Overview
Toyota is poised to re-enter the electric vehicle segment with the 2022 bZ4X crossover, which boasts edgy styling that sets it apart from Toyota’s gasoline-powered SUVs. Unlike the last all-electric vehicle the company offered—the RAV4 EV—the bZ4X will be sold at Toyota dealerships nationwide. Both a front and all-wheel drive model will be offered, with the former said to deliver up to 250 miles of driving per charge. The production version of the bZ4X is expected to hit Toyota showrooms in mid-2022. When it does it will join a growing group of non-luxury EV SUVs which includes the Chevrolet Bolt EUV, the Ford Mustang Mach E, the Hyundai Kona Electric, the Kia Niro EV, the Tesla Model Y, and the Volkswagen ID.4.
What’s New for 2022?
The bZ4X will be an all-new vehicle and nameplate for the Toyota brand and we expect to see it in showrooms sometime in 2022.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
Toyota hasn’t said how much the bZ4X will cost, but we expect a starting price in the high $30,000-range with loaded models cresting the $40,000 mark. The entry-level model will be the XLE; the Limited will be decked out with more standard features. A less expensive LE trim may join the lineup later on. When we know more about pricing, features, options, and trims, we’ll update this story with details and provide a recommendation on which is the best buy.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
A front-wheel drive, single electric motor setup will be standard and offer 201 horsepower but an all-wheel drive version with two motors is available and boosts total power to 215 horsepower. According to Toyota, the all-wheel drive model is capable of a zero-to-62-mph time of 7.7 seconds. That’s not exactly Tesla territory but it puts the bZ4X in contention with the front-wheel drive variant of the Volkswagen ID.4. When we get a chance to test drive the bZ4X, we’ll update this story with driving impressions and test results.
Range, Charging, and Battery Life
The bZ4X will come with a 64.0-kWh battery pack that Toyota claims should deliver up to 250 miles of driving range per charge in the front-wheel drive model. Going with the more powerful, dual-motor all-wheel drive variant should drop range somewhat, but Toyota has not yet released details on that model. Fast charging will be standard and Toyota says that solar panels integrated into the bZ4X will capture enough energy for about 1000 miles of driving range per year.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
From photos, we can tell that the bZ4X will offer a more futuristic dashboard design than other Toyota models, with a digital gauge display, a large infotainment touchscreen, and a wide center console between the two front seats. The cabin looks spacious and similar in size to the RAV4, but we won’t know how accommodating it is until we get a chance to take a test drive.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Like several other Toyota models, the bZ4X will come standard with a suite of driver-assistance features including pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-keeping assist, and automated emergency braking. For more information about the bZ4X’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features are likely to include:
- Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Standard lane departure warning with lane-keeping assist
- Standard adaptive cruise control
As more information becomes available, we’ll update this story with more details about:
- Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
- Infotainment and Connectivity
- Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
