Toyota releases updated bZ4X in the US
Toyota’s newest battery electric SUV has been released in the USA with the updated bZ4X. The first models are expected to arrive at US Toyota dealerships in January 2024. Both an FWD and AWD version will be offered, with 201 HP in the FWD and 214 HP for the AWD. The acceleration from 0-60 mph stands at 7.1 seconds for FWD and 6.5 seconds for AWD.
In terms of range, the XLE grade has an EPA rating of up to 252 miles on the FWD model, while the AWD variant can reach 228 miles. The Limited grade has an EPA-estimated range rating of up to 236 miles on the FWD model and up to 222 miles on the AWD model.
The biggest updates are in the areas of charging performance and convenience. In terms of charging, dual–voltage charging cables capable of Level One and Level Two charging are now standard for both the XLE and Limited grades. Further, the State of Charge percentage, the estimated charge time to 80-per cent, and the estimated vehicle range will now be displayed via its fully digital Multi-Information Display during the charging process.
Cold weather charging has also been improved for DC fast charging process, as Toyota claims that enhancements have been made to the battery’s thermal system, including a new water-to-water heat exchanger and heating adjustment valve, which the company claims allows for faster DC charging in cold temperatures.
Toyota claims that the bZ4X “sits squarely in the middle of the compact SUV segment”. It is 184.6 inches long, with a 112.2 inch wheelbase. Compared to the RAV4, it is 2.0 inches lower at 65.0 inches in height and 0.2 inches wider at 73.2 inches. The cargo volume in the bZ4X is 27.7 cubic feet.
In addition to new comfort options, such as an 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat and power rear liftgate in the XLE, while the Limited grade also boasts Advanced Park technology to assist in parallel or perpendicular parking. Additionally, Toyota advertises that it has made a deal with EVgo, to give customers one year of complimentary charging at EVgo stations, which the Toyota mobile phone app can now find and interact with.
The bZ4X didn’t launch as smoothly as this generation’s rollout suggests, particularly in regards to the cold-weather conditions, for which the vehicle failed to deliver on its range promise in a test by Scandinavian journalists, ahead of which the vehicle even had trouble charging at all in cold weather. A recall was also issued in the summer of 2022 for the bZ4X and the Subaru Solterra.
Towards the end of last year, Toyota significantly reduced prices for the electric SUV in China.
0 Comments