Toyota bZ4X’s biggest draw
For numerous reasons, the Toyota bZ4X has been somewhat overlooked in the crossover EV segment, along with its twin, the Subaru Solterra. The bZ4X has sold less than 14,000 units so far this year, whereas some competitors have sold twice as many. That’s not very “Toyota” of the bZ4X, but the deep price cut should help sales figures.
2025 Toyota bZ4X Nightshade Edition Exterior
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The 2025 Toyota bZ4X’s base MSRP is now $38,465 for the XLE trim, $6,000 less than last year. That undercuts the 2025 Ford Mustang Mach-E Select’s $38,490 base MSRP, even after Ford dropped the price by $3,500 from the 2024 MSRP. The 2025 Toyota bZ4X is also significantly cheaper than the Hyundai IONIQ 5 at $43,195 and the Tesla Model Y at $44,990.
2025 Toyota bZ4X: So-so range, power, and styling
The bZ4X can travel 252 miles on a full charge for front-wheel drive versions, a bit underwhelming compared to the Mustang Mach-E’s maximum 320-mile range. The good news is that the bZ4X supports DC fast charging and a front-wheel drive version can juice up from 20% to 80% in 30 minutes. All-wheel drive models take about twice that.
Toyota
Power is either 201 hp (FWD) or 214 hp (AWD) across the model range, which equates to a sprint to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds for all-wheel drive models. While that’s not sluggish for a crossover, it’s on the slow side for an EV. Consider the fact that an AWD IONIQ 5 will do 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds. Don’t try to drag race one. You’ll lose.
Related: Ford secures $9.63 billion federal loan for U.S. battery plants
The bZ4X also has to swim upstream in the exterior styling department compared to both the Mach-E’s muscle car-esque appearance and the Hyundai IONIQ 5’s retro-futuristic vibe. No one will ever accuse the bZ4X of being a head-turner due to its overstyled front and rear fascias, strange contrasting fender trim, and awkward crease in the body. It makes the sibling RAV4 look subtle by comparison.
2025 Toyota bZ4X Nightshade Edition: electrification gone dark
Alongside its stablemates, the bZ4X will also get the Nightshade Edition treatment. The trim level is based on the XLE in terms of standard features like Bi-LED headlights, a power liftgate, SofTex trimmed seats, and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto.
Toyota
Unlike the XLE, the Nightshade Edition receives upsized 20” alloy wheels, and black exterior trim for the door handles, spoiler, and badging. Buyers can select two-tone paint for Wind Chill Pearl (white) and Heavy Metal (gray) paired with a black roof to set themselves apart from the standard paint palette. Pricing for the Nightshade is $41,815.
The only feature changes for the bZ4X are beefed-up driver assistance technology for the top Limited trim including Traffic Jam Assist, Lane Change Assist, and Front Cross Traffic Alert.
Final thoughts:
Just because Toyota is focusing more on hybrids now doesn’t mean they don’t want their only EV to be a success. The big price cut should make a difference for those who want to save money and still get Toyota reliability, decent range, and an all-wheel drive option.
Related: Hyundai is pouring money into struggling China business
