Toyota, a brand synonymous with hybrid technology thanks to the Prius, has finally stepped into the all-electric vehicle arena with the 2024 Toyota bZ4X. As their first mass-market electric car, the bZ4X carries significant expectations, especially considering Toyota’s decades of experience in hybrid powertrains. Having test-driven numerous EVs this year, including impressive models like the Kia EV9 and Cadillac Lyriq, I approached the bZ4X with a keen eye to see how it stacks up.
The model I tested was the Limited trim, starting at $47,180, slightly above the base SE trim at $43,070. While the Limited version offers enhanced features, it comes with an EPA-estimated range of 236 miles. This review dives into the pros and cons of the Toyota bZ4X as a pioneering Toyota Ev Car, evaluating its design, driving experience, and overall value proposition in the competitive EV market.
Watch the Toyota bZ4X in action on YouTube
2024 Toyota bZ4X: The Positives
Futuristic and Appealing Design
(Image credit: Future)
The Toyota bZ4X immediately grabs attention with its modern and futuristic design. In a market where electric cars often strive for distinctive aesthetics, the bZ4X successfully carves out its own visual identity. The crossover SUV boasts sloping, angular lines that give it a bold and assertive stance, while cleverly maximizing interior space and trunk capacity.
The optional two-tone paint further enhances its sleek appearance, ensuring the bZ4X stands out on the road. The distinctive projector headlights, stacked vertically to create a near 3D effect, add to its overall futuristic appeal. For buyers looking for a toyota ev car that makes a visual statement, the bZ4X delivers.
Cockpit-Style Driver’s Seat
(Image credit: Future)
Stepping inside the bZ4X, the driver’s seat area immediately creates a unique impression. The design evokes a cockpit-like feel, reminiscent of a jet fighter. Unlike traditional layouts where the instrument cluster is positioned close to the steering wheel, Toyota has placed it further back, creating a noticeable gap.
This cockpit-style design provides a sense of spaciousness and a unique driving environment. While some drivers might find the steering wheel position a bit close, the overall effect is a driver-focused and somewhat sporty feel for this toyota ev car.
Convenient and Easy-to-Use Shifter
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Many electric vehicles adopt unconventional shifter placements, sometimes alongside the steering wheel, which can be less intuitive. The Toyota bZ4X, however, opts for a more user-friendly approach. The shifter is located centrally, below the climate controls on the middle console.
The rotary knob design makes shifting between drive and reverse effortless, and a dedicated button is used for park. This implementation is a welcome departure from less ergonomic designs and ensures ease of use without confusion with other steering wheel controls. For everyday usability, the bZ4X shifter is a definite plus in this toyota ev car.
Practical Foot-Activated Liftgate
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While a convenience feature, the foot-activated liftgate on the bZ4X Limited adds a touch of practicality that is genuinely useful. When your hands are full, a simple foot tap near the bumper’s center activates the liftgate, opening the trunk without needing to fumble for keys or buttons.
This hands-free access to the trunk is particularly helpful in everyday scenarios, such as loading groceries or luggage. It’s a small but appreciated feature that enhances the overall user experience of this toyota ev car.
Advanced Automated Parking Assist
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Toyota’s Advanced Park technology in the bZ4X Limited offers assistance for those who desire parking aid. Even for confident drivers, this feature can be a valuable tool in tight parking situations. During testing in a well-marked parking lot, the system performed flawlessly.
Once activated and a parking spot selected, the system takes over steering, guiding the bZ4X smoothly into the space without driver intervention. This automated parking feature can ease the stress of parking, particularly for drivers less comfortable with maneuvering in confined spaces, making the bZ4X a more accessible toyota ev car for a wider range of drivers.
Spacious Rear Seating and Trunk Area
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Passenger comfort is well-addressed in the Toyota bZ4X, particularly in the rear seats. Ample legroom ensures comfortable rides for rear passengers, and the inclusion of the same mesh fabric seats as the front adds to the cushioned feel. Dedicated climate controls for the rear further enhance passenger comfort.
Unlike some crossover EVs that compromise on trunk space, the bZ4X offers a practical cargo area. During testing, it easily accommodated a large pull-up station after folding the rear seats down. This combination of passenger and cargo space makes the bZ4X a versatile toyota ev car suitable for families and those needing practical space.
2024 Toyota bZ4X: The Drawbacks
Limited Range of 236 Miles
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Considering Toyota’s expertise in hybrid vehicles and their focus on fuel efficiency, the bZ4X’s EPA-estimated range of 236 miles is somewhat underwhelming. Powered by a 71.4 kWh battery, the range falls short compared to other EVs in the same class. For instance, the Genesis GV60, with a similar battery size, achieves a longer range of 294 miles.
While the bZ4X demonstrates good efficiency, achieving 3.1 mi/kWh in general driving and an impressive 4.1 mi/kWh in highway testing, the limited range is a notable drawback. In a market where range anxiety is a primary concern for EV buyers, the bZ4X’s range positions it behind some competitors as a toyota ev car option.
Overly Sensitive Driver Monitoring System
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The driver monitoring system in the bZ4X, intended to enhance safety, can become intrusive and bothersome. An infrared camera constantly monitors the driver, which, while beneficial for detecting inattentiveness, frequently issues unnecessary warnings.
The system is particularly sensitive to hand placement on the steering wheel. Driving with one hand at the 12 o’clock position, for example, triggers persistent notifications. Similarly, the smart cruise control requires constant firm pressure on the steering wheel, disengaging if it detects insufficient grip. While safety features are important, the bZ4X’s system can feel overly aggressive and detract from the driving experience of this toyota ev car.
Lack of Additional Drive Modes
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Many modern electric cars offer selectable drive modes to tailor the driving experience to different preferences and conditions. While the bZ4X offers an ECO mode for maximizing efficiency, it lacks additional modes such as a Sport mode for enhanced performance.
Although the bZ4X has adequate acceleration, the absence of a Sport mode limits the ability to access more dynamic performance when desired. The option for different drive modes is a common and expected feature in today’s EVs, and its omission in the bZ4X is a missed opportunity to enhance driver engagement and vehicle versatility for this toyota ev car.
Conclusion
The 2024 Toyota bZ4X represents Toyota’s first serious foray into the all-electric car market. It brings with it a striking design, a comfortable and spacious interior, and user-friendly features. However, in a rapidly evolving EV landscape, the bZ4X faces challenges, particularly in terms of its limited range and somewhat intrusive driver monitoring system. While it excels in certain areas, potential buyers considering a toyota ev car might need to weigh these pros and cons carefully against competitors offering longer ranges and potentially more refined driving dynamics. As Toyota continues to develop its EV offerings, the bZ4X serves as an initial, albeit imperfect, step into the electric future.
