By WTOP contributor Brian Armstead
It’s no surprise that Toyota, the world’s largest automaker, has made a commitment to a carbon neutral future. After all, they were the dominant carmaker in the “green energy” sphere early on with the extremely popular Prius lineup.
Going Beyond
The 2023 bZ4X is the first Toyota vehicle to be launched under the global bZ series. bZ stands for “Beyond Zero,” developed to provide more than a mobility solution but also an innovative space for customers.
The bZ4X was jointly developed with Subaru, which produces the near-twin Solterra EV.
bZ4X Exterior
Toyota has a history of, in my humble opinion, overstyling its green vehicles. So when I first saw the bZ4X, my immediate thought was “they nailed it.” No matter the color you choose, bZ4X looks great. Up front, thin LED Daytime Running Lamps crown triple-segment full LED headlamps. A wide and deep front fascia/bumper is flanked by air intakes on the driver and passenger sides, with a wide air intake below the bumper.
Black fender trim flows from front to side, no matter what color choice for your bZ4X. The trim package looks awesome on certain offered colors, like the exceptionally good looking “Heavy Metal” color, and not so much on the white (Wind Chill Pearl) bZ4X, where the contrasting colors seem to conflict with one another.
Rear styling features dual hatch “ducktail” spoilers and a full-width LED taillight bar. Overall, this is one very attractive vehicle.
There is one standard color for bZ4x — Black. Heavy Metal, Elemental Silver Metallic, Supersonic Red and Wind Chill Pearl are extra cost colors, as is a two-tone option with a black roof. A glass panoramic roof is a must-have option, as it adds to an airy, roomy feeling in the passenger cabin.
bZ4X Interior
The bZ4X interior is surprisingly roomy front and rear. The driver cluster is housed in a long pod, with great sightlines to the roadway.
The bZ4X comes standard with a 12.3-inch connected widescreen, allowing for a wide range of enhanced connectivity and convenience features, including being Over-the-Air (OTA) updatable.
The Toyota Audio Multimedia system allows for dual Bluetooth phone connectivity, with support for standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. HD Radio, USB data and SiriusXM radio are among data and entertainment options.
With the Toyota App, users can stay connected with “Remote Connect,” included as a three-year trial service. Users can activate headlights, a horn alert, buzzer and unlock the rear hatch. The remote climate features include the ability to activate seat heaters/coolers, steering wheel heater, and defroster. The bZ4X also incorporates an enhanced remote vehicle start feature.
Remote Charging capabilities are also included with Remote Connect, which includes the ability to check charging status, start/stop charging with a vehicle that is already plugged in and even edit charging schedules. The Toyota App also provides a map to find charging station locations near you or along your route.
bZ4X Drive Experience
The smooth roads and stunning scenery along California’s Pacific coast Highway showcased the seamless drive qualities of the bZ4X. To sum up the experience, it’s a Toyota, which means it drives really well. Choose from Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) and All-Wheel Drive (AWD) propulsion. FWD models output 201 horsepower with a 7.1 second 0-60 mph time, while AWD models offer 214-horsepower and a 6.5 second 0-60 time.
Cost: Prices for the 2023 bZ4X XLE FWD begin at $42,000. XLE AWD models begin at $44,080. Limited FWD starts at $46,700. Limited AWD starts at $48,780. Add $1,215 for Destination and Delivery charges.
MPG: The XLE FWD model has an estimated range rating of up to 252 miles. The XLE AWD model has an EPA-estimated range of up to 228 miles.
Safety: The 2023 bZ4X is the first Toyota to feature the latest Toyota Safety Sense (TSS 3.0) safety package. A blind spot monitoring system is standard on all grades. A new safety feature and a Toyota First, Safe Exit Assist, is also standard on bZ4X. This system helps support avoidance of collisions between an open door and/or occupants who have exited and vehicles approaching from the rear.
Things to Know: Customers who purchase or lease a bZ4X get one year of unlimited complimentary charging at all EVgo charging stations nationwide.
Pros:
- Available AWD
- As expected, build quality is exceptional
- It’s roomy inside
Cons:
- Average range
- Average acceleration
- Pricier than some competitors
