Toyota’s first electric vehicle is actually not the bZ4X. It was a Rav4 Electric back in the late 90’s. But this 2023 Toyota BZ4X is the company’s first electric vehicle that is going to be mass produced for many markets and not just California like the Rav4 EV. This new car will also preview Toyota’s future electric vehicles and what we can expect from one of the biggest car companies in the world. 

What’s in a Name?

The first thing that you may be wondering about this EV is the name. What does it mean? The BZ in bZ4X stands for “Beyond Zero” which represents the all-electric nature of the car, the 4 refers to the size (presumably there will be a bZ3 or a bZ5) and the X means that it is an SUV or crossover. 

Electric Power

This Toyota was co-developed with Subaru and their first EV, the Solterra. Like the Subaru, the Toyota bZ4X has a 72.8 kWh battery pack in the floor but that is for the AWD version. Front-wheel-drive versions of the Toyota have a slightly smaller 71.4 kWh battery pack. However, it is the FWD variants that have more driving range. An estimated 406 km vs 367 km for the AWD version. 

The FWD variants, which include the L and LE trim levels, have 201 hp and 196 lb-ft of torque. With the extra motor powering the back wheels, the XLE trim has 214 hp and 248 lb-ft of torque.  

The 2023 Toyota bZ4x feels like a normal gasoline powered crossover SUV to drive but with a tiny bit more pep in its acceleration. The electric motor provides instant torque the moment you put your foot on the accelerator pedal, whether it’s from a stop or when overtaking another vehicle on a highway. The bZ4x also has a smooth ride with the suspension being able to absorb the worst potholes that city streets throw at you. 

As for recharging the Toyota bZ4X, it’ll take approximately 7 to 11 hours to recharge from 0% to 100% from a level 2 charger (depending on the power of the charger that is). With a level 3 DC fast charger, it’ll take approximately 30 minutes to recharge from 10% to 80%. 

Feature Rich Interior

The bZ4X is a spacious crossover EV. In the front seats, there is a lot of space for tall adults. The back seats are also pretty spacious with enough legroom and headroom behind taller individuals. The back seats can fold 60/40 which allows for up to 1,611 L of space behind the front seats. 784 L of space with the rear seats up. 

The Toyota bZ4X feels thoroughly modern with a large 12.3-inch touchscreen (8-inch is standard), a full digital driver display, and a funky looking gear selector that is actually a dial. You just turn left or right to select drive or reverse and park is a button right above it. 

There’s also wireless Apple CarPlay & wireless Android Auto, a wireless phone charging pad, available surround view cameras, a large panoramic sunroof, heated seats all round with available ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel to name a few of the many features that are available.

The 2023 Toyota bZ4X is available now for you to experience at any one of our 5 OpenRoad Toyota locations throughout BC & Ontario.

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