I DRIVE THE NEW ELECTRIC TOYOTA BZ4X FOR THE FIRST TIME!

EV Channels Review

The Toyota bZ4X, particularly the Limited AWD trim, presents a compelling option for first-time EV buyers, offering a comfortable and approachable driving experience. While its styling may be divisive online, it appears more appealing in person. The interior is well-built and spacious, with thoughtful features like radiant leg heating. However, the vehicle falls short in crucial EV-centric areas: charging performance is notably slow, especially with a cold battery, and the infotainment system lacks essential features like route planning and on-route battery preconditioning, which are standard in many competitors. The "one-pedal drive" is also a misnomer, requiring the brake pedal for a complete stop. Despite these shortcomings, the bZ4X excels in its driving dynamics, offering smooth acceleration, a well-balanced chassis, and surprisingly capable handling in canyons, making it more fun to drive than expected. Toyota's focus on reliability is evident, but their approach to educating new EV owners on charging and essential features is a significant missed opportunity.