Toyota BZ4X
Used Car Review

Overview

Thinking about making the switch to electric but want the space and practicality of an SUV? The Toyota bZ4X might be exactly what you’re looking for. This all-electric compact SUV represents Toyota’s serious commitment to electric mobility, offering a blend of familiar Toyota reliability with cutting-edge electric technology. It’s the car for drivers who want to go electric without compromising on the practicality they need for modern life.

From the moment you see it, the bZ4X makes a statement. Its sharp, angular design and distinctive light signature give it a futuristic presence that sets it apart from conventional SUVs. The spacious interior feels airy and modern, with Toyota’s signature attention to build quality evident throughout. You get the sense that this is a vehicle designed from the ground up as an electric car, not just a converted petrol model.

Driving the bZ4X is a serene experience. The electric powertrain delivers instant acceleration with whisper-quiet operation, making your daily commute feel effortless. The elevated driving position gives you confidence on the road, while the smooth ride quality keeps everyone comfortable. While it faces stiff competition from rivals like the Nissan Ariya and Kia EV6, the bZ4X offers that unmistakable Toyota dependability that many buyers value. It proves that going electric doesn’t mean sacrificing the qualities that make Toyota vehicles so trusted.

How Does the Toyota bZ4X Drive?

The Toyota bZ4X is engineered for smooth, efficient driving rather than outright sportiness. The single-motor front-wheel-drive version produces around 201 horsepower, providing adequate acceleration for most situations. The 0-60 mph sprint takes approximately 8.4 seconds, which feels brisk enough for daily driving. If you need more capability, the dual-motor all-wheel-drive variant delivers 214 horsepower and slightly quicker acceleration, perfect for those who tackle varied terrain.

Where the bZ4X truly excels is in its refined driving character. The steering is light and responsive at low speeds, making parking manoeuvres effortless. At highway speeds, it feels planted and secure, with minimal road noise entering the cabin. The suspension strikes an excellent balance between comfort and control, soaking up most road imperfections while maintaining good body control through corners. This makes it an easy and confidence-inspiring electric SUV to drive in all conditions. You get the sense of a well-engineered vehicle that prioritises comfort and efficiency over outright performance.

How Comfortable Is the Toyota bZ4X?

Step inside the bZ4X and you’re greeted by a spacious, modern cabin that feels genuinely premium. The dashboard features a clean, minimalist design with a large touchscreen infotainment system taking centre stage. The materials used throughout feel solid and well-chosen, with soft-touch surfaces where you’d expect them. The seats are comfortable and supportive, with plenty of adjustment to help you find the perfect driving position. Toyota has done an excellent job of creating an interior that feels both futuristic and familiar.

The cabin is impressively quiet, even at motorway speeds. Toyota has invested heavily in sound insulation, creating a serene environment that enhances the electric driving experience. Standard equipment is generous, including smartphone integration, climate control, and a comprehensive suite of safety systems. The panoramic roof on higher-spec models adds to the feeling of space and airiness. Rear passengers enjoy good legroom and headroom, though the sloping roofline does slightly compromise rear visibility. Overall, it’s a comfortable and well-appointed place to spend time.

The Toyota bZ4X represents a successful transition into the electric age for Toyota. It successfully combines the brand’s reputation for reliability and build quality with modern electric technology and attractive design. The interior is spacious and well-appointed, while the driving experience is refined and comfortable. The range is competitive, and the charging capabilities are adequate for most users. The main challenges are the premium price point and some quirks in the infotainment system that may take time to master. It’s not the most exciting electric SUV to drive, but that’s not its purpose. Its purpose is to be a dependable, comfortable, and practical family SUV that happens to be electric. It achieves this goal admirably. If you value Toyota’s reputation for reliability and want a stress-free transition to electric motoring, the bZ4X is definitely worth serious consideration.

Nicholas Zapolski Car Expert

How Much Does It Cost to Run a Toyota bZ4X?

As an electric vehicle, the bZ4X offers compelling running costs that make a strong case for switching from petrol. The official WLTP range varies from 285 to 317 miles depending on specification, which should cover most daily driving needs comfortably. Charging at home during off-peak hours can cost as little as a few pounds for a full charge. Even using public rapid chargers, the running costs remain significantly lower than equivalent petrol SUVs.

The main consideration is the initial purchase price, which starts from around £42,000. This puts it in premium territory, competing with well-equipped diesel SUVs from mainstream brands. However, the bZ4X qualifies for various government incentives and benefits from low company car tax rates, making it attractive for business users. Servicing costs should be minimal thanks to the simple electric drivetrain, and Toyota offers an impressive warranty package. When you factor in the lower fuel costs and reduced maintenance requirements, the total cost of ownership becomes very competitive, especially with flexible car finance options available.

Is the Toyota bZ4X Practical for Everyday Use?

For an electric SUV, the Toyota bZ4X offers impressive practicality that should suit most families. The 452-litre boot is a good size for the class, easily accommodating a weekly shop or holiday luggage for four people. The rear seats fold down to create an even larger cargo area when needed. The flat floor design typical of electric vehicles maximises the usable space, and there are numerous storage compartments throughout the cabin for smaller items.

The bZ4X shows its strength in passenger accommodation. The front seats are spacious and comfortable, while rear passengers enjoy generous legroom and headroom. The large windows and optional panoramic roof create an airy feel that makes the cabin seem even more spacious. For families or those who regularly carry passengers, the bZ4X strikes an excellent balance compared to other used Toyota cars. Its compact exterior dimensions make it manageable in town, while the interior space rivals much larger vehicles. The only minor compromise is the slightly restricted rear visibility due to the sloping roofline, but the standard parking sensors help mitigate this.

The Toyota bZ4X stands out in the growing electric SUV market by offering genuine substance behind its futuristic styling. It packages Toyota’s renowned reliability, spacious interior design, and thoughtful engineering into an electric SUV that feels both familiar and forward-thinking. While it may not be the cheapest or most powerful in its class, it excels in the areas that matter most for daily family life: comfort, practicality, and dependability.

You choose the bZ4X because you want an electric SUV that doesn’t feel like a compromise. Its refined ride, generous interior space, and Toyota’s trusted reputation make it an appealing choice for families making their first move to electric. It’s perfectly suited for modern life while offering the peace of mind that comes with the Toyota badge. For those considering the switch to electric, the bZ4X represents a sensible and well-executed option, especially with competitive cars under £50,000 finance packages available.