The Toyota bZ4X isn’t chasing Tesla-sized headlines with Ludicrous Mode. Instead, this electric SUV is racking up quiet wins, proving substance triumphs over fleeting hype in the global EV race.
Despite past criticisms about its real-world range, particularly when Jack Frost bites, this EV has won hearts and wallets. It’s become a sales sensation, especially across the pond in Europe, proving that sometimes, charm trumps pure mileage.
Toyota silences bZ4X doubters, unleashing a reinvigorated EV with a longer leash and a sharper look – both inside and out. Expect fewer range anxieties thanks to a revamped battery and enhanced efficiency, proving that Toyota is listening and leading the charge.
The bZ4X receives a striking makeover, aligning it visually with Toyota’s cutting-edge EV family, including the C-HR+ small SUV and the bZ4X Touring. Ditching the old look, it now sports the aggressive ‘Hammerhead’ front end, boasting a sleek, aerodynamic nose and captivating wrap-over C-shaped LED headlights.
The bZ4X’s profile remains largely unchanged, yet subtle artistry hides in plain sight. A refined rear spoiler and a sculpted underbody now allow it to slice through the air with a drag coefficient of just 0.27Cd, a whisper compared to its predecessor’s 0.29.
We tested the upgraded bZ4X in Europe, ahead of its Australian release in 2026.
How much does the Toyota bZ4X cost?
Toyota Australia is keeping bZ4X pricing under wraps, but the pressure is on. Subaru’s recent Solterra price cut, despite upgraded tech, throws down the gauntlet. Will Toyota follow suit and electrify buyers with a similarly tempting deal? The answer remains to be seen.
Forget MSRP sticker shock! Right now, you can snag a bZ4X starting at $66,000 (2WD) or $74,900 (AWD) – before on-road costs. But the real steal? The pre-facelift Solterra, exclusively in all-wheel drive, is now up to $7,000 cheaper, with prices starting at a cool $63,990. That’s serious savings on electric adventure.
Imagine Toyota dropping the bZ4X’s starting price into the $50,000s. Suddenly, the single-motor version isn’t just another EV; it’s a serious contender. Think a head-to-head clash with the Tesla Model Y, BYD Sealion 7, and Skoda Enyaq – a brawl for EV supremacy where Toyota might just land a knockout punch.
To see how the Toyota bZ4X lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool
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What is the Toyota bZ4X like on the inside?
Stepping inside the bZ4X is like entering a familiar world, subtly reimagined. Toyota’s design team hasn’t revolutionized the cockpit, but rather refined it. The dashboard stretches horizontally, creating a sense of spaciousness, while a vibrant 14-inch touchscreen commands attention, promising a seamless digital experience.
The touchscreen, thankfully, isn’t a total takeover. Hallelujah for the tactile relief of physical dials – beautifully knurled knobs that command cabin temperature with satisfying clicks. And praise the return of the volume knob, ready to unleash the optional JBL stereo’s sonic bliss. While the screen boasts graphics that gleam, diving into its menus can feel like navigating a digital labyrinth – a distraction best avoided when you’re carving corners or cruising the open road.
The 7.0-inch instrument screen? Utilitarian, yes. Inspiring? Sadly, no. Fixed in its ways, it offers zero customisation, a stark contrast to the dazzling displays we see elsewhere. Perched high and distant, practically kissing the windscreen, it feels more like an afterthought than a focal point.
Forget cluttered dashboards and aftermarket add-ons. Toyota throws the conventional head-up display out the window, cleverly integrating essential instruments directly into your field of vision. And that sporty, palm-sized steering wheel? It’s not just packed with controls and now heated for those chilly mornings – it practically begs to be held.
The driving position offers ample customization, though the front seats initially feel a tad too plush. A few drives should break them in nicely.
Interior storage feels like a game of Tetris where the pieces just don’t quite fit. Wave goodbye to a traditional glovebox. The under-console cubby and armrest bin? Sadly, both are a tad undersized. The door bins offer some salvation, thankfully. But the real win? Dual wireless charging pads mean your phones are always juiced, even if everything else is a squeeze.
Overall quality feels excellent, with that typical sense of Toyota solidity.
Stretch out and relax! The back seats are palatial, offering limousine-worthy legroom that even NBA players will appreciate. Headroom is generous too, so no need to slouch. While the floor isn’t perfectly flat – a subtle reminder of powertrains past – the rear seats are plush and supportive, with a pleasantly reclined backrest. The middle seat is a tad snug, but perfectly serviceable for shorter journeys.
But all that sprawling legroom in the back comes at a cost: the boot. At a measly 452 liters, it’s positively dwarfed by the cargo holds of its rivals, leaving you to choose between passengers and practicality.
To see how the Toyota bZ4X lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool
What’s under the bonnet?
Forget boring commutes. The bZ4X’s front-wheel drive boasts a revamped electric heart – Toyota’s spunky "e-Axle." It unleashes a thrilling 165kW of pure electric power and a punchy 268Nm of torque, all while sipping energy with newfound efficiency. Get ready for electrifying performance that doesn’t compromise on range.
| Specifications | bZ4X 2WD | bZ4X AWD | | — | — | — | |Drivetrain| Single-motor electric | Dual-motor electric | |Battery| 69kWh li-ion – net | 69kWh li-ion – net | |Power| 165kW | 252kW | |Torque| – | – | |Drive type| FWD | AWD | |Weight| – | – | |0-100km/h (claimed)| 7.1 seconds | 5.1 seconds | |Energy consumption (claimed)| 13.9kWh/100km | – | |Energy consumption (as tested)| 15.5kWh/100km | 19.0kWh/100km | |Claimed range| 569km | 468km | |Max AC charge rate| 22kW | 22kW | |Max DC charge rate| 150kW | 150kW |
While the spec sheet says 7.1 seconds to 100km/h, the front-wheel-drive bZ4X feels surprisingly punchy in the real world, offering genuinely satisfying acceleration. Craving even more thrill? The all-wheel-drive version unleashes a combined 252kW and a staggering 169Nm of additional torque thanks to its rear motor, rocketing you to 100km/h in a blistering 5.1 seconds. Just be aware that this added performance comes at the cost of range.
But don’t let its sleek, urban look fool you. The AWD bZ4X, co-developed with Subaru, packs a surprisingly rugged off-road mode. Think of it as a hidden adventurer, ready to ditch the pavement and tackle trails you wouldn’t dare attempt in a typical EV.
Toyota’s engineers have squeezed more juice into the battery pack, boosting it to 73kWh (gross) and 69kWh (net) – like fitting a few extra marshmallows in your hot chocolate without it overflowing. The result? A significantly extended range. The front-wheel-drive model now boasts up to 569 kilometers on a single charge, sipping energy at a remarkably efficient 13.9kWh per 100 kilometers.
Unleash the speed: Juice up your ride at lightning speed with 150kW DC fast-charging or tap into a robust 22kW via a three-phase AC outlet. Toyota’s so confident in its battery’s resilience, they’ve boldly displayed a live battery health monitor right on the dashboard.
To see how the Toyota bZ4X lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool
How does the Toyota bZ4X drive?
The bZ4X’s front-mounted e-Axle motor delivers power with finesse, banishing the whiplash sensation common in many EVs. Acceleration unfolds with satisfying smoothness, a refined experience that never feels sluggish. Overtaking becomes a breeze, thanks to a surge of readily available mid-range torque.
The AWD variant doesn’t just flex bigger muscles with its beefed-up power and torque; it’s a corner-carving ninja. Thanks to its finely tuned handling, the all-wheel-drive bZ4X dances through turns, nimbly shifting torque between the wheels for a surprisingly agile and responsive feel.
The front-wheel drive is competent, but the all-wheel drive sings a different tune entirely. If driving thrills are your jam, steer clear of the former.
The steering in both models boasts a surprisingly hefty and grounded feel, a welcome departure from the featherlight, over-assisted systems plaguing the competition. While it doesn’t telegraph every nuance of the road, the bZ4X confidently grips and carves through winding mountain passes, inspiring a sense of secure agility.
Cornering feels intuitive, a dance between driver and machine. That familiar understeer? A mere suggestion, banished with a lift of the throttle or a tap of the newly responsive brakes – brakes that bite with an authority rarely found in this category.
The bZ4X clings to the road with tenacious grip, yet that athletic prowess comes at a cost. The ride, while composed, can be unforgiving, transforming even modest road imperfections into jarring jolts. Encounter a significant bump, and the bZ4X might buck like a bronco, a characteristic that persists regardless of whether you choose the standard 18-inch wheels or opt for the flashier 20-inch variety.
Slip into serenity. The bZ4X doesn’t just cruise; it glides on a whisper. Sound-absorbing glass and strategically placed noise-deadening panels transform long journeys into tranquil escapes.
Finally, a real-world electric range you can count on! That front-wheel-drive model, boasting a 569km range, actually feels achievable. Our quick spin on Spanish roads suggests a dependable 450km on a typical day.
To combat the cold, an ingenious heat-pump heating system alleviates battery stress, while a smart battery conditioning feature dramatically accelerates rapid charging when you’re pressed for time.
The AWD model won’t match that extreme range, but expect a solid 400km in real-world driving. The real surprise? The all-wheel-drive bZ4X is a genuine off-road warrior.
Toyota unleashed us in the bZ4X, trusting Subaru’s X-Mode to guide us. Alone, we tackled a mountain track that quickly devolved into a brutal obstacle course of jagged rocks, relentless inclines, and treacherous drops. The electric SUV didn’t just survive; it thrived.
To see how the Toyota bZ4X lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool
What do you get?
Australian pricing and specs are still under wraps, but peeking at overseas models offers tantalizing clues about what’s coming our way.
Equipment equipment highlights overseas include:
- 14.0-inch touchscreen
- Smartphone mirroring
- LED headlights and tail-lights
- Digital instrument panel
- Heat-pump
- Dual zone climate control
- Adaptive cruise control
- 9-speaker stereo
- Heated front seats and steering wheel
- Dual wireless phone chargers
To see how the Toyota bZ4X lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool
Is the Toyota bZ4X safe?
The Toyota bZ4X: Awarded a stellar five-star ANCAP safety rating in its 2022 debut, proving its commitment to passenger security. But Toyota didn’t stop there. They’ve been tirelessly enhancing the bZ4X’s safety systems, pushing the boundaries of protection and peace of mind.
| Category | Toyota bZ4X | | — | — | |Adult occupant protection| 88 per cent | |Child occupant protection| 88 per cent | |Vulnerable road user protection| 79 per cent | |Safety assist| 93 per cent |
Standard safety equipment includes:
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Forward collision warning
- Speed limit warning
- Lane centring
- Traffic sign recognition
- Rear parking sensors
- Reversing camera
- Drive attention warning
- Adaptive cruise control with stop/go
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Safe exit assist
To see how the Toyota bZ4X lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool
How much does the Toyota bZ4X cost to run?
Thinking about a new Toyota in Australia? Great! You’ll get the standard five-year, unlimited mileage warranty. But here’s the electrifying part: If you choose the all-electric bZ4X and keep it serviced annually at a Toyota dealer, the battery warrantydoublesto a staggering 10 years, with no kilometre limit! Talk about peace of mind that lasts.
| Servicing and Warranty | MAKE MODEL VARIANT | | — | — | |Warranty| 5 years, unlimited kilometres – vehicle Up to 10 years – EV battery, conditional | |Roadside assistance| 5 years – standard Up to 7 years – service activated | |Service intervals| 12 months or 15,000km | |Capped-price servicing| 5 years or 75,000km | |Average annual service cost| TBC | |Total capped-price service cost| TBC |
Toyota’s battery warranty blows the competition away. It’s a bold move that screams confidence in their battery tech and its staying power.
Imagine fueling up your ride for just $11. With off-peak charging at a sweet 16¢ per kWh, a full battery for your bZ4X translates to roughly that price. And for a solid 450km of real-world driving? That’s like saying goodbye to gas station robbery.
Obviously, public fast-charging is going to be considerably more expensive, but that’s true for all EVs.
To see how the Toyota bZ4X lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool
childcareman.xyz’s Take on the Toyota bZ4X
This is a solid update of a solid EV.
Already a global phenomenon with 150,000 units sold, the Toyota bZ4X just leveled up. Enhanced battery range and efficiency transform it from a popular choice to a truly practical daily driver, especially for those marathon commutes.
The off-road ability of the all-wheel drive version is the icing on this sensible, but tasty, cake.
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