ENGINEER'S AUTHENTIC, FULL REVIEW OF 2023 TOYOTA BZ4X - THE NEW BENCHMARK IN EV WORLD

This is an authentic, full review of the new 2023 Toyota BZ4X by an Automotive Engineer, David Chao, who has over 30 years of automotive evaluation, testing, development and production experience. This is a different kind of review from other media outlets, as it emphasizes driving feel, ride experience, and quality audit that are often not covered by others.
The most important question is this: Is the all-new 2023 Toyota BZ4X the new benchmark in the fiercely competitive world of BEVs (Battery Electric Vehicles)? Automotive Engineer David Chao thinks the BZ4X is the new standard in terms of value, comfort, refinement, balance, and overall performance for the money. Find out why David is already thinking of trading-in and selling his Toyota RAV4 Prime for the new Toyota BZ4X.
Automotive Press is owned and managed by David Koichi Chao, a global expert in the field of automotive evaluation, consulting, and strategy. David is known around the world as an authentic specialist of Lean Thinking or Toyota Production System. Born and raised in Japan, David has an engineering degree from University of British Columbia and post-graduate education from MIT and Harvard Business School in Boston.

[@chucksabino5735]

Excellent review, I actually like this car . It has good range and it’s fast enough, Toyota did nice job with this vehicle.

[@CeasarBergonia]

Great review. Very exciting. David, can you get a prototype of the RZ450e to review? I would love to see the difference between BZ4X and RZ450e.

[@KirkKreifels]

Great work David! I had no idea the fender finish would be matte on certain trims outside of the USA. We only get the glossy charcoal finish stateside.

[@AutomotivePress]

Thanks Kirk! Yes there are a number of different variations here. In fact, we don't even use the trim level Limited for some strange reason. I enjoyed your review too - let's get together for a collab soon.

[@KirkKreifels]

@@AutomotivePress yes! We need to soon

[@kpnitrl38]

@@KirkKreifels Hey Kirk, don't leave me out. 😌

[@brucelee5465]

You know shit

[@BG-tr2oh]

@@AutomotivePress Should we avoid first model year and wait? I mean also first EV from toyota? Thank you

[@moloono1]

I do agree that the charging is a bit disappointing, but Toyota built the battery to maintain at least 90% after 10 years and will guarantee it to 70% after those 10 years. We all know fast-charging really eats into batter heath (e.g. the dismal Samsung fast-charge batteries). You can imagine why Toyota decided to go for reliability/dependability over “fast-charge” given their reputation.

[@leandrovocals]

Please, i need some profissional help here. I am a taxi driver in Portugal, and i’ve reserved the Toyota BZ4X. But as you know, i need good backspace for passengers and i need a big trunk space. So now i am in doubt of buying the Toyota or the Hyundai Ioniq 5 (same price), or wait until the upcoming new Niro EV. Toyota don’t have a frunk neither a glove box. Can you help me telling me what’s the best car (brand) in terms of range, Technology (security) and realibility? Many thanks. I follow your work here on KZbin.

[@xfghsthsh]

EVs ain't any good or convenient for Apartment dwellers? Prove me wrong

[@pinkipipe]

Beginning of a new era to Toyota 👏🏻

[@alanpeterson6768]

I'm not sure what Toyota was thinking with the BZ4. They are late to market with yesterday's technology. For any knowledgeable EV buyer, it simply does not compete with the EV6, Ioniq 5 or any Tesla. The BZ4 is a slow charging EV with mediocre range and performance. At best, it's a good looking town car. At worst, it's obsolete the day you buy it. I suppose the Toyota faithful will buy it, but frankly it's disappointing.

[@tooltalk]

I wonder how much money Toyota is losing per unit sold.

[@jameslai4072]

Awesome video Mr. David! Would you consider comparing this, or just plain review the Subaru's version, the Solterra? Please? 😁.

[@tonypi4322]

A front license plate would seriously mess with that beautiful front end.

[@swisschoco25]

Lord...if the bench mark for EV SUVs price start off at $42,000 and with dealer markup $50,000..we have a long way to go. I am all for saving the environment, but I am not going to breaking the bank to do it. The EV prices will only go up, not down.

[@tails300]

3:30 0-60 is 7.2 seconds (Toyota estimated) for the FWD (6.5 real world) and 6.2 for AWD (estimated) (6.0 flat real world).

[@walterfick157]

Thanks David... excellent review...👍

[@OmarAmroussy]

I just can't get over the slow charging and the less than impressive range

[@ranjusranjus143]

Fault finders will find a fault even in heaven itself

[@OmarAmroussy]

@@ranjusranjus143 I am just comparing to similar/ cheaper options with better value, this car for sure is far from perfect it doesn't even have a glove compartment

[@moloono1]

I do agree that the charging is a bit disappointing, but Toyota built the battery to maintain at least 90% after 10 years and will guarantee it to 70% after those 10 years. We all know fast-charging really eats into battery heath (e.g. the dismal Samsung fast-charge batteries). You can imagine why Toyota decided to go for reliability/dependability over “fast-charge” given their reputation.

[@OmarAmroussy]

@@moloono1 but they are not standing by their claim, thier warrenty is just 8 years like the rest, I think it is just marketing hype to sell a lesser product

[@moloono1]

@@OmarAmroussy The car hasn’t even been released yet. How can you make such a false claim like that, LMFAO.

[@criancrna1487]

Reminds me of the Rav4 which is strangely the #1 selling SUV in the world.

[@robhowell6036]

Kia is killing toyota

[@reptilexcq2]

I got a Bz4x and totaled it!! Now I changed to Ioniq 5 simply because the Bz4x has horrible charging speed and range. This is something you should touch upon when talking about electric cars. YES, it drives great and feels great and I'll probably get Bz4x again if it wasn't for the slow charging speed. And the reason for its slow speed is because it doesn't have battery pre-conditioning or warm up the battery to optimize the charging. So, you normally get 50kwh at the fastest stations despite claiming it can charge up to 150kwh. But it doesn't matter because in the winter, the battery is cold and it needs to warm up to the proper temperature to take advantage of the speed and that's what Ioniq offer. There is a lot of thermal technology management behind Ioniq as well that most consumers don't know about and that the Bz4x doesn't have and that's why Bz4x's range drop significantly under extreme coldness like 1/3. You buy the car thinking you get good range but found out that's not true and same go with charging, you think you get 150kwh but without battery pre-conditioning, the speed is slow. So, that's the main reason I switched. I do like the Bz4x audio system though...it sounds great. I like the Bz4x's height and the overall look; the interior overall look is not bad, it feels like a cockpit. But the many technology features of the Ioniq 5 is better...such as the sunroof without the divider, the blind spot camera monitor within the dash, the heads up display hud; the amount of room in front. Overall, Ioniq 5 has better range, faster charging speed, better technology, great looking interior and just overall, a better product.

[@DavidTran-hf3hn]

BZX4 or IONIQ 5 ?

[@mgarland848]

Absolutely IONIQ5..This car is losing in every way.

[@DavidTran-hf3hn]

Is Toyota reliability considered a factor anymore ?

[@harrywoods9784]

Just a thought, Toyota redefined the car Industry. Hopefully going forward They can mass produce Their new EV’s and make a profit. I hope they’re fast learners because Teslas not waiting for anyone🤔

[@rkgsd]

I just wonder if Toyota couldn't equip it with a larger battery because the range is lower than many competitor's offerings.

[@aaronbryan5095]

I'm not surprised that the BZ4X has a more solid and refined driving feel when compared to Ioniq 5, Hyundai always had the tendency to cheap out when comes to a vehicle's chassis and suspension, they tend to put more focus on the bling, bling stuff that consumers will see on the surface, while Toyota is the other way around.

[@tooltalk]

bllings, you mean practical features like V800 battery arch, superior nvh, spaceous interior, longer range and others missing in this EV?

[@tails300]

@@tooltalk and a battery that’ll be worn out in five years due to that “superior” fast charging technology. There goes your range argument too.

[@tooltalk]

@@tails300 I'm pretty sure Made-In-China CATL batteries in AWD are going to last forever -- oh did I mention that it also takes forever, or over 1hr to charge it from 10%-80% SOC? LOL!. Sorry, but in both I5 and EV6, the charging is throttled once it reaches 80% and it takes only 18mins to get there.

[@tails300]

@@tooltalk FWD models get a Panasonic battery and we all know there a better battery manufacturer than LG. Good luck getting you battery warrantied when it burns your house down.

[@tooltalk]

@@tails300 : Hyunda/Kia batteries are made by SK Innovation, not LG. LOL Good luck with your puny range and forever charging batteries.

[@rightlanehog3151]

David, Toyota recently registered a patent for a 'manual transmission' for electric cars. When can we expect a BZ4X with a manual transmission for purists like myself? 😁

[@btbcc12859]

Manual electric have purist?

[@AutomotivePress]

I'm thinking of making a video about that too... interesting concept!

[@rightlanehog3151]

@@AutomotivePress 👍👍

[@matronix1977]

Manual electric wheelchair ? It will never happen in the future. You never could shift a electric motor because it simply not necessary. Instant torque and acceleration, why would you make it less perfect ? Also Toyota intentionally slows a lot the e.v because it could be potentially rockets.

[@StormBringer-]

So is the RZ going to be similar with more refinement inside plus longer range?

[@jml9550]

I think that’s the rumor, the Lexus will be faster and more range. Of course it will probably start at $60K

[@tonyjoudi466]

Even though this isn’t the tundra, I did want to ask David. Did they start production on the TRD Pro, and I heard they did finish that update, is it true?

[@patrick7228]

No way you can buy this over Hyundai with the charging time difference.

[@RyuMoto]

Hi David, up until very recently Toyota argued in front of US Congress that hybrids was more efficient etc. After not having things go their way it appears they immediately launched their EV lineup. It just all seems so rushed to market. Do you see any signs of that or have they been working on the EV line all this time?

[@davidbias2509]

ok so its charges the slowest, has the shortest range, and slow 0-60 and costs more compared to the competition. got it.

[@christinekam6949]

Thank you! This review is very helpful to me. 😃

[@engtrax58]

Just like the Subaru crossover. So, who actually makes what?! Love your shows David! Keep up the honest reporting!

[@0tispunkm3y3r]

Toyota makes pretty much the whole thing. Its their car, their platform.

[@wayneh1562]

i like this and i think different rims would change look of the vehicle

[@negahmahinnejad6104]

Dear Ladies and Gentlemen, I am writing to you from Germany. I now want to order a BZ4X, but it has a major disadvantage. The charging power AC is currently 6.6 kW. If you could increase that to at least 11kW it would be perfect because all new cars have a minimum of 11kW. With 6.6 kW, it takes a long time to charge the battery. Please forward this feedback to Toyota headquarters. Kind regards mahin

[@stuh7049]

350 miles minimum for me. I consider this their experimental vehicle and in 3-5 years 500 miles and 1-2 hour charge will be the standard.

[@johnpaul5438]

yes buy Lucid ok price tag 170 k .

[@harsimranbansal5355]

1-2 hour charge? Thats slow. Teslas and Hyundai/Kia can charge to like 80% under 20 mins today. You’re not getting a quicker charge at home unless you have 400V coming to your house like a commercial building.

[@markreynolds3850]

Thanks David, for the nice review.

[@MukiMuki688]

It really does look like something out of Cyberpunk 2077, except it works. CastleVania Symphony of the Night OST Baroque Guitar MV (Lost Cathedral) kzbin.info/www/bejne/gaqlg42Jg898fNU Gundam Unicorn Guitar Anime MV kzbin.info/www/bejne/sKqakn-bjJt4oZo King of Fighters 15 Nameless theme Guitar MV kzbin.info/www/bejne/o2qam4anra6aZtk

[@king-xerxus7040]

Be prepared for tremendous dealer ‘markups’ in the US. Expect over $50,000 to $60,000 or more in US dealerships.

[@joegy9944]

Toyota, finest vehicles! This BZ4 is a wonderful automobile. Why do all auto makers keep cutting out your leg room. This vehicle has so much great open under dash room, but then they cram that huge unnecessary extra wide console to squeeze your hips and cram your legs feet together in the floor board. Try to get a Japanese Sumo Wrestler in one? This trend had even been done in the 4Runner and Tundra! None are comfortable for a person of size. North America is loaded with persons of size.

[@caedgewo2]

Thank you! I've been considering this and the Subaru version and the Ions 5. I can get the Ionq now, not sure when the bz4x will be available but think I will wait.

[@limpunsing2229]

Why didn't Toyota put a 150 kW or more fast charging capability to be more competitive

[@davidgillham6847]

Hate all the glossy black plastic, why on earth are Toyota and Lexus choosing to use more glossy piano black plastics now that cheapen their interiors? Such a step backward, I can only assume it's a cost saving exercise.

[@westcoast708]

how much david ?

[@pcr8918]

Why o why gloss black

[@peterbland7227]

Looks great and should be a good commuter. For a touring car, the charging speeds and AWD range are a disappointment. However, I agree you get a lot for your money.

[@jskaggs8188]

I’m turned off by the ugly dashboard and console. The 11 hours charge time is also a problem.

[@jmaclicious10]

Nice, although not a fan of all that gloss.. would prefer something that doesn't attract fingerprints/dirt.

[@normanli5270]

The Toyota bz4x does look like an electrified rav4; ironically, there is one that was driving behind you David at 4:31 lol

[@dannystaten5701]

What I'm hearing from my local dealers in Utah basically ended my interest in this car. The dealer claims that Toyota the company is adding a huge price mark up if you aren't in certain states. I also do enough long road trip driving that the slower charge time feels like a real bummer.

[@bounceofffast]

does it have a way to tell the driver the state of the battery pack ( % of charge , electric power consumption rate , ... etc ) ?

[@ПавелУшаков-ы8ч]

Красавеца за 83 тыс

[@joeyzhao3925]

How about the lifetime of the battery? Battery is my biggest concern.

[@chuckblues]

After out of specs review of the horrible charging curve of the BZ4X I'm wondering if this was a one off or the car has a real charging problem ! I would have expected better from Toyota ! I would love to see an other charging test by an independent entity !

[@moloono1]

I do agree that the charging is a bit disappointing, but Toyota built the battery to maintain at least 90% after 10 years and will guarantee it to 70% after those 10 years. We all know fast-charging really eats into battery heath (e.g. the dismal Samsung fast-charge batteries). You can imagine why Toyota decided to go for reliability/dependability over “fast-charge” given their reputation.

[@mikechristie6556]

What percentage of this vehicule is actually Toyota? I have heard that the Skateboard is from BYD.

[@benjaminsmith2287]

That's wrong. A lot of nonsense has been said about this car because BYD is building the bZ Sedan for the China market. This car is not built by BYD and no BYD is in it. The platform is E-TGNA. The engineering and design is by Toyota and Subaru.

[@CeasarBergonia]

Dave, I don't know what is going on in Toyota but Wow! I just heard Toyota is bringing out a solid-state battery by 2025 in the hybrids. Toyota was a Company going the opposite way with Hydrogen and all of sudden EV cars and solid-state batteries. You got to do a segment on Toyota solid state battery.

[@AutomotivePress]

Toyota is moving quick! Let me work on that...

[@don_chuwish]

That car in the opening 10 seconds of the video seems to be Black with satin wheel arch trim and a blue front fascia - it looks amazing. But I sure don't see that option on the website. What's the story?

[@tuan-trangha9405]

Very good review David !

[@AutomotivePress]

Thank you!

[@tomchan2559]

Can Toyota keep up with the demand ?

[@francisgallozzi2595]

What about the radiant heat feature?

[@johnpaul5438]

a lot better than Rav 4 prime

[@capstake8788]

Would love to see that guys!

[@Gleeleeglee]

Hopefully incentives continue in Cali when Toyota’s full line of vehicles roll out! 🤞

[@tpolerex7282]

I think they said they expect to reach the limit to the existing $7,500 federal rebate in June. Of course, new or updated rebates may yet be implemented.

[@thewrightstuff8956]

The reviewer seems a little biased towards Toyota. Otherwise, this is a great review. The BZ4X looks to be a pretty good electric crossover. It’s definitely well balanced and I think it will make transitioning to electric cars easier for everyone.

[@smrtguy77777]

Good car but very late. Toyota needs to go all in on electric, they are already behind other manufacturers.

[@eddiesplaylists4964]

Great video as usual David!!