The single-motor 2023 Toyota bZ4X all-electric SUV is obviously far from exciting, but its specs and features like 242-mile range, tech & connectivity, and first-rate ride quality make it worth considering. As Toyota has been shying away from fully electric vehicles so far, this SUV could change the market share and perception for Toyota.

The 2023 Toyota bZ4X comes equipped with single permanent magnet motor capable of producing 201 hp and 196 pound-feet of torque. With its 71.4-kWh battery, the electric SUV promises an EPA-rated driving range of 242 miles (roughly 389.5 km) between two charges. Obviously, this range trails many major competitors, but it is not bad at all.

The Japanese manufacturer of the electric SUV has kept customers’ comfort in mind while designing and developing the vehicle. It offers five seats in 2 / 3 seating configuration. Headroom front and rear is 38.6 and 37.1 inches, while legroom front and rear is 42.1 and 35.3 inches, respectively. Cargo volume is 25.8 cubic feet. During a normal commute, its compliant suspension performs extremely well. In short, it is a comfy vehicle that makes daily commute less stressful.

It is also quite impressive in terms of technology & connectivity. It has 12.3-inch touchscreen as centre display and a 7-inch digital instrument cluster for providing the rider with important information as well as entertainment. It also comes loaded with Wireless Apple CarPlay and/or Android Auto.

For safety of the rider and passengers, the manufacturer has equipped the bZ4X with SAE Level 2 Hands-On technology – Toyota’s latest Safety Sense suite that offers adaptive cruise control, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist. However, there is no option for level 2 hands-free driving, at least for the time being.

When it comes to fuel economy, the bZ4X has been rated at 125 MPGe for city, 103 MPGe for highway and 114 MPGe for combined riding. As far as charging is concerned, the all-wheel drive (AWD) version of the electric SUV is somewhat ridiculous due to its awkward 100-kilowatt max charging rate. However, the front-wheel drive (FWD) version of the EV does a little bit better at 150 kW. The figures show that the EV isn’t an ultra fast-charging vehicle.

The FWD, the XLE trim of the bZ4X electric SUV comes with a starting price tag of $43,335 (including destination charge of $1,215). The Limited Test Car version costs $48,035 with single-motor and $50,015 in dual-motor form.

The list of 2023 Toyota bZ4X all-electric SUV’s competitors includes the Chevrolet Bolt EUV, Ford Mustang Mach-E, and Hyundai Ioniq 5, and the KIA EV6.