Why Isn’t Anyone Buying the Toyota bZ4X?
The Toyota bZ4X is enigmatic. The small electric SUV was designed to help usher Japanese automaker Toyota into the electric future. The bZ4X lags behind competitors in more ways than one. Sales numbers have been dismal. Why isn’t anyone buying the Toyota bZ4X?
Why are Toyota bZ4X sales numbers so low?
Motor1 claims that no Toyota bZ4X models were sold in September. Zip, zilch, not a single model. Toyota could not sell any bZ4X models because of an ongoing recall with no solution in sight. Some bZ4X models are having lug nut issues that could potentially lead to the bZ4X’s wheels falling off.
Recall aside, the Toyota bZ4X hasn’t exactly been a hit among consumers. On paper, it was revolutionary. The reality is that bZ4X sales numbers are low compared to rivals because automakers like Ford and Hyundai are producing more exciting and impactful small electric SUVs.
The Toyota bZ4X comes off as vanilla compared to rivals like the Ford Mustang Mach-E. The Mach-E has the advantage of spinning off one of the Blue Oval’s most popular nameplates: the Ford Mustang. The Mach-E’s got shock value. It’s quick, and it looks quick, which is almost equally important. The Mach-E and Kia EV6 are two of the most daring models in their segment from a design perspective.
On the other end of the spectrum, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 is killing it in the value lane. The Ioniq 5 is recognized as the World Car of the Year because it’s affordable and provides a pleasant driving experience. It has a practical driving range and plenty of great standard features. The bZ4X isn’t a particularly bad electric SUV, but Car and Driver remarks that “some rivals are more exciting on the road”. Numbers are objective, and the bZ4X’s sales numbers should be cause for concern if Toyota wants to be a segment leader in the small electric SUV space.
How much will the 2023 bZ4X cost?
The 2023 Toyota bZ4X starts at $42,000 for the base model XLE. The Limited starts at $46,700. The bZ4X is not eligible for a federal electric vehicle tax incentive.
The 2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E has a higher starting price, but according to the U.S. Department of Energy, it should meet the revised incentive’s criteria. This means its starting price is closer to $36,395. The Toyota bZ4X isn’t the most affordable electric SUV or the least affordable. Its pricing is competitive, but its specs aren’t as impressive as rivals.
Is an electric car worth it?
Electric cars and SUVs are worth the money for drivers with short commutes and access to decent charging infrastructure. Talks of a recession could cause consumers to be even more skeptical of electric cars. Even the popular Hyundai Ioniq 5 is seeing a decline in sales. Some electric vehicles are worth the money, but the current state of the economy could have a serious impact on EV sales since EVs tend to be more expensive.
Read more about the Toyota bZ4X in the next article below.
