Toyota is charging into the electric vehicle market with the 2023 bZ4X, an all-electric SUV that blends Toyota’s renowned reliability and practicality with cutting-edge EV technology. As the first model in Toyota’s “Beyond Zero” (bZ) series, the bZ4X represents a significant step in the company’s global commitment to carbon neutrality. This stylish and capable SUV is poised to make waves in the competitive electric SUV segment, offering a compelling option for drivers seeking an eco-conscious and versatile vehicle. Arriving at U.S. dealerships in Spring 2022, the Toyota bZ4X electric SUV is set to redefine expectations for electric SUVs.
The Toyota bZ4X electric SUV is not just another electric vehicle; it’s a statement of intent from Toyota. With an EPA-estimated range of up to 252 miles for the XLE front-wheel-drive model and a starting MSRP of $42,000, the bZ4X offers a balance of range and affordability. Beyond just being environmentally friendly, this Toyota Suv Electric vehicle is designed to deliver a rewarding driving experience, wrapped in a striking SUV package. The bZ4X is more than just transportation; it’s designed to be an innovative space, enhancing the daily lives of its owners.
Toyota’s commitment to electrification is evident in the bZ4X. This model spearheads a broader strategy that includes hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. Toyota’s vision is a carbon-neutral future achieved through a diverse portfolio of electrified vehicles. The company plans to expand its electrified lineup to approximately 70 models globally by 2025, including 15 dedicated BEVs, seven of which will carry the bZ moniker. This massive investment – over $70 billion in electrified vehicles by 2030, aiming for 3.5 million global BEV sales annually – underscores Toyota’s dedication to leading the charge in electric mobility. The bZ4X is a key player in this ambitious plan, bringing Toyota’s trusted SUV expertise into the electric era.
Image alt text: Toyota bZ4X electric SUV in Elemental Silver Metallic color, front three-quarter view, showcasing its bold SUV design.
Striking Design: Futuristic Yet Familiar Toyota SUV Electric Aesthetics
The Toyota bZ4X electric SUV breaks ground with a design philosophy that Toyota describes as “hi-tech and emotional.” The goal was to create a futuristic and unique aesthetic while retaining the familiar and reassuring feel of a traditional SUV. This approach ensures the bZ4X appeals to both EV enthusiasts and Toyota SUV loyalists. The result is a vehicle that confidently navigates urban landscapes while possessing the robust character expected of an SUV ready for outdoor adventures.
Offered in both XLE and Limited grades, and with front-wheel-drive (FWD) and all-wheel-drive (AWD) configurations, the bZ4X caters to diverse needs and preferences. Size-wise, it perfectly positions itself in the competitive compact SUV segment. While slightly longer and with a more extended wheelbase than the popular RAV4, the bZ4X maintains a sleek profile being lower and just a touch wider. This careful sizing translates to a spacious interior, offering generous legroom for both front and rear passengers and substantial cargo space.
The bZ4X’s exterior profile is characterized by its sleekness and balance. Dynamic lines flow seamlessly from the front to the rear, creating a sense of motion and modernity. The lowered axis and long wheelbase contribute to a flowing silhouette that maximizes visual appeal and aerodynamic efficiency.
The front fascia of this Toyota SUV electric emphasizes the corners, achieving a futuristic and aerodynamic appearance. The curved front bumper contributes to this unique look, while the headlamp design further accentuates the vehicle’s contours. The main lamps are positioned directly beneath the signature lamps, creating a smart and assertive impression.
Moving to the rear, the bZ4X projects a powerful stance. The “interlocked” trapezoidal design between the rear lamps, back door, and bumper draws attention to the corners and taillamps, creating a visually wide and stable impression. Beyond aesthetics, the bZ4X’s design is functional. The low hood enhances forward driver visibility, and the ducktail spoiler and lower diffusers contribute to aerodynamic performance while adding to the vehicle’s distinctive styling. Exterior color options for the 2023 bZ4X include both standard and two-tone options with a black roof, allowing for personalization.
Image alt text: Toyota bZ4X Limited AWD electric SUV in Heavy Metal color, angled side view, highlighting its dynamic character lines and SUV stance.
Interior Comfort and Technology: A Modern Cabin for the Toyota Electric SUV Era
Inside the Toyota bZ4X electric SUV, the cockpit is designed to usher in a new era of mobility. The focus is on keeping the driver’s attention on the road, with an intuitive and ergonomic layout. Leveraging the dedicated BEV platform, Toyota engineers created an exceptionally spacious cabin, prioritizing quietness and relaxation for both the driver and passengers. Ample legroom and generous side-to-side space in the rear contribute to a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere.
Premium materials and finishes elevate the interior ambiance. Piano-black accents are featured throughout, while higher Limited grades incorporate satin materials for a touch of luxury. Soft-touch materials on the dashboard further enhance the premium feel. Interior color options include Softex®/Fabric-trimmed black for the XLE grade and Softex®-trimmed black or light gray for the Limited grade, allowing for interior customization.
The instrument panel and strategically placed MID screen are designed to maximize the feeling of spaciousness while ensuring optimal meter visibility. Soundproofing glass and wind-noise reduction technologies create a serene cabin environment. An available fixed panoramic roof enhances the sense of openness, while a power sunshade provides control over natural light.
The center console acts as a central hub, functioning like a table with smartphone storage, available wireless charging, and conveniently located USB ports. Ergonomically designed door handles enhance ease of use.
The bZ4X is equipped with a standard 12.3-inch widescreen Toyota Audio Multimedia system, developed by Toyota’s Connected Technologies team. This system offers a suite of enhanced connectivity and convenience features, including Over-the-Air (OTA) updates. Users can interact with the system via intuitive touch and voice activation. Drive Connect, a connected service with a three-year trial, provides access to Intelligent Assistant, Cloud Navigation, and Destination Assist. The “Hey Toyota” Intelligent Assistant enables voice commands for navigation, points of interest, audio controls, and cabin temperature adjustments. Cloud Navigation ensures access to the latest map, traffic, and routing information, while Google Points-of-Interest data enhances search capabilities. Destination Assist provides 24/7 live agent support.
The Toyota Audio Multimedia system supports dual Bluetooth phone connectivity, wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility. An available Wi-Fi Connect subscription provides 4G connectivity for up to five devices, turning the bZ4X into a mobile hotspot. Integrated Streaming allows linking Apple Music® and Amazon Music subscriptions for in-vehicle control. For audiophiles, a JBL® Premium Audio system with 9 speakers is available.
Standard Connected Services include Safety Connect with emergency assistance, roadside assistance, automatic collision notification, stolen vehicle locator, and collision assistance (1-year trial). Service Connect offers vehicle health reports and maintenance alerts (3-year trial). Remote Connect via the Toyota App allows users to control headlights, horn, rear hatch, and climate settings, including seat heaters/ventilators, steering wheel heater, and defroster (3-year trial). The bZ4X is the first Toyota to feature enhanced remote vehicle start. The Limited grade offers a Toyota-first Digital Key feature, accessible via the Toyota App, enabling vehicle access sharing. Remote Charging capabilities are also included, allowing users to monitor charging status, start/stop charging, and manage charging schedules. The Toyota App also helps locate charging stations.
Image alt text: Interior view of Toyota bZ4X XLE FWD electric SUV in Wind Chill Pearl, showcasing the spacious cabin, dashboard, and large infotainment screen.
Electric Performance and Capability: The Toyota SUV Electric Driving Experience
The Toyota bZ4X electric SUV delivers the capable performance expected from a Toyota SUV, combined with the smooth and engaging driving dynamics inherent in electric vehicles. Built on the e-TNGA dedicated BEV platform, the bZ4X offers a fun and responsive driving experience, characterized by instant torque delivery.
Available in both front-wheel-drive (FWD) and all-wheel-drive (AWD) configurations, the bZ4X produces 201 horsepower in FWD and 214 horsepower in AWD versions. Acceleration is brisk, with 0-60 mph times estimated at 7.1 seconds for FWD and 6.5 seconds for AWD models. The XLE FWD model boasts an EPA-estimated range of up to 252 miles, while the XLE AWD model offers up to 228 miles. Fuel economy is also impressive, with the XLE FWD achieving an EPA-estimated 119 MPGe combined and the XLE AWD achieving 104 MPGe combined.
The e-TNGA platform contributes to the bZ4X’s impressive handling through a low center of gravity and high rigidity, thanks to the underfloor placement of the high-capacity lithium-ion battery pack. The battery cross-framing structure further enhances vehicle rigidity. A lightweight body structure with high-tensile steel and reinforced frame components around the battery pack, coupled with a dynamic suspension, contributes to the bZ4X’s agile responsiveness.
Features like intelligent throttle control and slip suppression enhance driving feel and control. Regenerative Braking Boost Mode reduces the need for frequent brake pedal use. Energy-saving features, including a heat pump system, seat and steering wheel heaters, and a front-seat radiant foot-and-leg heater, optimize range, especially in cold climates.
All-Wheel Drive and X-MODE®: Expanding the Toyota SUV Electric Horizon
For enhanced capability, the Toyota bZ4X electric SUV offers an advanced AWD system with X-MODE®, a first for Toyota and a standout feature for AWD models. Combined with Multi-terrain Select, X-MODE® provides two modes – Snow/Dirt and Snow/Mud – to optimize traction on various slippery or uneven surfaces.
Snow/Dirt Mode enhances stability and traction on slippery dirt surfaces. Snow/Mud Mode applies brakes to spinning wheels, creating a limited-slip differential effect for added traction on unpaved or heavily snow-covered roads. Downhill Assist Control helps maintain a constant speed during steep descents, allowing the driver to focus on steering.
Grip-Control, a low-speed system integrated with X-MODE®, modulates motor drive power to provide off-road capability during turns, maintaining a constant speed and preventing slippage on rough terrain.
Image alt text: Toyota bZ4X Limited AWD electric SUV in Heavy Metal color, driving on a dirt road, showcasing its all-wheel-drive capability and X-MODE® system.
Charging and Ownership: Powering Up Your Toyota SUV Electric
Charging the Toyota bZ4X electric SUV is convenient and flexible, with options for 120V and 240V chargers, as well as DC fast-chargers. All bZ4X models feature a J1772/CCS1 socket for both home and public charging. The 6.6 kW onboard charger allows for a full charge in approximately 9 hours using a Level 2 charger.
Toyota offers customers the option to include a ChargePoint Home Flex Level 2 charger with their bZ4X purchase or lease. ChargePoint Home Flex is ENERGY STAR® certified, Wi-Fi enabled, and can add up to 25 miles of range per hour. Toyota has partnered with Qmerit to assist customers with finding certified EV charger installers.
To further enhance the ownership experience, Toyota provides bZ4X buyers and lessees with one year of unlimited complimentary charging at EVgo public charging stations nationwide, accessible through the Toyota App.
Safety and Driver Assistance: Toyota Safety SenseTM 3.0 in the Toyota SUV Electric
The Toyota bZ4X electric SUV is the first Toyota vehicle to feature Toyota Safety SenseTM 3.0 (TSS 3.0), the latest iteration of Toyota’s comprehensive safety suite. TSS 3.0 enhances safety with expanded detection ranges for the millimeter wave radar and monocular camera. Pre-collision System improvements include Low-Light Cyclist Detection, Daytime Motorcyclist Detection, and Guardrail Detection. Lane recognition is enhanced within Lane Tracing Assist mode.
Blind Spot Monitor and Safe Exit Assist are standard on all grades. Safe Exit Assist helps prevent collisions between opening doors or exiting occupants and rear-approaching vehicles. If a vehicle is detected, the system alerts occupants with a light in the outer mirror. Bird’s Eye View Camera with Perimeter Scan is available on the Limited grade, providing a 360-degree overhead view.
The Top-Mounted Meter is positioned above the steering wheel to minimize driver distraction. Ergonomic steering wheel design enhances grip and reduces eye movement needed to view the meter. Comprehensive battery safety measures are implemented to protect battery cell integrity, including meticulous production processes, redundant monitoring systems, a high-resistance coolant circulation system, and battery pack integration within the body frame for collision protection.
Warranty and Availability: Securing Your Toyota SUV Electric Future
The Toyota bZ4X electric SUV is backed by Toyota’s comprehensive warranty, including an 8-year/100,000-mile warranty for Electric Vehicle Driving Components, including the traction battery. Standard ToyotaCare covers factory-scheduled maintenance for two years or 25,000 miles and 24-hour roadside assistance for three years.
The Toyota bZ4X electric SUV arrived at dealerships in Spring 2022, marking a significant milestone in Toyota’s electrification journey and offering consumers a compelling all-electric SUV option. The bZ4X is not just an electric vehicle; it’s a Toyota SUV electric, bringing together the best of both worlds: Toyota’s trusted SUV heritage and cutting-edge electric vehicle technology.
