Video Summary
Toyota’s bZ4X is a direct competitor to the Tesla Model Y. There are two bZ4X models: front-wheel drive (FWD) for $66,000 plus on-road costs and all-wheel drive (AWD) for $74,900 plus on-road costs.Both models have a 71.4 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. The AWD has two 80-kilowatt front and rear motors. The FWD has one 150kW front motor. Toyota offers a full-service lease program which includes insurance, servicing, and registration costs in one monthly payment. Standard features in the FWD include 20” wheels, LED headlights, parking sensors, a 12.3” touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, navigation, and heated front seats. The AWD adds blind-spot monitoring, a 360-degree camera, full leather look seat trim, ventilated front seats, a 9-speaker JBL stereo, a panoramic sunroof, and wireless phone charging.
It is built on Toyota’s e-TNGA platform, just for electric cars. The FWD’s range is 436 km WLTP and the AWD range is 411 km WLTP. It doesn’t set any new benchmarks in this class. The Tesla Model Y and Kia EV6 are still better. But it’s a perfect stepping-stone for a driver to jump into the world of electric cars.
The interior features a large 12.3" touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, DAB digital radio, and integrated sat-nav. Visibility from inside the cabin is good. There is a small center console bin, two cupholders, and door pockets for two bottles. There is, however, no glovebox.
The BZ4X's ride feels reassuring at higher speeds, is direct and accurate, and is easy to get along with. In corners the car corners relatively flat, with less body roll than the RAV4 or Corolla Cross. Also, while the steering is on the heavy side it becomes confidence-inspiring at higher speeds.
Energy use is at about 20-21kWh on the highway and 18 in the city. DC fast charging from 10% to 80% occurs in 30 minutes.
While offering a one-pedal drive mode, it doesn’t bring the car to a complete stop by regenerative braking. In 2022, the vehicle earned a five-star safety rating from ANCAP. Most safety features come standard across the range. A Blind Spot Monitor and Safe Exit Assist are offered on the top trim model, in contrast to competitors where these are available for all models.
