Toyota bZ4X review: Is the firm’s first modern EV worth the £43,000 starting price?

From driving range to practicality, Vicki Butler-Henderson lifts the lid on Toyota’s new all-electric SUV. Keep reading to find out if it’s a segment leader, or just another also-ran.

As a pioneer of hybrid vehicles — most notably, the enduringly successful Prius — you would think Toyota might have been quicker to show their hand in the all-electric space. Afterall, nearly every major manufacturer now has some form of e-SUV on their roster.

But better late than never, right? Well, Vicki’s on the fence when it comes to the Bz4X’s styling. There’s no denying that the mishmash of sharp angles and contrasting body cladding makes this SUV stand out, though you’d struggle to call in conventionally handsome. However, this unusual form does reap practical benefits in the shape of a spacious interior and a handy 452-litre boot — big enough for three large suitcases or two mountain bikes with the seats folded flat.

What’s more, the interior is as comforting as it is functional. Toyota says the cabin has been designed to mimic the ambiance of a living room, which makes sense given the array of rounded edges and soft-touch fabrics. Moreover, the ergonomics have been carefully considered to ensure you find the optimal driving position between the adjustable steering column and central armrest. Oh, and don’t think Toyota saved all the quirky design cues for the exterior: Vicki argues that the futuristic gauges make you feel “like Luke Skywalker at the helm of his X wing fighter”.

Does this spaceship vibe carry over to the driving experience? Not exactly, but the range-topping all-wheel drive model is surprisingly perky when you put your foot down. With nearly 220 bhp and a 0-60 mph time of 6.9 seconds, it’s brisk enough for most drivers. However, if you value driving range over outright performance, the entry-level front-wheel drive model loses some oomph to gain 58 miles, for a total range of 317 miles.
 
Whichever model you pick, though, the handling is remarkably agile thanks to some clever suspension work, while the ride comfort doesn’t suffer as a result. In fact, according to Vicki, the bZ4X feels “hatchback like” to drive, despite a near 2000 kg kerbweight. There’s even some off-road potential if you opt for the all-wheel drive variant. Thanks to a collaboration with Subaru, there’s an X off-road mode to provide more grip in deep snow or mud. And don’t forget the underbody protection to guard the battery from errant rocks and tree stumps. Is it a Land Rover Defender when the going gets rough? No, but Vicki is impressed with the bZ4X’s 500mm max wading depth when she’s forced to forge a path down a flooded road.
 
But how does this Toyota stack up against e-SUV rivals like Ford’s attractive Mustang Mach-E? And is there anything Vicki doesn’t like about the bZ4X? Hit play to find out.

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