Overview

This is the Toyota bZ4X, and if you ignore the California-only RAV4 EV, it’s Toyota’s first proper go at a battery-electric car.

Though the Japanese brand lead the way with hybrids, popularising the sector with the Prius in 1999 and selling 20 million since, it’s been slow to act on the electric revolution – but now it’s jumped in with a mid-sized SUV that, while it doesn’t necessarily break any new ground with its technology, should make for a pragmatic purchase that lasts a lifetime.

The bZ4X has many rivals, coming into a class where most manufacturers are concentrating their resources to win sales. Cars like the Kia EV6, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Tesla Model Y and Parkers Award-winning Skoda Enyaq iV are all competing for your green pound, and the Toyota has a lot to do to win it over them.

Oh, and the name? bZ (with a small b) stands for Beyond Zero – Toyota’s belief that an EV should have appeal beyond its lack of tailpipe emissions. 4 refers to the size class, similar to the 4 in the VW ID.4. And X means it’s an SUV, though thanks to a joint venture with Subaru it’s actually surprisingly capable in the rough stuff, something its rivals don’t focus on.

The bZ4X is offered in three versions, plus a special edition Premier model. The entry-level Pure is front-wheel drive only and comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, 8.0-inch infotainment screen, reversing camera, climate control system with remote operation function that lets you warm-up or cool the car before setting off.

Next up is the Motion version. This one gets electrically-adjustable seats, ambient lighting system and wireless smartphone charging. It’s offered in front- and four-wheel drive forms. Top of the regular models in the bZ4X Vision – it includes 20-inch alloy wheels, synthetic leather seat upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel among other features. You’ll also be able to open and close it with your smartphone via an app.

The Premiere Edition model will be available for a limited time and gets a nine-speaker JBL premium sound system and the Skyview panoramic roof over and above the features included in the Vision model.

You’ll also get a home charger and installation provided as well as six month’s access to Toyota’s network of 12,000 charge points.

Click through the next few pages to read everything you need to know about the Toyota bZ4x, including its practicality, how much it costs to run, what it’s like to drive – and whether we recommend buying one.