Toyota is banking big on its all-new “Beyond Zero” EV vehicles which will eventually play a prominent role in the company’s green vehicle business. For now, we finally get to see what U.S. customers can come to expect with the U.S. version of the Toyota bZ4x.
Third Time’s The Charm For bZ4X
Unlike other new models which use an auto show to make their grand entrance, this is actually the third time that we have seen the bZ4x with this U.S. model being preceded by the original concept as well as its Japanese cousin which will incorporate a unique looking yoke for its steering wheel. U.S. regulations will force Toyota to use a conventional rounded wheel for our version but the interior will still retain some of the green-focused design that made the original concept stand out.
The exterior styling itself carries over the core elements from the concept with functional aerodynamics playing a big role in the EV’s design. The futuristic sheet metal is also hiding a platform dubbed e-TNGA that was developed in a collaborative effort with partner Subaru (the Solterra is Subie’s version of the bZ4x.) While the look of the bZ4x will certainly take some time to get used to, it does point towards a greener future while also giving the existing Prius range some possible internal competition too.
Single Electric Motor Powers Base Model, Dual Motor Setup Appears In Higher Models
Like the Solterra, the bZ4x will arrive with two performance options. Base models will come with a single electric motor that produces 201 hp and is mated to a front-wheel-drive configuration. Higher models get optional all-wheel drive and a second electric motor in the rear which allows that variant to produce a combined 214 hp with both motors contributing about half to the total.
While this small bump in performance may seem a bit paltry when compared to what you get in some other EVs, Toyota is focusing on maximum economy and mileage with the model, and as such a small price to pay in performance is to be expected especially with the relatively small size of the electric motors. That also translates to a 0 to 60 time of 8.4 seconds for the front-wheel-drive bZ and 7.7 seconds for the dual-motor version.
Regardless of which motor setup you choose, both models will have the same battery capacity with all models coming equipped with a 71.4 kWh battery pack that will allow the bZ4X to hit 250 miles on a single charge when the front-wheel-drive model is thrown into the mix (look for all-wheel-drive models to have less range.)
When Can I Buy A 2023 Toyota bZ4X?
Toyota is not ready to talk pricing for the 2023 bZ4X just yet and also didn’t dive into specifics surrounding the distribution of the model. but look for the EV to make its way to dealerships sometime this year. When ti does, customers will benefit from some pretty slick technology including over-the-air updates and even some of Toyota’s latest semi-automated driver-assist technologies.
Carl Malek has been an automotive journalist for over 10 years. First starting out as a freelance photographer before making the transition to writing during college, his work has appeared on numerous automotive forums as well as websites such as Autoshopper.com.
Carl is also a big fan of British vehicles with the bulk of his devotion going to the Morgan Motor Company as well as offerings from Lotus, MG, and Caterham. When he is not writing about automobiles, Carl enjoys spending time with his family and friends in the Metro Detroit area, as well as spending time with his adorable pets.