If you are interested in getting a five-passenger, all-wheel-drive, electric SUV, the 2023 Toyota bZ4X is for you. The handy electric SUV is well-liked by newbies and easy to recognize with its futuristic and fresh appearance.
Although it may lack the latest technologies that the EV gearhead may be looking for, the EV beginners will be very satisfied with the car’s specs. If you’re eager to find out whether the 2023 Toyota bZ4X is the best pick for you, look through our full review below.
Overview
The innovative EV is almost visually identical to the Subaru Solterra, and this is not surprising, as the bZ4X is a joint development with Subaru. It features two-row seats and ample cargo space to take all your load.
The bZ4X is available with front- or all-wheel drive, with an EPA range between 222 and 252 miles, depending on the configuration. There are two models, the front-drive and all-wheel-drive models, available in XLE FWD, XLE AWD, Limited FWD, and Limited AWD trim levels.
The user-friendly bZ4X has a button installed that boosts regenerative braking, although not enough for one-pedal driving. In other markets aside from the U.S., the bZ4X offers solar panels integrated into the roof. The onboard charger of 6.6kW with a Level 2 supply can replenish the battery in 9 hours. The bZ4X only comes in five-passenger layouts.
Characteristics
Power and Performance
The front-drive model comes with a single electric motor that powers the front wheels that produce 201 horsepower and 196 lb.-ft of torque, while the all-wheel-drive model has one motor on each axle. Each one makes 107 horsepower and 124 lb.-ft of torque.
The bZ4X can go up to 60 miles per hour in 6.5 seconds and reaches a top speed of 110 mph. The body roll in turns is minimal as the battery pack is placed under the floor to keep the car’s center of gravity low. The cornering poise and the grip of the car are excellent and allow either understeer in the case of the front-drive cars or a rear-end dig and accelerated drive-through in the case of the all-wheel-drive vehicles.
Interior, Infotainment, and Cargo
The Toyota bZ4X boasts of its unusual driving layout. The driving position is surprisingly conventional and convenient once you get used to it. The flat-screen instrument panel is installed above the steering wheel instead of being framed by it as is usual. This feature makes it more comfortable for the driver as the screen is in their line of sight.
The rear seat cushion is low and allows for sufficient headroom. The optional feature available for the Limited is the heating element in the lower dash that warms up the front-seat rider’s legs.
The EV SUV features a 12.3-inch infotainment screen with big and clearly marked buttons. It also receives over-the-air updates via the multimedia screen and allows touch and voice commands. The voice recognition feature comes with a 3-month trial Intelligent Assistant, Cloud Navigation and Drive Connect. You cannot look past the typical characteristics like Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Sirius XM capabilities.
Fuel Economy
The MFR’s estimate for the bZ4X is 112-131mpg city, 92-107mpg highway, and 102-119mpg combined. This is a pretty amazing rating and has car enthusiasts excited for the release of the vehicle.
Warranty and Maintenance
Toyota’s trusted 36,000-mile/36-month primary new vehicle warranty applies to all components of the bZ4X other than standard maintenance items. There is a 60-month warranty that covers the powertrain for 60,000 miles and corrosion with no limitation on mileage.
The EV driving components are covered for eight years or 10,000 miles. The bZ4X also comes with a plan, ToyotaCare, that covers routine maintenance scheduled by the factory for two years and 24-hour roadside assistance for three years, and unlimited mileage.
Price
Depending on the trim line and model bought, the price of the Toyota bZ4X differs. The XLE FWD and XLE AWD cost approximately $43,215 and $45,295. The Limited FWD and Limited AWD cost about $47,915 and $49,995, respectively.
If you go for the XLE, you get a capable EV SUV that possesses all the critical features of the bZ4X. But, if you want that heated lower dash, you can go for the Limited.
Is 2023 Toyota bZ4X Reliable?
Yes, it is. Toyota is well-known for building exceptionally reliable vehicles that can last for a very long time. They are very near the top of consumer feedback for reliability, and the bz4x is no different.
Outfitted with quality and durable materials that are sure to stand the test of time, the bz4x is very reliable.
Safety
The bZ4X will be the first Toyota vehicle to feature the new Toyota Safety Sense 3.0. It will include features like forward-collision warning, lane departure warning, lane center assist, and automatic emergency braking with cyclist and pedestrian detection.
Other features include automatic high beams, improved radar and camera ability, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic warning.
What People Are Saying About the 2023 Toyota bZ4X
The bZ4X is already quite popular even before its official release to the public as it is Toyota’s first dive into the world of electric vehicles.
Although many consumers praise the futuristic design, powerful engine, emissions-free driving, and enticing features, others are apprehensive of the charge rate and the motor range.
When the bZ4X is launched in Spring 2022, we will know if it will live up to our expectations.
Competitors
The primary competition for the Toyota bZ4X is other EV SUVs. They include the 2022 Tesla Model Y, 2022 Hyundai IONIQ 5, 2022 KIA EV6, and 2022 Volvo C40 Recharge.
The bZ4X will be up against the Volkswagen ID.4 and the Ford Mustang Mach-E in terms of its range and interior. On the pricing aspect, the bZ4X will be up against the Mustang Mach-E’s 43,995, the Tesla Y’s 59,190, and the Volkswagen ID.4’s 41,190 starting prices.
Although the bZ4X was created for all, it might not appeal to dedicated enthusiasts but will definitely catch the interest of newbies.