The Toyota bZ4X Touring: A Bold Statement in the Electric Crossover Arena
It seems the automotive world is increasingly struggling to neatly box in new vehicles, and Toyota's latest offering, the bZ4X Touring, is a prime example of this delightful confusion. While its sibling, the standard bZ4X, leans towards a traditional SUV silhouette with its proportions and respectable ground clearance, the Touring model throws a curveball, presenting itself as something akin to a raised estate car. This isn't just a minor tweak; the Touring boasts an extended wheelbase and a longer body, culminating in a more pronounced rear overhang and a distinctively blunter tail. Coupled with rugged roof rails and faux skid plates, it’s a look that, in my opinion, successfully injects a much-needed dose of personality into Toyota's electric family car.
What makes this transformation particularly fascinating is its origin. While we see the Toyota badge, the underlying development for this refreshed aesthetic actually came from Subaru. This collaboration, however, leads to a divergence in offerings. Subaru opts for a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive setup exclusively for its E-Outback. Toyota, on the other hand, wisely provides a more accessible, single-motor option that I had the pleasure of testing. From my perspective, this is a crucial distinction, as most drivers won't necessarily require the torque-vectoring prowess of the dual-motor system, nor the 210mm of ground clearance it provides. What they will appreciate is the significant boost in range and efficiency that the single-motor variant offers – a compelling 366 miles compared to the dual-motor's 298 miles, and a more efficient 4.4 mpkWh versus 3.9 mpkWh. While the dual-motor does pack a punch with 376bhp, the 221bhp from the single-motor feels more than adequate, even when cruising at motorway speeds.
This is where the bZ4X Touring truly shines for me: its refreshingly unsporty demeanor. It’s a car that doesn't pretend to be something it's not. When pushed into corners, it exhibits a noticeable, yet never alarming, body roll – a touch more pronounced than its lighter counterpart. However, what immediately stands out is its unflappable composure. The suspension is unashamedly soft, absorbing the harshness of uneven roads with remarkable grace. Personally, I think Toyota has achieved a level of ride comfort that rivals, and perhaps even surpasses, what other manufacturers have strived for. It’s a testament to well-judged damping that prevents the body from wallowing, offering a serene experience even on challenging surfaces. It’s the kind of comfort that makes you think of brands like Citroën, but without the compromises.
Stepping inside, the interior remains largely identical to the standard bZ4X, which is both a positive and a slight negative. The enormous 633-litre boot is a standout feature, complemented by a handy 36 litres of underfloor storage. There’s also a little extra headroom, which is always welcome, alongside the already generous legroom. However, the rear bench still splits into only two sections, and the overall cabin ambiance can feel a tad dark and uninspired. What I do appreciate, though, are the abundance of physical buttons for essential functions like demisters, climate control, and audio volume. Finding a comfortable driving position is straightforward, and the 14-inch infotainment touchscreen is commendably responsive and intuitive. It’s a practical and user-friendly environment, even if it lacks a certain flair. This car, in my opinion, prioritizes function and comfort over flash, and for many buyers, that's precisely what they'll be looking for in an electric family vehicle. What this suggests is a growing maturity in the EV market, moving beyond just performance figures to a more holistic understanding of driver and passenger needs.
