Maybe you’ve never heard of the bZ4X. But soon, plenty of Toyotas will bear the ‘bZ’ name.
bZ stands for “beyond zero” and reflects Toyota’s dedication to the environment. Toyota wants to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 — which is why seven more bZ vehicles will be released by 2025. But that all starts with today’s 2023 bZ4X, a fully electric SUV engineered with the earth and the driver in mind. It has two models — the XLE and the Limited, both with available all-wheel drive. The bZ4X will be available at dealerships this year, but let’s look at its advanced technologies ahead of time.
An electric-driven mindset
Tired of paying precious dollars at the pump? With the bZ4X, you can finally forego the gas station — and still drive hundreds of miles at a time.
For example, the XLE FWD can go up to 252 miles on a full charge. And according to the EPA, you can save as much as $5,000 in fuel costs over five years. This approach doesn’t sacrifice power, either, with both bZ4X models providing more than 200 hp.
You don’t have to worry about learning where and how to charge if you're new to electric vehicles. The Toyota App has a map to find charging stations nearby or on your route. Plus, drivers who purchase or lease a new bZ4X get one year of unlimited complimentary charging at all EVgo-owned and operated public charging stations!
You're also in luck if you'd prefer to charge at home. New bZ4X owners can merge the cost of a ChargePoint home charging system into their purchase or lease. This charger has a 23-foot cable, can be installed indoors or outdoors, and is ENERGY STAR® certified and Wi-Fi enabled. You can enjoy a fully charged battery the next day when plugged in overnight!
Remote Connect provides even more charging options from the convenience of your phone. This subscription lets you check the vehicle’s charging status, start or stop charging with a plugged-in vehicle, and set an automatic charging schedule. Powering your car has never been so easy — or so convenient!
A spacious and comfortable cabin
The bZ4X’s exterior is no slouch. It’s nearly 4 inches longer than the RAV4, aerodynamically slim, and comes in colors like Heavy Metal, Black, Elemental Silver Metallic, Supersonic Red, and Wind Chill Pearl.
But where the bZ4X stands out from other SUVs, electric or not, is in its spacious interior. Its front seats offer 3.5 feet of legroom, and its back seats have 3 feet. Behind the second row, the trunk can hold almost 28 cubic feet of storage, or six large moving boxes!
The cabin is comfortable in other ways, too. Soundproof glass and wind-noise reduction design help quiet rumbly roads. The available fixed panoramic roof can open the cabin to outside sun and sights, but if the light is too bright, the power sunshade will handle it.
The bZ4X knows how to warm you up on a chilly day if you live in a cold climate. Seat, steering wheel, and even front seat foot-and-leg heaters are all available – a Toyota first.
And we can’t forget about style! The XLE has black SofTex® or fabric-trimmed seats, and the Limited has SofTex®-trimmed seats in black or light gray. SofTex® is a Toyota-created artificial leather that generates 85% fewer carbon emissions during its creation than conventional synthetic leather.
An intuitive multimedia system
With the bZ4X, you aren’t just getting a new vehicle. You’re also getting Toyota’s new intelligent multimedia system.
Standard with a 12.3-inch screen, drivers can interact with the system through touch and voice. With an included three-year trial to Drive Connect, a simple “Hey Toyota” will awaken the voice recognition system. Then you’re free to search for directions, find points of interest like home or work, adjust the audio and cabin temperature levels, and more.
With a subscription to Cloud Navigation, you’ll have access to up-to-date map, traffic, and routing information. And if you need extra help, don’t fret — Destination Assist can connect you to a live human agent 24/7 to help you find your next stop.
That’s not where Connected Services end, though. bZ4X owners get free trials to three more services — Safety Connect, Service Connect, and Remote Connect.
Safety Connect comes with a 1-year service trial and includes:
- An Emergency Assistance Button
- 24/7 Enhanced Roadside Assistance
- Automatic Collision Notification
- Stolen Vehicle Locator
- Collision Assistance
Service Connect comes with a 3-year service trial and includes:
- Vehicle Health Reports
- Maintenance alerts
- Maintenance scheduling reminders
Finally, Remote Connect comes with a 3-year service trial. Through the Toyota Remote Connect App on a smartphone or smartwatch, you can do the following from any location:
- Activate headlight, horn, buzzer, and rear hatch opening
- Control in-cabin temperature, steering wheel heater, and defroster
- Use Digital Key, a Limited grade-only feature, to lock, unlock, and start the vehicle
The multimedia system hasn’t forgotten its roots, though. You can still connect your phone to the vehicle through Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ and get a SiriusXM® Platinum Plan 3-month trial subscription. But with a new available subscription to Wi-Fi Connect, you can log in to your Apple Music® and Amazon Music subscriptions from the multimedia touchscreen itself — no phone needed! Wi-Fi Connect also offers 4G connectivity for up to five devices, turning your vehicle into a mobile hotspot.
A state-of-the-art safety system
TSS 3.0 takes what TSS 2.5 did and improves upon it. The pre-collision system now includes Low-Light Cyclist Detection, Daytime Motorcyclist Detection, and Guardrail Detection for extra precautions on the road. Lane Tracing Assist also has upgraded sensors for improved functionality.
Blind Spot Monitor is standard on the bZ4X and now includes Safe Exit Assist, a Toyota first. This system looks out for approaching rear vehicles that could hit an open door or an exiting passenger. If it senses anything, the system will make a noise and flash a warning indicator on the side-view mirror. The Limited grade gives you even more safety options, like an available Bird’s Eye View Camera with Perimeter Scan and Curb View.
Also new is the bZ4X’s AWD system with X-MODE®, which works to keep your ride safe and smooth. X-MODE® has two options to tackle slippery and uneven surfaces: Snow/Dirt and Snow/Mud. Snow/Dirt mode improves traction on slippery dirt surfaces, while Snow/Mud mode works best on unpaved and bumpy roads.
The system has two other control mechanisms, too. Downhill Assist Control keeps you at a constant speed while driving downhill so you can concentrate on steering, and Grip-Control helps you turn corners on rough roads without slipping.
Long-lasting warranties
Like other Toyotas, the bZ4X comes with a 36-month/36,000-mile basic new-vehicle warranty, which applies to everything but normal wear and maintenance. It also comes with ToyotaCare, a plan that covers factory-scheduled maintenance for two years or 25,000 miles and includes 24-hour roadside assistance for three years.
But the bZ4X also has other warranties that other Toyotas may lack, like the Electric Vehicle Driving Components, which cover 8 years or 100,000 miles. Additional 60-month warranties also cover the powertrain for 60,000 miles — and corrosion is covered with no limit.