The front of the bZ4X features a slim grille, wide and shallow headlights and a plain, painted fascia that is underscored by a small, bright-ringed air intake. Large, contrasting colour elements start from the lower edge of the headlights and become wheel arch trims. The same colour trim highlights the rear wheel arches as well. The rear end is punctuated by complex, vaguely triangular taillights with interesting vertical extensions. The rear window is topped by odd, wedged-shaped styling elements that might have been a spoiler if it went across the entirety of the rear window. The rear roofline is quite sloped, which reduces vertical storage height inside. The lack of a wiper-washer on the rear window of a hatchback is a serious oversight.

Inside, the driver faces a compact digital readout that is framed by arms cantilevered from the dashboard. The gauges are clear, but when triggered, which is frequently, the driver distraction warning shifts the displays around to show the warning, which is supremely annoying. Owners of other Toyotas, like the Prius Prime, have complained of the same problem. There seems to be no way to turn the driver distraction warning off. The main section of the dashboard is finished in an attractive gray fabric, which is a very 1980s French style accent. Our test vehicle featured white vinyl seats and door accents in an otherwise mostly black cabin. There are numerous piano black accents; the one on the console creates a lot of reflections on sunny days. A large, free-standing screen sits on the centre of the dashboard. Like other Toyotas, there is a touch surface menu to the left of the screen which has reasonable graphics. Below the screen is are touch surfaces for seat heaters, seat chillers, front and rear defrost and recirculation, physical buttons for audio volume and toggles for the dual-zone temperature, fan speed and air distribution controls. A flying bridge centre console, with storage underneath, flows from the base of the screen. Vehicle direction is controlled by a rotary dial, with Park engaged by a button. The console houses a wireless cellphone charger covered by a hinged lid, two cupholders and a big bin under the centre armrest. There are generous door bins in the front doors and bottle holders in the rear doors. Space is ample up front and the front seats are comfortable. Rear seat riders remarked on the supportive seat and the generous legroom as well. Back seat occupants benefit from air vents and seat heaters as well as two USB-C charge ports. Trunk space is regularly-shaped and deep below the window line, but there is a large wheel well intrusion on the right side of the cargo bay. The XLE Tech model tested by the APA features a large, fixed-glass roof panel with a power-operated sunscreen. The JBL-branded audio equipment delivers only adequate sound for a branded system.

With its 71.4 kWh battery pack, the bZ4X XLE dual motor is a mature, well-conceived and easy-to-live with car made by a seasoned auto manufacturer, rather than a high-performance electric motor installed in a car that is so “unique” that it is hard to live with. The bZ4X furnishes smooth, ample performance with impressive refinement.

The steering of the bZ4X steering is not the last word in feel, but is nicely weighted, quite precise and holds its line well on the highway. Handling is steady, rather than engaging and the ride is quite comfortable despite the massive 20 inch wheels.

Braking is good, with solid pedal feel. The higher level of regenerative braking available does not deliver full one-pedal driving as the brakes have to be applied to bring the bZ4X to a complete stop. Annoyingly, the higher level of the regenerative braking needs to be engaged each time the car is started.

Wind noise is nicely suppressed but road noise is noticeable, perhaps because the powertrain is so quiet.

The most basic version of the bZ4X is the front-wheel drive LE. Opting for a dual-motor, all-wheel drive LE adds only $501 to the invoice, making a strong case for deleting the front-wheel drive version. Moving up to the XLE brings an auto-dim rearview mirror, a multi-adjustable traction management system, a fixed glass sunroof, rear parking sonar and rear cross traffic, at a reasonable price. The XLE Tech option, which includes a 360 degree camera system, a power rear tailgate, kick-action tailgate opening, heated rear seats, a JBL audio system and enhanced heating, is significantly overpriced. Like most BEVs, predicted resale value of BEVs is poor, so it might be best to lease your bZ4X. The 2025 BZ4X LE front-wheel drive model is priced $3475 less than last year, with the XLE all-wheel drive version costing $3205 less than it did in 2024.

New, low-volume vehicle in a new category for Toyota. Not rated.