Toyota is almost associated with electricity, having introduced the Prius decades ago and now offering almost a dozen hybrids in the US. Despite this, since the second-generation RAV4 EV was discontinued in 2014, Toyota has been sluggish to adopt all-electric cars.
That’s about to change, as Toyota plans to release 15 electrified vehicles by 2025, including seven dubbed bZ (Beyond Zero). The first is the 2023 bZ4X, which, although not groundbreaking, is a reliable electric car with a few flaws.
An Edgy And Slightly Polarizing Design
Whether you like it or not, the bZ4X jumps out with its angular form and divisive black accents. The black fenders aren’t our favourite, but they’re standard on all trims, so there’s no escaping them.
The remainder of the crossover is more pleasant, with a “hammerhead” front end with a projecting snout and standard LED headlights. Moving back, there’s a charging outlet on the driver’s side, plastic body cladding, and 18- or 20-inch wheels. Full-width brake lights and an angular liftgate with a rear spoiler are also standard on the model.
A two-tone paint job with a black finish on the roof and A-pillars will be one of the possibilities offered. A split roof spoiler, which adds a splash of style, is also available.
While the outside style is pretty basic, the cabin seems like it was developed by five separate persons who were never able to agree on a concept. As a result, the concepts and textures are disjointed.
An Interior That Tries Too Hard To Be Different
The dashboard’s cloth accent jumps out right away, and it’s accompanied by a horrible steering wheel that’s crammed with buttons and protrudes from the dashboard like a finger. The list of complaints doesn’t stop there: the steering column can’t be lifted very far, and the upper rim of certain seats covers part of the 7-inch digital instrument cluster.
In terms of the latter, the cluster is positioned far forward at the end of a half-pipe-shaped plastic construction. It’s intended to help you focus and keep your eyes on the road, but we couldn’t help but wonder who thought the plastic surround was a smart idea. The display, on the other hand, is clear, crisp, and informative.
The remainder of the inside is much better, with a 12.3-inch Audio Multimedia system that is quick, smart, and well-connected. Cloud-based navigation with Google points-of-interest data and an Intelligent Assistant that reacts to the “Hey, Toyota” wake phrase are among the highlights. To get the most out of it, you’ll need to sign up for a variety of subscriptions.
Even the entry-level bZ4X XLE comes well-equipped, with a fixed panoramic glass roof, a wireless smartphone charger, and a dual-zone automated temperature control system. The bZ4X Limited comes with a heated leather steering wheel and heated and ventilated SofTex seats in the front.
In terms of seating, both rows are pleasant and wide. Legroom for rear seat passengers is 35.3 inches (897 mm), although it appears to be more spacious, and I had no trouble getting comfortable behind the adjustable driver’s seat. There was also adequate headroom for this 6′ 2″ reviewer to be comfortable.
Furthermore, behind the second row, there is up to 27.7 cubic feet (784 litres) of freight capacity. That’s a little more than the Corolla Cross, but far less than the RAV4, which can hold up to 37.5 cubic feet (1,062 litres) of cargo without folding the back seats.
Two Powertrains And Up To 252 Miles Of Range
The bZ4X is based on the e-TNGA architecture and comes with two battery packs from two separate manufacturers. Front-wheel drive models have a capacity of 71.4 kWh, allowing for a range of 252 miles (406 km) in the XLE and 242 miles (389 km) in the Limited, according to the EPA. All-wheel drive models have a little higher capacity of 72.8 kWh, but the XLE’s range lowers to 228 miles (367 km) and the Limited’s range drops to 222 miles (357 km).
To put those figures in context, the Ford Mustang Mach-E Standard Range has a range of 247 miles (398 kilometres) with rear-wheel drive and 224 miles (360 kilometres) with all-wheel drive.Ford’s crossover, on the other hand, comes with an Extended Range battery that boosts its range to 314 miles (505 kilometres) with rear-wheel drive and 312 miles (502 kilometres) with all-wheel drive.
Similarly, the Volkswagen ID.4 has a range of 245 (394 km) to 280 miles (451 km). It’s also worth mentioning that the ID.4 is less expensive, starting at $41,230 against $42,000 for the bZ4X.
The Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5 are also options. Both versions have received a lot of positive feedback and have ranges of between 220 (354 km) and 310 miles (499 km).
It’s also worth noting that shoppers can choose the Subaru Solterra, which is comparable. It has significantly altered appearance, all-wheel drive as standard, and ranges of 222 (357 km) and 228 miles, respectively (367 km).
Putting the rivalry aside, front-wheel-drive models are powered by an electric motor that produces 201 horsepower (150 kW / 204 PS) and torque of 196 lb-ft (265 Nm). All-wheel-drive models are distinguished by front- and rear-mounted electric motors that provide 107 horsepower (80 kW / 108 PS) and 124 lb-ft (168 Nm) of torque, respectively. They have a combined power of 214 hp (160 kW / 217 PS) and torque of 248 lb-ft (336 Nm).
While we didn’t have a chance to try the all-wheel-drive bZ4X during our brief drive, the front-wheel-drive bZ4X is speedy. Toyota claims a 7.1-second 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) pace, which seems about appropriate since the crossover can move but won’t be confused for a sports car. Although pressing the right pedal from a stop isn’t exactly thrilling, the bZ4X is quite capable around town, and the electric motor’s rapid reaction ensures it’ll be ready when you are.
If you want to go fast, the all-wheel drive version is the way to go. The rush to 60 mph (96 km/h) takes 6.5 seconds thanks to the increased power and torque. Torque steer should be minimised as well, and purchasers will discover a Subaru-sourced X-Mode with Snow/Dirt and Snow/Mud options. The Snow/Mud mode “applies the brakes on spinning wheels to generate a limited-slip differential effect for greater grip,” according to the names.
Charging Into The Future
When it comes to charging, owners will discover a 6.6 kW onboard charger that can fully recharge the battery in around 11 hours. Customers may also choose a ChargePoint Home Flex Level 2 charger, which provides up to 25 miles (40 kilometres) of range per hour of charging.
The cost of the Level 2 charger can be rolled into the vehicle’s purchase or lease price, but installation must be paid separately. Toyota has partnered with Qmerit to assist consumers in finding a professional electrician to install their home charging station.
Owners of the bZ4X may want to use EVgo stations on longer road journeys since Toyota is giving a year of free charging. That’s a good advantage, and owners can use the Toyota app on their smartphone to start charging for free.
Unfortunately, because the front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive bZ4X have distinct capacities, quick charging is a relative phrase. Front-wheel-drive versions may be charged at up to 150 kW, while all-wheel-drive ones are restricted to 100 kW. To put those statistics in context, the ID.4 has a 135 kW DC fast charging capacity, and the Mach-E offers 115 kW and 150 kW charging speeds.
Of course, because the typical American drives less than 40 miles (64 kilometres) each day, charging isn’t a big deal unless you’re planning a lengthy road trip. The bZ4X’s Remote Connect technology allows owners to monitor charging status, start/stop charging, change charging schedules, and locate charging stations using their smartphone and the Toyota app.
Comfortable And Secure, But Not Very Engaging
While we only had a short time with the bZ4X, we were able to get some first driving impressions, and it’s safe to say the car is a Toyota through and through.
Aside from acceptable acceleration, the bZ4X has an electronic power steering system that feels just right, neither too heavy nor too light. The independent front and multi-link rear suspension performed a nice job of absorbing small road irregularities while still providing a smooth ride.
When it comes to comfort, the interior is quiet owing to efforts to reduce wind and tyre noise. As a result, the most noticeable sound is the whirring of the electric motor on occasion. It’s also worth noting that Toyota has eschewed previous trends by not pumping artificial sounds into the interior.
The bZ4X drives like a conventional Toyota crossover in terms of dynamics, with well-controlled but uninspiring characteristics. It also provides flat, though uninspiring corners, and you get a sense of the car’s weight. On the subject of weight, the crossover is 4,266-4,464 lbs (1,935-2,025 kg). That’s not insignificant, but it’s on par with the Ioniq 5 and EV6, and it also outperforms the Mach-E and ID.4.
While the bZ4X lacks a one-pedal driving mode, it does include a Regenerative Braking Boost Mode that “reduces the frequency with which the brake pedal must be applied, so reducing the driver’s load.” In layman’s words, it slows down the car but does not bring it to a complete stop.
The bZ4X’s ventilated front and rear discs measure 12.9 inches (328 mm) and 12.5 inches (318 mm) respectively. They’re simple to control and provide enough of stopping power in an emergency.
A Toyota EV, No More No Less
Although the RAV4 EV is no longer manufactured, its spirit lives on in the bZ4X. When you compare the proportions of the EV to the existing RAV4, you’ll see that it’s 3.7 inches (94 mm) longer, 2.0 inches (51 mm) lower, and 0.2 inches (5 mm) broader. It also has a 6.3-inch (160-mm) larger wheelbase, resulting in a roomy cabin that can comfortably transport four persons and their belongings.
Customers who want to go electric will have to wait a long time, since just 7,000 bZ4Xs will be available in the United States during the initial model year. Unlike other EVs and plug-in hybrids, though, the crossover will be available countrywide.
Of course, there’s the matter of whether the bZ4X stands out sufficiently from the crowd. The Ioniq 5 and EV6 from Hyundai and Kia, respectively, have received a lot of interest, while the Ford Mustang Mach-E has gotten a lot of attention, and Volkswagen can’t make ID.4s fast enough.
The bZ4X comes into the competition with decent stats and attractive price, ranging from $42,000 to $48,780 before incentives, but it may struggle to stand out. Customers told Toyota they wanted an electric vehicle, so that’s what they’re getting, for better or worse.
Overall, the bZ4X is a capable SUV that ticks all the boxes and will appeal to Toyota fans. It isn’t for everyone, but that can be said of almost any electric vehicle on the market, and its flaws shouldn’t be viewed as a deal killer.Furthermore, individuals considering going electric might save a significant amount of money, as Toyota estimates a $5,000 fuel cost reduction over five years for the 2023 bZ4X when compared to the typical new car.
source: carscoops