Quick Take: 2023 Toyota bZ4X
Toyota’s entry into the ever more burgeoning electric vehicle segment, the bZ4X should introduce many of their loyal internal-combustion-engined vehicle customers to a wholly new type of vehicle. After spending some time with the bZ4X, we don’t think Toyota’s customers will notice much of a difference, and that’s a very good thing. Styled to look like most of the compact SUVs on the road today, the bZ4X doesn't stand out as an electric vehicle at first glance, but it sure stood out from the other EVs after our time with it.
Our bZ4X test vehicle was the front-wheel-drive variant in the Limited trim level and had a single electric motor which could generate up to 201 horsepower. On a full charge, our bZ4X could travel up to 242 miles and had DC fast charging capability, useful when traveling on longer journeys. Driving on Highway 1 and the winding back roads of coastal San Mateo County, the bZ4X had more than enough grunt to keep up with traffic and when accelerating from a standstill. In fact, acceleration was better than most of the other compact SUVs on the market.
As our bZ4X test vehicle came in the Limited form, there was plenty of standard high-end equipment such as 20-inch alloy wheels, LED projector headlamps, foot-activated power liftgate, heated and ventilated front seats, a bird’s-eye view camera system for parking, 12.3-inch infotainment system display, and a blind spot monitor. Options on our test vehicle included a 9-speaker JBL sound system, heated rear seats, and a front radiant foot-and-leg warmer, useful for those in cold climates.
All in all, the bZ4X will likely be a popular vehicle and be instrumental in introducing electric motoring to a greater variety of people. As the bZ4X offers what can be described as the experience one gets when driving any other Toyota, we think many customers will be switching to a bZ4X sooner rather than later, something which we believe will make the environment happier.
