Toyota bZ4X: 3 advantages, 3 disadvantages and 3 useful facts - AutoReview.nl

When the Toyota bZ4X came onto the market, it initially seemed like a stream of devouring gobbledygook. Our Toyota bZ4X range test shows that a major software update fixed the problem.

However, there are still three advantages and three disadvantages that we should take into account. Observations that help you find the ideal electric car.

Benefit 1: Physical buttons

We are so happy with the physical buttons for temperature and volume. That works the most conveniently.

Benefit 2: Clarity to empty

Most EVs don't dare to predict a range when the battery is almost empty. The bZ4X counts down all the way to 1 kilometer.

Advantage 3: Long warranty

While an 8-year or 160,000 km warranty is the standard, Toyota dares to give a 10-year or 300,000 km warranty on the battery.

Disadvantage 1: Poor cameras

It's like watching a hidden camera prank by Ralph Inbar, the image quality of the cameras is so terrible.

Disadvantage 2: Little flow information

No matter how deep you dig into the menus, the bZ4X does not show how much power the car's various systems are consuming. The EVs from Hyundai and Kia do this better.

Disadvantage 3: No glove box

The bZ4X does not have a glove box. There is a storage compartment between the front seats, but then everyone sees your valuables.

Fact 1: One pedal driving

The driving behavior of Toyota's first electric SUV is similar to that of hybrid Toyotas. So when you release the accelerator, the bZ4X coasts in a familiar manner: it slows down slowly while regaining some braking energy. In addition to the rotary knob of the machine, you will also find a large, square button for one pedal driving. Then you apply more forceful engine braking, but the car never slows down completely to zero. For reasons of efficiency, Toyota has chosen to let it roll at 5 km/h to avoid having to accelerate from a standstill, which costs extra energy.

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Fact 2: Charging on the route

In this section it is a regular feature for us to plan a route to Berlin. Just to see how helpful the navigation system is in planning charging stops. The Toyota bZ4X subtly warns that the battery is too low to reach the destination and suggests adding a charging station. You can then select one from the list yourself. Independently choosing a charging location, as many other EVs do, is apparently too much responsibility for the bZ4X. But it works and that's the most important thing.

Fact 3: Charging port

The designers of the charging port have done a great job: the connector is extra protected with doors and there is also a light, so you can see what you are doing in the dark. It's a shame that their colleagues from car design have placed the port in the least convenient place, namely near the left front wheel. If you fast charge at Shell Recharge, where the pole is at the end, the cord is only just long enough. It lies on the hood and pulls unhealthily on the charging port. And if you are going to charge in a residential area, you should always think twice about the best way to park to keep the gate and the plug away from passing cyclists.