Which Toyota bZ4X makes the most sense to buy?

The Toyota bZ4X family has expanded and now features two distinct body styles. Although they share the same platform, each is designed to meet different needs.

Electric vehicles meant for off-road use. This concept still seems a bit unusual, but there is a family of 100% electric Toyota models that thrive when the asphalt ends. It’s called the bZ4X and is available in two different body styles: a more conventional SUV; and another Touring version, which is more versatile and better suited for family use.

There are significant differences between the two, and despite sharing the same name, they have distinct profiles and philosophies. This requires making decisions and doing some calculations to determine which bZ4X best meets our needs.

In this video, we explain what these two models have in common, but we focus mainly on what sets them apart:

Toyota has not given up on hybrid powertrains, but it has been expanding its lineup of fully electric models. The bZ4X was the first in this series and has just received a significant update that boosts its performance and range, as well as introducing some aesthetic improvements.

But the biggest new addition to the lineup is the bZ4X Touring, a second body style that adds more space and versatility while maintaining the familiar look of the bZ4X, featuring prominently colored wheel arches and a robustly designed bumper.

A detail that makes a difference

The bZ4X Touring is 14 cm longer, at 4.83 meters in length, which allows the trunk volume to increase to 669 liters—217 liters more than the standard bZ4X.

In practice, this means more space to carry luggage, groceries, or other equipment in daily use. This difference can be crucial when choosing a car for family use. However, there is one feature common to both variants: the ground clearance, which is higher than that of the Toyota RAV4.

Inside the cabin, the differences are less noticeable, as both models share almost everything. From an aesthetic standpoint, it isn’t the most sophisticated interior available on the market, but it favors a practical and functional approach.

Still, it features a generous two-screen setup, with a 14″ screen for infotainment and another 7″ screen for instruments, dedicated physical buttons for climate control, multiple storage areas, a wireless charging zone for two smartphones, and memory-equipped electric seats that can be heated and ventilated.

In the rear seats, priorities are different, especially for those with children. Although the legroom is the same in both versions, the space is sufficient to ensure good comfort levels in everyday use.

Toyota’s most powerful electric vehicle

The differences between these two models go far beyond space or versatility and are evident while driving, as the Touring version is available with an engine option that the bZ4X SUV has never had.

It features a twin-motor all-wheel-drive system that delivers 280 kW (381 hp) of power and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds. Excluding the GR models, no other production Toyota can match this performance.

The base version, with only one electric motor mounted on the front axle, has 165 kW (225 hp) and takes 7.3 seconds to reach 100 km/h.

Regardless of the powertrain chosen, the bZ4X Touring features the same 74.7 kWh battery, with Toyota claiming up to 591 km of range in combined WLTP cycle for the front-wheel-drive version and up to 528 km for the 4×4 variant.

Two options to choose from

In the bZ4X SUV, there are two battery options: one with 57.7 kWh, offering up to 444 km of range and paired with a front-wheel-drive motor producing 123 kW (167 hp); and a larger one with 73.1 kWh, also front-wheel-drive, delivering 165 kW (224 hp) and claiming up to 569 km of range.

Regarding charging, regardless of the model, powertrain, or battery capacity, the maximum speed in direct current (DC) is always 150 kW. In alternating current (AC), it can range from 11 to 22 kW, depending on the version.

But the numbers don’t tell the whole story. At the wheel, what stands out is the smoothness of the electric system, the quietness inside, and the solid yet comfortable driving feel—characteristics present in all bZ4X models.

Next, the Touring version’s greater versatility comes into play, evident in terms of space, powertrains, and off-road capability. It is the only bZ4X variant available with all-wheel drive and X-MODE and Grip Control modes, which enhance its suitability for off-road driving.

What is the price of this option?

Choosing between the bZ4X and the bZ4X Touring also requires cost consideration, as they have different base prices due to their versions featuring batteries of varying capacities.

The Toyota bZ4X starts at 45,640 euros for the Exclusive trim level with a 57.7 kWh battery. The next tier is the Premium level, equipped with a 73.1 kWh battery, priced at 49,340 euros. At the top of the range is the Lounge version, also featuring the larger battery, with a starting price of 55,540 euros.

For the Touring version, prices start at 53,150 euros for the 4×2 model with a 74.7 kWh battery and Premium equipment level. The top-of-the-line Lounge variant, featuring all-wheel drive and 280 kW (381 hp) of power, costs 60,550 euros.

When choosing one of these models, there’s another factor worth considering. All bZ4X models come with a warranty that ensures at least 70% of the battery’s original capacity for 10 years or up to one million kilometers, as long as Toyota’s prescribed maintenance plans are followed.

Which one to choose?

As for which version to select, that decision depends on each user’s specific needs.

If you don’t need great range or the largest possible trunk space, it might make sense to consider the base powertrain of the bZ4X.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for more space, range, and versatility, the bZ4X Touring has stronger advantages, as it’s the only version in the range that can come with all-wheel drive.

In the end, it’s not just about choosing between two different models; it’s about determining which body style and powertrain best suits how you’ll use the car. And now, with the arrival of the Touring version, there are options for every need.