Midsize, battery-electric bZ4X SUV to have expected range of 250 miles and will go on sale in mid-2022
The 2023 Toyota bZ4X is scheduled to go on sale in mid-2022 in front- or all-wheel-drive trim levels. Front-drive models have a driving range of 250 miles. (Photos courtesy of Toyota)
Table of Contents
bZ4X Architecture
bZ4X Features
Safety Systems
Intuitive Technologies
bXZ4X Pricing
The Future of EVs
EV Intention Study
bZ4X Specifications
Is the recent spike in gasoline prices an incentive or a barrier for motorists to shift to an electric vehicle? It’s complicated, says one industry expert, and the time it takes to charge has become a major issue.
Toyota was in San Diego County the week before Thanksgiving for an expansive “e-volution” electrified event for automotive media. It was a deep dive to layout Toyota’s plan for electric and electrified vehicles, fuel cells and to introduce its next EV, the bZ4X, a partnership with Subaru.
Toyota plans to introduce 15 battery-electric vehicles for North America, including seven new Toyota bZ EV models by 2025. Launched under the global “Toyota bZ” brand umbrella, the bZ4X will be the first model in the bZ series. “BZ” stands for “beyond Zero.” Globally, Toyota says it will debut around 70 electrified models by 2025. The corporate plan is to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
Toyota and Subaru jointly developed the midsize bZ4X. The partnership leverages Toyota’s strength in vehicle electrification while Subaru contributes its expertise in all-wheel-drive technologies.
The Toyota bZ4X is expected to go on sale in late spring 2022 as a 2023 model. The five-seat, five-door SUV will be sold initially in at least two front-wheel-drive trim levels with optional all-wheel drive.
Subaru has also just revealed its version of the bZ4X called the Subaru Solterra, Latin words for “sun” and “earth.” The Solterra has minor exterior changes and is also expected to go on sale in mid-2022.
Toyota’s electrified lineup of vehicles, in total, accounts for more than 40 percent of all alternative powertrain vehicles sold in the U.S. Toyota sells almost a dozen electrified models, including the hydrogen fuel-cell Mirai sedan, hybrids (including the 2022 Tundra full-size pickup), plug-in hybrids and now the bZ4X. In addition, Lexus, the luxury division of Toyota, currently markets six hybrid models.
Headroom might be limiting to tall drivers, but legroom is substantial.
bZ4X Architecture
The bZ4X is built on Toyota’s e-TNGA BEV-dedicated platform. The new vehicle is close in size and styling to the Toyota Venza hybrid but on a longer wheelbase. The 112.2-inch wheelbase provides length for the skateboard-style battery and electrical components.
The liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery pack is stored flat under the floor, which gives the vehicle a low center of gravity. Cross-bracing of the battery-pack housing is designed to withstand a collision from any angle.
With an AC synchronous electric generator mounted at the front axle, the front-drive powerplant has 201 horsepower. Front-drive models have a maximum output of 150 kW, or 160 kW with AWD.
The drive battery has 355 total voltage and total power of 71.4 kWh, increasing to 72.8 kWh for AWD.
Toyota cites a driving range of up to 250 miles for front-drive models; AWD range will be announced later. And Toyota has targeted battery-capacity retention of 90 percent after 10 years of ownership.
There were few details on charging times or any onboard charging equipment. But Toyota did say that using a public high-output charger would restore an 80 percent charge in less than an hour.
For comparison, the 2021 VW ID.4 (rear-wheel-drive only) is slightly smaller with a 201-hp motor and lithium-ion battery. The ID.4 has a driving range of 250-260 miles, but it is heavier by 327 pounds. In addition, Volkswagen says the 11 kW onboard charger allows the ID.4 to charge to full in about 7.5 hours at a home or public Level 2 charger.
The unique instrument panel design and infotainment screen expand the cabin’s feeling of space, Toyota says.
bZ4X Features
Toyota calls the bZ4X design theme “hi-tech and emotional.” The exterior is sleek and maximized for aerodynamics. The interior takes advantage of an open concept without a gas-powered vehicle’s protruding transmission base between the front seats. Instead, there is a spacious open area under the center shift console.
The steep rake of the windshield might limit entry headroom for some big-and-tall drivers, but legroom appears quite lengthy. The wide cabin, 59.6 inches, provides an open feel and generous shoulder room, Toyota says. And soundproofing glass and wind-noise reduction features create a quiet refuge.
Drivers will immediately notice the uniquely shaped, yoke-style steering wheel. The steering-by-wire system eliminates the need for a circular wheel for hand-over-hand turning, Toyota says. Instead, the “wheel” only turns 150 degrees from side to side, so the driver does not need to take a hand from the wheel. (Some reviewers have said that Toyota will offer a traditional wheel for those who aren’t ready for the change.)
Steering-by-wire has no mechanical connection to the wheels, which eliminates road vibrations.
Dimensions for back-seat space were not disclosed, but Toyota says there is “abundant legroom for front and rear seats as well as copious side-to-side space in the rear.”
Also new:
- An optional solar recharging system for cabin functions;
- Heat pump system for heating and air-conditioning;
- Front-seat radiant foot-and-leg heater (a first for Toyota).
The bZ4X navigation system uses map information from the cloud to obtain traffic information and parking space availability in real-time.
X-Mode All-Wheel drive
Subaru’s most notable contribution to the bZ4X is the all-wheel-drive system with X-Mode. The system is suited for everything from daily driving to light off-roading, Toyota says. A standout feature of the AWD system is Grip-Control.
The five-stage software program works in addition to the all-wheel-drive system.
Among its capabilities is to use lower gear ratios to generate extra power at the wheels that have grip. In addition, the X-Mode system makes the traction control system extra sensitive so that it intervenes earlier during wheel slippage. And the system works with Hill Descent Control for added braking on steep slopes.
The inward curve of the front bumper is distinctive to the bZ4X.
bZ4X Safety Systems
bZ4X will be the first to feature the latest Toyota Safety Sense safety package (TSS 3.0). This system has an expanded detection range of the millimeter-wave radar and monocular camera.
The pre-collision system now provides low-light cyclist detection, daytime motorcyclist detection, and guardrail detection. Also, lane recognition was improved while in lane-tracing-assist mode.
The rear trapezoidal design theme emphasizes a powerful stance.
bXZ4X Intuitive Technologies
With a Drive Connect trial or subscription, the bZ4X offers navigation that uses map information from the cloud to obtain traffic information and parking space availability in real-time.
A digital key function allows owners to lock, unlock, and start the vehicle with a smartphone. Digital keys can also be handed over between smartphones for family and friends to borrow and lend vehicles remotely.
Other features of the trial subscription include over-the-air (wireless) software updates. Without scheduling a dealership appointment, the updates might be for performance, the Safety Sense system, or the multimedia system, Toyota says.
The extended center console has storage space below.
bXZ4X Pricing
Toyota plans to produce the Toyota bZ4X in Japan and China. The bZ4X is scheduled to go on sale in the U.S. in late spring 2022. Pricing will be announced closer to the on-sale date but expect the starting MSRPs to range from around $37,000 to $45,000.
To stay up to date on bZ4X, visit the bZ4X upcoming vehicle page. www.toyota.com/upcoming-vehicles/bZ4X.
Back-seat-space dimensions were not disclosed, but Toyota says there is “copious side-to-side space.”
The Future of EVs
The federal government is aiming for EVs to represent half of U.S. new-vehicle sales by 2030, according to a recent report in Automotive News. That compares with 1.9 percent last year, according to Edmunds.
And automakers have laid out their own goals. For example, Volvo plans to fully electrify its lineup by 2030. General Motors is working toward a zero-emission light-vehicle lineup by 2035. And Volkswagen has said nearly all of its vehicles will be emission-free by 2040.
Among the mainstream family-size EV choices will be the upcoming Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV9 (in addition to the current Kia EV6), Mustang Mach-e, Tesla Model Y, and VW ID.4.
Wide and square cargo space is expandable with the 60/40 folding back seat.
$5 Gasoline
Automakers can provide a functional electric vehicle, but will consumers pay the price?
On my I-5 interstate drive north to the Toyota media event in Encinitas, Calif., I passed a Chevron station at the La Costa Avenue exit. It advertised premium fuel (“supreme”) for $5.15 a gallon, regular unleaded was $4.85, and midgrade fuel was $4.99.
Granted, this Chevron is just off Interstate 5, so prices, of course, are higher than what a motorist can find in a neighborhood station. And there were news reports $6 and higher per-gallon prices in Los Angeles and Orange County, just up the coast.
Noting the heavy flow of midday, midweek traffic on the I-5, it does not appear that drivers are throttling back on speed or the amount of driving to conserve fuel and money.
When using a public high-output charger, the battery can be restored to an 80 percent charge in less than an hour.
EV Intention Study
During past fuel-price spikes, industry pundits speculated that it would take $5-a-gallon gas for motorists to consider buying an electric vehicle. But the cost of everything has increased substantially since the 2012 spike, which set the all-time average high of $4.72 per gallon in the San Diego area.
Fuel prices now are probably not the highest motivator to move motorists to EVs, said George Peterson, president of AutoPacific, an automotive research firm in Tustin, Calif.
AutoPacific has just completed a comprehensive EV study that looks at EV owners and their satisfaction with their EVs. The study also focused on EV considerers and what they want in their future EV.
“We have been studying EV intention since 2005. From 2005 through 2019, consideration fluctuated between 2 percent and 5 percent,” Peterson said in an email. “In 2020, intention bumped up to 6 percent, and 2021 intention has risen again, now to 9 percent. This bodes well for the future of EVs, but not to the extent that the market will support the 130-plus new EV entries we will see through 2026.
“Remember, the median price of a new vehicle in the U.S. is around $37,000 now, so the EV premium is something that may be a minor issue with buyers. However, we still see time to charge as a major issue,” Peterson said.
“When we started looking at EVs, it appeared that a minimum range of 225 miles was required,” Peterson said. “Now, most new EVs are exceeding 225 miles, and many are overachieving by a substantial amount. So, time to charge might be the biggest hurdle.
“Very few American drivers have actually driven an EV yet,” Peterson said. “They don’t know the thrill of instant torque or how fun an EV can be to drive. The enthusiasts who pine for a throaty exhaust note will get over it in time.”
A lightweight body structure is partially made of high-tensile steel and reinforced frame components around the battery pack.
Toyota bZ4X Specifications
Body style: 5-seat, 5-door midsize SUV, with front- or all-wheel drive
Motor type: AC synchronous electric generator
Battery type: Lithium-ion
Total power: 201 hp, 71.4 kWh VWD; 72.8 kWh AWD
Driving range: Up to 250 miles with FWD; AWD TBD
Maximum output (front motor): 150 kW 80 kW
0-62 mph acceleration: 8.4 seconds, FWD; 7.7 seconds, AWD
BY THE NUMBERS
Length/wheelbase: 184.6/112.2 in.
Height/width: 64.9 in. (inc. antenna)/ 73.2 in.
Curb weights: 4,232 FWD, 4,420 AWD lbs.
Turning circle: 37.6 ft.
Where assembled: Japan
