2025 Toyota bZ4X Review

Riding on nearly three decades of expertise in hybrid vehicles, Toyota has finally made the switch toward fully electric mobility. The Japanese auto giant’s first electric model comes in the form of a RAV4-sized SUV called the bZ4X. The quirky naming isn’t just a random amalgamation of alphabets and letters, with bZ short for beyond Zero, Toyota’s new nameplate for a series of upcoming zero-emissions vehicles, and 4 representing the medium size vehicle class and X denoting a crossover body.

The bZ4X is first product to be based on the e-TNGA platform, a new dedicated electric vehicle chassis jointly developed by Toyota and Subaru. The result of the collaboration also produced the Subaru Solterra, a near-identical twin of the bZ4X.

In typical Toyota conservatism, the bZ4X is quite late to join the electric SUV segment, but it’s almost safe to say that’s because Toyota took the time to get things right and we can expect the reputable Toyota quality and longevity in the bZ4X.

The bZ4X’s biggest rival is none other than the dominant Tesla Model Y, which has skyrocketed in sales in recent years on the back of a surge in EV uptake in Australia. Lesser rivals include the Polestar 4, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Kia EV5, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Deepal S07, BYD Sealion 7 and the aforementioned Subaru Solterra.

The streamlined bZ4X range is offered in just two variants. The front-wheel drive model priced from $66,000 and the all-wheel drive grade with a sticker of $74,900. All prices exclude on-road costs.

The big gap in pricing between the two trim levels is mostly highlighted by the added equipment in the upper spec model, which is covered later. Other than that, there’s little differentiating the two variants in terms of exterior looks. They both get full LED headlights, 20-inch alloy wheels and privacy glass for rear side, quarter and back windows. The AWD version adds a roof spoiler, roof rails and a gloss black bonnet accent. A black roof is available as a $1,350 option for the AWD model for a sleeker look.

The overall proportion of the bZ4X is very similar to that of the RAV4, and while there’re some interesting lines and bold styling elements around the exterior, we aren’t quite sure about the excessive use of black plastic moulding around the wheel arches. It’s scratch-proof at least.

The interior is nothing like the RAV4, however. It might as well because the RAV4’s cabin is dated and the bZ4X is anything but. Stepping into the bZ4X, even the base FWD model, feels like you’re in a different class of Toyota, a more premium class to be exact. The vibe is futuristic and the materials used are good quality.

The dashboard features a big 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system which supports wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto in addition to DAB+ digital radio, Bluetooth. Built-in satellite navigation is also standard.

Toyota has taken a page out of Peugeot’s book in that the bZ4X’s instrumentation cluster sits high on the dash and is meant to be viewed from above the steering wheel and not through it. The difference is, somehow, in the Toyota it feels more natural and doesn’t take much of getting used to. The 7.0-inch digital instrument display is small but it presents all the driving information needed through clear and concise graphics. Mounting it near the base of the windscreen also does away with the need for a head-up display.

The steering wheel is compact and feels nice to hold. The buttons on the wheel are well laid out for easy operation as well. Also within easy reach are the controls and drive selector on the raised centre console. Right below the centre touchscreen are physical buttons and toggles for all essential functions like volume and climate settings. It’s a very ergonomically designed and user-friendly cockpit and that’s quite rare in the segment.

The AWD variant gets a host of extra features to justify its premium over the FWD model, including a 9-speaker JBL premium sound system, wireless phone charger, driver’s seat memory function, front seat ventilation (in addition to heating), heated steering wheel, a panoramic glass roof and a kick sensor for the powered tailgate.

Added safety features in the AWD model include driver attention monitoring, safe exit assist, automatic parking assist, surround view parking camera, rear-cross traffic alert and blind-spot monitoring. The last two are essential driving aids and should also be standard in the FWD model.

Being a mid-size SUV, the bZ4X has space for the whole family plus all their gears. There’s room for five adults, including three across the back seats which are wide enough and complemented by heaps of leg and knee room thanks partially to a completely flat floor. Toe room is lacking though due to the low front seat base. The front seats contoured nicely to the body with excellent comfort and support, but the rear bench is a little flat.

Practicality is a bit of a mix bag with sizeable door pockets and large cup holders throughout. The extra space storage tray carved out by the raised centre console also comes in handy for storing odd items and keeping them out of sight. However, the centre enclosed storage is on the small side and there’s no glovebox. The reason for the lack of one, according to Toyota, is because the space has been used up to fit a radiant heater which is claimed to be more energy-efficient than heating the cabin through vented heating alone.

The boot measures 452 litres in capacity for the FWD model or 441 litres in the AWD. It’s slightly below class average. The 60:40 split folding rear seats can be stowed to expand the space but it’s lacking any kind of under floor storage or a front boot, both features found in the Tesla Model Y.

What’s the bZ4X like to drive? Refined, linear and swift come to mind. Regardless of whether it’s FWD or AWD, the electric SUV is always smooth and quiet, which makes for a very pleasant drive for the most part, be it in the city or country.

The FWD model is propelled by a single front axle-mounted electric motor that produces 150kW and 266Nm, while the AWD model uses a dual motor setup, one in each axle, that outputs a combined total of 160kW and 337Nm. Both cars utilise the same 71.4kWh lithium-ion battery to supply energy to their electric motors.

While an equivalent Model Y is still quicker to 100km/h from a standstill, the bZ4X is no slouch. The FWD and AWD models stop the clock respectively at 7.5 seconds and 6.9 seconds, performance that is more than adequate for the daily grind. The AWD model isn’t only quicker off the line but is also more secure in doing so thanks to better traction, especially on wet surfaces. But unless you’re getting away from a crime scene you’ll hardly notice the difference in normal driving.

Where the AWD is useful is on gravel or snow tracks, where the extra push from the rear wheels makes the difference between getting bogged and getting out of trouble. A function obviously derived from all-wheel drive expert Subaru, the X-Mode comes standard in the AWD model with 2 off-road settings. There’s also Grip Control, a feature that limits speed to 10km/h and acts like an EV version of low range gearing where wheel rotation is highly regulated to avoid any wheel spin for optimum traction.

Back on the black top, the bZ4X’s steering, accelerator and brake pedals are all very well calibrated. The brakes, especially, feel natural and progressive despite being the regenerative type. The steering feels just nice without the excessive artificial weight.

Composure around the corners is good with tight body control and not much roll. While the driving experience isn’t exactly a sporty one, it surely feels safe, planted and assuring. Comfort levels on most surfaces are decent as well.

Where the bZ4X trails most rivals is in real world driving range and charging. Toyota claims a WLTP range of 436km for the FWD and 411km for the AWD. Those figures are lower than most rivals and by quite a big margin compared to the Model Y (533km for AWD long range).

It’s mostly to do with the bZ4X being slightly heavier and having a smaller capacity battery, as our tested real world energy usage of 15.8kWh/100km for the FWD and 16.9kWh/100km for the AWD are around the same as what one would get in a Model Y or other rivals. In fact the figures we managed are better than the rated 16.9kWh/100km (FWD) and 18.1kWh/100km (AWD).

In terms of charging, the bZ4X accepts both DC and AC type charging, with the former up to 150kW for a 10 to 80 per cent recharge in 30 minutes and the latter up to 11kW for a 0 to 100 per cent recharge in 7 hours. All charge times are claimed. They aren’t too shabby but still fall slightly short on rivals, especially the Model Y.

Verdict

2025 Toyota bZ4X pricing and specification