Toyota has long been known as a pioneer in vehicle electrification. The Prius is one of the most famous hybrids out there, and it’s far from the only eco-friendly option in Toyota’s lineup. Plenty of beloved models now have traditional hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions, including the Highlander, Sequoia, Camry, and RAV4. These familiar faces with electrified powertrains allow drivers to smoothly transition away from gas-powered vehicles. And if you’re ready to take the next step and go all-electric, you can check out the 2023 Toyota bZ4X.
The all-new bZ4X pairs the spacious body of an SUV with a highly efficient all-electric powertrain. Instead of trying to blend in with Toyota’s more traditional vehicles, the bZ4X embraces futurism with a bold exterior aesthetic that lets you know at a glance how cutting-edge this electric vehicle (EV) is. Take a closer look; you’ll find plenty of useful tech features, from safety features to comfort and convenience extras that will make every drive a treat. You can confidently drive into the future behind the wheel of this snazzy EV.
MSRP: $42,000 [a]
Horsepower (hp): 201
Torque (lb-ft): 196
Max. Range (mi.): 252
The bZ4X is breaking ground by being the first vehicle to use Toyota’s new e-TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) platform, engineered to provide optimal driving dynamics, ride comfort for the driver and passengers, and plenty of interior space. It’s available with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, so you can choose whether to prioritize efficiency or power. With FWD, you can get up to 119 MPGe equivalent with city/highway combined driving, according to the EPA, with up to 131 MPGe on the highway. That means you can go 252 miles before you have to recharge. The AWD version is still respectable, with a city/highway rating of 104 MPGe and a total range of 228 miles.
As a fully-electric vehicle, the bZ4X doesn’t produce any emissions, but it does produce plenty of horsepower. The FWD model can produce up to 201 hp and 196 lb-ft of torque with its single motor, while the AWD version has two motors that work together to produce up to 214 hp and 248 lb-ft of torque. That extra power makes a difference when you’re trying to pass on the freeway, and it can also add a little extra pep to your next joyride. The AWD bZ4X can go from zero to sixty in just 6.4 seconds, according to testing done by Car and Driver.
All-wheel drive also provides better traction, making driving safer on slippery roads. The bZ4X takes this ability a step further with its available X-Mode. If you’re caught in a heavy downpour or navigating windy mountain roads, you can activate the mode with the push of a button, and the vehicle’s drive force, braking settings, and throttle will all be optimized for maximum traction, giving you a high degree of control when you need it most.
When you run low on power, there are plenty of different ways to charge up. The bZ4X has a portable charging cord that can plug into a standard outlet for Level 1 charging anywhere. To charge faster, you can use Level 2 charging or DC fast charging. If you’re not sure where to find public charging stations near you, don’t worry. The Toyota app has all the tools you need to find compatible charging stations wherever you’re going. You can even use the app to schedule charging during off-peak hours when rates are lower, saving you money and helping you avoid crowded charging stations.
The bZ4X’s cutting-edge technology isn’t limited to its electric powertrain. There are also plenty of high-tech features throughout the vehicle designed to make your life easier.
Thanks to its digital key capability, you don’t have to worry about forgetting your keys. This feature lets you use a compatible smartphone to lock, unlock, start, and stop your vehicle. And while you’re on the road, you can keep that smartphone fully powered with a standard Qi wireless charging pad that doesn’t need any cables to get your battery back to 100%. On top of that, the cabin also has four USB-C ports and a USB-A port, so you have plenty of options for connecting and charging your devices.
Of course, using your phone while driving is not a good idea, but you still want to stay connected, listen to your music, and get instructions from your preferred navigation apps. That’s where Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come in. Wireless connectivity comes standard across all trims, so you don’t need a cord to access your apps through the bZ4X’s interface. That interface includes a large 12.3-inch touchscreen that’s easy to see and a multi-information display placed right behind the steering wheel in your natural line of sight. There are even controls built right into the steering wheel itself, so you don’t have to take your eyes off the road to change your settings.
Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 comes standard across all trim levels, giving you the driver assistance features to stay fully aware of your surroundings in all situations. The Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection uses a combination of audio-visual warnings and automatic emergency braking to prevent or lessen the severity of forward collisions. Full Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control slows down to match the vehicle ahead of you and speeds back up to your set speed when it’s safe to do so.
Lane Tracing Assist and Lane Departure Alert work to keep you on the straight and narrow while driving on the freeway. Automatic High Beams will help you see clearly at night without distracting the drivers around you. The system toggles the high beams on and off based on the lighting conditions around the vehicle. Road Sign Assist detects speed limit signs and displays them on a dashboard icon so that you can more easily keep track of the speed limit, even on roads where it changes often. The system can also detect and display stop signs, do not enter signs, yield signs, and other warning signs.
If you want to make a grand entrance everywhere you go, you’re sure to appreciate the exterior design of the bZ4x. With smooth lines and an athletic appearance, the SUV is bold and looks like it would be at home in a sci-fi movie. Its unique appearance makes it stand out in a crowd, which comes in handy when you’re looking for it in a busy parking lot.
That sleek silhouette isn’t just for show. The bZ4x’s exterior is also designed for optimal aerodynamic performance. Its front bumper sits low to the ground, and its underbody components are fully covered, making airflow nice and smooth underneath the vehicle. A sleek curve in the rear adds to the effect, and the vehicle ends with either a ducktail spoiler or a split roof spoiler. Either way, you’ll get a little extra visual flair and better performance and efficiency on the road.
The exterior lighting elements also have a fantastic mix of futuristic aesthetics and practical purpose. LED headlights and taillights are bright, long-lasting, and efficient, so you can see and be seen no matter how dark it gets. Slim-profile headlights and running lights show off the power of the bright LEDs, which don’t need to take up a lot of space on the vehicle’s face to provide plenty of visibility at night. In the back, there’s a light bar that spans the entire width of the vehicle, providing a modern look and making it easy to attract the attention of your fellow drivers when you need to.
Other features are purely for show and can give you a stylish vehicle that you’ll be proud to display in your driveway. Available two-tone styling adds a contrast color to your preferred exterior paint color, making it stand out and draw in the eye. Available 20-inch black machine-finished alloy wheels have a complex geometric design that’s eye-catching whether the vehicle is in motion or standing still.
If you want to get behind the wheel of this amazing new EV, then head on down to Faith’s Toyota. At Faith’s, not only can you see the bZ4X up close and in person, but you can also get all of your questions answered by knowledgeable salespeople and take a test drive to get a feel for how the EV feels on the road. Whether you’ve owned an EV before or are going electric for the first time, the staff at Faith’s Toyota can meet you where you’re at and ensure you have all the information you need to make the right decision. If the bZ4X isn’t quite right for you this time, they can show you the many hybrids and plug-in EVs in Toyota’s lineup.
The dealership also has a service department where you can take care of all your maintenance needs. EVs don’t need oil changes, but they still need to have their tires rotated regularly. If you have any questions about what types of service you need, you can ask in person, over the phone, or through the chat feature here on Faith’s website. From sales to service, you can get it all done at Faith’s Toyota. Reach out today and discover the Faith’s difference for yourself.