Toyota bZ4X Full Review: What’s It Like Driving Toyota’s First Modern Full Electric Car?

Video Summary

The bZ4X is Toyota's first modern electric vehicle. It is a mid-sized crossover SUV with an unusual name: "bZ4X" stands for "beyond zero emissions," "4" for a mid-sized car similar to the RAV4, and "X" for a crossover SUV. The car is also built on Toyota's new global architecture, "e-TNGA." This car costs between £43,000 and £51,500. The design features slim headlights, short overhangs, large wheel arches, a low roofline, a wide taillight, a rear diffuser, and a split roof spoiler on most models. The trunk has 452 liters of space, enough for three big suitcases or two mountain bikes with the rear seats folded. There's also some under-floor storage for charging cables and a toolbox. The car has a low center of gravity and a full underbody protection layer that doubles as an aerodynamic aid. It comes in either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, which Toyota claims offers superior off-road capabilities for EVs. The interior is designed to feel like a living room with soft, round edges and the use of materials like fabric. The center console could be thought of as a side cabinet with a dial for forward and reverse gear selection. The armrest slides for convenience. Underneath the armrest, there are cup holders and a spot for a smartphone with a transparent lid. There is no glove box, so the owner's manual shares space with the storage compartment. The car comes with standard tech like Apple CarPlay and voice activation, allowing control of features like climate and windows. This car has a heat pump for efficient cabin heating without draining the battery. The more powerful all-wheel-drive version has an extra motor and almost 200 horsepower and 340 Newton-meters of torque, achieving 0-62 mph in 6.9 seconds. The official range for the front-wheel-drive version is 317 miles, compared to the AWD's 259 miles. The suspension is tuned for a commendably relaxed ride. This Toyota also benefits from off-road magic from Subaru, including X-mode for enhanced grip in snow/dirt or deep snow/mud, and traction control for uphill/downhill. The low center of gravity and protective aluminum cover underneath help with off-road adventures, although many owners may not use these features. The build quality is strong enough for Toyota to offer a 10-year warranty. However, the range is not competitive with rivals like Tesla, Mustang, and Kia for its price point.