Table of Content

1. Introduction
2. Pros and Cons
3. What's new in 2024?
4. Rivals of bZ4X
5. Variants and Pricing
6. Interior and Comfort
7. Exterior and Design
8. Safety Features
9. Maintenance and Warranty
10. Conclusion

Introduction

The 2024 Toyota bZ4X is the first fully electric car from the Japanese brand, and it aims to compete in the growing market of electric SUVs. The bZ4X is based on a platform co-developed with Subaru, and it offers two powertrain options: a single-motor front-wheel drive or a dual-motor all-wheel drive. The bZ4X has a spacious and practical interior, a comprehensive list of features, and a 10-year warranty on the battery. However, it also faces some challenges, such as its limited range, slow charging speed, and high price compared to some rivals. In this review, we will explore the strengths and weaknesses of the bZ4X, and see how it stacks up against the competition.

Pros:

1. It has a smooth ride quality and a comfortable interior with plenty of space for passengers and cargo.
2. It comes with a 10-year warranty on the battery and a comprehensive list of features and safety systems, including wireless smartphone connectivity, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and automated parking.
3. It has a well-tuned x-mode for off-road driving, thanks to the cooperation with Subaru, and a high ground clearance of about 22 cm.

Cons:

1. It has a disappointing real-world range of about 214 miles after 8 years, which is lower than many competitors.
2. It does not have a one-pedal drive mode, which many rival EVs have, and it has lackluster acceleration and handling.
3. It has an oddly placed instrumentation that is hard to read, and a difficult seating position that may not suit everyone.
4. It has a high price compared to some rivals, and it is not eligible for any federal EV tax credits or rebates.

What’s new in 2024?

Here are some of the highlights:

• The base XLE now comes with a power driver’s seat and a power liftgate, while the Limited adds automated parking.
• The included charging cable can now connect to a 120-volt or 240-volt power source and includes a display screen with charging information.
• A revised battery-temperature management system is said to allow for faster DC charging in cold weather.
• Toyota also throws in a year of complimentary charging at EVgo stations.
• The bZ4X has a well-tuned x-mode for off-road driving, thanks to the cooperation with Subaru, and a high ground clearance of about 22 cm.

Rivals of bZ4X

The 2024 Toyota bZ4X is a new electric SUV that faces competition from several other models in the same segment. Some of the main competitors of the bZ4X are:

Subaru Solterra

The Subaru Solterra, which shares engineering and design with the bZ4X, may differ slightly in features and pricing.

Tesla Model Y

The Tesla Model Y, which is the benchmark of the class, with a longer range, faster charging, and better performance than the bZ4X, but also has some quality issues and a higher price.

Ford Mustang Mach-E

The Ford Mustang Mach-E, which is the sporty pick of the group, has a lower stance and driver position, and a more engaging driving experience than the bZ4X, but also has less cargo space and a shorter warranty.

Kia EV6

The Kia EV6, which is well-balanced and loaded with value, offers better acceleration, handling, and efficiency than the bZ4X, as well as a more futuristic design and a larger rear seat.

Hyundai Ioniq 5

Hyundai Ioniq 5, which is similar to the EV6 in terms of tech and efficiency, but has a more retro-inspired design and a more spacious interior than the bZ4X, as well as a longer range and a faster charging speed.

Volkswagen ID.4

The Volkswagen ID.4, which is well-rounded and practical, offers a more user-friendly interface, a more potent rear-drive motor, and a lower price than the bZ4X, but also has a less refined ride quality and a smaller cargo area.

Variants and Pricing

The 2024 Toyota bZ4X is available in two trim levels: XLE and Limited. Both trims can be equipped with either a single-motor front-wheel drive or a dual-motor all-wheel drive powertrain. The pricing of the 2024 Toyota bZ4X varies depending on the market and the options. Here are some examples of the prices in different countries:

• In the US, the XLE starts at $43,070, and the Limited starts at $48,530.
• In Canada, the XLE starts at $50,050 and the Limited starts at $54,050.
• In Australia, the front-wheel drive bZ4X starts at $66,000 and the all-wheel drive bZ4X starts at $74,900.

The 2024 Toyota bZ4X also comes with a range of features and options, such as a panoramic glass roof, a 12.3-inch touchscreen display, a power liftgate, automated parking, heated and ventilated seats, and Toyota Safety Sense 3.0.

Interior and Comfort

The interior of the 2024 Toyota bZ4X is a mix of hard plastics, glossy black trim, and soft fabrics. It has a minimalist and modern design, with a large touchscreen display and a digital instrument cluster. The bZ4X offers plenty of space for passengers and cargo, as well as a range of features and options. However, some of the materials and controls may feel cheap or flimsy, and the instrument cluster is oddly placed and hard to read.

The bZ4X has a 12.3-inch touchscreen display that is integrated into the dashboard and tilted slightly towards the driver. The display is responsive and easy to use, and it supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Below the display, there are some physical buttons and knobs for the climate control and other functions. It has a digital instrument cluster that is located above the steering wheel, rather than behind it. The cluster shows the speed, battery level, driving mode, and other information. However, the cluster is small and hard to read, and it may be blocked by the steering wheel or the sun glare.

The bZ4X has a steering wheel that is made of flat-black plastic and has some buttons and stalks for the cruise control, audio, and other features. The steering wheel may look plain and feel flimsy, and it does not have a one-pedal drive mode, which many rival EVs have. The transmission selector that is located on the center console and it has a wireless charging pad with a translucent lid below it. The lid has a display screen that shows the charging status and other information. The center console also has a glossy black trim that may collect dust and scratches over time.

2024 bZ4X has a comfortable and spacious interior that can accommodate five adults. The front seats are power-adjustable and have heating and ventilation options. The rear seats have plenty of legroom and headroom, and they can be folded down to increase the cargo space. It has a large cargo area that can hold up to 28.5 cubic feet of luggage with the rear seats up, and up to 62.5 cubic feet with the rear seats down. The cargo area also has a power liftgate and some storage compartments under the floor.

It has a range of features and options that enhance the interior experience, such as a panoramic glass roof, a head-up display, a JBL sound system, a heated steering wheel, and Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, which includes adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and automated parking.

Also Read: 2024 Subaru Solterra Review

Exterior and Design

The exterior of the 2024 Toyota bZ4X is a blend of sharp angles, sleek curves, and futuristic details. It has a distinctive front fascia with a large grille, LED headlights, and lower bumper vents. The side profile features a sloping roofline, black cladding, and available 20-inch alloy wheels. The rear end has a ducktail spoiler, a split roof rear spoiler, and LED taillights. The bZ4X is available in several color options, such as Black, Heavy Metal, Supersonic Red, Elemental Silver Metallic, and Windchill Pearl. The bZ4X’s exterior design is not only stylish, but also functional, as it helps improve the aerodynamics and performance of the electric SUV.

The 2024 Toyota bZ4X is a midsize electric SUV with a length of 184.6 inches, a width of 73.2 inches (without the exterior mirrors), a height of 65 inches, and a wheelbase of 112.2 inches. It has a high ground clearance of 8.7 inches, which makes it suitable for off-road driving. It also has a spacious cargo area that can fit 28.5 cubic feet of luggage with the rear seats up, and 62.5 cubic feet with the rear seats down.

Safety Features

The 2024 Toyota bZ4X is a new electric SUV that comes with a suite of safety features to protect the occupants and prevent collisions. Some of the safety features of the bZ4X are:

Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 (TSS 3.0): This is a package of driver-assistance systems that includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, road-sign recognition, and automated parking.

Blind-spot monitoring: This system warns the driver of vehicles in the blind spots of the bZ4X, and can also alert the driver of cross-traffic when reversing.

Safe exit assist: This system prevents the doors from opening when a vehicle is approaching from behind, to avoid accidents with passing traffic.

Front and rear parking sensors: These sensors help the driver park the bZ4X safely and accurately, by detecting obstacles and providing audible and visual feedback.

Airbags: The bZ4X has front-impact, side-impact, overhead, and knee airbags to protect the head, torso, and lower extremities of the driver and passenger in the event of a crash.

Security system: The bZ4X has an ignition disable device that prevents the engine from starting if the correct key is not used, and a remote keyless entry system that allows the driver to lock and unlock the doors and trunk with a key fob or a smart device.

Also Read: 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Review

Maintenance and Warranty

The 2024 Toyota bZ4X is a battery-electric vehicle that requires minimal maintenance compared to conventional vehicles. However, it is still important to follow the recommended maintenance schedule to ensure optimal performance, safety, and reliability. Here is a summary of the maintenance and warranty of the 2024 Toyota bZ4X:

Maintenance:

The bZ4X includes a complimentary maintenance plan covering normal factory scheduled service for either two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first. Unlike traditional vehicles, it doesn't require oil changes, spark plug replacements, or air filter changes. However, it does necessitate periodic inspections and replacements of specific components like brake fluid, coolant, cabin air filters, wiper blades, and tires. The vehicle is equipped with a high-voltage battery that powers its electric motor(s). This battery is engineered to last the entire lifespan of the vehicle and doesn't require regular servicing. It's recommended, though, to maintain the battery's charge between 20% and 80% for optimal lifespan and efficiency.

Moreover, the bZ4X features a regenerative braking system that captures energy during braking, thereby reducing wear and tear on the brake pads. Nonetheless, regular checks and replacements of brake pads are still necessary when needed. Additionally, the vehicle incorporates a 12-volt auxiliary battery responsible for powering accessories and electronics. This auxiliary battery is automatically charged by the high-voltage battery and typically doesn't require replacement unless it experiences a failure.

Warranty:

The bZ4X boasts an extensive warranty package for peace of mind. This includes a standard three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship under normal use and maintenance, alongside a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty for essential components like the engine, transmission, drive system, and restraint system. Furthermore, there's an eight-year/100,000-mile warranty dedicated to the high-voltage battery, ensuring protection against malfunction or deterioration. Hybrid system components, such as electric motor(s), inverter, converter, and hybrid vehicle control module, are safeguarded by a 10-year/150,000-mile warranty. For exterior durability, a five-year/unlimited-mileage corrosion perforation warranty covers rust-through on any sheet metal body panel. Additional coverage extends to accessories like floor mats, cargo net, and mudguards with a one-year/12,000-mile warranty. Tire replacement or repair due to defects in materials or workmanship is covered for one year/unlimited mileage, and roadside assistance, encompassing towing, battery jump start, flat tire change, lockout protection, and fuel delivery, is provided for one year/unlimited mileage.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the 2024 Toyota bZ4X presents itself as a promising contender in the realm of electric SUVs, offering a comfortable and spacious interior, along with a plethora of features and safety systems. Despite its commendable attributes, such as a well-tuned x-mode for off-road driving and a high ground clearance, the bZ4X does face some challenges, including its limited real-world range and lackluster acceleration. Moreover, its pricing may pose a barrier for some potential buyers, especially considering the absence of federal EV tax credits or rebates. However, with its partnership with Subaru and ongoing improvements, like the inclusion of a power driver’s seat and enhancements in battery-temperature management for speedier DC fast-charging, the bZ4X demonstrates a commitment to evolution. While it may not outshine all its rivals in every aspect, the Toyota bZ4X undoubtedly presents a comfortable and practical electric vehicle option with room for growth and refinement in the evolving landscape of electric mobility.

Also Read: 2024 Mustang Mach-e Review