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After several years of lackluster sales performance (maybe due to its unoriginal and cumbersome model name), Toyota is rebranding its bZ4X electric SUV as the “BZ” and giving it more range, more power, and a cleaner cabin that fits modern expectations.
On social media, there has been a strong undercurrent supporting the Toyota bZ4X from folks who have noticed its value and from Toyota brand loyalists. Here’s a snippet from a long Reddit post.
Salt-Analysis1319 captures a common sentiment about the bZ4X that we’ve seen:
“The bZ4X has been selling surprisingly well despite the Internet almost unanimously dogging on it.
The new version seems to fix most of the problems with it, and the new CHR specs seem extremely good. If the price is right, I may make it my first EV.”
Lantec posted about seeing a lot of them in his city:
“Yeah, here in Vancouver, they are everywhere for personal use, taxis, etc. They seem to be popular. Most people in Vancouver don’t road trip that often, or need to drive huge distances because traffic is atrocious so idling in an ICE vs EV is quite a difference.”
BurritoLover2016 commented about a bargain used Toyota bZ4X:
“My brother-in-law bought a used one with like 8k miles on it for $23k. He’s able to charge at home so it was the perfect fit for him.”
FluidGate9972 stated his loyalty to the Toyota brand:
“To be honest, if Toyota had made EVs four years ago when I was shopping for a new car, I probably wouldn’t even have looked at other brands. I drove Toyota’s for over 10 years and I like their ergonomics, reliability, and cheap maintenance. They aren’t sexy, it just gets you from A to B reliably and safe, and that’s what I’m looking for.”
Positioning and Purpose
Toyota updated its electric crossover for 2026 and dropped the goofy “bZ4X” name. The new BZ aims to fix the shortcomings of the bZ4X by delivering more range, stronger performance, cleaner styling, and clearer branding. The goal is a mainstream EV that feels competitive with Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, and Ford Mustang Mach E.
Styling and Naming
Some exterior tweaks refine the hammerhead front end and simplify the face with cleaner details. The small blades within the headlights echo newer Toyota designs, while a simpler lower grille reads as more EV focused. The shorter BZ name improves clarity and avoids the alphanumeric confusion of the past name.
Batteries and Range
The BZ lineup is offered with two battery sizes. The larger 74.7-kilowatt hour pack targets up to 314 miles on XLE front wheel drive, with all-wheel drive versions rated near 278 miles. The smaller 57.7-kilowatt hour pack on XLE front wheel drive is estimated at about 235 miles. The spread makes daily commuting and road trips more realistic.
Powertrains and Performance
All-wheel drive models deliver about 338 horsepower with an estimated 0-to-60 mph in roughly 4.9 seconds. Front wheel drive versions make about 221 horsepower, which is still a notable bump over the previous model. Regenerative steering wheel paddles (left paddle Increases regeneration and right paddle decreases regeneration) allow quick adjustment of deceleration, which helps drivers tailor one pedal feel in traffic.
Charging and Ease of Use
Advertising
Toyota changed the charge port from CCS1 on the bZ4x to NACS (Tesla) on the BZ for simpler public charging. DC fast charging from 10% to 80% is targeted at about thirty minutes. Battery preconditioning was added to prepare the pack for faster charge rates.
A New Trim Level for Off Road
A new Woodland trim level focuses on light off road use. For this trim level, horsepower is raised to about 375, while range lands near 260 miles. Ground clearance reaches 8.3 inches, with available all terrain tires on 18-inch alloys that include removable covers. Towing capacity tops out at 3,500 pounds when properly equipped, and the body grows six inches to open cargo volume past 30 cubic feet.
Interior Design and Tech
A slimmer dashboard and reworked console create a more modern cabin. Dual side by side wireless phone chargers add convenience, while a heat pump improves cold weather efficiency. The standard audio system uses six speakers, with an available nine speaker JBL upgrade. Connectivity enables remote monitoring, a Wi-Fi hotspot, streaming services, and an optional digital key for phone-based access.
Safety and Driver Assistance
Lane change assist and traffic jam assist reduce workload on crowded commutes. Front cross traffic alert and a semi-automated self-parking system add ease of use in tight spaces. A digital instrument panel pairs with a 14-inch infotainment touchscreen, multiple camera views, and a digital rearview mirror for clear outward visibility.
Second Row Space and Cargo
Rear passengers get generous legroom, available heated outboard seats, twin vents, and two USB-C ports. The fold down armrest adds cup holders and a slot for devices, while a panoramic sunroof brightens the cabin. Cargo space measures 27.7 cubic feet in standard models, with underfloor storage, grocery hooks, and a household outlet, and the Woodland trim expands volume beyond 30 cubic feet.
Driving Character
The all-wheel drive model pulls strongly to highway speeds and feels effortless in daily use. Ride quality leans smooth and quiet with a slightly firm tune that keeps body motions in check. Handling remains oriented toward comfort rather than sport, and a wider turning circle requires a bit more space for tight maneuvers. The added range makes the BZ viable for city duty and longer trips.
The BZ and Its Subaru Cousin
The Toyota BZ and the Subaru Solterra are closely related, as they both ride on the e-TNGA (e-Toyota New Global Architecture) platform, a dedicated platform for battery electric vehicles jointly developed by Toyota and Subaru. They were developed jointly to share development costs and accelerate their respective carbon neutrality goals. While built on the same underlying platform, they feature Subaru’s distinct all-wheel-drive system and styling cues, and Toyota’s BZ offers front-wheel drive configurations.
Bottom Line
The standard BZ is expected to reach showrooms in the second half of 2025, with pricing to be announced closer to launch. The Woodland model is slated for early 2026, giving buyers a timeline to plan trim and feature choices. Charging is simpler, comfort features are richer, and the Woodland trim adds useful capability without sacrificing everyday ease. Handling remains tuned for calm rather than thrills, yet the overall package now belongs on shortlists for shoppers comparing the latest wave of electric crossovers.
Please Drop Your Thoughts in the Comments Below
If you owned a Toyota bZ4X, which single upgrade in the Toyota BZ fixes your biggest pain point and why?
If you cross shopped Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, Ford Mustang Mach E, and Toyota BZ, what sealed your decision?
Chris Johnston is the author of SAE’s comprehensive book on electric vehicles, “The Arrival of The Electric Car.” His coverage on Torque News focuses on electric vehicles. Chris has decades of product management experience in telematics, mobile computing, and wireless communications. Chris has a B.S. in electrical engineering from Purdue University and an MBA. He lives in Seattle. When not working, Chris enjoys restoring classic wooden boats, open water swimming, cycling and flying (as a private pilot). You can connect with Chris on LinkedIn and follow his work on X at ChrisJohnstonEV.
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Source: torquenews.com
