2023 BZ4X EV Comes Stateside with 250 Mile Range
Toyota's latest forthcoming model packs electric power in a funky package.
Change of Heart
For some time, Toyota resisted the EV movement, saying that it would continue to focus on hybrids and even hydrogen fuel cell-powered cars. Now, the giant automaker has finally ceded to the times, and is working on a number of new all-electric vehicles set to be released over the coming years. The latest is this - the 2023 BZ4X, which was recently revealed for the U.S. market.
Photos: Toyota
First of Many
The BZ4X shares its new e-TNGA platform with the upcoming Subaru Solterra - that automaker's very first EV - and is the first in a series of six future EV models that will be part of Toyota's "Beyond Zero" lineup. In terms of external size, the BZ4X is quite similar to the Toyota RAV4, while its wheelbase is identical to the Highlander.
Photos: Toyota
>>Join the conversation about the 2023 BZ4X EV right here in the Club Lexus Forum!
Two Variants
The BZ4X will be available in front- or all-wheel-drive, with single or dual electric motors at each end depending on the configuration. The FWD model features a 64.0 kWh lithium-ion battery that is expected to give it up to 250 miles of range with 201 horsepower on tap. Toyota didn't provide range estimates for its AWD model, but it will carry a larger 66 kWh battery with two electric motors and around 215 total horsepower.
Photos: Toyota
>>Join the conversation about the 2023 BZ4X EV right here in the Club Lexus Forum!
Conventional Cabin
The interior of the BZ4X is pretty much what one would expect from a modern EV, with a large 12.3-inch infotainment screen in the center of the dash along with a digital instrument cluster. What isn't present here is the yoke-style steering wheel spied in the international market version of the BZ4X, which has been replaced by a more conventional wheel.
Photos: Toyota
>>Join the conversation about the 2023 BZ4X EV right here in the Club Lexus Forum!
Solid Capacity
The BZ4X does not have a frunk, like most EVs these days, but it does offer a spacious rear cargo area and a flat floor that it promises will deliver plenty of storage and passenger space. Charging promises to be swift, going up to 80 percent in around an hour, while Toyota says the car's battery pack will retain 90 percent of its capacity over the course of 10 years.
Photos: Toyota
>>Join the conversation about the 2023 BZ4X EV right here in the Club Lexus Forum!
Unique Styling
As far as styling goes, the BZ4X clearly takes a big departure from the typical, conservative Toyota, with a youthful, funky aesthetic and a unique two-tone treatment covering sharp lines. Opinions on the way it looks, as is always the case with new vehicle styling, will vary greatly.
Photos: Toyota
>>Join the conversation about the 2023 BZ4X EV right here in the Club Lexus Forum!
Pricing and Availability
Regardless, the BZ4X will represent a big step forward from Toyota when it launches by the end of next summer. Toyota hasn't yet released pricing for its new EV, but we expect it to be competitive in this space with a starting MSRP somewhere in the mid to upper $30k range.
Photos: Toyota
>>Join the conversation about the 2023 BZ4X EV right here in the Club Lexus Forum!
Check out the how-to sections of ClubLexus.com for help keeping your car in great shape.