The 2023 Toyota bZ4X will arrive at U.S. dealerships this spring and the company has announced pricing will begin at US$ 42,000 before factoring in a US$ 1,215 destination charge as well as federal, state, and local incentives. Kicking things off is the entry-level bZ4X XLE, which features a two-tone exterior with black fenders that have proven controversial. They’re joined by Bi-LED projector beam headlights, LED taillights, and 18-inch alloy wheels. Other niceties include a fixed panoramic glass roof, privacy glass, rain-sensing wipers, and power folding side mirrors with integrated turn signals as well as puddle lights.

Moving into the cabin, drivers will find a 7-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia system with available cloud-based navigation as well as Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay. The bZ4X also comes equipped with a leather-wrapped tilt/telescopic steering wheel, fabric/SofTex seats, and a wireless smartphone charger. Other standard equipment includes a dual-zone automatic climate control system, a six speaker audio system, five USB ports, and piano black trim. Customers looking for more luxury can add a cold weather package that includes a heated leather steering wheel and heated front seats.

 

The equipment list doesn’t end there as every bZ4X comes standard with the Toyota Safety Sense suite of driver assistance systems. It includes a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, and Lane Tracing Assist which keeps the EV centered in its lane. The model also has Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Automatic High Beams, and Road Sign Assist. They’re joined by Safe Exit Assist, a Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and Front/Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking. The bZ4X Limited begins at $46,700 and features a more upscale exterior with chrome trim, Multi-LED projector beam headlights, and larger 20-inch wheels. The model also has a foot-activated power liftgate, which improves access to the rear cargo area.

Speaking of the interior, it’s more luxurious as the bZ4X Limited features a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel and SofTex seats with heating and ventilation up front as well as eight-way power adjustment on the driver’s side. It also boasts digital key technology, a surround view camera system, and a backup camera with dynamic gridlines. A handful of options will be available including a nine-speaker JBL premium audio system with a subwoofer and an amplifier. Customers can also opt for a cold weather package that includes heated rear seats as well as a front radiant heater for warming your legs and feet. Limited customers can also order a contrasting black roof.

 

Regardless of which trim is selected, front-wheel drive bZ4Xs have a 71.4 kWh lithium-ion battery pack and an electric motor that develops 201 hp and 265 Nm of torque. This setup enables the front-wheel drive XLE to have an EPA-estimated range of 406 km, while the front-wheel drive Limited has a slightly lower range of 389 km. Customers looking for improved performance and all-weather traction can upgrade to the all-wheel drive variant, which costs an additional US$ 2,080. It features two electric motors, which each produce 107 hp and 168 Nm of torque. Doing the math, the model has a combined maximum output of 214 hp and 309 Nm of torque.

Those aren’t the only changes as all-wheel drive variants have a slightly larger 72.8 kWh battery pack. However, this only does so much to offset the reduced range as XLE models have an EPA-estimated rating of 367 km while Limited variants come in at 357 km.