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YARMOUTH PORT, Mass. – I recently spent a week in the 2024 Toyota bZ4X AWD Limited, one of the most value-priced entrants in the growing battery-electric (BEV or EV) compact- SUV segment.
Developed in conjunction with Subaru (which sells the near-identical Solterra), the bZ4X is one of the least expensive all-wheel-drive (AWD) compact EV SUVs on the market. One means of keeping the overall pricing low resulted in driving range at the lower end of this EV segment. The version I drove was rated at 222 miles on a full charge.
A Toyota representative told me this range/battery size was the result of research. “When we looked at our consumers this range works for a lot of them and their commutes,” he told me (the average American drives less than 40 miles per day).
The well-equipped bZ4X AWD Limited carries a MSRP of $49,260, one of a handful of range-topping EV SUVs priced under $50,000. For this money, buyers receive a quiet, comfortable five-passenger vehicle filled with premium amenities and carrying Toyota’s reputation for quality and reliability.
Twin-motor AWD system
The powertrain, a pair of BluE Nexus e-Axle 1YM systems, is a unique setup developed in a joint venture among Toyota Group companies Aisin and Denso with investment from Toyota Motor.
The BluE Nexus e-Axle 1YM system integrates the electric motor, gears and inverter into a single unit. The AWD Limited version utilizes two such systems, one front, one in the rear.
The combined output of the two motors is 214 horsepower and 248 pounds-feet of torque.
Power – and range – emanates from a Lithium-ion 72.8 kWh battery. The battery pack is enhanced for 2024 to allow for more efficient charging in cold weather. The system allows for Level 3 fast charging and all bZ4X models come with a dual-level charging cable capable of Level 1 and Level 2 charging (Level 2 needs a 240-Volt outlet). Level 2 charging can bring the bZ4X from low-battery warning to 80 percent in nine hours.
Toyota also offers all bZ4X buyers a year of complimentary charging at the more than 950 EVgo public charging locations.
I had no issues driving the bZ4X all over Cape Cod during my week thanks to the recently installed Autel MaxiCharger AC Wallbox Home home Level 2 unit. I plugged in at night and the next morning I had a full charge – home Level 2 charging is still the key to efficient EV ownership, regardless of the public-charger population.
The bZ4X is not the quickest EV on the market, but its powertrain enables the five-seater to go from 0 to 60 miles per hour in a still quick 6.4 seconds, according to testing by Car and Driver. Like all EVs, the power comes on immediately, without any lag or delay.
A capable, comfortable platform
Like a true SUV, the bZ4X, despite futuristic, non-traditional looks, is off-road capable from its 8.1 inches of ground clearance to the X-MODE-equipped AWD system. Here is how Toyota describes the X-MODE system and its related capabilities in the bZ4X:
Coupled with Multi-terrain Select, the new AWD system with X-MODE can be used in two modes (Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud) to tackle slippery or uneven surfaces. In both modes, the system applies the brakes on spinning wheels to produce a limited-slip differential (LSD) effect for additional traction.
Engage Snow/Dirt Mode with X-MODE to enhance vehicle stability and improve traction on bumpy or unpaved roads or certain snow-covered surfaces. Deep Snow/Mud Mode helps to tackle softer road surfaces covered by heavy snow, providing more vehicle stability by allowing the tires to slip in a way that clears away snow or mud. And in downhill situations that require the driver to apply heavy braking, Downhill Assist Control helps maintain a constant speed to allow the driver to concentrate on steering.
Daily driving is satisfying and fun. The SUV reacts immediately to driver inputs, tracks well on all types of surfaces and can attack twisting, undulating roads with reassurance. The chassis pieces include MacPherson-type struts and stabilizer bar up front and independent multi-link setup with stabilizer bar in the rear.
Ventilated rotors are featured at all four corners (12.9 inches in the front, 12.5 in the rear) in the anti-lock (ABS) -equipped power friction-braking system. Supplementing the foundation brakes is the standard regenerative braking system which works whenever the driver reduces pressure on the accelerator pedal. Driving in the Regenerative Braking Boost Mode (accomplished with a push of a console button) means stronger regen when the accelerator is released, capable of slowing the bZ4X almost to a halt (but not a full stop, so it is not considered one-pedal-driving mode). Regen recaptures braking energy, returning it to the battery and helping extend operating range.
The 20-in. multi-spoke, machine-finished alloy wheels with gray accents wear 235/50R20 all-season radial tires.
ADAS befitting a premium model
The bZ4X comes with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0™, the company’s extensive suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). This standard suite of features includes a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist. full-speed range dynamic radar cruise control, lane tracing assist, automatic high beams, road sign assist, and proactive driving assist.
In addition, the SUV brings blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic assist, surround-view monitor with panoramic scan, and Safe-Exit Assist to warn exiting passengers of vehicles approaching.
Inside tech and amenities commensurate with the top-of-the range
Toyota filled the bZ4X cabin with comfort, convenience and technology systems starting with an infotainment one controlled by a 12.3-inch color LCD touchscreen at the top of the dash. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; SiriusXM satellite radio, and the optional ($580) nine-speaker JBL Premium Audio System were features of the infotainment package in the model I drove.
Power front seats which are heated and ventilated (the steering wheel is also heated), digital dual-zone automatic climate control, panoramic sunroof with power shade, power rear liftgate, and multiple USB ports and wireless platform for mobile-device charging are also standard.
Key interior options on the review unit included the Limited Weather Package ($350) with heated rear seats and front radiant foot-and-leg heater; carpeted floor mats and cargo mat ($309) and illuminated door sills ($425).
The bZ4X proved to a very comfortable place for both short jaunts around the Yarmouth Port area and a longer highway trip off the Cape. The interior works very well.
Value pricing a key to the bZ4X
Buyers of a Toyota bZ4X might not get the range offered by some compact-SUV competitors, but they get a more than adequate battery life for a much more reasonable price beginning with the well-equipped FWD XLE at $43,070 through the top AWD Limited at $49,260.
The review model added the options mentioned above as well as special, two-tone paint ($925), split roof spoiler ($200), and cargo net ($59) as well as the $1,350 delivery, processing and handling fee for a total of $53,883.
The bZ4X provides those looking for a compact SUV EV a reasonable price for a vehicle from a trusted brand – a great combination of features!
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