Toyota is the one major automaker manufacturer that has slow-walked electric vehicles. Instead, investing and benefiting from hybrid/plug-in technology.
The 2024 bZ4X crossover SUV is an exception. bZ4X is a battery-powered, all-electric, compact SUV that blends modern styling with tech-laden features in an extremely capable platform that benefits from all-wheel drive.
Available in XLE and Limited grades, it delivers all the fun of electric driving to the daily commute or next round of errands. Its smartly styled SUV package comes in a choice of front- or all-wheel drive, has seating for up to five, ample rear cargo space, and premium touches throughout.
The only downside, is the downside of all electric vehicles in general. Range. It is quoted of having more than 200 mile range. In the winter, with the heater, defrost, radio, lights, and windshield wipers needed, I was only able to muster 155 miles on a 90 per cent charge that took 60 minutes at the local Electrify America charging station. And I did that twice in the space of six days at a cost of almost $50.
To be fair, if you owned an electric vehicle, you would also own a Level 2 charger located on your garage. But that comes at a cost of a couple thousand dollars.
My tester, the Limited trim, came equipped with dual electric motors, and a lithium-ion traction battery that combine to generate 214 horsepower. One pedal driving is available with regenerative braking that marginally increases range. Acceleration and passing power are excellent.
Coupled with multi-terrain Select, the new AWD system with X-MODE can be used in two modes (Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud) to tackle slippery or uneven surfaces. In both modes, the system applies the brakes on spinning wheels to produce a limited-slip differential effect for additional traction.
Exterior features include 20-inch, multi-spoke alloy wheels, a “Black/Heavy Metal” coat of enamel, LED projector headlights, rain-sensing windshield wipers and a hands-free power lift gate.
The profile of the bZ4X is balanced and sleek, with dynamic character lines that flow from front to rear. The axis is lowered toward the tires to create a dynamically flowing silhouette that takes full advantage of the long wheelbase.
Creature comforts are luxurious and plentiful, more than enough to keep a holiday smile plastered on one’s face. My personal favorites were the heated front and rear seats, panoramic moonroof, an JBL premium audio system with nine speakers, amplified and subwoofer. Warm 106.9 FM holiday favorites wafted in the air with ear-pleasing clarity and volume.
Of course, there is plenty more where that came from. Other goodies in the bag included a 12.3-inch multi-media display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, Qi wireless phone charger, USB-A and four USB-C charge ports, and Soft-Trex trimmed seating.
Completing the bZ4X long list of attributes Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, Toyota’s latest suite of safety and driver assistance features. The goal of the suite is to help prevent or mitigate accidents and ease the burden on drivers. This system uses a combination of millimeter wave radar and monocular camera to monitor various driving conditions. This standard suite of features includes a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist. Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Tracing Assist, Automatic High Beams, Road Sign Assist, and Proactive Driving Assist.
Completing the package is a Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, both standard on all grades. Safe Exit Assist is also standard on bZ4X.
Base Price: $52,778
Price As Driven: $52,778
Destination charge is included in base price. Vehicles are provided by the manufacturer. List price may vary at local dealerships.
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