We still really dig the styling of the Toyota bZ4X, but between recalls to stop the wheels falling off, poor range figures, unimpressive power outputs and a generally dull driving experience, it has never really lived up to those looks.
Toyota hasn’t done anything to address those gripes for the 2024 model year, and the U.S. doesn’t appear to get the faster cold-weather charging improvements recently announced for Japan, and now the UK. This season’s American bee-zee has exactly the same powertrain as last year’s, but it does now come with a few additions that should make it nicer to live with, and help you work with the driving miles it offers.
All versions, for instance, now get a revised information Multi-Information Display that will let you know the charge percentage while charging, the estimated charge time to 80 percent and the estimated vehicle range. Older models can also benefit from the same change via a dealer-installed software update.
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Another small win for both of the available grades (XLE and Limited) is the inclusion of a dual-voltage charging cable that can be used with Level 1 and Level 2 chargers, while anyone who purchases or leases one of the SUVs will automatically be entitled to a year of complimentary charging at EVgo stations.
XLE models, meanwhile, gain an eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat and a power-operated rear lift gate, two items that the plusher Limited already delivers. So to maintain the Limited’s superiority it now comes with Advanced Park, a tech package that allows you to slot the bZ4X into spaces without using your hands.
Other than that, and the inevitable price rises, it’s business as usual. The base front-wheel drive, single-motor XLE now costs $44,420 including destination, a $1,070 increase from last year’s $43,350, and should be at Toyota dealers this month. Going for the dual-motor setup in the XLE bumps the power from 201 hp (204 PS / 150 kW) to a barely any more impressive 214 hp (217 PS / 160 kW), and the price to $46,500 including destination, while stepping up from XLE to Limited will set you back an additional $4,110 regardless of which powertrain you go for.
One reason to go for the front-driver over the all-wheel drive version is range. The lighter FWD SUV is rated at 252 miles (406 km) in XLE trim, whereas the EPA says the all-paw can only manage 228 miles (367 km) as an XLE, and 222 miles (357 km) when decked out in Limited trim.
