Toyota's first EV, the bZ4x mid-sized SUV, is a strong contender. Jonathan Crouch drives it.

Ten Second Review

To date, Toyota has sold over 70 million electrified vehicles, but they've virtually all been hybrids. This bZ4X mid-sized SUV is the brand's first purpose-built EV. Since its engineering draws on over two decades of electrified automotive experience, you'd expect it to be a very complete product indeed. You shouldn't be disappointed.

Background

What kind of purpose-built EV might the world's biggest car maker bring us? Here's the answer - the bZ4X, Toyota's first all-new Battery Electric Vehicle. Silly name perhaps, but this car has a very serious remit. It's the first in what will be a whole series of 'bZ' (or 'beyond Zero')-branded Toyota electric products to be launched globally - thirty of them between now and 2030. The less-than-catchy name references the size of car ('4' designates the brand's mid-sized models) - and the vehicle type (in this case 'X' for Crossover/SUV). We certainly waited long enough for this contender. Given that Toyota's been making electrified vehicles for over a quarter of a century and experimented with a full-electric concept version of the RAV4 as long ago as 1997, it was surprising that this bZ4X took so long to arrive. It didn't actually go on sale here until the end of 2022, the launch delayed by a detaching wheel hub scandal that the brand took months to fix.

Driving Experience

There are two powerplants available, both of which use a 71.4kWh battery pack giving a WLTP range of just over 280 miles. Things kick off with an entry-level front-driven variant, which has a single motor with 201bhp and which gets to 62mph in 8.4s. The version Toyota wants to talk about though, is the one with the new four-wheel-drive system the brand has developed with Subaru. It's called X-MODE and is supposed to give the bZ4X what the brand calls 'class leading off roading driving capability'; which is presumably what Subaru felt they needed for their version of this car, the Solterra. Having motors driving each axle boosts the power output of the AWD version of this bZ4X, but not by as much as you'd think. Total output rises to 216bhp, which takes seven tenths of a second off the 0-62mph sprint time. In AWD form, the bZ4X also has settings for tackling mud, snow and other forms of tricky terrain. The steering is interesting, Toyota having chosen to implement an innovative 'steer-by-wire' system which removes the mechanical link between the steering wheel and the front axle. Toyota reckons that this enhances control because the directional influences of rough services and braking are minimised. And, to suit the EV mood of the moment, there's a 'single pedal' driving mode, which maximises regenerative braking to the extent that you'll hardly ever have to use the actual brake pedal unless coming to a complete stop.

Design and Build

This bZ4X has been designed as part of a five year project, with input from Toyota stylists around the world. A radical concept car emerged from that process for Toyota to display at the Los Angeles Motor Show in early 2021 and it's hardly been altered at all for production. The front-end exchanges a conventional grille for what's called a 'hammerhead' look with beady LED headlamp 'eyes'. A conventional lower grille channels cooling air to the battery when needed. It's pretty revolutionary beneath the skin too, this being the first outing for Toyota's new e-TNGA electric vehicle platform, shared with Subaru and used by that competing brand's rival Solterra model. Inside the bZ4X, there's a compact instrument pack behind the wheel with a 7-inch screen. And the usual large wide infotainment monitor at the top of the centre stack. It's all very modern and feels particularly light and airy with the twin sunroof arrangement fitted. But what's most impressive about this cabin is the amount of space you get in the back, thanks to this design's particularly long wheelbase. Toyota says legroom here is comparable to the 900mm figure you'd get in a top Lexus LS boardroom-level limo. The boot capacity isn't quite as eye-catching as that, but there's 452-litres of it with the three-person rear bench in place.

Market and Model

The asking figures start from around £46,000 and range up to around £56,000. The base price gets you the entry-level front-driven 'Pure' derivative, but most customers will want the mid-range 'Motion' model, which prices from around £46,000 and offers the option of X-MODE AWD for an extra £2,500. The plushest trim level is 'Vision', which has the same choice of front wheel drive or all-wheel drive. To begin with, Toyota will also offer a top 'Premier Edition' variant at the top of the range in AWD form only. All versions are well equipped. Even the base 'Pure' model gets 18-inch alloy wheels, a multimedia system with an 8-inch display, a 7-inch digital Combimeter screen in the instrument binnacle, a reversing camera, smart keyless entry and a climate control system with a remote operation function that lets owners warm up or cool their car ahead of a making a journey. Options include roof rails and a towing pack. If you want more, mid-range 'Motion' spec gets you a powered tailgate, privacy glass, parking sensors and electrically adjustable heated front seats. Top 'Vision' trim includes 20-inch alloy wheels, synthetic leather upholstery, Remote Control Parking Assist and a heated steering wheel.

Cost of Ownership

Toyota is changing - and quickly. By 2025, the company's line-up will include 70 electrified vehicles - mainly still self-charging hybrids and PHEVs, but also hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and 15 full-electric models, this being the first of them. We gave you the driving range figure for this car in our 'Driving Experience' section - around 280 miles. An 80% charge of the 71.4kWh battery takes around 30 minutes, if you can find a suitably rapid charger. An optional 11kW AC charger in future will help with overnight charges for those with a compatible wall box. The brand says that the battery will hold 90% of its range for the first ten years of its life, aided by water cooling for the cells (something Toyota has never done before), with active thermal management of the battery further aiding durability and range. That range is optimised courtesy of an on-board solar charging system that aims to minimise the effect of cold weather on usability. Plus, as with all Toyotas, the bZ4X is covered by a three-year, 60,000-mile warranty, which owners can extend at no cost through the 'Toyota Relax' programme simply by having their vehicle serviced at an authorised Toyota centre, gaining an extra year and 10,000 miles of cover up to a limit of the vehicle reaching 10 years and/or 100,000 miles.

Summary

There are lots of questions to ask when developing a full-EV. Does it make sense to have a big heavy battery that gives lots of range but costs more to buy and impedes agile handling? What about recycling? And carbon neutrality over the full production cycle? With this bZ4X, there's evidence that Toyota has carefully considered each of these issues. And produced a carefully considered result. Future automotive history may well show us that the Japanese brand was wise to wait a little before bringing us its first bespoke EV. The engineering here is certainly complete enough to make other mid-sized full-electric crossover rivals feel a bit 'first generation'. In the future with Toyota, we'll see more extreme electric vehicles than this. But for the slowly evolving target market, right here, right now, we think this bZ4X will work just fine.

Body Glass

Rain sensor

Rear wiper

Auto wipers

Auto up and down function on power windows

UV-filter on driver and front passenger windows

Brakes

Hill start assist control (HAC)

Electronic parking brake with hold function

Pre collision system with pedestrian, cyclist and motorbike detection

Front to front oncoming car and motorbike daytime detection

Toyota safety sense with over the air updates

Communication

Voice recognition

Bluetooth connectivity

Wireless smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android auto

Driver Aids

Power assisted steering

Reversing camera

Emergency steering assist

Rear cross traffic alert

Lane departure alert with steering control

Intelligent adaptive cruise control

Acceleration suppression at low speed

Intersection cut in traffic assist

Adaptive cruise control [ACC] switch on steering wheel

Speed limiter switch on steering wheel

Telephone switches on steering wheel

Emergency driving stop system

Speed limiter with road sign assist

Driver Convenience

Tailgate

Remote boot door release on key

Smart entry and push button start

Emergency services call system

Smart voice assist

Driver Information

Multi information display switches on steering wheel

Intersection turn assist

7" Multi information screen

Cloud navigation

Driving Mirrors

Electric heated door mirrors

Power adjustable door mirrors

Electrochromatic auto dimming rear view mirror

Embellishment Trims

Black centre console

Fabric front door armrest

Entertainment

6 speakers

DAB Digital radio

8" Multimedia display

Front USB connection

2 USB-C connectors rear

2 USB-C connectors front

Gloss black surround on multimedia display

Exterior Body Features

Black roof rails

Body coloured door handles

Black lower front grille

Black wheel arch mouldings

Boot door release with push button

front Calipers

Lower front grille shape

Rear side wing doors

Body colour shark fin antenna

Rear calipers

Exterior Lights

Automatic headlights

Manual headlight levelling

Follow me home headlights

LED daytime running lights

LED Headlights

LED Indicators

Rear fog lights

LED rear combination lights

LED High mounted stop lamp

LED rear brake lights

Headlight cut-off reminder

Automatic high beam

Automatic emergency stop signal on rear hazard lights

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Humidity sensor

Dual zone automatic air conditioning

Rear passenger air vents

Energy saving heat pump

Interior Features

Cloth upholstery

Rear armrest

Front console box

Retractable tonneau cover

3 spoke leather steering wheel

Black interior door handles

12v power outlet - front

2 cup holders in front

Manual telescopic steering wheel

Manual tilt steering wheel

Multimedia switch on steering wheel

Assist grips front

Assist grips rear

Armrest on front console box

Dual level deckboard

Interior Lights

Illuminated entry system

LED centre room light

Microphone on front personal light

2nd row rear passenger room LED light

Safety

Driver and passenger side airbags

3x3 point rear seatbelts

Rear passenger side airbags

Rear seat belt reminder

Tyre pressure warning system

Child safety door lock

Passenger airbag on/off switch

Driver and passenger central airbags

Driver and passenger front airbags

On-off switch for passenger airbags

Front seat belt reminder

SRS curtain shield airbags

Seats

Rear head restraints

Front head restraints

3 seat bench in 2nd row

Manually height adjustable driver seat

Manually height adjustable front passenger seat

Manually sliding driver seat

Manually sliding front passenger seat

Single front passenger seat

60/40 split folding 2nd row rear seats

Security

Immobiliser

Power door locks

Intrusion sensor

Tilt detection sensors

Acoustic vehicle alert system (AVAS)

Glass breaking alarm sensors

Towing

Towing hitch equipped for Towing hook

Vanity Mirrors

Light on driver sun visor

Light on passenger sun visor

Mirror on driver sun visor

Mirror on passenger sun visor

Vehicle Charging

11kW AC Charger and 150kW DC fast charger

Wheels - Alloy

18" 5 double spoke alloy wheels with wheel caps

Wheels - Spare

Tyre repair kit

Electric Vehicle Data

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Charge Time (Mins): 1860

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Power Supply - kW: 2.3

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Charge Time (Mins): 570

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Power Supply - kW: 11

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Charge Time (Mins): 30

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Power Supply - kW: 150

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Percentage Change: 10-80

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Charge Time (Mins): N

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Power Supply - kW: N

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Percentage Change: N

Coupler/Connector Type: CCS Type 2

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Years: 5

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Mileage: 100000

Battery Capacity in kWh: 71.4

Battery Leased: 0

Battery Type: Lithium-ion

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - City: 683

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb: 511

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb: 14.8

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb: 4.2

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - City: 424

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb: 318

Battery Capacity % guaranteed under warranty: 70

Charging Port Location: Left Side Front

Usable Battery Capacity: 64

Maximum Charging Rate - kW: 150

Emissions - ICE

CO2 (g/km): 0

Standard Euro Emissions: N

Noise Level dB(A): N

CO: N

HC: N

NOx: N

HC+NOx: N

Particles: N

Engine and Drive Train

Cylinders - Bore (mm): N

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): N

CC: 1

Cylinders: N

Cylinder Layout: N

Number of Valves: N

Camshaft: N

Fuel Delivery: N

Catalytic Convertor: N

Engine Layout: N

Compression Ratio: N

Transmission: AUTO

Gears: 1 SPEED

Engine Code: N

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: N

EC Urban (mpg): N

EC Extra Urban (mpg): N

EC Combined (mpg): N

General

Coin Series: Pure

Coin Description: N

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 60000

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 35E

Service Interval Mileage: 10000

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 12

Timing Belt Interval Mileage: N

Timing Belt Interval Frequency - Months: N

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 88

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 87

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 79

NCAP Safety Assist %: 91

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 5

Badge Power: 204

Badge Engine CC: 0.0

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Performance

0 to 62 mph (secs): 7.5

Top Speed: 99

Engine Power - BHP: 204

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - KW: 150

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 196

Engine Torque - NM: 266

Engine Torque - MKG: 27.1

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: N/A

Tyres

Tyre Size Front: 235/60 R18

Tyre Size Rear: 235/60 R18

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Type: 18" ALLOY

Wheel Style: 5 DOUBLE SPOKE

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4690

Width: 1860

Wheelbase: 2850

Height: 1650

Weight and Capacities

Minimum Kerbweight: 1900

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2465

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): N

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 750

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Max. Loading Weight: 565

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 452

No. of Seats: 5

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 11.2

Exterior Body Features

Metallic paint

Premium paint

Packs

Essential Protection pack - BZ4X

Protection plus pack - BZ4X

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Dark blue

Paint - Solid

Solid - Astral black

Paint - Special

Premium - Platinum white pearl

Premium - Precious metal

Premium - Scarlet flare

Premium - Sterling silver

Towing

Towing solutions - Detachable - 13 pin

Towing solutions - Fixed - 13 pin

Trim - Cloth

Cloth - Black