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Meet the Toyota bZ4X: Toyota’s Most Ambitious Electric Vehicle Yet

The Toyota bZ4X arrived as Toyota’s flagship battery-electric SUV and — after iterative updates — is now a much stronger proposition than the first examples that reached showrooms. Toyota has pushed the bZ4X beyond its original launch form with bigger battery choices, smarter charging, and chassis and software tweaks that make it feel more like a mature EV offering rather than an early experiment. 

The new Toyota bZ4X starts at ₱2,699,000 for the Dark Blue Mica variant, with other colors costing more. The Platinum White Pearl Mica variant is priced at ₱2,714,000, and the Emotional Red variant is ₱2,719,000. Reservations for the bZ4X are currently open in the Philippines.

Design and packaging


From the outside the bZ4X keeps the compact-crossover silhouette Toyota targeted at mainstream EV buyers: a high seating position, relatively upright greenhouse and an exterior that balances aerodynamic efficiency with SUV cues. Toyota’s later updates softened some of the earlier bZ4X’s more controversial styling details and replaced black plastic cladding with body-coloured panels in certain markets, giving it a cleaner, more contemporary look. Interior updates include an enlarged infotainment screen and improved materials in higher trims, bringing the cabin more in line with buyers’ expectations for a modern EV. 

Powertrain and battery choices

One of the most important changes for the “new” bZ4X is Toyota’s broader battery strategy. Toyota introduced two battery capacities (roughly 57.7 kWh and 73.1 kWh gross) so buyers can choose a lower-cost, city-oriented option or a longer-range pack for frequent highway trips. The smaller pack is generally available on FWD versions, while both battery sizes can be optioned with FWD or AWD layouts depending on market and trim. 

Power outputs vary significantly by spec: the combined AWD system in some markets produces substantial power — in some Toyota Philippines specs and local press coverage the AWD variant is quoted with a combined output figure around 343 PS (roughly 338 hp) — giving brisk real-world acceleration for an EV SUV. Single-motor FWD variants use a more modest output that favors efficiency over outright performance. 

Range and charging


Range estimates depend heavily on battery choice, drivetrain and the testing standard used, but Toyota’s revamped figures show competitive real-world WLTP/EPA ranges for the larger-battery models. Toyota’s communications note quicker charge times and improved range in colder conditions thanks to battery pre-conditioning and software improvements. Fast-charging capability has been improved compared with early bZ4X examples, and many markets now benefit from an 11 kW or similar onboard AC charger for useful home/workplace charging rates. Expect DC fast charge times that can replenish to 80% in roughly 30–40 minutes depending on charger power and battery temperature. 

Driving impressions

Independent drives and reviews point to a bZ4X that is quieter and more refined after chassis retuning. Toyota stiffened the subframe and retuned springs/dampers and bushings, which reduces float and improves cornering confidence. Acceleration in AWD, higher-power variants is lively — sub-5-second 0–60 mph times are claimed for the highest-spec performance variants in some later rebadged/updated models — while single-motor FWD examples favor smoothness and range. Efficiency remains one of Toyota’s strengths: several testers reported competitive Wh/km figures, particularly in urban and mixed driving. 

Connectivity and charging ecosystem

Toyota has been rapidly closing the gap on charging convenience: newer model years and region-specific updates include support for Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS) in markets that use it and “Plug and Charge” features where supported by networks — useful for seamless billing and quicker station access. The infotainment hardware has been modernized with larger displays and wireless smartphone integration becoming standard on higher trim levels. 

Who should consider the bZ4X?


The updated bZ4X now appeals to a wide cross-section of EV buyers: those who want Toyota’s reputation for durability and dealer network, shoppers who want a choice of battery sizes (so they can optimize cost vs range), and buyers who prioritize a comfortable, quiet daily driver with mainstream SUV packaging. For buyers needing maximum range or the fastest DC charging the segment leaders may still slightly outperform Toyota’s offering in raw numbers, but Toyota’s improvements make the bZ4X a sensible, well-rounded choice — especially for buyers who value long-term reliability and broad service coverage. 

Bottom line

What started as Toyota’s cautious entry into pure battery EVs has matured. The new bZ4X keeps Toyota’s conservative DNA — reliability, pragmatic packaging and efficiency — while addressing early criticisms with better battery options, improved charging and meaningful chassis and interior updates. For households that want a mainstream EV with Toyota’s dealer support and a flexible range of configurations, the bZ4X is now a serious contender.

Cheerio!

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