Introducing the BZ4x
While the name BZ4x may sound a bit clunky, there is actually meaning behind it. The “BZ” stands for “Beyond Zero,” symbolizing Toyota’s commitment to a future of zero-emission vehicles. Going forward, all of Toyota’s electric vehicles will carry this name. The “4” in the name refers to the size of the car, which is similar to the popular RAV4, and the “x” is added to denote its SUV or crossover-like appearance.
Impressive Battery Range
One of the key features of the BZ4x is its 71 kWh battery, which provides a range of up to 512 kilometers according to the WLTP measurements. This range is quite competitive compared to its rivals in the market. With a price tag of around $50,000, the BZ4x seems to offer good value for money on paper.
Putting the BZ4x to the Test
However, numbers on paper don’t always translate to real-life performance. To truly assess the BZ4x, I took it for a drive to see how it performs on the road. The first thing I noticed was the smooth and quiet ride, thanks to its electric powertrain. The instant torque delivery made acceleration effortless, and the handling was surprisingly nimble for a vehicle of this size.
The interior of the BZ4x is well-designed and comfortable, with ample space for both passengers and cargo. The dashboard features a modern and minimalist layout, with a large infotainment screen that is easy to use. Toyota has also included a range of advanced safety features, such as blind-spot monitoring and lane-keeping assist, to enhance the driving experience.
The Styling of the Toyota BZ4x
When it comes to styling, the Toyota BZ4x may not be the prettiest car in the world, but it certainly has a futuristic face. It gives off the vibe of what an electric Rav4 might look like. Sporting Toyotas new Hammerhead design language, inspired by a hammerhead shark, the BZ4x has a square and broad appearance.
At the front, you’ll notice the thin LED headlamps, which are reminiscent of the new Prius and CHR models. Clearly, the family DNA is evident in this car. Additionally, Toyota has paid attention to aerodynamics, incorporating features like a shutter and gaps to optimize air flow around the vehicle.
Moreover, Toyota has embraced a chunky design for the BZ4x. A notable example is the black plastic around the wheel arches, which adds a pronounced and rugged touch. This design choice can be quite divisive, soToyota is keen to hear your thoughts on it.
Wheels and Exterior Features
The BZ4x comes standard with 18-inch alloy wheels, which perfectly complement its overall appearance. However, if you want to make a bolder statement, you can opt for 20-inch alloys. It’s worth noting, though, that larger wheels will have an impact on the range of the vehicle.
Moving along the car, you’ll notice that the roofline of the BZ4x is actually lower than that of a Rav4. This contributes to its sleek appearance, giving it a touch of elegance. In addition, this model comes with rear privacy glass, adding an element of exclusivity.
Efficiency and
When it comes to efficiency, the Toyota BZ4x excels in both its electric propulsion and its styling choices. While it may not be everyone’s cup of tea, the distinctive design elements and attention to detail set it apart from the crowd.
Whether you appreciate its futuristic and square face or not, there is no denying the boldness and statement the BZ4x makes on the road. Toyota has ensured that this electric 4×4 stands out, inviting comments and opinions on its unique styling.
The Exterior
The back of the Toyota BZ4x is surprisingly sporty, thanks to its split roof and rear spoiler, which serves an aerodynamic purpose. The rear bumper features a full-width light bar, but one thing it lacks is a rear windscreen wiper. While this omission may be for aesthetics, I personally believe that it could benefit from having one.
The Boot Space
The BZ4x Sport models come with a power tailgate, and the boot offers 452 liters of space. While it may not be the largest in its class, it has been well-designed and should be sufficient for most people’s needs. The wide opening and low flat floor make it convenient for loading and unloading. Additionally, there are several handy features, including space on the boot floor to store your charging cables and a cover to keep everything organized.
Charging Options
When it comes to charging, the BZ4x offers DC fast charging of up to 150 Kow, allowing you to achieve an 80% battery charge in about half an hour. It also comes with a standard onboard AC charger that provides 7 Kow, giving you a full charge in approximately 6 to 12 hours. If you’re charging at home using a 7 Kow wallbox, it will take around 10 hours to fully charge the battery.
Getting Inside
As I step into the car, I notice that the floor is surprisingly high. It gives the interior a unique feel and may take some getting used to for those accustomed to lower floors in other vehicles.
The Comfort Level
When it comes to comfort, the Toyota BZ4x does have its pros and cons. The seating area, particularly in the rear, offers a good amount of legroom. However, there is a lack of support, making it less than ideal for long journeys. Despite this, the spaciousness of the cabin cannot be denied. With a longer wheelbase than the Rav 4, passengers have plenty of legroom to stretch out. The flat floor design adds to the feeling of openness inside the vehicle.
The Rear Cabin Features
Moving on to the rear of the cabin, there are several noteworthy features. Pockets with USB-C ports provide convenient storage and charging options. Vents are also present, ensuring a comfortable temperature for passengers. Generous door bins add to the storage capabilities of the vehicle. While there isn’t a hatch directly connecting the rear cabin to the boot, the seats do offer a reclining function, allowing passengers to find their most comfortable position.
A Unique Cabin Experience
The cabin of the Toyota BZ4x stands out from other Toyota models, such as the Camry or Corolla. It offers a different aesthetic and atmosphere, which some may find refreshing. The driver-focused design is apparent, with a large center console separating the driver from the passenger. The overall quality of the materials used in the interior is commendable. The woven fabric on the dashboard and the presence of good quality plastics and soft-touch materials in the doors contribute to a luxurious feel.
With these features and design elements, the Toyota BZ4x aims to provide a comfortable and unique cabin experience for its occupants. While some may find the lack of support in the seating area a drawback, the spaciousness and thoughtful features make up for it. Whether it’s for daily commutes or long journeys, the BZ4x aims to offer a comfortable and enjoyable ride.
An Electric Toyota 4×4? | 2023 Toyota BZ4x Review
Interior Design and Features
The interior of the 2023 Toyota BZ4x impresses with its overall quality and design. While there may be harder and scratchier plastics hidden away, you will find that the majority of the materials used are of high quality. The cabin features plenty of gloss black accents, adding a touch of elegance to the overall aesthetic.
One noticeable aspect of the driving experience is the unusual driving position that Toyota has chosen for the BZ4x. It is akin to what you might find in some Peugeot cars. As you settle into the driver’s seat, you will notice that your line of sight is slightly above the steering wheel, allowing you to easily view the digital display. Here, you can check crucial information such as your speed and battery charge level. However, this unique positioning may require you to lower the steering wheel or raise the seat to find a comfortable driving position.
Another interesting characteristic of the Toyota BZ4x is the absence of a traditional glove box. While this may be an unconventional choice, fear not, as Toyota has made up for it with clever storage solutions. There is space below the center console, where you will find the driver’s manual conveniently placed. Additionally, you will find cup holders and a spacious cubby between the front seats. The door bins are also quite large, providing ample room for storing essential items. Overall, the cabin of the BZ4X is well thought out and practical.
Impressive Technology and Connectivity
One area where the 2023 Toyota BZ4x truly shines is its tech features. In particular, the Sport models come equipped with a large and impressive touchscreen display. This touchscreen offers Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making it incredibly convenient to connect your smartphone. Additionally, the BZ4x comes with over-the-air updates, allowing you to stay up to date with the latest software enhancements. Voice control further enhances the ease of use, allowing you to control various functions without taking your hands off the wheel.
The ventilation controls in the BZ4x strike a perfect balance between traditional switches and touch controls. The buttons are large and easy to reach, making it a breeze to adjust settings while driving. This thoughtful design ensures that you can stay comfortable and focused on the road, without unnecessary distractions.
Driving Experience
While the interior design and technology are impressive, the true test of any vehicle lies in its driving experience. Although details about the specific performance of the 2023 Toyota BZ4x are not provided, the overall feel of the car is described as driver-focused. This suggests that the driving dynamics have been fine-tuned to provide an engaging and enjoyable experience.
A Swift and Agile Drive
This new Toyota BZ4x is surprisingly light to drive, and I must admit, it drives incredibly well. It is built on Toyota’s newly developed e-TNGA platform, which was co-developed with Subaru. In fact, Subaru has its own version of this car called the Soltera. Subaru’s expertise in all-wheel drive was utilized in the development of both the BZ4x and the Soltera. You can opt for a single motor version, which is front-wheel drive, or go for the dual motor version, which is all-wheel drive.
Responsive Acceleration
The model I am driving is the front-wheel drive variant, equipped with 204 horsepower. While the all-wheel drive version offers more power and torque, I must say that the front-wheel drive option is more than sufficient. It is incredibly swift and agile. The electric motor delivers instant torque, providing a highly responsive acceleration. It’s actually quite fun to drive, and I must say that I am pleasantly surprised by the performance of this BZ4x.
Exceptional Handling
On the road, the BZ4x handles exceptionally well, undoubtedly making it one of the best midsize electric crossovers and SUVs to drive. The battery is positioned low down in the car, resulting in a low center of gravity. This gives the car a well-balanced feel, enhancing its overall handling capabilities. The body control is good, and the steering is nicely weighted, offering a confident driving experience.
Comfortable Ride Quality
In terms of ride comfort, the BZ4x impresses. It is noticeably comfortable, particularly on Irish tarmac. The suspension is supple, providing a smooth and enjoyable ride. When compared to other midsize electric crossovers, this Toyota BZ4x stands out as one of the most comfortable options.
Overall, the 2023 Toyota BZ4x offers a swift and agile driving experience, exceptional handling, and impressive ride comfort. Its collaboration with Subaru has certainly paid off, resulting in a well-rounded electric vehicle that combines performance and comfort seamlessly. Whether you opt for the front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive version, the BZ4x is a reliable and enjoyable option in the electric SUV market.
The Cabin and Noise
The 2023 Toyota BZ4x boasts an insulated glass in its side windows, resulting in minimal wind noise inside the cabin. However, it falls short when it comes to road noise, especially on wet roads. The sound of water swishing around the tires and doors can be clearly heard. Despite this setback, the electric motors operate quietly, creating a hushed environment within the cabin.
Driving Modes
The car offers several buttons to enhance your driving experience. The eco mode is designed to maximize your range by providing a more gradual accelerator response, encouraging eco-friendly driving. Additionally, there is a snow mode, which improves traction on low-grip surfaces. However, if you’re planning to engage in serious off-roading, opting for the all-wheel-drive version would be a wiser choice.
Regenerative Braking
The Toyota BZ4x incorporates regenerative braking, which allows the car to recover energy while decelerating. However, the level of regenerative braking cannot be adjusted, and the car does not offer one-pedal driving, meaning it won’t come to a full stop when you lift off the accelerator.
Range and Consumption
According to Toyota, the front-wheel-drive versions equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels offer a range of up to about 512 km, with a consumption rate of 14.3 kW hours per 100 km. However, these figures may be overly optimistic. In my experience, I observed consumption close to 20 kWh per 100 km on the motorway, which is to be expected given the higher speeds. For more suburban driving, the consumption was around 17 kWh per 100 km. While the range is satisfactory, Toyota’s overall figure may be a tad ambitious.
Fast Charging
One of the notable features of the 2023 Toyota BZ4x is its 150 kW DC fast charging capability. This means you can quickly recharge the car’s battery, minimizing the downtime between drives.
Impressive Driving Experience
The 2023 Toyota BZ4x is an electric vehicle that offers a surprising and impressive driving experience. It is agile, supple, and very comfortable, making it a joy to drive. Toyota has really delivered with this electric 4×4, proving that they are serious about electric vehicles.
Spacious and Well-Equipped
One of the standout features of the BZ4x is its spaciousness and well-equipped interior. It offers ample room for passengers and cargo, making it a practical choice for everyday use. The cabin is also well-equipped with modern and convenient features, adding to the overall comfort and convenience of the vehicle.
Fun to Drive
In addition to being comfortable and practical, the BZ4x is also a fun car to drive. It offers a thrilling and engaging driving experience, with responsive handling and smooth acceleration. Whether you’re driving on city streets or taking it off-road, the BZ4x provides a fun and enjoyable ride.
Range and Charging
While the range of the BZ4x is good, it is not exceptional. However, the battery can be charged to 80% in just 30 minutes when using fast charging stations, making it convenient for long journeys. The availability of charging infrastructure is an important factor to consider when owning an electric vehicle, and Toyota has ensured that the BZ4x offers a practical charging solution.
While the BZ4x may have arrived a bit late to the electric vehicle market, it certainly holds its own against its rivals. With its impressive battery range, comfortable interior, and advanced safety features, the BZ4x offers a compelling option for those looking to make the switch to electric.
As Toyota continues to expand its electric vehicle lineup, it will be interesting to see how they compete with other established players in the market. If the BZ4x is any indication, Toyota is well on its way to becoming a major player in the electric vehicle space. So, if you’re in the market for an electric Toyota 4×4, the BZ4x is definitely worth considering.
The 2023 Toyota BZ4x offers a spacious and high-quality cabin, packed with modern technology and thoughtful storage solutions. The unique driving position may take some getting used to, but once you find your comfort zone, you’ll appreciate the clear view of the digital display. With its impressive touchscreen, wireless connectivity, and intuitive controls, the BZ4x keeps you connected and in control without compromising on safety. While precise driving performance details have yet to be revealed, the driver-focused feel indicates that Toyota has crafted a capable and enjoyable electric 4×4 experience.
In , the 2023 Toyota BZ4x is a highly impressive electric 4×4. It offers a fantastic driving experience, spacious interior, and a good range. While there are a few minor quirks, overall, the BZ4x is a remarkable electric vehicle that showcases Toyota’s commitment to the future of electric mobility.
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