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Pros
Cons
The 2025 Toyota bZ4X can present a quandary for buyers.
With updates on the way for 2026, including more power and more range — but likely a higher price tag, too — should you jump in now or wait? That all depends on a few factors, including that the current bZ4X is only available in British Columbia and Quebec, while the 2026 version, named simply the bZ, will be sold across Canada (and will be joined by an all-new — and all-electric — C-HR, as well as the wagon-like bZ Woodland).
For 2025, the bZ4X moves from three trims to four with the addition of the base LE with all-wheel drive (AWD), but tested here is the front-wheel drive version, which starts at $48,445 including a non-negotiable delivery fee of $1,930. My tester was further optioned with a coat of silver paint for $255, bringing it to $48,700 before taxes, or any applicable rebates. With AWD, the bZ4X runs from $48,946 to $61,759.
Styling 5 / 10
I thought the bZ4X’s oddball styling might eventually grow on me, but that still hasn’t happened. It’s out there, and it isn’t helped by the black plastic cladding. (That stuff’s gone as part of the 2026 refresh.) Inside, the unusual steering column sits in front of an instrument display set far ahead and high up; and the wide centre console is covered almost entirely in gloss-black plastic, which reflects sunlight like a mirror.
Safety 9 / 10
The 2025 bZ4X earned the top five-star rating from the United States National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA); and the highest “Good” in crash tests by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), including in the updated side test, which better simulates being struck by a large SUV, and the updated moderate front overlap which now assesses potential injury to a rear-seat passenger, as well as to those in front.
Standard driver-assist features include emergency front braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and tracing assist, proactive driving assist, automatic high-beam control, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, safe exit assist, and the back-up camera that’s mandatory on all new vehicles. The upper trims can further add front cross-traffic alert, a panoramic camera, and a self-parking system.
Features 7 / 10
This tester’s features include 18-inch wheels, rain-sensing wipers, a 12.3-inch centre touchscreen, heated cloth seats, a radiant leg warmer, heated steering wheel, and power tailgate. The XLE adds faux-leather upholstery, an auto-dimming mirror, panoramic sunroof, integrated garage door opener, wireless phone charger, and cargo privacy cover. Its available Tech package includes a power driver’s seat, premium audio, heated rear seats, roof rails, 20-inch wheels, and a three-year navigation package, but that trim takes you over $61,000.
User-Friendliness 8 / 10
The bZ4X’s functions are relatively easy to use. The climate controls are a combination of tap icons and toggle switches, and the screen’s menus are intuitive. While the top trim comes with a navigation subscription, it can be added to any model by subscription, as mine was; and saying, “Hey, Toyota” awakens a Google assistant to handle requests. The instrument cluster’s placement keeps your eyes up, but the steering wheel obstructs some of the screen.
Practicality 8 / 10
The 784-L cargo capacity bests that of most competitors, although loading large objects would be easier if the opening was square. The cargo floor has two heights for maximizing space or tucking items out of sight. Thanks to the placement of the radiant leg warmer, the bZ4X doesn’t have a glove box, although it does have an open bin under the console. There’s also no frunk.
Comfort 8 / 10
The front seats are supportive, and while the rear ones have flatter cushions, they should be fine for most for legroom. The centre rear seat has a fold-out armrest with cupholders. The ride is smooth, and overall, the bZ4X is a comfortable vehicle.
Power 8 / 10
The bZ4X LE uses a single motor that makes 201 hp and 196 lb-ft of torque, driving the front wheels through a single-speed transmission. With the AWD version, its two motors create 214 hp and 248 lb-ft of torque. While that’s a considerable difference in torque, my front-wheel-drive tester still handles everyday driving just fine, with enough power to move out well from a stop, and no issues when passing at highway speeds.
Driving Feel 8 / 10
The steering is responsive, although there isn’t much in the way of feel. It immediately reacts to throttle input while still being easy to modulate, so it works well in city traffic. You can increase regenerative braking, which captures otherwise-wasted energy during deceleration. Many electric vehicles (EVs) let you dial this up to the point that it will stop the vehicle without using the mechanical brakes, known as one-pedal driving. The bZ4X will slow down quite a bit, but won’t come to a complete stop.
Fuel Economy 8 / 10
The LE uses a 71.4-kWh battery and is rated by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) at a range of 406 km. The AWD models use a 72.8-kWh battery and, depending on wheel size, range from 357 to 367 km. Ambient temperature affects range, and in cold weather with the heater on, my fully-charged LE FWD registered an estimated 323 km — considerably less than its official rating.
That rating is about average compared to the published ranges for rivals. Across their various available battery sizes and drive configurations, competitors include the Nissan Leaf at 240 to 341 km; the Nissan Ariya at 348 to 465 km; the Volkswagen ID.4 at 332 to 468 km; and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 at 417 to 504 km.
Value 8 / 10
The bZ4X starts at $48,445 in its single front-wheel-drive trim; and its three AWD trims range from $48,946 to $61,760. Rivals include the Nissan Ariya, at $52,168 to $68,368; Nissan’s Leaf at $43,918 to $49,668; the Volkswagen ID.4 at $50,695 to $62,695; and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 at $54,999 to $59,499 (all prices including delivery).
By the numbers, the bZ4X slides in between its competitors, and with a lower starting price than most. Its main issue is that perceived value is also important; and this Toyota doesn’t really look or feel like it starts around $50,000. You’re paying for its electric underpinnings, rather than for what’s up top.
The Verdict
The big question for buyers in B.C. and Quebec is whether to go for the 2025 Toyota bZ4X or to wait for the made-over 2026 bZ. Toyota is promising as much as 460 km of range for the AWD version, up from 367 km; a combined 338 hp; a North American Charging System (NACS) port that will work at Tesla fast-chargers; and more features including a 14-inch touchscreen. For all other parts of Canada, you’ll have to wait until the bZ to consider your choice of plug-in passage.
