2023 Toyota bZ4X

Pros: Comfortable ride; space-efficient interior for both passengers and cargo; competitive pricing

Cons: Middling driving range and charging time; unconventional cabin design makes for some ergonomic compromises

CG Says: Toyota introduces its first mass-market pure-electric vehicle for 2023. The 2023 Toyota bZ4X is a 5-passenger compact crossover SUV, and the first of a new line of battery-electric vehicles coming from Toyota. The bZ4X shares its platform with the Subaru Solterra, though the Toyota stands apart by offering a lower-priced base model in front-wheel drive and a longer estimated driving range of 252 miles; the Subaru Solterra only comes in all-wheel-drive form, with a range topping out at 228—same as the all-wheel-drive bZ4X.

Two trim levels are offered: XLE and Limited. Both can be had in either front- or all-wheel drive. The front-drive version produces 201 horsepower via a single electric motor; the AWD version gets dual electric motors that produce 214 hp combined. Toyota says a Level 2 charger will take about 9 hours to fully charge the bZ4X, and a fast charger can get it to 80 percent in about an hour. The XLE’s standard features include 18-inch wheels, glass sunroof, LED headlights and dual-zone climate control. The Limited’s upgrades include 20-inch wheels, faux-leather seating, heated and ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel and surround-view camera display. All bZ4Xs come with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity. Toyota’s latest suite of active safety features is standard, including a pre-collision system, lane keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, and safe exit assist (a feature that warns people exiting the car of approaching vehicles).

Despite its avant-garde design inside and out, Toyota’s first purpose-built battery-electric vehicle offers a fairly middle-of-the-road driving experience compared to its pure-EV rivals. The bZ4X doesn’t stand out in terms of acceleration, handling, or driving range/charging speed, but its space-efficient cabin and Toyota’s reputation for reliability make it worth considering.