Although the 2023 bZ4X (starting at $42,000) isn’t Toyota’s first EV (it previously sold an all-electric version of the RAV4), the crossover utility vehicle (CUV) represents the company's most concerted push into the all-electric US market yet. We like the bZ4X’s sharp design, slick infotainment system, and smooth ride, but can’t look past its unremarkable driving range and limited brake regeneration modes. Ultimately, the Tesla Model Y (starting at $43,990) remains our Editors' Choice winner in the category thanks to its longer battery range, better performance, and larger amount of cargo space.
Average Battery Range
The 2023 Toyota bZ4X is available in two trims—XLE (starter) and Limited (upgraded)—with either a single motor for front-wheel drive (FWD) or dual motors for all-wheel drive (AWD). The FWD and AWD models respectively churn out 201 and 215 horsepower. The two trims have nearly identical batteries, a 63.4kWh cell for the FWD model and a 65.5kWh one for the AWD.
In terms of EPA-estimated ranges, the FWD XLE and Limited editions offer 252 and 242 miles, while the AWD XLE and Limited variants get 228 and 222 miles. For comparison, the base rear-wheel-drive (RWD) Tesla Model Y and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 ($45,700) respectively have ranges of 260 and 220 miles. The AWD versions of those vehicles outclass the Toyota equivalents: The Model Y Long Range and Ioniq 5 SE respectively get 330 and 260 miles. The Toyota beats its upscale corporate cousin, the Lexus RZ 450e ($59,650), which gets 220 miles of range at best.
Below is each model's MPGe rating. The base RWD Tesla Model Y and Hyundai Ioniq 5 come in at a combined 129 and 110 MPGe rating, for comparison.
With a Level 3 DC fast charger operating at 50kW or above, Toyota says the bZ4X’s battery can go from a low level to 80% capacity in about 30 minutes. With a Level 2, 240V charger, the battery can charge from the same state to 100% in around 9.5 hours. The same feat takes about 50 hours with the supplied Level 1, 120V charging cable. One nice bonus is that you get free charging at EVgo locations for a year. In testing, these charging estimates held up.
(Credit: Doug Newcomb)Note that Toyota, like many other EV brands, will switch from Combined Charging System (CCS) ports to Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS) beginning in 2025. If you purchase a vehicle with a CCS port before that change, like the bZ4X, you will need an adapter to access Tesla's Supercharging network once it's available.
Reasonable Vehicle Packages
The FWD ($42,000) and AWD ($44,080) XLE models come with 18-inch alloy wheels, bi-LED headlights with automatic high beams, heated and powered mirrors with integrated turn signal and puddle lights, LED taillights and daytime running lights, and rain-sensing wipers with deicing abilities. Among the standard interior features are an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a dial-type shift knob, dual-zone automatic climate control, six-way power-adjustable front seats, a leather-trimmed manual tilt/telescopic steering wheel, and a panoramic glass roof with a power sunshade.
(Credit: Doug Newcomb)Each also comes with a 12.3-inch in-dash touch screen, a 7-inch LCD instrument cluster, Bluetooth, four USB-C and one USB-A charging ports, keyless entry and ignition abilities, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, and wireless smartphone charging. The Tesla Model Y doesn't offer Apple's or Google's car interfaces, for comparison.
A full set of driver assists comes standard as part of the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 package, including blind-spot monitoring, front-collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, lane-departure assist, and rear cross-traffic alert. I like that you can easily toggle any of these features via the instrument cluster.
(Credit: Doug Newcomb)The FWD ($46,700) and AWD ($48,780) Limited variants add a nine-speaker JBL audio system, 20-inch wheels, faux-leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, a motion-activated power liftgate, multi-LED headlights, and a surround-view camera.
I tested the FWD Limited model with special two-tone paint ($925), mudguards ($149), and carpet floor mats and a cargo cover ($269) as add-ons. With a $1,215 delivery, processing, and handling fee, the final sticker totals $49,258.
All Angles and Curves
Like the Lexus RZ 450e, the Toyota bZ4X’s exterior angles and curves make it stand out on the road. It also shares the Lexus' bulging, black-accented wheel well arches, largely grille-less snout, and sharply sloped rear. It’s a departure from the staid designs of competitors such as the Tesla Model Y and Volkswagen ID.4 ($38,995), though not as space-age as the Kia EV6 ($42,600) or as sporty as the Ford Mustang Mach E ($42,995).
(Credit: Doug Newcomb)The interior is fairly conventional with lots of hard plastics, though the (admittedly strange) pillow-like upholstery on the front passenger dash adds a bit of personality. The bZ4X, again like the RZ 450e, uses a clunky spherical center console shifter that’s difficult to get used to initially. The vehicle's 56.1 cubic feet of rear cargo space (with the rear seats folded down) is also below average for the category. For comparison, the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Volkswagen ID.4, and Tesla Model Y respectively offer 59.3, 64.2, and 72.1 cubic feet.
Smooth Digital Panels
The bZ4X's infotainment touch screen is slightly smaller than the one for the Lexus RZ 450e but works just as intuitively. In a welcome departure from the busy interfaces on rival EVs (Tesla's among them), this system leaves lots of usable space for comfortable interactions. Wired or wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay handle most things, though you can also directly access your Amazon and Apple music streaming accounts.
(Credit: Doug Newcomb)Toyota offers five different Connect services—Drive, Safety, Wi-Fi, Remote, and Service—with various features and subscription lengths. Remote Connect is the most EV-specific: It enables you to remotely lock and unlock your vehicle, start and stop it, view its location, and check its status (including the charging state and battery level).
(Credit: Doug Newcomb)Fine for Everyday Driving
The Toyota bZ4X won't win any races, especially against the 271hp RWD Tesla Model Y. Both FWD models of the Toyota have more oomph (201hp) than the starter RWD Ioniq 5 (168hp), but the AWD variants (215hp) have far less than the Hyundai equivalent (320hp).
Nonetheless, driving feels energetic in the Normal mode and performance takes a back seat to battery preservation in Eco mode. An additional X-Mode is available for the AWD trim, which Toyota says should improve handling on roads with mud and snow. The ride feels smooth overall and the suspension handles bumps with ease. Its cabin feels well isolated too, though at the slight expense of driver feedback. One downside is that neither of the two brake regeneration modes allows the bZ4X to match the one-pedal driving feel of other EVs.
(Credit: Doug Newcomb)Outclassed on Range and Power
Toyota's bZ4X electric crossover offers a bold exterior design, an effective infotainment system, and a full complement of tech and safety features. But you're still better off with the Tesla Model Y because it takes you farther per charge, goes faster, and provides more storage space. Just keep in mind that you might prefer the simpler infotainment interface and more distinctive look of the Toyota over the dense onboard system and minimalist style of the Tesla, but we think it's a worthwhile trade-off.
