Manufactured goods names are supposed to be memorable, even catchy. Consumers should recall a product’s name and associate it with something good, interesting, or exciting, and ultimately purchasable.
But that is not what you have with the Toyota bZ4X, this brand’s first all-electric vehicle not involving hydrogen. The name is forgettable, the product is okay, but the main takeaway here is that Toyota should have just stuck with their hybrids.
2025 Toyota bZ4X Overview
Our first contact with the Toyota bZ4X was at a press event in Texas in 2022. Media were invited to Toyota’s US headquarters to evaluate various Toyota vehicles. Among them was the bZ4X although admittedly, this reporter drove it last and only for a few miles. There were too many other exciting models to evaluate.
In early 2025, a bZ4X was included in my press fleet rotation. This finally provided me with the opportunity to drive one, with plans to undertake extensive travel while maintaining a charged vehicle. Although I initially intended to travel significant distances, I kept my journeys regionally, ensuring that I charged the vehicle at my home base.
We will examine all this later but first let us look at what Toyota is offering with the 2025 bZ4X.
This small SUV is the size of Toyota’s wildly popular RAV4, a model our household has purchased three times over the past 20 years. The RAV4 is available in gas, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid configurations, with the bZ4X holding the all-electric mantle.
Toyota offers the bZ4X with standard front-wheel drive or available all-wheel drive. It comes in XLE ($37,070), Nightshade ($40,420), and Limited ($41,800) editions.
Add $1,395 for the mandatory delivery charge. The first and third trims come with standard front-wheel drive, while the Nightshade is all-wheel drive only.
We utilized Toyota’s configurator to equip the top-trim model with all available features, resulting in an out-the-door price of $47,380. It should be noted that the $7,500 federal tax credit applicable to US-built models is not available for this Japanese-sourced vehicle.
However, there are indications that Toyota may absorb this amount when leasing, though this might not be a universal practice. In any case, state and local incentives may still be available where applicable.
Toyota bZ4X Styling
The BZ4X has design elements like the Toyota RAV4, but it follows a more mechanical design approach. The front fascia is not anonymous; instead, there is a narrow upper grille that mostly connects the LED lights on either side. Below this, there is covered body cladding with a lower grille opening at its base.
The test model featured a two-tone paint scheme with black cladding on the corners, wheel wells, roof, rocker panels, and lower fasciae. An observer remarked positively on its contemporary appearance. While it attracts attention, its design may not appeal to everyone. Stick with the single-color scheme if that describes you.
Roomy, Modern Interior
The Toyota bZ4X features a modern and minimalist interior designed for comfort and sustainability. It seats up to five passengers with a spacious cabin that provides generous legroom, particularly at the rear, thanks to its long wheelbase.
The front seats are well-bolstered and available with heating and ventilation on higher trims, while rear passengers benefit from a flat floor that enhances comfort for the middle-seat occupant. The driver’s seat is positioned for excellent visibility, with a high-mounted digital instrument cluster designed to minimize distractions.
Toyota has incorporated eco-friendly materials throughout the cabin, with soft-touch plastics and fabric trim on the dashboard and door panels. Higher trims feature SofTex synthetic leather upholstery, which offers both durability and easy maintenance. The dashboard has a unique textured fabric trim that adds a modern touch, while the center console is finished in gloss black with metallic accents.
A rotary gear selector and multiple storage compartments add to the practicality of the design. An available fixed panoramic glass roof further enhances the sense of openness, bringing in more natural light to create an airy and inviting cabin.
Technology Suite
The 2025 Toyota bZ4X comes packed with plenty of tech to keep drivers connected and entertained. Front and center is a 12.3-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen, offering wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ for seamless smartphone integration.
The standard six-speaker audio system delivers crisp sound, but those looking for an upgrade can opt for the available JBL® Premium Audio System with nine speakers.
Keeping devices charged is easy with multiple USB-C ports and a Qi-compatible wireless charging pad. Plus, the bZ4X offers a Digital Key feature, allowing drivers to use their smartphones to lock, unlock, and start the vehicle.
We made clever use of the touchscreen without touching it. By uttering, “Hey, Toyota,” the system replies, “what do you want?” From there, you can manage the audio system, adjust the climate, get driving directions, and receive feedback on the vehicle system. We used it extensively to tune into the audio system.
It works best on finding XM stations but struggles to locate specific local AM/FM stations. Yes, we still use local stations for news and music choices – FM 89.7, the Classical Station, anyone?
Safety Features
Toyota consistently makes a name for itself in all matters of safety. Typically, their vehicles score well in crash tests. Add in their Toyota Safety Sense umbrella of driver-assist goodies and this vehicle has you covered.
One noticeable and annoying feature was the instrument panel reminder. Not a few times I was messaged to keep my eyes on the road. That typically happened when I kept my eyes on the passenger side mirror in heavy traffic, making sure I was not side clipped. On occasion the system told me to sit up straight!
I am not sure why I got that message as I do not slouch while driving. Then again, I dropped the steering wheel as low as it could go, fooling the system into interpreting my posture incorrectly. Trust me, I am no slouch.
The 2025 Toyota bZ4X comes equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, a suite of advanced driver assistance features designed to enhance safety and convenience. This system includes the Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Automatic High Beams, Road Sign Assist, and Lane Tracing Assist.
Most drivers should find these features welcome even if some of the alerts seem a bit overbearing.
On the Road
The Toyota bZ4X behaves like just like every other EV on the road: it is quiet, composed, and comfortable. We simply recommend keeping it as close to a full charge possible, as the driving range is not impressive.
Certainly, our all-wheel drive test model had the lowest range – when fully charged we could never get it past 205 miles. At that range, you may run out of juice faster than expected. Fortunately, between the screen interface and your favorite apps, finding a charging station should not be much of a hassle.
Choose the standard front-wheel drive model and this one delivers 201 horsepower and 196 pound-feet of torque. Opt for all-wheel drive and you will achieve upwards of 214 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque.
If these numbers seem modest, they are. Like the competing Volkswagen ID.4, the bZ4X is geared toward efficiency. For more power, look at upper trim versions of the Ford Mustang Mach-E. But keep this in mind: the more power on hand, the quicker the battery depletes.
We enjoyed brisk acceleration when we needed it. The bZ4X zips around with ease, tires squealing under hard acceleration. Direct steering and adroit handling are hallmarks of most EVs – this electric Toyota does not disappoint.
Take your foot off the accelerator and the bZ4X immediately begins to brake. Captured kinetic energy transfers to the electric battery pack, thereby increasing range. We witnessed this a few times where the range went up by a mile while driving instead of continuing steadily downward.
The 2025 Toyota bZ4X offers different tire sizes by trim. For example, the XLE trim has 18-inch alloy wheels with 235/60R18 tires, while the Limited trim features 20-inch wheels with 235/50R20 tires. EVs wear out tires faster; rotate them more often and accelerate gently to extend their life. Check your owner’s manual for details.
One notable feature of the bZ4X is its comfortable ride. The heavy battery pack provides a significant advantage in this regard. Compared to the similar-size RAV4, the bZ4X offers a smooth ride. It effectively absorbs most bumps, ensuring a composed driving experience.
Competitive Set
The Toyota bZ4X shares its platform with the Subaru Solterra. While Toyota supplied the architecture, Subaru delivered the all-wheel-drive system. Or at least they had the upper hand in developing it. There is a luxury variant of this vehicle as well, marketed as the Lexus RZ. Now, that is a memorable product name!
The field for small all-electric SUVs is now a crowded one. The Tesla Model Y is the category leader. You will also find models such as the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Volkswagen ID.4, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and the Kia EV6. Other models to consider include the Chevrolet Equinox EV, Honda Prologue, and the Nissan ARIYA.
Concluding Thoughts
The Toyota bZ4X achieves what it set out to do and that is to offer the automaker its first true all-electric model. That said, it seems outcompeted in the segment.
Furthermore, the company’s dominance in all things hybrid just does not translate to the EV market. That is likely to change, but for now the bZ4X earns no better than an average grade from us.
Interior photos courtesy of Toyota. Other photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine. All rights reserved.
Matt is a member of the Washington Automotive Press Association and is a contributor to various print and online media sources including NAPA, CarsDirect, CapitalOne, and Driven Autos.
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