The all-electric Toyota bZ4X has been around for a few years now, but this is its first significant update. Some, including us, will argue that it was much needed as Toyota’s first dedicated battery electric car left a lot to be desired when it initially arrived in 2021.
Back then, it was strange to look at inside and out and – most importantly – wasn’t very efficient. That meant poor driving range and regular charging, which neutered the car’s appeal. Toyota has admitted the car has got off to a bumpy start, though, and has launched this update in order to right some of the initial wrongs – particularly in the realms of efficiency. It’s prototype versions of this new bZ4x that we’ve been driving.
Its battery and electric motors have been improved in many ways to increase how many miles per kWh the bZ4X can achieve, as well as providing more power. A new, very potent all-wheel drive version will also join the line-up when the revised car goes on sale, which is expected to be towards the end of 2025.
The sector of the market the bZ4X finds itself in is one of the most populous out there, meaning the Toyota has plenty of competition. The most natural alternatives include the Skoda Enyaq, Kia EV6 and Audi Q4 E-Tron – as well as new arrivals such as the quirky but roomy Smart #5.
What’s it like inside?
Toyota’s bZ4X has always had an unusual interior, with some arguably weird design elements that haven’t always worked. The brand has, however, toned some of that down with this updated version, and introduced some new technology.
The new infotainment screen, for example, is the same one used across many Toyota and Lexus models, and areas including the centre console are better laid out. Dual wireless phone chargers are now included. and the centre console storage area under the central armrest has a clever function of opening sideways for either the driver or passenger. Shame our prototype test model’s armrest creaked when we leaned on it.
Rear space is good for adults behind tall adults, with Toyota improving the rear climate controls and repositioning the charging ports. Boot space remains at 452 litres, which is on the small side for this class.
Toyota bZ4X electric motors and specifications
The bZ4X’s entire spec line-up has been improved or updated, with two battery options and either front- or all-wheel drive versions. At the base of the spec range, a 57.7kWh battery pack is mated to a single e-motor that generates 167hp and claims a 275-mile range. Toyota says this version can sprint 0-62mph in 8.6sec and tops out at 87mph.
Next up is the 73.1kWh option, available with front- or all-wheel drive. Choose the front-wheel drive one and you’ll get 224hp to play with, meaning a 7.4sec 0-62mph sprint, a 99mph top speed and a claimed range of 354 miles. The top-spec all-wheel drive model generates a potent 343hp, good for a 5.1sec 0-62mph sprint and a 314-mile range claim.
We’ll have to wait until the autumn before we know anything about the bZ4X’s updated trim and variant structure.
What’s it like to drive?
The improvements made to the driving dynamics and powertrain are welcome. What felt most satisfying was the steering, operated by a slightly smaller than usual wheel that’s designed to be placed below the driver’s instruments. There’s a fluidity and weight to it that’s appealing when so many other cars of its type can feel overly light. This isn’t a car designed to be driven with enthusiasm, but it feels stable on the road.
As for performance, the mid-level front-wheel drive model with the larger battery will almost certainly be the biggest seller and offers the best balance. The amount of performance on offer is enough here – no more, no less – allowing for just a smidge of boost for an overtake.
The more potent all-wheel drive model certainly has some extra shove, pulling well even when you’re already at motorway speeds. The larger wheels on our AWD model came with noisy tyres, though, compared to the quiet ones on the front-wheel drive model.
Even so, the bZ4X has a well-balanced ride that can largely handle the choice of bigger wheels. We went pothole hunting while out in Spain with both versions and they handled even some particularly chewy ones rather well. UK tarmac may be a different story, though.
And, most importantly, the efficiency is much improved. Our test run of around 62 miles, which included motorways, country roads and urban streets, achieved a respectable consumption figure of 3.8 miles per kWh.
What models and trims are available?
Aside from knowing what power versions there are, UK trims aren’t confirmed yet. Toyota will almost certainly provide a lot of equipment as standard, though, and the bZ4X does come with an eight-year car warranty (and 10 years for the battery) as standard.
Should you buy one?
After significant updates, the Toyota bZ4X has gone from a car best left avoided to one worth looking at. While there is a lot of strong competition, the bZ4X is much more efficient than it was before and it presents itself as a comfortable and calm family car.
The bZ4X is smooth to drive, with very satisfying steering that feels good in your hands, and a comfortable ride – particularly on versions with smaller wheels. The interior feels well put together, with plenty of storage space and a good driving position, and there’s lots of space for passengers in the back.
Some of the infotainment menus are confusing to navigate, including the one managing the driver assistance technologies. The more powerful all-wheel drive one, with its larger wheels, features different tyres that are noisier than the front-wheel drive cars, and the boot isn’t that large for this size of car.
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