It might come as a surprise that the 2023 Toyota bZ4X is Toyota’s first mass-produced EV. The auto giant has long been known for its innovative hybrid cars, but it’s been slow to introduce fully electric vehicles into its lineup. As Toyota’s (long-overdue) first major dip into the EV market, the bZ4X faces close scrutiny, and one complaint is this model’s lack of a frunk. 

Overview of the 2023 Toyota bZ4X

The 2023 Toyota bZ4X is an electric crossover SUV. It comes with a single-motor setup producing 201 hp or a dual-motor version harnessing 214 hp. This small horsepower increase for the dual-motor bZ4X is unusual compared with other, more powerful dual-motor EVs on the market.

The cabin provides ample space for all riders, including enough room to fit three adults comfortably in the rear row. As for infotainment, Toyota equipped the bZ4X with a 12.3-inch display, Apple CarPlay integration, and Android Auto connectivity.

Pricing starts at $43,215 for the single-motor base model. Upgrading to the dual-motor all-wheel-drive 2023 bZ4X costs an extra $2,080, per Toyota.

The 2023 Toyota bZ4X lacks a frunk

The front trunk, aka “frunk,” is a common feature and benefit of EVs. Without an engine under the hood, EVs often use that extra space for cargo storage. But that isn’t the case with the 2023 Toyota bZ4X.

Without a frunk, the bZ4X resembles a gas-powered car under the hood more than an EV. Interestingly, that isn’t the only storage space lacking in this Toyota.

The electric crossover also omits a glovebox, which is highly unusual for any vehicle. Carwow reports that designers intentionally skipped the glove compartment to give the front passenger more legroom. 

Instead of a glove box, the bZ4X provides an open space under the center console for storage. However, because this area is visible from outside the car, it doesn’t offer as much security as a glove compartment with a door. 

Between the lack of a frunk and a glovebox, the 2023 Toyota bZ4X has an overall issue with storage space. The trunk isn’t as large as those in other electric SUVs, and even folding down the rear seats doesn’t fully solve the cargo space issue. 

Other EVs have innovative frunks

Even if the Toyota bZ4X doesn’t feature a frunk, other EVs have made innovative use of their front trunks.

For instance, the Tesla Model S and Model X were some of the first EVs to showcase the frunk’s usefulness. Front trunks in these Tesla EVs aren’t massive, but they can still make packing for road trips easier. 

For an example of how impressive a frunk can be, the Ford F-150 Lightning offers an astounding amount of space. With 14.1 cubic feet, this frunk is as large as some trunks, giving the F-150 Lightning even more versatility. 

The Lucid Air is an innovative electric sedan boasting an equally clever frunk. It’s conveniently accessible and larger than front trunks in other EVs. In addition to providing a frunk, the Air has storage under the floor. That seems to be what Toyota bZ4X designers were striving for with the storage space under the center console, but the Air’s storage provides more security.