Toyota, a brand synonymous with hybrid vehicle innovation thanks to the Prius, has finally stepped into the all-electric car market with its first commercial EV, the Toyota bZ4X. As a content creator for millertoyota.net and an auto repair specialist, I’ve been keenly anticipating Toyota’s electric vehicle debut. Having test-driven the 2024 Toyota bZ4X, specifically the Limited trim, I’m here to provide an in-depth review, comparing it to other EVs and assessing whether Toyota’s electric car lives up to the hype.
While many expected Toyota to be at the forefront of EV development given their hybrid leadership, their entry has been more measured. The 2024 bZ4X is currently Toyota’s sole all-electric offering, placing significant pressure on it to perform against established and emerging EVs like the Kia EV9 and Cadillac Lyriq. The model I tested, the Limited trim, starts at $47,180, slightly above the base SE trim at $43,070. Despite a somewhat modest EPA-estimated range of 236 miles, the Limited trim boasts additional premium features.
Toyota bZ4X TESTED! Their FIRST EV Could Be Better. – YouTube 
Toyota bZ4X TESTED! Their FIRST EV Could Be Better. – YouTube
The Positives of the Toyota bZ4X Electric Car
Striking and Modern Design
Sleek and futuristic design of the 2024 Toyota bZ4X Limited electric car during a test drive.
One of the first things that grabs your attention with the Toyota bZ4X is its design. It aligns with the modern aesthetic expected from the best electric cars, presenting a futuristic and sleek appearance. The bZ4X uses sharp, angular lines throughout its compact crossover SUV form, creating a bold visual statement while maintaining a surprisingly spacious interior and trunk. The availability of a two-toned paint scheme further enhances its eye-catching appeal on the road. Adding to its modern feel, the projector headlights are uniquely stacked, giving a distinct, almost three-dimensional effect that sets it apart.
Innovative Cockpit-Style Driver’s Area
Driver's seat and cockpit design in the 2024 Toyota bZ4X Limited electric vehicle.
Stepping inside the bZ4X, the driver’s seat area immediately stands out. Toyota has opted for a cockpit-style layout that feels remarkably like being in a jet fighter. Unlike traditional setups where the dashboard cluster is close to the steering wheel, the bZ4X positions it further back, creating a notable gap. This design choice contributes to the sensation of piloting something fast and futuristic. While I personally enjoyed this unique cockpit feel, some drivers might find the close proximity of the steering wheel slightly confining.
User-Friendly Shifter Design
Closeup of the conveniently placed shifter in the 2024 Toyota bZ4X Limited electric car's interior.
A common point of frustration in many electric vehicles is the placement of the shifter, often awkwardly positioned near the steering wheel. Toyota, however, has taken a more practical approach with the bZ4X. The shifter is located conveniently below the climate controls on the center console. The rotary knob design makes shifting between drive and reverse effortless, and a dedicated button for park is intuitive and easy to use. This thoughtful shifter implementation avoids confusion with steering wheel controls, like windshield wipers, offering a superior user experience.
Practical Foot-Activated Liftgate
Gif animation demonstrating the foot-activated liftgate feature of the 2024 Toyota bZ4X Limited.
The foot-activated liftgate on the bZ4X Limited trim is more than just a novelty; it’s a genuinely useful convenience feature. When your hands are full, like with grocery bags, a simple foot tap under the rear bumper opens the liftgate. This hands-free access to the trunk is incredibly practical and something you appreciate more in everyday use. It eliminates the need to fumble for keys or buttons when your hands are occupied.
Advanced Automated Parking Assist
Gif animation showcasing the Advanced Park automated parking feature in the 2024 Toyota bZ4X Limited.
While confident drivers might not always need it, Toyota’s Advanced Park technology in the bZ4X Limited offers a helpful layer of parking assistance. I tested this feature in a clearly marked parking lot and found it to operate seamlessly. Once activated, you simply select the desired parking spot, and the system takes over, steering the vehicle perfectly into the space. This automated parking system is a boon for drivers who appreciate extra assistance, especially in tight parking situations.
Spacious Rear Seating and Trunk Capacity
Comfortable rear seats and climate controls in the 2024 Toyota bZ4X Limited electric SUV.
Passenger comfort is well-addressed in the Toyota bZ4X, particularly in the rear seats. Ample legroom ensures comfortable rides for back-seat passengers. The inclusion of the same mesh fabric seats in the second row as the front maintains a consistent level of comfort throughout the cabin. Dedicated climate controls for the rear further enhance the passenger experience. Unlike some crossover EVs that compromise on cargo space, the bZ4X offers a practical trunk area. I even managed to fit a pull-up station, sourced from Facebook Marketplace, inside with the rear seats folded down, highlighting its useful cargo capacity.
Areas for Improvement in the Toyota bZ4X Electric Car
Limited Range Compared to Competitors
Charging port closeup of the 2024 Toyota bZ4X Limited electric car, highlighting range concerns.
Given Toyota’s expertise in hybrid technology and maximizing fuel efficiency, the bZ4X’s EPA-estimated range of 236 miles is somewhat disappointing. Using a 71.4 kWh battery, the range falls short of some competitors with similar battery sizes. For example, the Genesis GV60 achieves a higher 294 miles of range. This range limitation is a notable drawback for a vehicle in this price category. However, the bZ4X does redeem itself somewhat with excellent energy efficiency, averaging around 3.1 mi/kWh during my week of driving, and even better at 4.1 mi/kWh in highway tests. Efficient driving habits can potentially extend the perceived range, but the base EPA estimate remains lower than desired for a modern electric car.
Overly Sensitive Driver Monitoring System
Dashboard cluster at night in the 2024 Toyota bZ4X Limited, showing driver monitoring system alerts.
One of the more intrusive aspects of driving the bZ4X is its driver monitoring system. An infrared camera, positioned above the steering wheel, constantly monitors driver attention. While driver monitoring is a positive safety feature, the bZ4X’s implementation can be overly sensitive. Frequent notifications in the dashboard cluster can become distracting. The system is particularly sensitive to hand placement on the steering wheel, even nagging if a hand is briefly at the 12 o’clock position. Furthermore, the smart cruise control is tied to this monitoring system, disengaging if it detects insufficient steering wheel input, which can be disruptive during normal driving.
Lack of Selectable Drive Modes
Side view of the 2024 Toyota bZ4X Limited electric car during a test drive, emphasizing the lack of drive modes.
Many contemporary electric cars offer a variety of driving modes to customize the driving experience. While the bZ4X provides adequate acceleration, the absence of additional drive modes beyond ECO mode is a missed opportunity. The inclusion of a sport mode, for instance, could enhance responsiveness and provide a more engaging driving experience when desired. The limited driving mode options restrict the ability to tailor the car’s performance to different driving preferences and conditions.
Conclusion
The Toyota bZ4X marks Toyota’s entry into the competitive electric car market, showcasing their ability to produce a stylish and feature-rich EV. It excels in design, interior comfort, and user-friendly features like the shifter and liftgate. However, the bZ4X faces challenges in terms of range and driver monitoring system sensitivity, and the lack of drive modes limits customization. As Toyota’s first dedicated electric car, the bZ4X is a solid starting point, but there’s room for improvement to truly compete with the leading EVs in terms of range and overall driving experience. For those considering a Toyota Electric Car, the bZ4X offers a glimpse into the brand’s electric future, balancing innovation with areas needing further refinement.
