Toyota debuts its first all-electric SUV, the 2023 bZ4X

Car manufacturers are introducing electric vehicle models at a record pace, and Toyota has finally released its first all-electric car, the new SUV 2023 bZ4X. The name is a mouthful, and the car itself is a bit underwhelming.

On a positive note, it’s a new EV option that’s more accessible for more people, instead of just a select few who are able to afford a $100K Polestar or tricked-out Tesla. Toyota will help fill the demand for people who want an electric car but don’t need all of the bells and whistles that sometimes come standard with new EVs.

Available at dealerships this spring, the bZ4X is the first all-electric Toyota model in the Beyond Zero (bZ) lineup. So, what are the key things you should know about when it comes to the Toyota bZ4X? 

Quick facts about the Toyota bZ4X

If you’re shopping for a new car (most notably an EV), there are a few key things to keep in mind - the most important being mileage range and battery size. 

Mileage range

The electric SUV models come in either all-wheel drive (AWD), or front-wheel drive (FWD), giving drivers more choices.

The EPA-estimated mileage range for the front-wheel model is 252 miles, while the all-wheel drive is 228 miles; for example, the Hummer EV has a 200 kWh battery pack, allowing for a 350-mile range.

Battery size

The battery size in the front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive models is 71.4 kWh. A larger battery does usually equate to more mileage; for example the Hummer EV has a 200 kWh battery pack, allowing for a 350-mile range. 

Price

The base model, the XLE, has a starting MSRP of $42,000 which is a pretty comfortable price range for an EV. The slightly more elevated model, the Limited, starts at $46,700. Unfortunately, the bZ4X does not qualify for the federal EV tax credit, but may still qualify for state EV incentives.

How does the Toyota SUV EV compare to similar EV models?

Compared to other EV options, the Toyota doesn’t offer super impressive pickup speeds or a long mileage range - but that does not mean it is a bad option by any stretch.

To us, just because the EV isn’t at the top of its game in every category, doesn’t mean it should be written off. The more EV options out there, the better for consumers and the world alike.

Let’s take a look at a few EV model options for comparison.

The bZ4X’s range is between 242-252 miles, depending on whether it’s the FWD or AWD model. The range is pretty good but not as high as something like a Tesla, whose Model S has a mileage range of up to 398 miles.

As for cost, the price range of $42,000 - $46,700 is pretty decent for an EV, considering you can spend up to $100,000 for some luxury models. However, you can find equally good or better EVs for less money, like the Chevy Bolt EV for $34,700 or the base model Ford F-150. 

So all in all, this car has a decent range and costs more than other EV options. But if you are a loyal Toyota fan and want something that is bigger than the Chevy Bolt, but not quite a pickup truck - the bZ4x could be for you.

What else should drivers know about the Toyota bZ4X?

The bZ4X comes with a Level 1 charger. These chargers tend to be very slow and less than ideal for relying on when you need to charge your car. The good news is, you have options: Toyota has partnered with ChargePoint and Qmerit for customers to find a reputable electrician to install and buy a Level 2 charger at home.

A ChargePoint charger will cost you about $700 and Qmerit will help connect you with an electrician that can perform the installation.

You can also charge your car at public charging stations. In fact, Toyota is giving its EV customers one year of free public charging at all EVgo-owned charging stations.

Regarding the warranty, Toyota offers a basic 36-month or 36,000-mile warranty, and a 100,000-mile or 96-month warranty for the battery, whichever comes first. The car also comes with many modern features, like internet connectivity, regenerative braking, and wireless charging. 

Is the Toyota bZ4X the EV for you?

As more EV car options become available, prospective buyers can be a bit pickier with their choices. With that said, as EVs start becoming their preferred choice of car, many potential buyers are finding themselves on waitlists for models that are not yet ready to buy off the lot, meaning more options are a good thing.

EVs are cheaper to own in the long run than gas-powered cars but do require more money upfront to purchase. So yes, the Toyota bZ4X is pricer than some comparable standard gasoline cars, but it offers the space of an SUV with a decent mileage range.

Our advice: if you don’t need a new car right away, wait a bit for Toyota’s Beyond Zero lineup to become more built out. Because this is Toyota's first all-electric car, it might not be the best. But it is a solid choice if you like Toyota cars and are ready to commit to an emissions-free EV.