacturers to make an impression. The Prius has to stand out from the classic hot cars. So, as is the bZ4X, which Toyota wants to stand out for its special style, showing its 100% electric nature.
As a result, it looks like a stick figure in the middle of a well-crafted aesthetic range, with unnecessary complexity, as defined by Aygo, Yaris, Corolla, Prius, C-HR and RAV4: many edges taper in all directions, without brightness and homogeneity, and the overall design is not particularly harmonious, despite the careful proportions.
The Toyota bZ4X has a length of 4.69 m, a width of 1.80 m and a height of 1.60 m and is placed in a C+-SUV. As a result, it is the shorter RAV4 (4.60 m) in terms of electric, but the cab is very different. The bZ4X is expected to be an electric model with a significant space advantage over the RAV4. The Toyota bZ4X is very generous to passengers thanks to the new e-TNGA platform that supports Toyota Group's electric vehicles, floor-standing batteries, and compact electric motors.
The wheelbase is expected to be 16 points longer than the RAV4 (2.85 vs. 2.69 m), and the conditions are already in place to provide ample legroom for rear passengers. However, thick (and therefore high) floors reduce headroom, and tall people don't feel particularly comfortable. As for the passengers in the middle, not to mention because the back is particularly curved.
The wide wheelbase provides plenty of space for the rear seats, with plenty of room for two rear passengers. The passenger in the middle does not have to deal with the usual seat cushions, and the geometry of the console provides the necessary space for his feet. But he had to deal with back discomfort.
The trunk is the main victim of the long wheelbase, as it loses the legroom that passengers gain. As a result, it has a capacity of only 452 liters, which is in the lower average of the category, and without the help of the trunk.
However, getting in and out was easy due to the large opening, and the loading threshold was a bit higher than we would like.
Considering its size, the BZ4X has barely enough boot volume: 452 liters, 100 liters less than its top rival. It has a low average in this category.
On the other hand, it has a large double-layer bottom that stores the charging cable. Otherwise, the seats are classic 60:40 split, the trunk has lighting, hooks, but no 12V sockets.
Finished storage-wise, cup holders and center console lockers can hold a lot of stuff. The inductive charging position comes with a lid.
The interior layout is a classic layout for electric vehicles. However, Toyota hasn't given up the physical controls for a comfortable setup. While the door can hold a large water bottle, the storage area is strange. There are no glove boxes for passengers, which is made up for by the awkward space under the center console.
Sitting in the driver's seat, you will find that finding the ideal person is a relatively complex process. You have to find a balance between a seat that can't be lowered, a center armrest that is too high and a steering wheel that has to be placed at your feet to see the 7-inch digital instrument display. The dial is limited to the absolute most useful information: speed and GPS.
The cabin atmosphere was grim in general, and the materials did not show the overall perceived quality. Be careful, though. No matter how hard you search, you won't find anything serious to complain about inside.
It was only after evaluating it with my characteristic cynicism that I discovered that the quality of the materials beneath its exterior was reprehensible, such as the paint trim on the doors, the door handles and the majestic center console.
What we have is a set of values that ultimately leads to correct execution. has a Cartesian, algebraic, almost geometric perception, which, however, does not excite the senses. On the contrary, the ergonomics are well thought out, and we particularly appreciate the physical controls for climate control.
The decoration of the cab is correct, the styling is a bit experimental, especially at the level of the dashboard. The digital gauges on the 7-inch screen are easy to read, but not "customizable" as we would say. The information is displayed only on the left: torque distribution, odometer, tire pressure...... But be careful that one message is one message at a time, never two at the same time!
From above, the 12.3-inch (8-inch base model) infotainment screen looks almost too big: it's hard to see the right side of it if you don't take your eyes off the road and remove the backrest from the seat.
However, the infotainment screen is easy to read, has a good (adjustable) contrast ratio, and is relatively fingerprint resistant. The GPS has modern and very clean graphics, although it can be a bit confusing when you reach the roundabout. What we missed was the travel plans. If there is no pre-planned charging, especially in areas that do not have adequate infrastructure, you will definitely need to resort to online route planning apps.
The large 12.3-inch screen that supports the infotainment system looks beautiful, with good resolution, good responsiveness, and efficiency. The infotainment system, on the other hand, takes some getting used to and is of limited use: no homepage, no route planner, very basic voice commands, poor electrical updates...... Toyota urgently needs to make its own operating system or install Android Automotive!
The Toyota bZ4X is clearly not a car for tech freaks. The infotainment system is responsive but lacks features. So, you'll connect your phone (via wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto) and you'll listen to your favorite music and nothing else. You can, of course, call the girl who speaks Greek and listens to "Hey Toyota", or when you press the microphone button on the steering wheel. It's not that there are nothing complicated. Enter the address or adjust the temperature of the air conditioner in the navigation.
In addition to this, there are five (!) USB-C ports: two are located in the front, under the center console (look for them while driving), one in the inductive charging position, and two in the rear. Note that in this version of the Style device, the front seats are heated, and both the driver's seat and the power seat are adjustable.
The test bZ4X is equipped with two electric motors, one on each axle, and offers an off-road driving assistance package, which Toyota calls X-Mode. It manages the uphill/downhill assist and is only concerned with distributing torque to each wheel independently based on the level of traction.
The car's "hard neck" ace includes a fairly long ground clearance (17.7 cm) and good approach and departure angles. Of course, there is one drawback, and that is the weight of 2.1 tons.
Even though the bZ4X is heavy and the tires don't fit, the X-Mode's torque distribution (hence the traction) allows you to traverse terrain that other electric or thermal SUVs would think twice about.
The two motors draw power from Panasonic lithium-ion batteries (NMC Chemical) with a total capacity of 71.4 kWh and a useful charge of 64 kWh. With a power output of 109 PS and 169 Nm each, and a cumulative output of 218 PS/336 Nm, they are capable of acceleration and counterattacking: 6.9 inches in a 0-100 km/h sprint.
One of the biggest challenges faced by EV development engineers is controlling the heavy weight of huge, small-sized wheels. However, what we received exceeded all expectations. Especially since the choice of this version boils down to a reasonable tire size: 235/60 R18 - until we see it in the ultra-mini!
Driving a Toyota bZ4X gives you peace of mind, properly filters irregularities, limits rolling noise, and provides a fully functional driving position.
Above 14 points, the roughest road surface is barely felt, and as the speed increases, the damping becomes more pleasant and textured, and even that heavy feeling disappears at low speeds – let alone the more kilometers you drive. Counter. Pushing the bZ4X, on the other hand, you'll find that a low center of gravity alone isn't enough to give the power. However, the suspension strikes a good balance between comfort and nimble driving and will never cause problems for the average electric SUV user.
On open roads and highways, the Toyota bZ4X offers exceptional comfort. At high speeds, the mirrors emit a slight aerodynamic hiss, but the overall soundproofing is satisfactory. Lane Keeping Assist, combined with standard cruise control, doesn't hesitate and operates the best we've tested. Of course, the ADAS kit, which the Japanese call the Toyota T-Mate, is present in the car in its full form. Finally, for trailer campers and boaters, the Toyota bZ4X offers 750 kg of towing capacity.
The bZ4X's semi-autonomous driving is highly efficient, with whimsical cruise control, efficient lane keeping, and a steering wheel that can be easily detected at the touch of the driver's hand.
When it comes to braking, Toyota has done a great job, making a relatively subtle transition between effective regenerative braking and traditional disc brakes. There is no lack of dynamism as a whole and prevents Japanese SUVs from benefiting from their limited (!) Weight - It weighs an average of 200 kg less than its competitors. However, when it comes to picking up the car, it's pretty basic, with a simple button on the center console that enables or deactivates the "brake" function when you take your foot off the accelerator without having to stop completely.
Range is the key to the electric war, and predictably it will vary depending on the level of trim, the number of engines and equipment. Thus, according to WLPT, the combined range of the basic Active two-wheeled version with 18-inch wheels is 514 km, while our Style also comes with 18-inch wheels but with two motors (4x4) for a combined range of 461 km according to WLTP. Let's look at the real-world Toyota bZ4X 4x4, which is specifically equipped with a standard heat pump (not required in the test) and burns 19.2 kWh/100 km in our hands with specifications of 13.6 or 16.1 kWh/100 km. Urban highways are 470 km and 400 km, respectively.
On the highway, at the legal speed of 22.1 kWh/100 km/h. 24.2 at a constant speed of 130 km/h. This means that at 230 km you will need to refuel (20% reserve).
Finally, with the DRIVE protocol (70%-30% city-highway), the average consumption is 17.9 kWh/100 km or 360 km mileage. Its price is at the average level of the category.
Toyota bZ4X charging performs well in both AC and DC conditions. The car's built-in charger has a maximum power of 11 kW, which is at a good level, and batteries of 11 kW and above can be charged in a wall box in just 6.5 hours.
The bZ4X burned 19.2 kWh/100 km in our hands, and the consumption includes the energy-intensive part of the production of automotive photography.
For DC fast charging, the Japanese manufacturer seems to have chosen a compromise between charging speed and keeping the battery healthy, with the BMS allowing a maximum output of 150 kW. This means that it takes 28 feet for the battery to go from 10% to 80% capacity.
Fun to drive, but not particularly dynamic, fuel-efficient, but not particularly efficient, and a little more expensive than what it offers, the Toyota bZ4X 4x4 goes out of its way to win with its prowess on the dirt? The basic 36k subsidized Active two-wheeler sounds like a more enticing option......
| Toyota bZ4X 4x4 | |
| The four-wheel drive Toyota bZ4X is the most "serious" 4x4 model in the C-SUV category, but it is not the most homogeneous electric station wagon in its class. | |
| Price | From €47,960 (€38,960 with subsidy) |
| specification | |
| technology | EV, electric synchronous front permanent magnet motor with output 109 PS and 169 Nm, electric synchronous permanent magnet motor with output 109 PS and 169 Nm, lithium-ion battery (NMC) 71.4 kWh (64 useful), 355V architecture, four-wheel drive, relationship box |
| manifestation | 218 hp, 336 Nm |
| direction | 4,690 x 1,860 x 1,650 mm |
| Baggage compartment | 452 liters |
| weight | 2,070 kg |
| 0-100 km/h | 6.9 sec |
| Top speed | 160 km / h |
| Average Consumption* | 17.9 kWh/100 km |
| Endurance | 360 km |
| DC 150 kW, 10%-80% | 28 minutes |
| AC 11 kW, 0-100% | 6.5 hours |