A Closer Look at the 2023 Toyota bZ4X
The 2023 Toyota bZ4X is a crucial part of the Japanese automaker’s future. Some bZ4X models have finally arrived in the U.S. As the release date draws closer, more information about the electric vehicle has been revealed. Here’s a closer look at the 2023 Toyota bZ4X.
The 2023 Toyota bZ4X just got an off-road upgrade
The Toyota bZ4X was created in collaboration with fellow Japanese automaker Subaru. In exchange, Toyota lent its expertise to the development of the Subaru Solterra. As a result, the two electric SUVs share a platform. What does sharing a platform mean for the two EVs?
The bZ4X’s shared platform means that it will be similar to the Solterra in many ways. Ultimately, each respective electric SUV has its own unique design language. It wouldn’t make sense for the iconic brands to collaborate just to become bitter rivals. Thus, the two electric SUVs have two different target audiences and are clearly marketed differently.
In all the 2023 Toyota bZ4X introductory videos, Toyota focuses on its Beyond Zero initiative and the vehicle’s battery capabilities. The Subaru Solterra’s introductory videos focus more on the electric vehicle’s off-road capability.
The Toyota bZ4X may not champion its own off-road capability, but it did learn a thing or two from Subaru. The bZ4X will include a version of Subaru’s X-Mode terrain control system. This will allow the electric SUV to overcome obstacles like deep snow and mud.
The 2023 Toyota bZ4X is the perfect starter EV
Many consumers are hesitant to purchase an electric vehicle, and they have every right to be. Vehicles like the Honda Clarity EV have exposed some major flaws with some existing electric vehicles. Today, an EV with range below 200 miles is seen as practically useless to the average consumer.
Gas-powered vehicles can get up to 500 miles of range and beyond using fossil fuel. In order for an electric vehicle to be appealing to the masses, it has to have enough range for at least a few days of driving before needing to recharge. According to Road Show by CNET, the 2023 Toyota bZ4X XLE will get close to 250 miles of range.
Toyota claims that the bZ4X’s battery will only lose 10% of its overall capacity after a decade. This means that the electric SUV could potentially last for decades before becoming obsolete.
Should you buy a Toyota bZ4X?
The 2023 Toyota bZ4X appears to be a well-rounded electric SUV. Pricing has yet to be released, but experts estimate that the bZ4X will start at around $40,000. Its price after electric vehicle tax credits should be close to $33,500.
Like the RAV4, the bZ4X is likely to be the most economical choice among its peers. Toyota produces vehicles that are long-lasting and affordable. The bZ4X could turn out to be the quintessential all-around electric SUV. We’ll just have to wait and see as the future of electric vehicles unfolds before us.
