Seeking Relevance in the Future of EV SUVs
Toyota’s bZ4X represesnts a unique collaboration between two vehicle brands. It combines Toyota’s expertise in vehicle electrification with Subaru’s “outstanding AWD technologies.”
With a smooth and quiet ride, bZ4X feels and handles much like other Toyota SUVs. Its closest comparison is the RAV4. And like all Toyotas, bZ4X scores high on advanced driver aids with the standard Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 package.
AWD bZ4X is Subaru-Inspired
A front-wheel-drive, single 150 kW-motor is standard on bZ4X. Our tester was the dual 80KW-motor AWD version. The AWD bZ4X also benefits from the Subaru-inspired AWD technology. Each individual wheel turns independently to provide enhanced control and peace of mind. And like the Subaru sibling, Toyota’s EV SUV has an elevated ride height and raised ground clearance, further adding to its light off-road capabilities.
Rated at 214 hp and 248 lb-ft. it ranks average performance-wise against its competition with a respectable zero to 600 mph just over 6 seconds. Others beat it in driving range, with the bZ4x AWD estimated to go 222-miles (160 highway). Range is only slightly improved on the single engine bZ4X. Regenerative braking can be augmented via a button on the center console to maximize battery life.
2023 bZ4X has a starting MSRP of $42K. With the upgraded powertrain and the Limited trim, our tester’s tag was just over $52K. The Limited trim enhances the safety suite by adding a few more items like the upgraded rearview camera with dynamic guidelines as well as a 360 degree all around view camera system. It also featured all the options exclusive to its Limited trim—a nine-speaker JBL audio system, Weather Package adding heated rear seats and front radiant foot and leg warmers, and split rear roof spoiler. The final price also includes special color, two-tone paint, upgraded floor mats and delivery.
Sharing the same platform as the bZ4X, Subaru’s Solterra SUV also shares many of the same selling points and drawbacks.
But with bZ4X and Solterra marking both brand’s first EV intro in the U.S., both brands will benefit as their EV lineups expand. Toyota plans to add another six battery-electric vehicles under the new “bZ” moniker. Subaru has pledged to add another three EV models by 2026 and four more by the end of 2028.
Up next?– Retain all these selling points in an all-electric future.
The popularity of Subaru’s Crosstrek is an example of value engineering, AWD technology and off-road capability that Subaru brings to the table in the collaboration with Toyota.
Our first drives of the Toyota bZ4X and 2024 Subaru Crosstrek were at the Texas Auto Writers’ Annual Auto Roundup. See the vehicles it competed with.
Together, both automakers now work to bring their loyal enthusiasts into an all-electric future.
Toyota states that its brand that is synonymous with QDR (Quality, Durability& Reliability) with a strong focus on safety. It pledges to keep their customers’ minds at peace while also getting their hearts racing with cars that incite “Waku Doki,” a Japanese word which means “intense adrenaline rush.” Similarly, Subaru has also gathered a wide and very dedicated customer base by designing safe AWD vehicles with long lifespans with unique off-road prowess.
Test Driving More EVs from Mercedes and Genesis. Read our recent article.
