The Toyota bZ4X has been making waves in the electric SUV market, and as someone who spends their days elbows deep in engines and wires at cardiagxpert.com, I was keen to get behind the wheel and see what it’s really like. This isn’t just another city slicker EV; I wanted to test its mettle beyond the tarmac, especially with the all-wheel-drive (AWD) version. Living with a driveway that challenges even the most determined postal worker, the AWD Vision trim seemed like the perfect candidate for a thorough review.
What immediately surprised me about the bZ4X is its unexpected off-road prowess. Unlike some of its competitors that merely hint at adventure, the bZ4X demonstrates genuine capability when the pavement ends. I took it on a trail that frankly, I approached with skepticism. However, it confidently navigated the terrain, far exceeding my initial expectations for what is essentially a road-focused EV. While it’s not going to challenge a Land Cruiser on extreme trails, for those needing extra traction on slippery surfaces or light off-road conditions, the bZ4X is surprisingly competent. Even on standard road tires, it powered through a muddy track that had me questioning whether we might need a tractor for extraction. The farmer who owned the land even admitted she was preparing to pull us out, surprised to see us emerge unscathed at the other end.
Engaging the off-road systems is refreshingly simple. Forget complicated levers and dials; the bZ4X features an ‘X-Drive’ button. Engage it, and the car takes over, managing power distribution like a low-speed cruise control for challenging terrain. The computer intelligently directs power where it’s needed, maintaining composure and traction even in tricky situations.
The AWD system doesn’t just enhance off-road grip; it also adds a fun element to on-road driving. Interestingly, Toyota has opted not to boost the power output for the AWD version compared to its Lexus counterpart (likely referring to the Lexus RZ, which shares a platform). The dual motors in the bZ4X AWD deliver a combined 215bhp. While this figure might seem modest compared to something like a Tesla Model Y AWD with its 507bhp, in real-world driving, it’s more than adequate. The bZ4X achieves a brisk 0-60 mph time of 6.9 seconds, making it surprisingly quick and enjoyable to drive. It definitely offers a sportier driving feel than other EVs in its class, such as the Nissan Ariya, which we’ve also spent considerable time with. On the motorway, the bZ4X proves to be a comfortable and refined cruiser, eating up miles with ease.
When comparing the bZ4X to the Nissan Ariya, particularly in terms of interior quality, some interesting points emerge. Both vehicles are similarly equipped, but the Ariya presents a more overtly luxurious ambiance. However, in the bZ4X, while the overall design might not be as visually striking, the tactile quality of materials is undeniable. Close your eyes and run your hands over the surfaces – everything feels substantial and well-made. This tactile impression suggests a durability and longevity that is synonymous with the Toyota brand. One gets the sense that the interior will withstand the test of time and continue to feel solid and function flawlessly years down the line. However, opening your eyes reveals a design that some might find less inspiring. One of my colleagues on the Electrifying team jokingly likened it to a van interior. While I wouldn’t go quite that far, the interior aesthetic is arguably functional rather than overtly stylish. The abundance of piano black trim, while intended to add a touch of sophistication, becomes a magnet for fingerprints, detracting from the overall impression.
The layout of the interior controls also feels somewhat haphazard. The scattered placement of switches necessitates consulting the owner’s manual to decipher their functions – a minor frustration, especially for those of us who prefer intuitive ergonomics. The door unlock button on the driver’s side door deserves particular mention. Its lack of illumination makes it difficult to locate in the dark, requiring either shifting into ‘Park’ to automatically unlock the doors or fumbling around in the dark in the hope of finding the correct switch.
Despite these ergonomic quirks, the doors themselves exude a sense of quality. The solid, reassuring ‘thunk’ they produce upon closing is remarkably satisfying, almost overshadowing any criticisms of the interior design or switch placement. This tangible sense of robustness hints at the underlying engineering integrity of the bZ4X.
In conclusion, the Toyota bZ4X Vision AWD, priced at £54,410 (with optional extras like Dark Blue paint at £645 and a panoramic roof at £540), presents a compelling package. It blends surprising off-road capability with a comfortable on-road driving experience. While the interior design might not win awards for flair, the underlying quality and robust build are distinctly Toyota. There are definitely areas for improvement, particularly in interior ergonomics and design, which I’ll be compiling into a list of suggestions for Toyota engineers in the coming weeks. Stay tuned for more on the bZ4X as I continue to put it through its paces.
